The soft warmth of the sun crept into my chambers, brushing across my eyelids until they fluttered open. I let out a long sigh and sat up slowly, my body heavy after the ordeals of the previous day. Between Dunya's treatment, Yamraiha's research, and the weight of Sinbad's questions, I hadn't realized how much energy had drained out of me.
I shuffled into the washroom. Cold water splashed onto my face, jolting me fully awake. I brushed my teeth with a meswak, used the toilet, and tidied myself. By the time I returned to the chamber, I already felt lighter, fresher, as if a layer of yesterday's burdens had been rinsed away.
Drawn to the balcony, I pushed the doors open and stepped outside. Gripping the railing, I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with the salty breeze of the sea. Before me lay the breathtaking view of Sindria in the morning light. From the royal castle's vantage point, the whole island stretched out in vibrant colors: merchants setting up their stalls in the streets below, fishing boats leaving the harbor, and white seabirds soaring high above the sapphire-blue ocean. The cool wind brushed against my face, calming my restless thoughts.
Knock, knock.
I didn't even need to guess who it was. "Come in," I called.
The door opened, and two graceful figures entered—maids I had grown familiar with during my stay. Lamia, with her gentle smile, and Samira, with her playful glint of mischief in her eyes.
"Good morning, Lord Naberius," they said in unison, bowing respectfully.
"Good morning, Miss Lamia, Miss Samira," I replied warmly. "Right on time, as always. You're both far too reliable."
Lamia giggled softly. "You flatter us, my lord. We only do our duty, though it is kind of you to speak so kindly."
Samira tilted her head, her lips curving upward. "Did you rest well, Lord Naberius? After your little drinking spree at the festival?" Her tone carried a hint of worry, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.
I scratched the back of my head, embarrassed. "Ah… yes, I slept well enough. Though I must admit, I embarrassed myself yesterday. I'd never tasted alcohol before, and well, you both saw what happened."
Samira's mischievous grin widened. "Oh? Then I suppose you don't remember what happened between us last night."
I froze, my eyes widening. "W-what? Lady Samira, don't tell me I… I didn't do anything improper, did I? If I did, then I—"
"Hahaha!" Lamia suddenly burst into laughter, unable to contain herself.
Samira joined in, both of them giggling like schoolgirls as they watched me panic.
"You two…" I muttered, half-relieved, half-exasperated. "You nearly gave me a heart attack! I was about ready to—" I stopped myself, realizing how ridiculous I sounded. But the thought of reaching for the Dagger of Uriel out of sheer shame wasn't entirely untrue.
They laughed for another moment before calming down. Lamia placed a hand over her chest. "Forgive us, Lord Naberius. We couldn't resist. It was only a harmless prank."
I sighed heavily, but even I couldn't stop a small smile from tugging at my lips. "Just… don't do that again, alright? I value my sanity."
Before either of them could reply, another knock came at the door.
This time, it was the cheerful face of Aladdin who peeked in, followed by Alibaba and Morgiana.
"Morning, Naberius!" Aladdin beamed. "We're heading into the city today. You should come with us!"
"Hyakuriyuu and Princess Kougyoku are waiting by the gates," Morgiana added calmly.
I nodded, already intrigued. "Alright. Give me a moment to get ready."
As I dressed, my thoughts wandered. So much had happened already, yet the grand flow of events seemed unchanged. Hyakuriyuu had lost his arm, Kassim had perished, Judar had fallen deeper into depravity. Despite my efforts, the story was still following its original path.
But not forever, I told myself. I've already saved Dunya. That was my first step. And I'll keep changing things, one by one. Magnostadt, the Medium, the Sacred Palace, Alma Torran, Judar's battles, the Seven Seas Alliance, even David's ascension—I'll find a way to twist the threads of fate.
Still, I shook my head. That was the future. Today, I wanted something different. A brief respite. Time to laugh with the people who, in the original story, had carried the weight of the world.
When I stepped out, Aladdin grinned. "Finally! Ready?"
"Yes," I said with a smile. "We can't keep Hyakuriyuu and Princess Kougyoku waiting, can we?"
We walked through the palace corridors together until the gates came into view. Kougyoku stood there with her arms crossed, cheeks puffed in a pout, looking every bit like a sulking child rather than a princess. Hyakuriyuu, one arm bandaged and his stance steady, stood beside her, his eyes calm but sharp.
"Wow, you sure took your sweet time," Kougyoku said, her tone dramatic. "We've been waiting forever!"
Her expression was so adorable that I couldn't help but chuckle. I bowed apologetically. "My apologies, Princess Kougyoku. I'll be faster next time, I promise."
She turned away with a small "hmph," though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
Hyakuriyuu stepped forward, his voice firm. "Well, we're all here now. No sense wasting the morning. Let's head into the city."
"Where should we go first?" Alibaba asked, his usual excitement bubbling over.
"Anywhere," Aladdin answered with a wide grin. "As long as we're all together."
We set off, the group's laughter and chatter echoing as we descended into the bustling heart of Sindria.
From the high balcony of the palace, I caught sight of Sinbad and Ja'far watching us. Their expressions were calm, but their smiles seemed genuine.
I tilted my head up slightly, meeting their gaze from afar, and offered a small smile of my own.
This life… this new chance… it's filled with joy I never had in my old one. This is no longer just the story of Magi: Labyrinth of Magic. This is my story now. This is the story of my life...My isekai life.
To be continued…