The sun rose, its golden light slowly brightening the entire kingdom. The sound of birds singing, children laughing, and people beginning their daily work filled the air.
Haruto opened his eyes.
"Yawn...
It's already morning."He sat up, stretching his arms. "I think I'll make breakfast in my room instead of eating downstairs."
He walked toward the small kitchen area and began preparing the meat from the orcs he'd hunted. The rich scent of the meat quickly filled the room. After a few minutes, it was ready. Haruto placed it on a plate and carried it to the table. Just as he sat down, he realized something.
"Damn it," he muttered.
"I forgot the water."
He walked back to the kitchen, grabbed the spices, and placed them on the table. Then, he went over to the window and set an empty glass there.
A beautiful blue bird—Avis Maris—flew down to the window. Its glowing eyes lit up with a soft blue hue, and water began filling the glass.
"Thank you. You're always helpful," Haruto said softly.
He picked up the glass and sat at the table, beginning to eat.
"Orc meat is really good... but still a bit undercooked," he said, frowning slightly.
He sprinkled the spices over the meat, took another bite, and smiled.
"Now it tastes perfect."
As he chewed, his thoughts drifted.
If I hadn't died, I would've been happily married to Samantha by now… back on Earth. It's been three days since I came to this world. I wonder how much time has passed on Earth...
[It's no use thinking about Earth or Samantha. You can't meet them again. You're already dead to them.]
"Emotionless as always," Haruto said with a faint smile.
"But I guess you're slowly making me the same."
He finished his breakfast and brought the dishes to the kitchen.
"I should shower now. It's summer—or should I say Aestas—and it's incredibly hot."
Haruto undressed and placed his clothes on the bed. He walked into the bathroom, and the sound of water splashing against the floor filled the room. A few minutes later, he emerged, a white towel wrapped around his waist. The outlines of defined muscles were now clearly visible across his body.
"I'm getting really muscular and slim... even though it's only been three days here."
He placed his hand on his abdomen, feeling his faint abs.
[It's because of your stats. The more your stats increase, the more muscular your body becomes—but only to a certain limit. After reaching that point, your body stops changing physically, though your strength will still grow.]
"That's good. I don't want to look like those steroid-pumped guys—bodies shaped like eldritch horrors."
Haruto laughed lightly to himself.
"I have a date today, and I haven't even bought new clothes. I'm still wearing the ones you gave me when I woke up here."
[I'll provide you with something stylish.]
New clothes suddenly appeared on the bed—black, lightweight, and stylish, perfect for summer.
"These are nice. Might be good for a date."
Haruto dressed, then looked at himself in the mirror.
"I look majestic. Like a king."
[You're not a king. You're a ruler.]
"Hey. I know I told the goblins to call me 'Ruler' when I made the contract, and you started doing it too... but could you stop? It feels weird coming from you."
[I can't comply. It's the rule of this world.]
"That's a strange rule," Haruto muttered as he fixed his hair.
[Don't say that. It's against the laws to disrespect other RULERS.]
The system's voice glitched slightly as the word Ruler turned a subtle red. Haruto didn't notice.
"Enough of that. Let's go to the guild."
[OK. But don't disrespect rulers like that again.]
Haruto locked the room and headed out, greeting the inn's receptionist.
"Good morning."
"Good morning, Haruto-kun! Going somewhere?" she asked, leaning slightly over the desk.
"Just going to the guild. Nothing more."
"I don't think so~ The way you're dressed hints at other things."
She smirked teasingly.
"I said don't mind it. I'm just going to the guild."
"Aww, don't be like that!" she pouted. "Tell me what you're hiding~"
"Don't be stubborn like a child. See you later."
Haruto stepped out of the inn.
"He's such a boring person," the receptionist muttered as her friend came over and they began chatting.
Haruto walked through the streets.
"I hope nothing ruins my day today."
[Don't worry. I've seen over a billion possible futures. Not a single one contains anything bad.]
"...How long did it take to see all that?" Haruto asked, eyes widening slightly.
[Roughly 0.01 neno-seconds.]
"Is that even a real word? I've never heard of it before."
[You just didn't study enough.]
"Don't say that—I studied for over a decade!"
[Still not enough to know a simple unit of time.]
"Whatever..."
Haruto reached the guild, opened the door, and saw adventurers drinking beer, chatting, and checking the quest board. He walked up to the reception desk.
"Good morning, Eva-chan," he said as he sat down.
"Good morning, Haruto. Want something to drink?"
"Thanks, but I'm good for now. Maybe later."
Suddenly, the door opened. A young boy entered, flanked by two guards, walking with a smug expression.
"Welcome, Prince Kyota," Eva said with a respectful bow. The other adventurers also bowed.
"Who is he?" Haruto thought.
[Kyota. Ten years old. Son of the king of Cloria. His father is a former hero who defeated the Demon King. He inherited the Light element—the highest-ranked element in the world. Arrogant by nature.]
"So... he's one of those side characters who always look down on others?"
[You're right.]
"I'm here to get my adventurer rank. I'll become the greatest adventurer this world has ever seen!" Kyota declared proudly.
Then, he noticed Haruto sitting.
His smile vanished.
"How dare you, a lowly peasant, remain seated while everyone else bows! You should be executed for this dishonor! But… since I'm feeling generous, I'll let you live if you bow and lick my feet."
[You can kill him if you want.]
Strange... even though the system said I could kill him, I don't want to. But I'm not feeling any emotion stopping me either… Haruto thought.
"I'm sorry. I'm new here and didn't know about you… But I have my own pride."
"A peasant, daring to talk back? Guards! Seize him! Lock him up forever!"
The guards approached."Don't move, or we'll use force."
Suddenly, the door burst open.
"What's going on here?" a voice cut in.
Kyota turned. It was Arthoria, calm yet firm.
"Sensei! I came to get my rank evaluated. Everyone bowed except him. I asked him to bow and lick my feet, but he refused."
"How many times must I tell you, Prince? That's wrong. And you're only ten—the minimum age for adventuring is fifteen. Go back to the castle, or I'll tell your father you're causing trouble again."
"...Sorry," Kyota muttered. He glared at Haruto as he left with the guards.
"Are you alright? Did he cause trouble?"
"No. But I almost did."
Arthoria's eyes widened.
"I didn't think you'd be like that. But I admire people who stand their ground."
"Thank you for helping us, Arthoria-ma'am," Eva said.
"It's alright. No need to worry."
Arthoria and Haruto had a drink, then stepped outside the guild.
"So... about the date we talked about yesterday?" Haruto asked.
"I haven't forgotten. Don't worry," she said with a smile.
"Want to start now? Or wait until night?"
"I don't mind starting now. I'm done with work today."
She grabbed his hand gently. "Shall we go?"
"Sure."
The date began. Arthoria took Haruto to some of the kingdom's most beautiful locations. Their first stop was a restaurant—Arthoria's favorite.
They ate fish and dragon meat. Haruto devoured over ten plates, while Arthoria was ahead with twelve. The onlookers began cheering at the growing contest.
"You're good, Haruto, but I'm the Queen of Gluttony. You can't beat me!" she said proudly, eating a 13th plate.
"You win... but the food really is amazing," Haruto said, finishing his 11th plate.
Next, they visited a coliseum, watching a fierce battle between the current champion and the previous one. Haruto cheered for the old champion; Arthoria rooted for the current.
"Who do you think will win?" she asked, smirking.
"I want the previous one to win, but... I leave it to fate."
The two warriors clashed with their final moves, moving faster than the eye could follow. The shockwave cracked the protective barrier, shaking the entire coliseum.
As the smoke cleared, both champions lay unconscious.
"A draw..." Haruto whispered.
Later that night, they entered a hot spring. Haruto sat in the water when Arthoria entered with a towel.
"You're in the same bath?"
"It's mixed. We can talk and relax."
She sat beside him. Her beautiful figure was visible, but Haruto felt no lust.
So, the immunity really works, he thought.
"Did you say something?" she asked, brushing her white hair.
"No. Nothing."
They talked, laughed, and eventually strolled the streets under the stars.
"I had a great time, Haruto," Arthoria smiled.
"It was nice for me too. Would you... like to hang out again sometime?"
"I don't mind. If I have the time."
They parted ways. Haruto returned to his inn.
"Today was a good day. No trouble, just peace."
He lay in bed, closed his eyes, and wondered what tomorrow might bring.
Chapter 9: End