章 15: Prank

In a cluttered apartment where the faint scent of instant noodles lingered, Yuki stood at the small kitchen counter, methodically preparing her dinner. She deftly opened a pack of noodles, pouring the seasoning into the bowl as steam rose from the kettle, its gentle hiss a comforting backdrop. The chaotic surroundings—a few scattered clothes and a thin layer of dust on the furniture—felt oddly familiar, almost nostalgic.

Meanwhile, in the corner of the room, Yuto, her unseen companion, observed her with a mischievous grin. Excitement bubbled beneath the surface as he prepared a spell. When Yuki finally sat down at the kitchen table and started to eat, he raised his hand, invoking a spell that shimmered with intricate diagrams and swirling letters that defied comprehension. A soft glow enveloped Yuki, the magic taking hold, causing her eyelids to grow heavy.

Yuki fought against the creeping fatigue, blinking rapidly to stave off the drowsiness. Panic rose within her as she struggled to stay awake. What's happening? She thought, bewildered by the sensation of losing control. Despite her best efforts, sleep became an inescapable force, pulling her under. With a sigh of resignation, she pushed her chair back and stumbled toward the bedroom, her legs feeling heavy and unsteady. Within moments, when her head touched the pillow, she fell asleep.

Once nestled comfortably under the soft sheets, Yuto lay beside her, closing his eyes. The room around them faded, enveloped in tranquility as they drifted into a shared dream.

When Yuki awoke, disoriented and confused, she found herself in a luxurious room that starkly contrasted her mundane apartment. The king-sized bed cradled her like a cloud—if clouds could feel this way. Golden rays of sunlight filtered through delicate drapes, illuminating a space adorned with priceless treasures, from exquisite candle holders to ornate decorations that whispered of ancient histories. But amid the beauty, a sense of dread gripped her.

As she surveyed her surroundings, panic surged within her. Where am I? What happened? Glancing into the ornate mirror, she gasped. Staring back was an extremely cute little girl, around twelve years old, with golden hair cascading down her back and light blue eyes reminiscent of an endlessly deep sky. Her skin glowed with a vitality that felt foreign. A wave of panic washed over her. Is this her?

Yuki sat on the bed for a few minutes, wondering if she was dreaming. She pinched herself, the sharp pain confirming her reality, which only deepened her panic. Who had she possessed? Who was she now? And more specifically, what had happened?

Determined to gather her wits, she stood and began to explore the room. Curiosity ignited within her as she marveled at the magical decor—a hand mirror that allowed you to see yourself in third person, clothes that dressed her with a mere touch, and a whimsical hairbrush that danced through the air. Just as she began to lose herself in this childlike wonder, a gentle knock interrupted her thoughts, pulling her back to reality.

"Miss, it is time for breakfast," a soft feminine voice called from outside the door.

Panic surged anew, her heart pounding in her chest. Who was this "Lord"? What was expected of her? Was she the young Miss the Maid spoke of? Gathering her courage, she called out, "Come in; I need help." Her voice quivered slightly, unsure if her assumption was correct and hoping to confirm it.

The door creaked open to reveal a stunning maid, her blonde hair cascading in gentle waves. She stood with an air of elegance, hands clasped in front of her, eyes cast downward. The maid's calm demeanor only deepened Yuki's uncertainty, amplifying her anxiety. "Look at me in the eye," Yuki commanded, her childish voice firm despite her inner turmoil.

The maid hesitated but complied, their gazes locking for a brief moment. In her eyes, Yuki sensed an unwavering respect, solidifying her belief that she was indeed the "young miss." "Now, help me dress," she instructed, urgency lacing her words.

Dressed in lavish garments that flowed around her like liquid silk, Yuki felt a wave of surreal confidence wash over her. But beneath the surface, anxiety bubbled. What if she failed to play the role of the young miss? What if she was discovered? The maid's skilled hands braided her hair, and Yuki followed her to the dining room, each step heavy with the weight of uncertainty as she passed extravagant decorations and an enchanting garden bursting with color.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached a grand double door flanked by two more maids. As the door creaked open, Yuki stepped into an opulent dining room bathed in warm candlelight, where a handsome man sat at the head of an elegantly set table.

His striking features captivated her—a strong jawline, piercing eyes that sparkled with wisdom, and a radiant smile that seemed to light up the room. The lavish spread before him, filled with succulent dishes and vibrant vegetables, beckoned her, but the sight only heightened her anxiety. What if he sees that I'm not his daughter? or whoever I am.

"My darling, you are late again," he remarked, his voice soft yet commanding.

Yuki's heart raced as she stammered, "I—I'm sorry; I won't be late again." The words spilled out before she could think, her internal panic creeping into her voice.

The man's smile widened, dismissing her apology with a wave of his hand. "There is no need to apologize for something insignificant. I was merely reminding you." His warm gaze made her feel both reassured and anxious, unsure of how to navigate this new role.

As they began to eat, he inquired about her magical theory lessons, which felt like a thing straight from fantasy, but her transmigrating to this young miss felt even more ridiculous than magic, so she accepted that the magic was real. "How is your magical theory lesson? Do you have any questions? I heard from your teacher that you're struggling with Kale's Fourth Law of Equal Exchange."

Panic bubbled within her again, but she tried to appear composed. "It's… going fine?" she managed, her voice wavering slightly at the end, betraying her uncertainty.

The man's expression shifted to one of concern. "You seem a bit under the weather. Perhaps you should take a break. After a break, perhaps you could see things from a new perspective." His eyes bore into hers, and Yuki felt a surge of anxiety at the thought of being discovered.

"Um, yes, I guess I should take a break?" she replied, her heart racing.

"How about a ride on a Wyvern through our territory? You loved that when you were younger. You always wanted to fly whenever there was time."

Yuki's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the fearsome creature. Images of soaring through the sky, teetering dangerously above the ground, flooded her mind, sending shivers down her spine. But she didn't want to reveal her fear. "Yeah, I would love to," she said, trying to inject enthusiasm into her voice, though her stomach twisted with apprehension.

The meal was lavish, with dishes that sparkled and seemed almost magical. She indulged in juicy steaks with a shimmering blue aura, salads that glistened with dew, and jelly that floated in the air like a playful spirit.

Once they finished, they strolled through the dining hall, Yuki marveling at the artwork that adorned the walls—each painting a portal to another time, depicting grand battles and moments of profound magic. The air was filled with laughter and chatter from the bustling servants who moved with practiced grace, setting the scene of a world alive with purpose.

Finally, they reached a serene courtyard, lush greenery enveloping them as they stepped outside. The sun warmed their skin, and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the air with a soothing melody. But beneath it all, Yuki's heart raced as she faced the daunting prospect of flight.

"Are you ready to fly?" her father asked, turning to her with an expectant smile.

Yuki nodded, though her stomach churned with a mix of excitement and fear. "Yes, I'm ready," she said, trying to inject confidence into her voice, but the tremor in her hands betrayed her.

With a wave of his hand, the atmosphere shimmered around them. The world blurred for a heartbeat, and then, in an instant, they were standing atop a vast, rolling open field, where tall, golden grasses swayed gently in the wind. Jagged mountain peaks loomed in the distance, casting long shadows over the plains, while wyverns soared gracefully overhead, their leathery wings creating powerful gusts of wind.

The air was filled with life, a symphony of roars and rustling wings as the mighty creatures circled above, casting fleeting shadows over the ground. Among them were drakes—smaller but fierce—prowling in the grass, their scales glinting in the sunlight.

At the edge of the field, Yuki noticed a massive flying fortress, ominous and majestic, hovering against the sky. Its dark silhouette loomed large, chains dangling from its structure, hinting at the power it contained.

"Come, we must prepare," her father said, guiding her toward a magnificent mansion nearby. Whose door is ridiculously small as if the occupation of it is a dwarf or something?

They approached the mansion by following the stone road. A voice of something falling could be heard inside the mansion. which surprised her as the mansion was about hundred meters away from her but just contributed to hearing things and continued walking.

Before they reached the mansion, a commotion erupted inside. A small girl—around ten or twelve years old, her clothes a disheveled mess—darted from the mansion, her expression frantic. "My Lord, I am READY!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and panic, as if she had just woken up.

Her father chuckled softly, his warm demeanor soothing yet grounding. "Phame, there's no need to panic. I'm not going to punish you for being a moment late. Take your time. And where is the saddle?"

At the mention of the saddle, Phame's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. Without another word, she dashed back into the mansion, her footsteps echoing against the stone floors.

Yuki watched as Phame disappeared, her heart racing with a mix of concern and anticipation. Moments later, Phame reemerged, lifting a saddle that seemed comically oversized—easily ten times her size—balanced precariously on top of her head. Despite the ridiculous sight, she sprinted towards them, the leather gleaming in the sunlight, though Phame's face was a mask of worry.

Once outside, she skillfully maneuvered the saddle onto her back, which appeared almost like a shed compared to her small frame. After a moment of effort, she turned toward Yuki and her father, a satisfied expression breaking through her worry. With a resolute voice, she declared, "I am ready to fly!" and saluted like a soldier, her hand resting firmly on her head.

Author POV: What do you think, of this chapter. Also from now on it will be slow-paced. also while this is just a prank from Yuto , it will have a huge impact on the story which will cause some funny misunderstandings down the line.