Chapter 227 Next destination, Aldnoah... again?
(POV: Lumiere)
In the early morning hours, as the sun's rays gently filtered through the curtains of the hotel room, our preparations for departure were well underway. Clad in my customary black and gold attire, I adjusted the cuffs of my sleeves.
Just then, Umbra entered the room with a warm smile.
"Pardon the interruption, Master," he began, "but I've taken the liberty of packing your belongings, as well as Lady Lucilia's."
I nodded appreciatively, glanced at Umbra's diligent work, and replied, "Thanks."
Umbra returned the nod. "It is my duty, you needn't thank me."
"Hah, as usual I guess."
"Stellaria and Lady Lucilia require your presence. They wait just outside."
Without further delay, I made my way towards them, briskly brushing my hair as I went. The two ladies stood near a peculiar contraption that resembled a small portal.
"What's that?"
Stellaria let out a long, tired yawn before responding.
"To be honest, I'm too exhausted for that."
"Eh, somehow I expected that response," I replied.
"Whatever," Stellaria stretched.
Lucilia, always eager took the liberty of explanation.
"Well, Stellaria thought it'd be wise to establish communication with everyone back at the Viscounty, so they can be informed of our progress."
"Hmm," I mused, mildly surprised by the uncharacteristic thoughtfulness displayed by Stellaria.
Looking her in the eyes, I expressed my appreciation.
"I didn't expect such consideration, Stellaria. I'm actually impressed."
She yawned yet again, this time with a hint of nonchalance. "Well, if it's for you, Lumiere," she replied in a half-hearted manner, "then it's only natural."
Curiosity getting the better of me, I approached the small portal.
And there, as if stepping through a veil of magic, stood Serena.
Her cobalt blue eyes sparkled with delight upon seeing me, a smile gracing her lips.
"Lord Lumiere!" she exclaimed.
Her expression alone told me how much she missed me.
"Serena, how're you?" I smiled.
"Don't worry about me, my lord. What about you, I hope everything's fine?"
Returning her infectious smile, I replied, "Well, pretty fine... I haven't died or anything."
"That's great!"
Next was Isadora.
Her once pale complexion showed slight improvement.
She coughed softly "Please take care of yourself."
"How's our baby?" I asked her with a warm smile.
Isadora placed her hand on her belly. "She's fine."
"Nani?" I said. "She?"
Isadora chuckled softly. "Don't worry about that," she said, her voice teeming with affection.
Next emerged Mimosa and Mojito, their voices resounding through the portal.
Mojito flexed his muscles, a boisterous yell accompanying his gesture. "You take care, boss!" he exclaimed.
I chuckled at his enthusiasm and replied, "You too, Mojito!"
Mimosa's voice followed, filled with heartfelt sincerity. "I'll keep wishing the best for you," she said. "Don't forget to visit us soon!"
I laughed. "Of course, Mimosa," I assured her. "I'll be back before you know it."
"I hope so," she smiled.
Sangria materialized next, her aura as dull as ever.
In her monotone voice, she offered a brief "Take care," before vanishing just as abruptly.
"Eeeehh," I said.
The awkwardness lingered momentarily before shifting focus to Lirien, who appeared next.
Great... another dull one...
I get that Lirien was trying to be as outgoing as Isadora, but it wasn't just working out for her.
When I had more time, it'd be better if I spent more time with her, she really needed socializing skills.
But maybe she's opened up a bit since then.
Lirien nodded, her silence speaking volumes.
"Lirien, how's it going?" I asked.
To which she responded with a simple "Fine" before departing.
I was wrong— she hasn't.
"O-okay, bye?" I stood there confused.
Lastly, Fasit stepped through the portal, her huge breasts nearly obscuring the entire surface.
"Please take care of yourself, Great Lumiere," she said.
"I... I'm not a kid you know..."
Serena reappeared on the portal, her radiant smile once again gracing us. "Make sure you eat three times a day, my Lord," she advised, her concern palpable in her voice.
"I definitely will."
"Great Lumiere, please make sure you're taking a bath with hot water," Fasit chimed in.
I chuckled. "I... I am Fasit, no need to worry."
"And I hope Stellaria hasn't done anything weird with you," Serena said with a genuinely concerned tone.
I sighed and replied, "No, Serena, she hasn't."
Fasit persisted, her maternal instincts taking over.
"You should really pay more attention to your hair, my Lord. Brush it at least three times a day."
Serena joined in, unable to resist worrying about me.
"And how are you managing your underwears? Do you need me to bring some more?"
"Alright that's enough for today...!"
I waved my hands through the portal, embarrassed by the discussion, and when their images faded, I let out another sigh.
Stellaria looked at me with a sly grin. "So, about those underwears?" she asked knowingly.
My face burned, "Don't start," I told her.
These women were worrying way too much.
With that distraction out of the way, we could now fully focus on our journey to the Aldnoah Magic University.
Stellaria then suggested, "Why don't you let me peek into your brain and open a portal there?"
I considered her idea.
"I was thinking the same thing, but it'd bring up some questions as to how we got there later... I'm not ready for that..."
The ArMerAur forest was nestled in the center of the four continents.
The Human Continent was the western part, the Dragon Continent was the eastern and all that.
Being enigmatic as always, the God Continent was far south.
That aside, there's numerous rumors about it being protected with layers of energy that protect it from just anyone entering.
And besides, the mana pressure there could crush almost anyone.
I went back on topic.
"Besides, I already agreed with Princess Celese and Aurora to meet at a café and proceed to Aldnoah from there," I told her.
Stellaria yawned and remarked, "Then what's the point of bringing us along?"
Lucilia interjected, "We're going to help and fill the remaining brackets in the teaching staff."
"Ohhhh~~" Stellaria moaned as she stretched. "Sounds like work."
Everything is work for you...
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