Kirito sprinted through the bustling streets of Midgar, his eyes darting anxiously as he searched for any sign of Sherry in the early morning light. The city's labyrinthine layout added to his urgency, each passing second fueling his concern.
As Kirito raced through the streets, he muttered under his breath, "It's my fault she's disappeared. Did she get teleported to another world because of me?"
Suddenly, a girl stepped out in front of him, her face breaking into a smile. "Good morning, Kirito-kun," she greeted.
Kirito paused, locking eyes with Alexia, who seemed more cheerful than usual.
Kirito blinked in surprise, momentarily distracted from his frantic search. "Ah, good morning, Alexia," he said, catching his breath. "I'd love to chat, but I'm actually in a bit of a rush. I'm searching for someone."
Alexia's eyes widened, a hint of disappointment flashing across her face. "Oh, Kirito-kun, I was hoping we could spend some time together," she began, her voice trailing off hesitantly. "I mean, I want to help you!" she quickly corrected herself, trying to hide her true feelings.
Kirito raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden change of heart. "Well, if you insist," he replied, nodding appreciatively.
"Great! So, who are we looking for?" Alexia asked, eager to be of assistance.
"It's a girl named Sherry Barnett," Kirito explained.
The moment the name escaped his lips, Alexia's cheerful demeanour evaporated. Her eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms indignantly. "Another girl?" she exclaimed, clearly displeased. "I refuse to help!"
Kirito stared at her, dumbfounded by her unexpected reaction. "Wait, it's not like that—" he began, but it was too late.
Alexia let out a sigh, her once cheerful demeanour now replaced by a cold, distant expression. "As helpless as you seem, Kirito-kun, I can't help but pity you," she remarked, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and sympathy.
"I'll assist you in your not-so-noble quest," she continued, uncrossing her arms and taking a step closer. Her eyes locked onto his, searching for any sign of resistance. "But I want something in return."
Kirito nodded slowly, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Alright."
Alexia raised an eyebrow, "Have you asked others or heard any rumours about her disappearance? Sometimes people know more than they let on."
Kirito frowned, realizing he hadn't considered gathering information from others. "No, I haven't. I've been too focused on searching the streets. I'll try asking around and see if anyone has seen or heard anything about Sherry."
Alexia shook her head, looking at Kirito with a smirk. "You really are helpless, aren't you? Fine, if we're going to get anywhere, we should start by asking the clients in some taverns."
Just as Alexia finished speaking, a mischievous grin spread across Kirito's face. He looked at her and said, "Actually, I have a better place in mind."
Alexia's eyes widened in surprise, "Oh? And where would that be?"
"We're heading to where I live," Kirito replied with a confident smirk.
Alexia's face immediately turned a deep shade of red. Her eyes widened, and she took a step back, pointing an accusing finger at Kirito. "You indecent pervert!"
Kirito raised his hands defensively, to protect himself from Alexia's exaggerated reaction. "Whoa, whoa! It's not what you think!"
Later on...
As Kirito and Alexia walked through the vibrant streets, the awkward tension between them lingered. Alexia couldn't help but voice her concerns, "Just so you know, Kirito-kun, I hope you don't get any wrong ideas while we're at your place."
Kirito chuckled nervously, "Don't worry, Alexia. My place is pretty modest."
Alexia rolled her eyes, "Modest? Knowing someone as poor as you, I bet you live in a rundown shack."
As they approached Kirito's home, Alexia's scepticism grew. "This better not be some abandoned house with a leaky roof."
As Kirito and Alexia approached his home, two maids of the Beastkin race appeared out of nowhere, bowing gracefully before Kirito. "Welcome back, Master Kirito," they chimed in unison.
Alexia's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" she exclaimed.
The first maid, with cat-like features, looked up at Kirito with adoration. "We are honoured by your presence, Master. These streets have been dull without you."
Alexia couldn't contain her shock. "What?!"
The second maid, with bunny ears and a fluffy tail, spoke with a refined tone, "Master Kirito, we have prepared the most luxurious room for your return. It boasts a king-sized bed adorned with silk sheets, a personal hot spring, and a view overlooking the city."
Alexia's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "What? Are you telling me Kirito lives in a five-star resort or something?"
Before Kirito could respond, the first maid continued, "Lady Yukime insisted on providing the finest accommodations for Master Kirito."
Kirito scratched the back of his head sheepishly, trying to play down the grandeur. "Uh, ladies, you really don't have to go all out for me. Something simpler would have been just fine."
The two maids exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by Kirito's modesty. "But Master Kirito," the bunny-eared maid began, "Lady Yukime insisted on ensuring your utmost comfort."
Before Kirito could reply, Alexia's gaze shifted from the maids to a magnificent building right in front of them. It was the Crystal Chalet, a symbol of luxury and opulence in the kingdom. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her jaw dropping to the ground.
She turned to Kirito, her face a mix of shock and incredulity. "Kirito! Are you telling me you live in the Crystal Chalet? The most renowned and luxurious hotel in the entire kingdom?!"
Kirito shrugged, trying to maintain a straight face despite the comedic turn of events. "Well, I might have understated things a bit," he admitted with a sheepish grin.
Alexia shook her head in disbelief, pointing a finger at Kirito as she tried to find the words. "You... you sly fox! Here I was, thinking you were some average guy by the wallet. And all along, you've been living in the lap of luxury!"
Alexia, her eyes still widened in disbelief, stammered, "Kirito, are you even a secret noble or something now?"
Just as Kirito was about to defend himself, one of the maids interjected with a curtsy, "Master Kirito is not just anyone, Princess. He is, in fact, the co-owner of the renowned Snow Fox Corporation."
Before Kirito could even utter a word, the sheer weight of the revelation proved too much for Alexia. Her eyes rolled back, and she fainted, collapsing dramatically onto the plush cobblestone street.
"Alexia!" Kirito shouted, his voice echoing through the luxurious surroundings, creating an almost comedic contrast to the situation.
Later on...
Alexia slowly opened her eyes, finding herself on an enormous, plush couch in what appeared to be a lavish living room. The surroundings were opulent, with intricate decorations adorning the walls. As she tried to make sense of her surroundings, one of the maids approached with a gentle smile.
"We're glad you're awake, Princess Alexia. Master Kirito was quite concerned when you fainted," the cat-like maid said, offering a small curtsy.
Alexia sat up, rubbing her temples, "Fainted? Oh, right. That wasn't a dream."
Kirito walked over, a concerned expression on his face. "Alexia, are you okay? You gave us quite a scare."
Alexia stared at Kirito, her eyes narrowing as she tried to process the situation. "Kirito, what even are you? Living in the Crystal Chalet, co-owner of the famous Snow Fox Corporation, and having maids address you as 'Master'? Is this some kind of elaborate joke?"
Kirito scratched his head, looking genuinely puzzled. "I assure you, Alexia, this is all real. I'm not sure why you're so surprised."
The two maids exchanged glances and bowed gracefully. "Princess Alexia, Master Kirito, we shall leave you in the capable hands of our supervisor. She will assist you further," the cat-like maid explained.
With another set of curtsies, they exited the room, leaving Alexia and Kirito alone. A few moments later, the door opened once again, revealing a new maid with sky-blue hair. She entered with a bright smile, her eyes lighting up as soon as she saw Kirito.
"Welcome back, Kirito-kun! It's a pleasure to see you again," she greeted with genuine enthusiasm.
Rem curtsied gracefully as she addressed Alexia, "Greetings, Princess Alexia. I am Rem, the personal maid of Master Kirito. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Alexia, still trying to comprehend the unexpected turn of events, managed a polite nod. "Uh, hello, Rem. Nice to meet you. Could you perhaps shed some light on what's happening here?"
Rem's smile widened, "Of course, Princess Alexia. I'm here to assist Master Kirito in his daily tasks and ensure his comfort."
Alexia raised an eyebrow, turning her gaze to Kirito. "And you're okay with this? Having a personal maid and all?"
Kirito scratched his head modestly, "Well, Rem's been with me for a while, and she's just doing her job. But honestly, I can take care of myself."
Rem interjected with a warm smile, "Master Kirito is quite humble, Princess. I find joy in serving him and ensuring his well-being."
Kirito, realizing Rem's tireless dedication, gently suggested, "Rem, you've been working hard. Why don't you take a break and rest for a bit?"
Rem, instead of responding, took a step closer to Kirito and began sniffing around him with an intense focus. Kirito's confusion and embarrassment grew, unsure of what Rem was up to.
Blushing, Kirito stammered, "Uh, Rem, what are you doing?"
Rem looked up with a playful twinkle in her eyes, "Master Kirito, I couldn't help but notice a few things. You lack proper sleep, your posture could use improvement, and your stress levels are higher than usual."
Alexia shifted uncomfortably on the plush couch, her eyes darting between Rem's beaming smile and Kirito's sheepish expression. "You two seem... rather close," she finally managed to say, a hint of unease in her voice.
Rem's eyes sparkled with mischief as she took a step closer to Kirito. "Oh, Princess Alexia, you have no idea," she began with a teasing tone. "I've spent countless nights looking after Master Kirito, ensuring he gets his sleep."
Alexia's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but before she could respond, Rem continued with a mischievous grin, "And the meals! I've cooked for him more times than I can count. Every dish tailored to his exact tastes."
Feeling a bit flustered, Kirito tried to interject, but Rem wasn't finished yet. "Oh! And let's not forget those intimate moments," she paused for dramatic effect, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I've even had the honour of washing his back during his evening baths."
Kirito cleared his throat, shooting Rem a slightly embarrassed look. "Rem, you're exaggerating a bit there."
Rem, undeterred, hugged Kirito's arm with a gentle squeeze. "Oh, Kirito-kun, you're too modest. But you did tell me once that I'm more than just a maid to you, and that makes me really happy."
Kirito chuckled nervously, shooting a glance at Alexia, who couldn't hide the tinge of jealousy in her expression.
Alexia forced a smile, her cheeks twitching as she tried to maintain her composure. "So, Kirito," she began, her voice shaky, "shall we proceed with what we actually came here for before I start feeling seriously unwell?"
Kirito snapped his fingers, "Right! We're looking for a girl. She's gone missing, and we thought maybe someone here at the Crystal Chalet might know something."
Rem nodded, her expression turning serious. "I'll do my best to assist you, Kirito-kun. But do keep in mind that Lady Yukime won't be pleased if she hears about you searching for another girl."
Kirito blinked in surprise, "Wait, Rem, it's not like that. She is just a friend who disappeared, and we're trying to find her."
Rem crossed her arms, a pout forming on her lips. "Well, I'm not exactly thrilled either. You going around looking for other girls isn't making me happy."
Kirito slapped his forehead in exasperation. "Why is everyone misunderstanding things today?" he muttered under his breath.
Turning to Rem with a pleading expression, he said, "Rem, have you heard anything about Sherry Barnett? It's crucial."
Rem's eyes widened in surprise, her earlier playful demeanour replaced by genuine concern. "Sherry Barnett? That was the name of the intruder we had last night!"
Kirito's heart raced at the revelation. "Intruder? What happened?"
Rem smiled slyly, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, I took care of her."
Kirito's expression shifted from relief to concern in an instant. "Took care of her? Rem, did you... did you actually kill Sherry?"
Alexia's eyes widened in shock, turning to Rem with a mix of disbelief and horror. "Rem, you can fight too?"
Rem tilted her head slightly, offering Alexia a confident smirk. "Princess Alexia, I did mention I excel in all areas possible, didn't I?"
Kirito's heart pounded in his chest, the gravity of the situation sinking in. He needed answers, and fast. "Rem, please clarify. What exactly happened to Sherry Barnett?"
Rem thought for a moment, her gaze shifting between Kirito and Alexia. With a thoughtful expression, she began, "It's true. When Sherry Barnett appeared out of nowhere inside Master Kirito's room, my initial instinct was to eliminate the threat. Lady Yukime's direct orders are clear: to anyone suspicious, don't be kind but be vicious."
She paused, her eyes narrowing as she recalled the events. "However, I sensed that Sherry was not a direct threat. Instead, she seemed confused and disoriented. So, I decided to incapacitate her rather than resorting to lethal measures."
Rem continued, "Sherry mentioned being an acquaintance of Master Kirito. To ensure the safety of the Crystal Chalet, we decided to detain her temporarily until further inspections could be carried out."
She pointed towards the direction of Sherry's room, "You'll find her in the west wing, Room 302. I suggest you proceed with caution."
Kirito wasted no time, rushing towards Sherry's room. As he reached the door, he took a deep breath and opened it, calling out, "Sherry!"
To his surprise, Sherry was sitting peacefully at a desk, writing in a small notebook. She looked up, a mixture of surprise and relief in her eyes as she saw Kirito. "Kirito! I'm so glad you're here."
Sherry stood up quickly, her eyes shining with tears of relief as she took a step toward Kirito, eager to embrace him after her ordeal. However, just as she was about to reach him, Rem swiftly moved in front of her, blocking her path with a stern expression.
"For numerous reasons, I cannot allow you near Master Kirito," Rem declared firmly, her eyes locking onto Sherry's with unwavering determination.
Confusion washed over Sherry's face, but as she looked into Rem's eyes, she began to realize that the maid's protective stance was more personal than professional. The intensity of Rem's gaze betrayed a hint of jealousy, making Sherry wonder about the nature of their relationship.
Choosing not to challenge Rem further, Sherry took a deep breath to compose herself. "Alright, I understand," she said calmly, deciding to let the matter slide for now. "I've been researching some things since our ordeal in that dungeon. There are some discoveries you both need to know."
Kirito, sensing the tension between Rem and Sherry, interjected, "Let's all calm down. Rem, I trust Sherry. If she says she has information, then we should hear her out."
Rem hesitated for a moment, her eyes shifting between Kirito and Sherry. Finally, with a reluctant nod, she stepped aside, allowing Sherry to approach.
"Thank you, Kirito," Sherry said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Sherry took a deep breath and carefully retrieved her notebook, filled with sketches and notes from the mysterious dungeon. She handed it to Kirito, who examined it with a curious expression.
As Kirito flipped through the pages, Sherry began to explain, "I've been deciphering the ancient writings on the murals in that dungeon. The sketches in the notebook represent scenes depicting great calamities and bloody wars."
Kirito raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Wars and calamities? When did these things happen?"
Sherry hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting away before she finally spoke, "They haven't happened yet."
A heavy silence filled the room as Kirito and Rem exchanged stunned glances. Rem, breaking the silence, questioned, "Are you suggesting that these murals depict future events? A prophecy of sorts?"
Sherry nodded, her expression troubled. "It seems that way. The writings accompanying the sketches mention a time of great turmoil, where powerful forces clash, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance."
Kirito's eyes widened in realization, "So, these events are yet to unfold?"
Sherry nodded again, "Exactly. And there's more."
Kirito's eyes locked onto Sherry's, a sense of anticipation building within him. "What could be more shocking than this?" he asked, gesturing towards the notebook.
Sherry hesitated momentarily, recalling their earlier encounter in the dungeon. "When we were confronted by that monster, I discovered something else," she began, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and urgency. "I didn't mention it then, but you must see it now."
She motioned for Kirito to turn to the last page of the notebook. With a puzzled expression, he flipped through the pages until he reached the final sketch. As his eyes scanned the page, his expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief, leaving him momentarily speechless.
The sketch depicted a grand clock tower situated prominently in the centre of a vast chamber within the dungeon. But what caught Kirito's attention instantly were the two distinct arrows of the clock. To his shock, they were unmistakably his own swords: the Elucidator and the Dark Repulser.
He looked up at Sherry, his eyes wide with disbelief. "This... this is impossible," he stammered, trying to make sense of the revelation.
Sherry nodded gravely, her voice tinged with concern. "The clock tower is as ancient as the dungeon itself. It's as if someone foresaw your appearance there, Kirito. This isn't a mere coincidence; it's a message or a warning."
Sherry, noticing Kirito's bewilderment, added, "Kirito, I should mention that the numbers on the clock tower aren't anything I've seen before. There's no record or reference to such symbols in any of my research."
Kirito's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the unfamiliar symbols on the clock face. The realization hit him like a wave, and he muttered to himself, "Roman numerals... These are from my world."
Crystal Chalet:
The Crystal Chalet was initially established by Kirito and Yukime as a sanctuary for the underprivileged, including the poor, orphans, and those afflicted with demonic possessions. Over time, as Yukime amassed significant wealth, she transformed the establishment into the luxurious Crystal Chalet. Instead of limiting its purpose, she broadened its scope, making it a haven that welcomed individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their background.
A Second Chance:
All the staff at Crystal Chalet, including those under Yukime's and Kirito's supervision, are individuals who experienced significant hardships. Kirito and Yukime, having overcome their own challenges, offered these people a second chance at life. It's a way of spreading the message that everyone deserves an opportunity for a fresh start.
A Devoted Maid:
Rem, who was mysteriously transported to this world two years ago, was initially found by Kirito during a confrontation with cult members. After revealing her origins to Kirito, he took on the responsibility of helping her return home, urging her to keep the information confidential, with only Yukime being aware. Rem, now deeply devoted to both Kirito and Yukime, remains grateful for their unwavering support.