After the heavy mood that lingered from Zeli's stormy exit, silence fell over the house like a fog.
Eiden sat quietly at the edge of the bed, Sasha beside him, both unsure of what to say. Thankfully, Sasha broke the silence first, her voice soft but cheerful, "Anyway… wash up first. I'll prepare some breakfast for you."
Eiden nodded, grateful for the escape. Still flooded with thoughts, he let out a long sigh.
"Man… first thing in the morning. Can't a guy catch a break?"
He stood up, stretched a little, and made his bed, trying to act like a decent human… or at least a decent fake brother. But now came the next problem—where was the washroom? It'd be weird to ask Sasha, especially after all the tension, so Eiden quietly tiptoed through the hallway, opening one door after another in search.
One led to a storage room. Another to what looked like Sasha's bedroom. Then finally, jackpot—he found the washroom.
The place was simple but surprisingly modern-looking, at least by his isekai expectations. He expected a stick with leaves or something for brushing, but to his amazement, a toothbrush sat on the counter. A proper one—though the handle looked handcrafted, and the bristles were made of stiff animal hair. There was even a container of paste beside it.
"Huh… seems like this world's not as backward as I thought," Eiden muttered, brushing his teeth slowly. Then his eyes shifted to the toilet.
Wait. What about—
He turned, half-dreading what he might see, but there it was. A western-style toilet, crafted from polished wood and some metal-like steel.
"Praise be to the toilet gods," Eiden whispered in reverence. "No digging holes in the woods today."
After freshening up, he returned to the dining area. Sasha had already laid out breakfast—some warm bread, a slab of butter, and a perfectly golden omelet. This time, she joined him at the table.
As they ate, Sasha kept glancing at him with that quiet, expectant look, clearly hoping for an explanation. She didn't speak—respecting his space—but it was written all over her face. She wanted to understand.
Eiden swallowed a bite and set down his fork. "Sasha… I've been thinking. I want to change."
She blinked. "Huh?"
"I mean," he continued, "I've been thinking of changing for good. My behavior, my mindset… becoming a better person."
Sasha looked at him curiously, unsure of what prompted this sudden declaration.
"Why?" she asked, still puzzled.
"Well…" Eiden leaned forward a little, trying to look convincing, "After being out there alone, I realized I've been taking things for granted. I think… I want to start fresh. Be a new version of myself."
Sasha smiled softly. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but… if that's what you really want, then okay."
Eiden smiled back, but guilt tugged at his chest. He had just lied to her face. Sure, technically he was a different person, but not in the way she thought.
What a good girl, he thought. I feel like trash.
After breakfast, as Sasha washed the dishes, Eiden stood and grabbed his cloak.
"I'll head out for a bit," he said.
Sasha turned and nodded. "Alright. Be careful."
He stepped outside, looking around to get a sense of his surroundings. His plan wasn't to wander far—he didn't know the layout and didn't exactly want to get isekai-lost again.
"Hmm… maybe a few days, or weeks. Once I get familiar with the area, I can start looking for clues. A library sounds like a good start," he muttered. "At least I can read their writing…"
He walked only a short distance, making sure the house was still visible behind him. But an idea struck him mid-step.
Wait… why not just check if there are any books here?
Turning on his heels, he headed back. As he opened the door, he found Sasha walking down the stairs, dressed to go out.
"You're back already?" she asked.
"Yeah," Eiden replied with a shrug. "Thought I'd read some books instead. I lost interest in going out."
"Alright," Sasha said, tying her cloak. "I'm heading to the market. The food's running low."
"Stay safe," Eiden said instinctively.
"I will."
After she left, Eiden got to work. He scoured the house, collecting every book he could find—dusty tomes, journals, and thick volumes stacked in drawers and cabinets. By the time he settled on the floor with a small tower of them, he felt like a nerdy archaeologist.
Hours passed as he flipped through pages, absorbing information.
"So… they just call this place the world?" he murmured.
Apparently, there was no official name like Earth. Instead, the world was split into 12 continents:
South: Mazuria, Hazeel, Rogyar, Mavdall
North: Sakhees, Lanel, Durana
West: Farazz, Niharika, Deeserk
East: Only one—Dorez
He discovered he was currently in Lanel, inside one of its seven countries: Yanir, Xine, Caled, Seber, Darrth, Callyan… and Deuel.
Deuel was ruled by King Artium Zeder Vail III, a monarch on the throne for 18 years. The king had three sons and two daughters.
"Oh, and magic exists," Eiden muttered, raising a brow. "Not surprising, considering that glowing crystal and the dog-eared guy…"
He turned the page, eager to learn more, when suddenly—
BANG! BANG! BANG!
He jolted upright.
"What the hell—?" The loud knock made the walls vibrate. Another BANG! followed.
He tiptoed to the door and peeked through the crack.
A hulking man stood outside, muscles bulging, a long scar running from his eyebrow to his jaw. He wore a tattered vest and leather pants, with a belt full of knives.
"HEY!" the man yelled, his voice booming. "Anyone home?!"
Eiden winced. Is he trying to break the sound barrier!?
The man looked every bit the textbook gangster.
Wait… gangster?
His mind flashed back to Sasha's warning—the Haruz gang.
Is it them!?
Panic crept up Eiden's spine. He pressed against the wall, deciding it was best to just… not answer. Play dead. Not home. In another country. In another life.
After a moment of silence, the man shouted again.
"Fine! If you don't wanna open the door and hole up in there, little girl, then listen up! I'll be back in seven days. And if you don't have the money by then—" he spat on the ground, "—you'll be joining your foolish brother in the dirt!"
He stomped off, leaving a stunned Eiden behind.
Silence.
Eiden stared at the door, breath caught in his throat.
"…Aidren is dead?"
To be continued....