"Itsuki, wake up." A familiar voice called out from downstairs.
"Mmm… two more minutes…" I mumbled, still half-asleep. The soft, gentle tone belonged to my mother, Mika. Even though I was already thirteen years old, she still woke me up like I was a little child.
"Woof! Woof!"
Before I could drift back into sleep, something fluffy jumped on top of me. A wet tongue licked my cheek.
"Ahh—hey, stop! Shiro! I'm awake, I'm awake!" I laughed while pushing away the small puppy that was energetically wagging his tail on top of me.
Yes, this white ball of fluff was none other than my companion Shiro—the "gift" from God on my birthday. Two months had passed since then, and Shiro had become my closest friend. His snow-white fur, big, round eyes, and innocent nature made him impossible not to love.
How the hell is he so cute!! I thought as I hugged him. Seriously, he might be the deadliest creature in the world—lethal by sheer cuteness.
Dragging myself out of bed, I washed my face and went downstairs. The smell of freshly baked bread and hot soup greeted me. Mother was setting the table, while Father sat in his usual spot, reading the newspaper.
"Good morning, Itsuki. You're late for school again," Father said without looking up.
"Good morning, Dad. Yeah, I stayed up late last night."
"Oh? What were you doing up late?"
Before I could reply, Mother placed bowls on the table. "Breakfast is ready. Sit down, both of you," she interrupted with her usual calm authority.
"Yes, ma'am," Father and I said at the same time, exchanging awkward glances.
Breakfast was simple—soup, bread, and beans—but warm and delicious. In this world, food wasn't extravagant, but it was always fresh. As I chewed my bread, I couldn't help but think about how different things were compared to Earth.
This world didn't have electricity, cars, or modern buildings. People relied on horse-drawn carts, mud-brick houses, and simple tools. And yet… the air was fresh, the water was pure, and there was a certain charm in its simplicity.
Still… If I introduced Earth's knowledge here, maybe I could revolutionize this place. Would it be selfish to change this peaceful life? Or would it help people?
I was lost in thought until Mother's gentle voice broke through. "What are you thinking about, Itsuki?"
"Ah—nothing, Mother. Just random thoughts."
"If you're troubled by something, don't keep it to yourself," Father said firmly. "You know your father is the Knight Commander. Whatever it is, I can handle it." He puffed out his chest with pride.
Knight Commander, huh…? I wanted to ask him so many questions about the kingdom, the politics, the neighboring countries. But… maybe later.
"Hey, are you listening to me?" Father narrowed his eyes.
"When will He—" I was about to mutter something about God when—
"Hey, will you listen to your dad for once!?" Father snapped.
"Dad, I was thinking about something important!" I argued back.
Before our playful bickering could continue, Mother's soft but chilling voice cut in. "Will you two eat quietly… or do I need to make you?"
Both of us froze. Behind her calm smile, I swore I saw the shadow of a nine-tailed fox, glaring at us with fiery eyes.
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" we said in unison and immediately focused on our food.
Deja vu… I thought.
After finishing breakfast, I grabbed my school bag. "I'm leaving, Mom."
"Come back early, Itsuki," Mother replied.
The school was only a ten-minute walk from home. The streets were lively with villagers going about their day. An elderly couple strolled together, children played with sticks, and merchants shouted about fresh vegetables.
As I walked, someone smacked me on the back.
"Ow! Hey, don't hit me so hard!" I winced, rubbing the spot.
"Oh, man up. I didn't hit you that hard," a cheerful voice said.
I turned to see Linda, my childhood friend and neighbor. With fiery red hair flowing down to her waist and striking purple eyes, she stood out wherever she went. Many boys in school admired her beauty… until they learned about her sharp tongue and violent tendencies.
"Good morning, Linda," I sighed.
"Good morning, Itsuki!" she grinned. Then her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Wait… you were thinking something bad about me just now, weren't you?"
…Women's instincts are terrifying.
"N-No, of course not! You're imagining things." I avoided her gaze.
"You liar!"
Crap, I got caught.
"Apologize right now! And tell me exactly what you were thinking!" she demanded, hands on her hips.
"Oh, look, the school's right there! We'll be late!" I quickly pointed ahead.
"Oh, yes, we sho—hey! Don't you dare change the subject!" she yelled, chasing after me as we entered the school gates.
"Mom, I'm home!" I called out after returning from school.
"Welcome back, Itsuki. Did you have fun today?" Mother asked with a warm smile.
"Yes, it was fine," I replied.
"Good. Go wash up, I'll prepare lunch."
"Okay!" I said energetically and rushed to my room.
"Woof!" Shiro barked happily, leaping into my arms the moment I opened the door. His tail wagged like a small fan, brushing against my face.
"Haha, I missed you too, buddy," I said, patting his head. After playing with him for a bit, I ate lunch and pretended to study for a while. Honestly, the lessons here were simple compared to what I already knew from Earth. But I had to at least act like a normal student.
By evening, Father returned from training, and we all gathered for dinner.
"Dinner was delicious," Father said with satisfaction.
"Yes, it was amazing as always, Mother," I added.
Mother's cheeks turned slightly red at our compliments, though she tried to hide it. "Eat more if you like it."
After dinner, the family chatted for a while. My sisters teased me about being late to school again, Father shared some stories about his subordinates, and Shiro curled up in my lap.
Eventually, we all went to bed.
As I lay under the blanket, I gazed at the ceiling. Today wasn't particularly special. It was just another ordinary day. And yet… there was warmth in it. Laughter, scolding, teasing, love.
A tiring day, but also a happy one.
I want these days to last forever…
With that thought, I slowly drifted into sleep.