We stood together, the six of us, in front of the prosperous oikos—our new temporary home. Unlike the towering palaces or market plazas of the city, this dwelling was nestled in a quiet, untouched corner surrounded by a canopy of trees and soft grass. A calm lake shimmered beside the right side of the house, its surface reflecting the fading sunlight like a sheet of molten silver.
The house had a ground floor and an upper level. Its structure was simple, crafted with earthen bricks and wooden beams, with a red-tiled sloped roof common to ancient Greek dwellings. Ivy crawled up the side walls, and the perimeter was lined with flowering bushes. The door was medium-sized, carved from polished wood, giving it the appearance of a middle-class modern-day home—if that home had been built centuries ago.
Riri stepped forward and knocked gently on the door. "Big sis, are you inside?"
The door opened with a soft creak. A girl appeared before us.
She stood with serene elegance. Her soft turquoise eyes glimmered like the ocean beneath the morning sun. Shoulder-length midnight-blue hair framed her gentle face, a white ribbon tied at the back, lending her an air of calm grace. Draped in a Grecian-style peplos shaded in the colors of sky and sea, the fabric swayed gently with the breeze. The sash at her waist gave her a poised figure, and a fluttering shawl over her arms completed her ancient, timeless look. Light sandals wrapped her feet.
She was around 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Riri smiled brightly. "She's my big sis, Misaki."
Ayush blinked. "Isn't that a Japanese name?"
Riri tilted her head. "What's Japanese?"
"Japan is one of the eastern countries in our world," Ayush explained.
Riri nodded. "Your world sounds interesting. Maybe I want to visit it someday."
Rizu shook his head. "Nope, you will not like it. It's boring compared to this world."
Ayush smiled warmly. "You will surely like it. Our world is beautiful."
Rizu gave Ayush a weird look. "You sure about that?"
Ayush looked straight back at him with confidence. "Hundred percent sure."
Misaki bowed gracefully. "Please feel this place like home."
My eyes widened. My heart skipped a beat. Her hair... are those natural? Or dyed?
Rizu nudged me and smirked. "Ask her yourself."
Jatin looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Rizu chuckled. "Ritvik is wondering if her hair is naturally blue."
My face went red. "Don't make things up."
Rizu grinned. "Okay, okay."
Rudransh added, amused, "Tell us more of what he's thinking. He rarely talks—I'm dying to know what's inside that sinister mind of his."
Riri cut in, laughing. "You can all talk inside too."
We entered.
Shon bowed slightly. "Thank you for your help."
Riri waved it off. "You're helping me with the tournament. It's the least I can do to help you."
She began the tour.
First stop: her and Misaki's room. The space was neat and charming—plaster walls painted with soft earth tones, shelves carved into the stone filled with scrolls, ceramic vases, and herb bundles. A low wooden bed with embroidered linen and wool-stuffed pillows rested beside a wide window draped in sheer curtains that danced with the breeze.
Next was the washroom.
I kept stealing glances at Misaki. She caught one. I turned my eyes away so quickly I probably looked suspicious.
Did she notice? Gods, I must look like a creep. I should act normal...
Then we entered the washroom.
It was a primitive flushing toilet—a krepis. A stone slab with a hole led to an underground sewer, and flushing required a jug of water.
Rizu wrinkled his nose. "It's too primitive."
Jatin groaned. "I can't use this."
Ayush smirked. "Sorry to disappoint, but we don't have a choice. Or, you know, you could go in the grass."
Jatin scowled. "You're kidding me?"
Ayush replied, deadpan, "Do I look like I'm kidding?"
Jatin scratched his head. "I can never understand you, bro."
Shon gave a calm nod. "It's fine. Actually good for our joints if you think about it."
But I wasn't even paying attention to any of that. I was too busy looking at Misaki... while trying hard to make sure she didn't notice.
Should I say something to her? Anything?
Next stop: the kitchen.
A traditional cooking space with a stone hearth and bronze cookware. Hanging racks held clay pots of herbs and dried vegetables. A wooden prep table sat at the center, surrounded by woven baskets of mushrooms and meat cuts. Smoke marks on the ceiling showed years of quiet meals made here.
Rudransh stretched his arms. "I'm a good cook. If you want to eat something delicious, you can count on me."
Rizu teased, "Yeah, but you don't know the recipes here."
Rudransh slapped his forehead. "Ah right, I forgot."
Riri laughed. "Don't worry. I'll teach you all the famous recipes from here."
Rudransh's eyes lit up. "Great! Let's make dishes this world has never seen before!"
Rizu smirked. "Hey, I remember how disappointed you were when Riri said she's sleeping in a different room at the castle."
Rudransh shouted, "Hey! That's a lie! I never said that."
Everyone burst out laughing.
Rizu beamed. "Maybe you forgot I can read minds."
Shon added, half-serious, "Don't use your powers to tease people. You should be responsible."
"Okay, Mister Moralist," Rizu replied.
Riri waved us along. "Now let's go upstairs and see your room."
Scene shifted. We were now upstairs in our shared room.
It was clean and open. The walls were of smooth stone, painted with warm ochre tones. A window welcomed a cool breeze that made the linen curtains sway gently. The two wooden beds were covered in white wool sheets and stuffed linen pillows—typical of ancient Greek homes. A simple clay basin and carved shelf sat in the corner.
Jatin groaned. "Just two beds? Not enough."
Rudransh dashed ahead and jumped on one. "Mine now. You all figure it out."
Rizu sprinted for the second. "I can't sleep on the ground!"
Jatin complained. "That's not fair."
Riri smiled. "We have futons too."
Ayush said, "I'm fine with futon."
Jatin crossed his arms. "But I want the bed!"
Shon intervened. "We can adjust two per bed. Let's group up. Ritvik and Rudransh used to live in the same room, so they can share. Same for me and Rizu."
Jatin frowned. "Still doesn't solve my problem."
"Each group switches weekly," Shon said. "Next week, me and Rizu will use the futon. The week after, Ritvik and Rudransh. Then repeat."
Jatin brightened. "Thanks, bro. I'm fine with that."
From the window, the sun dipped into the horizon.
"Looks like the day is over now," Ayush muttered.
Misaki stepped in gently. "I'm going to cook dinner. Do you prefer mushrooms or meat?"
"Meat," Rudransh declared.
"Mushrooms," Ayush countered.
They exchanged sharp glares.
Ayush frowned. "Don't act like our boss. I don't want to eat non-veg."
Rudransh scoffed. "That's your problem. Cook your own meal then."
Riri intervened with a bright smile. "Let's go downstairs. You can argue there while eating. We need to eat well. Tomorrow's the first round."
Everyone moved downstairs.
Except me.
I walked over to the window. Outside, the lake glistened under the setting sun. The forest whispered in the breeze, and leaves shimmered like soft green flames. The scent of blooming flowers mixed with the cool evening wind.
It touched my face, rustling my hair gently.
So... tomorrow we fight in this weird tournament.
I frowned.
I never liked this world. But... I think I just found a beautiful reason to stay here.
I closed my eyes.
Please, God... I hope she doesn't already have someone in her life.
Just then, I heard Rizu's voice from behind me.
"Maybe you mean two big reasons?"
I spun around. "Shut up."
Rizu laughed from the doorway in his usual teasing tone. "Ririna is good too!"