I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…

"Well, that's enough seriousness for now. I'm glad you've grown stronger, Charlotte—and that you've changed, we changed from who we were at the start... Let's work together in the coming war. Have Chloe and Kai get you up to speed—they're great knights. Being one of them means leading your own platoon, so you'll need to choose people you can work well with."

Logan smiled as he extended a hand to properly greet her. He still didn't know why he had been chosen as her oathbound, but there would be time to figure that out. What he didn't have time for was wasting any. He needed to get his army in order, decide who he would bring into battle, and determine what could be done now.

He was only one person, and there was so much to do.

"Chloe, Kai—help my new knight settle in. You already know what we'll need for the war ahead. Train her hard. She may not be from the Earth Domain, but having another light spirit user is a blessing."

Logan gestured toward the two knights who had been waiting for him to eat.

"Oh, but I can't heal," Charlotte added. "So don't expect me to replace Lisa."

Logan laughed, along with Chloe and Kai, before winking at her.

"Don't worry—I don't plan on it. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses."

"Don't worry, miss," Kai said with a charming smile. "We know you've got power of your own. We'll help you make the most of it. I'm sure it won't take more than two days for you to fit in."

"Ehem… now then, let's eat," Chloe said, tugging everyone along, nearly pulling Kai by the ear. "We've got a few strategy meetings ahead, Logan. I know you'll be diving into the dungeon again, so we need to finish all this today."

They quickly made their way to the dining room to join the others.

Afterward, Logan wasn't let off so easily. He had to take his work seriously, and Leonard, his political advisor, wasn't going to keep doing everything on his own.

The meeting focused on critical points: the army's weak spots, the creatures Logan could bring, and how they needed to be grouped into balanced units to ensure proper all-around support.

"Well, I think that's all I can do for today, Leo. My head is pounding and my backside is sore. I really forgot what it's like to sit through endless classwork again."

Logan stood up, his desk cluttered with countless papers. His personal advisor gave a nod while collecting the ones Logan had finished.

"That will be all for today, King Logan. Do try to make time for the Princesses of Elris before you sleep. I believe they'll be leaving first thing in the morning. She should be with Lady Lisa and Rubina in the royal guest room."

Logan, who had been staring out the window at the setting sun, gave a thoughtful nod.

"Well then, I should go visit them. I also need to explain what's going to happen with that boy."

He let out another sigh before reaching for his coat. The night air was growing colder—summer had passed, and autumn was returning to his city. He recalled arriving around November of the previous year, back when this land was still a barren wasteland.

"Say, Leonard," Logan said, pausing. "We should hold a grand festival to lift the spirits of the people, shouldn't we? Maybe something before we leave. I feel like I'll need it—not just for myself, but for everyone else too."

A small smile touched his lips at the idea.

"A good suggestion, my king. I'll have someone start planning it properly," Leonard replied with a courteous bow.

Logan left the room and began walking toward the guest wing. As he neared the royal quarters, he heard laughter coming from within.

But just before he could open the door, someone stopped him.

[Hey there, King Logan. How about we talk first and let them have their fun? I want my sister to enjoy herself tonight. She's been worrying too much about everything going on back home.]

Logan turned to the side and saw one of the two girls who had introduced them to this world.

Princess Myrea stood there, looking slightly older now, a soft smile on her face.

[I wonder... can you hear me?] Logan asked, curious how she was able to communicate with him the same way his tamed creatures did.

[I can hear you,] she replied. [I guess I hadn't fully developed my power back then, so I wasn't able to speak like this. But I've always had the ability to hear others' thoughts and feelings… I just don't usually tell people. They tend to assume I want to pry into everything they're thinking.]

Logan looked surprised for a few seconds.

[No wonder you always had a way of understanding us back then. Well then, Princess Myrea—if you insist, why don't we leave the girls alone for a bit? I was told to speak with you and your sister about Brian. And since you have this power, I'm thinking it might help me gain some insight. So this is perfect.]

The young girl nodded, then gently took his hand and led him to a nearby room.

Inside, Logan found a table arranged with a variety of pastries and teas—almost as if she had foreseen this meeting.

[You don't happen to have the ability to see the future, do you?] Logan asked, half-teasing.

"No, I don't," Myrea replied with a small laugh. "But I did know you were working hard—your maid, Ruri, came by earlier, thinking about you. I just asked her to prepare this little feast, in case you happened to stop by. Of course, I also used my power to its fullest and made sure to order the things I thought you'd like the most."

Logan chuckled as he looked over the treats—cinnamon, citrus, and coffee-flavored Sweets, all among his favorites.

"I guess I have no choice but to join you, Princess Myrea," he said with a smirk. "How about we sit?"

"Just Myrea… and well, pick your seat then, king."

Logan sat on the couch he hadn't had the time to use until now. It was furniture meant for guests of royal standing. He never understood why they'd made him buy such a thing—until he sat on it.

Damn, this is comfy.

A soft chuckle sounded beside him.

[I see what they mean about being scared of you…]

Logan said inwardly while he shook his head in embarrassment.

"Yes, now talk to me normally. I don't want to get used to speaking that way with you and then later make a fool out of myself. It's not like anyone else can talk back to me the way you're doing."

"They can't? I mean, isn't it just sending words back to you?"

Logan tilted his head, curious about what she meant.

"When I talk to others, it's not this direct. Emotions get in the way. Your power has... purified your emotions in a sense. It allows me to speak to you as if we were having a normal conversation. Didn't you ever wonder about that?"

She paused for a moment before continuing.

"In a way, I can see why so many people are drawn to you… And yet, you don't seem to know the reason yourself. Sorry, but I… I was spying on the little ritual with your knight. You looked confused—wondering why she was so eager to make you her oathbound."

Logan nearly spilled the tea he was drinking.

"Ahem, that… that's why, huh?" He was about to pick up a nearby towel when Myrea passed him one.

"So, you really didn't know. You need to learn more about your powers, Hero Logan—before they're used against you. The demons will try to find your weaknesses. Now that they've tested you, it's not hard to guess what they'll do next."

Logan took a bite of his next pastry, quietly considering the words the young princess had spoken. She seemed far older—at least mentally—than her actual age.

"Thanks for the warning, Myrea. I'll keep it in mind. As for my power… I do need to understand it better. You'd think having it for almost a year would give me some insight, but it's constantly evolving. It's hard to truly grasp it…"

He took another careful bite of his cookie, only to notice the girl staring at him strangely.

"What is it? Did I say something weird? Don't tell me you're reading my thoughts again…"

Logan asked, starting to feel a bit self-conscious. It was hard not to—especially with Myrea standing there, looking as stunning as she did.

[Sorry, it's just that your maid is around. Hehe… you are very loved indeed. I guess you can't read her thoughts like I can.]

Logan paused and tried to feel around him with his senses. He then realized Ruri was indeed just on the other side of the door.

[I didn't notice her? I think I've gotten too used to my powers and started filtering out things like this… but no, I can't hear her words—only those directed at me.]

Logan narrowed his eyes at Myrea, silently telling her to stop prying too much into Ruri.

[Fine, I'll stop. It's not hard to guess, though. She's feeling a little jealous, that's all.]