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It was a calm day at the manor as the wizards were free from missions for the week. Most of the wizards spent their time relaxing or continuing to learn how to strengthen their magic. The sight of seeing the wizards relaxed and joyful set a smile on Akira’s face.
‘They all deserve this break. I’m happy to see everyone enjoying themselves,’ They thought.
Akira was grateful to be free from the workload, however, they were a bit bored. Usually, Akira would spend their time with the company of the others, however, the others decided to train for today. Akira didn’t want to bother them. ‘I wish I had my phone here...That would’ve occupied my time here.’ Akira frowned a bit at the thought of not having their convenient device.
And so, Akira decided to help Canaria and Cock Robin with chores around the manor. However, the two refused the assistance and scolded the Sage.
“Master Sage, you know, this break is for you as well! Please go rest as much as you can!” Canaria said and puffed her cheeks. Cock Robin nodded in agreement. Akira could only smile awkwardly as the pair pushed them out. Akira couldn’t argue with them, the two were right.
‘There’s still so much time left during this break. What am I going to do?’ While pondering about the possible things they could do, Akira unconsciously stumbled into the kitchen.
“Oh? Sage, what are you doing here? Are you perhaps hungry? I have some leftovers if you want,” Nero said. Nero’s voice snapped Akira out from their thoughts.
“Ah! I’m sorry, I just suddenly came in here. Thank you for offering, but I’m fine!” Akira said, shaking their head. Just then, Akira noticed Nero was cooking something.
“Oh? What are you making for lunch today, Nero?” Akira asked as they walked over to the kitchen cabinet. They stood beside Nero and peered over.
“I’m just making something healthy and simple for today. The others are training today so I’m making something light and nutritious today. I’m making a chicken wrap with some fruit along with it as well. Of course, I can’t forget the dessert for the kids,” Nero said as he cut some lettuce.
“Are you not training as well, Nero?” Akira questioned.
“Haha, I’m just using cooking as an excuse to skip for a little bit…Please don’t tell the others,” Nero chuckled nervously.
Akira smiled and laughed. “Your secret’s safe with me!” Just then, Akira finally found a way to relieve their boredom.
“Nero! Please let me help you with the cooking!” Akira exclaimed.
“I don’t mind...But, I heard Miss Canaria scolded you. Are you sure?” Nero asked.
“I guess that’s another secret between us then,” Akira smiled and grabbed a knife to assist Nero with cutting fruit. Nero returned the smile and laughed.
While the two of them were setting up lunch, Nero heard a small chuckle coming from Akira. Nero looked over at Akira and noticed a smile on their face.
“Is something up, Master Sage? I see that you’re pretty happy over there,” Nero asked.
“Ah! Sorry about that...it’s just…” Akira looks away, a bit embarrassed.
“Hm?”
“Helping you in the kitchen reminds me of when I used to help my mom out cooking as well. Haha, I always helped her out when it came to my favorite dish. I guess I’m having a bit too much fun helping you out as well…” Akira shyly said as their face became more flushed with embarrassment.
Nero was also a bit embarrassed hearing that someone enjoyed cooking with him. He smiled at Akira’s words. “Well, as thanks for helping me out here, I’ll make your favorite dish then.”
Akira’s face beamed with excitement. “Really?! You’ll do that for me? Thank you so much, Nero! I’ll help out as well!” Akira excitedly said.
“Alright, so what kinda dish is it?”
“There was this dish back in my home-world and…”
The dish was actually pretty simple. It was chicken katsu curry drizzled in tonkatsu sauce with a side of shredded cabbage. The chicken katsu and curry were easy to make, which was a surprise to Nero as Akira’s other requests in the past were quite complicated.
However, what took up most of their time and nearly ruined their sanity was the tonkatsu sauce. Tonkatsu sauce didn’t exist in this world, especially when the ingredients here are different from what Akira was used to. Akira was on the verge of going bald from pulling their hair out. Of course, Nero did the best he could to prevent his dear Sage from going bald.
‘Aaaah!! If only I read the ingredients on the back of the bottle!!’ Akira cursed to themself. ‘Well, it’s not like I was expected to know how to make tonkatsu sauce if I ever get transported to another world.’ Akira sighed with a pounding headache.
However, after much trial and error, the tonkatsu sauce was completed. Akira nearly cried when it was finished and Nero gave them a pat on the back. ‘Future Sage, I hope my struggles and efforts of making this will be helpful for you!’ Akira shouted internally.
And thus, the fateful day arrived. Of course, the other wizards noticed the commotion of the past few days and were also curious about their dear Sage’s dish. Anything pertaining to their Sage and their world piqued their interests.
Akira skipped cheerfully into the cafeteria and took a seat. The day has finally come~! After much struggle, I can finally enjoy this dish! It’s been a while…’ Akira thought and smiled.
“You seem to be very happy, that smile suits you,” Shylock said as he walked over along with the Western wizards. Akira blushed slightly at Shylock’s comment.
“Of course, since Master Sage is going to eat Nero’s cooking after all!” Riquet cheerfully said, walking alongside the Central wizards.
“Hmph, anything that guy makes is delicious. Especially his lemon pie,” Shino said as he walked over along with the Eastern wizards.
‘Huh? The Western, Central, and Eastern wizards are all here in the cafeteria? It seems like they found out...But it seems a bit unnecessary for them just to see me eat…Are all of them really going to gather…?’ Akira thought.
“Ah! Looks like the dish hasn’t arrived yet! Come on you guys!” Mitile said as he opened the cafeteria door. Another group was also behind the Southern Wizards as well.
“Come on now~ Don’t give us those sour faces~ I’m sure Nero will cook you something delicious if you behave!” Snow said, dragging the Northern wizards.
“If you act like good boys I’m sure Nero will treat you well~,” White said.
‘It’s a whole get-together, huh. Are ALL of them really going to watch me eat…?’ Akira thought. Akira wore a troubled expression. ‘Will this be alright…?’
Just then, Nero walked into the cafeteria holding a dish. He also had a surprised look on his face and nearly dropped the plate from surprise. “Huh?! What are you all doing here?” Nero exclaimed. But, he can already tell what’s going on. He let out a heavy sigh.
“We were all curious about the dish from Master Sage’s world! I had ramen before from the previous Sage, so I was curious to see this dish as well! I also want to enjoy this meal with you one day as well.” Arthur said with a beaming smile. Nero couldn’t say no to Prince Arthur.
“That’s right! I’m really excited to see what the Sage’s favorite dish is. I want to try making it one day,” Rutile said, giving a serene smile.
Everyone’s sentiments touched Akira. ‘It’s sweet of them that they want to know me better. It’s a bit embarrassing, to be honest,' Akira thought. “You guys didn’t have to come, you know. But, thank you.” Akira smiled at them.
Nero set the plate before Akira and the sight gave Akira a nostalgic feeling. ‘It sure has been a while, hasn’t it?’ The plate was arranged with the brown curry filled with vegetables on one side and a handful of rice on the other half. In the middle was the golden chicken katsu neatly arranged in a row, drizzled in tonkatsu sauce. Many Ouuuu~ and Aaaa~ came from the wizards at the sight of the curry. Akira's heart was beating from excitement.
Akira grabbed their knife and fork to cut into the chicken. As they were cutting, the crunch and crisp of the breadcrumbs were heard throughout the room. The sound further excited everyone more. Akira then scooped some curry and rice and lastly topped it off with the piece of chicken on the spoon. Akira was ready to have the perfect bite.
Akira took a bite with extreme relish. The chicken was crispy on the outside and was juicy and tender on the inside. The curry and fluffy rice complimented one another. Warmth and comfort filled Akira’s chest. The crunch of the chicken, the warm curry, the fluffy rice, and the unforgettable tonkatsu sauce gave Akira a feeling of ease. It reminded them of home, their family, and everything of their world. Warmth and tenderness surrounded them. The warmth welcomed them, and they felt as if they were hugged filled with love. It was kind and gentle. Akira wanted to be with this warmth forever. They didn’t want to let go of this feeling.
‘It’s really delicious...It really tastes like how Mom used to make it...How Mom used to make it…’
It was a simple meal. Anyone could’ve made a common meal such as this. And yet...
And yet...
Akira looked up, ready to tell everyone how delicious the dish was, but they were instead surrounded by another familiar scene. Humming was heard in the room, the sound of a knife hitting the chopping board, the sound of sizzling from something frying.
It was Akira’s kitchen. An old memory surrounds them and Akira lived through it once more.
“Mom! Couldn’t you have let me know you were visiting? I really thought an intruder came in!” Akira exclaimed, their heart still beating from nervousness.
“Hmph, what excuse does a mother need to visit their child?” Akira’s mom remarked back. “Also, are you eating properly?! I see that your fridge is empty as ever! Jeez, I left some meals in there for you. Make sure you properly eat them, alright?” Akira’s mom lectured. Akira could only give an awkward smile after being caught.
“Haha, well stuff happens here and there. W-Well, uh, what are you making, Mom?” Akira said, trying to change the subject. Akira’s mom just gave them a long stare. Akira looked away from their mother’s intense look.
Akira’s mom sighed. “I’m making your favorite. Now help me out or you won’t have any.” Akira smiled and skipped over to their mother’s side.
It was a normal procedure. Something Akira did all the time. Peel and chop the potatoes and carrots. Set the rice in the rice cooker. Help out with frying the chicken. Taste test the curry. Top off the meal with tonkatsu curry.
It was something Akira did all the time, but they enjoyed every second of it. Cooking with their mother was just another moment of bonding. Akira would trade anything in the world just to spend time with their mother again.
Akira's heart was filled with warmth and happiness. This was the warmth Akira longed for. Akira wanted to hold on to this warmth even if it was just for a second.
Akira wanted to hold onto this moment forever. Stand by their mother's side again, just this once.
Moments later, the two of them were seated at the dinner table enjoying their meal. They discussed how their life was going and catching up with one another. Just basic conversations made Akira's day better.
Akira missed their mother's voice.
After cleaning up the dishes, Akira's mom stood outside, ready to leave. Akira's mom hugged and gave them a tight squeeze. Akira didn't want to let go.
Akira held on for a little longer. Just a little longer.
“Make sure you eat those meals, alright? Be sure to take care of yourself. Jeez, what are you going to do without me,” Akira’s mom scolded.
“Haha, thanks Mom. I always appreciate all the food you make for me,” Akira replied, still embracing their mom.
“If you love my food so much, then come home and visit more often,” She remarked.
Akira blinked in surprise.
“Yeah, I should come home more often. I miss your home-cooked food, but also, I…”
“Hm?”
"Will you come again? Am I going to see you again soon?" Akira whispered.
"Of course you will. I'll always be at home waiting for you."
The two still hugged each other tightly in silence. Akira didn't want to let go.
"It's about time for me to go, but make sure to come home one day, alright?" Akira's mom said, letting go. Akira was free from their mother's warm embrace but held her hands, grasping for any leftover warmth and touch. They didn't want to let go.
"Hey, Mom...I..."
"Hm?"
“I miss you,” Akira unconsciously said out loud. Before the wizards could further question Akira on what they said, Akira’s vision blurred. They felt their eyes go hot and their chest shaking. Before Akira could notice, tears streamed down their face. The wizards panicked at their Sage’s tears, witnessing this side of their Sage was rare.
“Sage?! Are you alright? Please use this,” Arthur said, handing them a handkerchief. Oz, who is standing aside Arthur, wore a shocked and confused expression. He spoke not a word, but the concern on his face was notable.
“Nero, did you perhaps put anything in the food?” Faust questioned. Akira wanted to correct him, but tears kept falling down. They struggled to find the words to speak, they choked up from attempting to speak a word.
“N-No way! I cooked it like how the Sage taught me!”
“Are you crying, Sage? Are those tears of joy? Tears of sadness? Is it painful? Does it hurt?” Murr exclaimed, as he bounced and floated around Akira.
“Murr!! Now is not the time for that!!” Chloe shouted as he pulled Murr back.
“Oh? To think that our dear Sage has finally broken,” Owen said with a smirk.
“If the Sage isn’t going to finish their meal, can I finish it for them?” Mithra said.
“Lemme have some of the meat,” Bradley added.
“You guys!” The twins said in unison.
Lennox was not good with his words, but he handed Akira one of his sheep to comfort them. Mitile, someone who admired and looked up to the Sage deeply, also tried his best to cheer them up. Riquet joined his friend as well. “Sage, if there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know! I-1 don’t want you to continue being sad…” Mitile said with a worried look. "Sage..." Riquet mumbled, holding Akira's hand.
“T-Thank y-you...But I’m f-fine...I’m sorry for making you all worry. Please l-let me compose myself for a little bit,” Akira said as they continued wiping their tears. ‘Everyone’s worries and sentiments are making me cry even more…’
“Now, now. Take as much time as you need, Sage. We wouldn’t want to see your beautiful face stained with such a sad expression,” Rustica reassured.
“Like always, Sage, you can always count on us, you know,” Figaro added.
Akira couldn’t hold it in anymore. Their chest became heavy. This feeling of loneliness and longing for home was something Akira suppressed, but no matter how long they bottled it up, it’ll burst and crack. Hearing everyone’s assurance made Akira comfortable to be more vulnerable. More tears streamed down their face and their clothes were nearly drenched with tears. “Ah…!” Both Heathcliff and Cain said. The two of them handed Akira their handkerchief as well.
‘Even though I won’t see my loved ones for a long time...I know the people right in front of me are my family as well. It means a lot that I still have people who care for me.’
‘Although I miss home...I am also extremely happy to have met these people...They gave me a place to belong in this unknown world,’ Akira thought. Just the thought of having these people with them right now cheered them up a little bit.
“Hey Sage, if this dish doesn’t suit your palette, I can go change it right now,” Nero said as he nervously reached to grab the plate. To everyone’s surprise, Akira abruptly stopped Nero. Akira quickly wiped the tears on their face, with some drops still slipping by. They grabbed their spoon and hastily took another bite of the dish. Everyone was shocked by their Sage’s sudden action.
“Sage?! I think you should spit it out! What if you die this time?!” Cain exclaimed, with an extremely panicked face.
“Huh?! Sage? You’re still trying to eat?! Wha--” Nero spoke before a shout echoed the room.
“Thank you for this meal!!! It’s really delicious!!!” Akira shouted at the top of their lungs.
They finally found the courage to speak again. They were able to overcome this loneliness of theirs. Akira knows that despite the emotions they feel, they will be able to confide these feelings with the others. Akira trusts and loves them immensely. Seeing how loved they were, they were able to gain strength. Feeling better, Akira then hastily took another bite.
“S-Slow down, Sage!” Heathcliff exclaimed.
“I do not understand. Why are you still eating? Isn’t there something wrong with this dish?” Oz said with a serious look.
Akira swallowed and looked over at Oz. “No, there isn’t anything wrong with it. It’s really delicious…” Akira said as they fondly looked back down at the plate with a warm smile.
“Then why--”
“It reminded me of my mom. This tasted a lot like how my mom used to make it,” Akira confessed, they felt their eyes watering up again as they mentioned their mom. They quickly rubbed their eyes with their arm.
Everyone stayed silent for a little bit. It finally clicked to them. The wizards completely understood, after all, they’ve all felt loneliness in their long lives.
“Is this the person you miss…? Arthur asked, breaking the silence.
“Yes....this dish is really nostalgic to me. It reminded me of her. It’s hard to explain...but this dish is the only connection with her now. I’ve been holding back but...I really do miss her...I miss her a lot...” Akira confessed, tears slipping by.
Just then, Akira felt something on their head. It was Snow and White’s hands stroking their head. The twins appeared on Akira’s lap and gently stroked their head while holding them.
“There, there. It must’ve been lonely, right?” Snow said.
“It must’ve been hard, right? But do not fret my Sage, for we are here with you,” White comforted.
Akira had a warm feeling in their chest. “You guys…You’re gonna make me cry again, you know...”
“If you do shed tears, then we are here for you,” Arthur said with a calm smile.
“Of course, you can rely on me well. I’m a strong man after all, I’ll protect you,” Shino declared with a smirk.
“Haha~! If that ever happens Sage then we’ll throw a grand party for you~! Of course, there will be sparkly gems and beautiful flowers fluttering about!” Murr excitedly said as he threw gems and flowers in the air.
“You can always come and confide with us, Sage. You will not burden us at all,” Rutile said, wearing a warm smile.
“There’s no need to hesitate. Besides, your crying would mess up my sleep…” Mithra said as he yawned.
“Hohoho, you can be a bit more honest Mithy~!” Snow cheerily said.
“Hohoho, you’re a good child after all, Mithy~” White added. Mithra glared at them intensely. The twins only chuckled it off.
Akira smiled at everyone. “Thank you everyone, really. No words can describe how grateful I am to have you guys with me…”
“Of course, we think the same as well. What would we do without our precious Sage?” Shylock said as he smoked his pipe.
Everyone then joined in the rain of compliments to Akira. Of course, the modest Sage couldn’t handle all the praise.
‘I really am happy to be here…’ Akira smiled.
Akira then felt an intense stare at them. They looked over and noticed that it was Mithra. He was staring intensely at their plate. Akira sighed, they weren’t surprised. Akira held up their spoon filled with curry and topped with the chicken katsu. “Here, Mithra,” Akira said. Mithra took an aggressive bite and Akira felt as if the spoon was going to break. “Mithra! Not too hard!” Akira exclaimed.
“Tasty…” Mithra said, licking his lips.
“It is tasty, isn’t it?” Akira smiled.
After the eventful lunch, it was time to retire. Akira looked out their room window and smiled at the sight of the moon.
'Is this the same moon she is looking at right now?'
'What a cursed and yet a beautiful thing.'
'Took me away from my home, but also gave me a new one as well.'
'I am still uncertain about returning home, but at least, I want to see her again.'
'She is still waiting at home for me.'
'I miss you.' Akira hoped the mysterious moon relayed that message to her.
Akira decided to cut their feelings of loneliness now, they looked at the moon once more.
'Enough of that now. I am no longer alone after all. I have my precious wizards with me.'
'Thank you, everyone. Thank you for being with me. I may be a small part of your everlasting lives, but you are an important part of my short life.'
'This place is also my home as well.'
Akira took one last look at the moon and smiled once more at the thought of tomorrow.
Another day where Akira spends time with their beloved wizards.
Another day at home.