"Ugh… my head… Damn…!"
Hazuki slowly sat up, groaning as a sharp headache pounded through his skull. He blinked and rubbed his temples.
Then—
He froze.
He wasn't in the stable.
Not surrounded by hay.
Not next to a snoring horse.
Instead—
He was on someone's veranda.
A comfortable wooden deck, shaded by a small roof.
The morning air was crisp.
Nearby, a small stream flowed gently, its soft trickling sound mingling with the chirping birds.
"Huh…?"
Hazuki looked around in confusion. His bag was next to him along with his clothes, belongings, and the book.
Everything was still there.
But—
"Where the hell am I?!"
Then—
A familiar voice called out.
"Uncle, did you wake up yet?"
Hazuki turned his head.
Standing by the doorway was Ellyn.
Her eyes glowed in the morning light as she smiled softly.
Hazuki blinked at her.
Then—
"Oh. Ellyn…"
A brief silence followed.
"Why am I here?"
Ellyn tilted her head, her tail swaying behind her.
She smiled.
