Once the door closed, I stood frozen in the middle of the room. Loretta had left us—just the two of us—in this chamber.
Why only one room...? She could've booked two. Like this, it's…
I glanced at Orion. She stood upright by the door, motionless like a statue guarding the threshold.
...Ah. Of course. Why should I feel awkward? She's treating this place more like a watch post than a resting room. I'm overthinking things again.
Orion turned her gaze to me. "As I thought. A small chamber like this is unworthy of the Sovereign."
I flinched. "Eh?"
She bowed slightly. "I will step outside and order the lord of this land to provide you with proper accommodations."
"Don't!" I jumped off the bed in a panic. "Don't go out! This is all part of the cover. We're pretending to be ordinary humans. Don't stir up unnecessary trouble."
Orion fell silent. "…Understood, Sovereign."
I let out a long sigh. Why did I bring Orion here...? Maybe bringing Lucen or Arianne would've been easier to handle. But no… it wouldn't make a difference. Kurumi had created all the guardians to obey without question. In the end, the result is the same.
I collapsed back onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. My mind emptied for a moment.
When I turned my head, Orion was still at the door, eyes fixed on the window beyond.
She had no intention of sleeping. But then again… did she even need to sleep? She wasn't human. Not even a normal living being.
I clutched the edge of my pillow. Now that I think about it… I'm not even tired myself. Since arriving in this world, I've walked, fought, and done so many things—yet my body feels no exhaustion at all.
I sat up, staring at my palm. Not hungry either. So this Astral Kin body... doesn't require such things. It's… unsettling, but also convenient.
"…Does the Sovereign require anything?" Orion turned slightly, her eyes glowing faintly.
I shook my head. "No. Nothing."
She returned her gaze outside.
I leaned back, but Loretta's words echoed in my mind—about the sorcerers gathering around Abythralis. They'd even approached Ourolith.
The guardians stationed there should've wiped them out already. If they're still wandering... then it means they're being allowed in.
I closed my eyes. Astraea...? Did you let them pass? Or was it Seraphelum...? What are you planning?
If it's just to toy with them, fine. But if it causes ripples against Esperalza's kingdom...
I opened my eyes. Honestly, I can't understand what they're thinking at all.
"Sovereign… your face looks troubled. Is something bothering you?" Orion's voice cut through the silence.
I forced a smile. "No. It's just… there's a lot on my mind."
"If the Sovereign commands it, I will erase whatever troubles you."
"No. That's... not something you can shoot with an arrow."
Her head lowered slightly.
I closed my eyes again. Really... was this a mistake? Bringing Orion outside the tower only gives me more headaches. But if I had brought anyone else, would it really have been different?
I opened my eyes once more. Orion hadn't moved an inch from her post.
...If this goes on, she'll stand there all night. Is that normal for her? Or is it because I'm here?
I exhaled deeply. No, stop overthinking. Focus. The tower's already been mistaken for a sorcerer's stronghold. Sorcerers are wandering nearby. Astraea and Seraphelum might be scheming on their own.
I covered my face with my arm. Kurumi... if you were here, you'd probably laugh at my confusion. But I really don't know… what to do anymore.
"…Sovereign." Orion's voice again.
"What is it?"
"I will stand guard here all night. So… rest easy."
I turned my head and let out a small sigh. "…Yeah. Thank you."
I lay back down, this time forcing my eyes shut.
Even if I don't feel sleepy... at least I can rest for a while. Maybe then… my thoughts will clear.