The Magic in this Other World is Too Far Behind! Volume 10

Prologue: The State of Reiji’s Camp

Upon waking up early in the morning, Shana Reiji was assaulted by the drowsiness that came from a lack of sleep. Still lying on a borrowed bed, he shook his head, trying to clear the fog in his mind. Regardless, his thoughts remained hazy and slow, his body not quite feeling like his own. He didn’t feel fully awake yet either, like somehow he was still dreaming.

Maybe it was best to just go back to sleep and stop thinking. How long had it been since he’d wanted to stay in bed like this? He couldn’t help coveting the warmth of his blanket. But why was it that he still found himself unable to resist such laziness? He hadn’t stayed up late enough that he’d lost out on a good night’s sleep. But he was still so terribly drowsy.

In this world, he didn’t have television or games or studying or his phone—nothing to keep him up late—so he generally went to bed early. If anything, here he’d adopted the routine of a modern worker; he slept early and woke early so that he could practice swordplay or magic as soon as possible.

So why did he feel like he hadn’t slept? Was he simply in poor condition? Or was it stress? He hadn’t exhausted himself to the point of being in poor health, nor did he have anything on his mind that would worry him. The only real problem lately was whether Suimei’s group had successfully returned to his old world, but that wasn’t something he was particularly concerned about.

The magic circle had been meticulously prepared by none other than Suimei. Reiji couldn’t even picture his friend, always so cautious in everything, failing. Had his magicka failed, they could’ve been sent somewhere else entirely or just been annihilated on the spot. Those possibilities came to mind, but Reiji didn’t associate any danger with such thoughts.

If anything, whenever Suimei messed up, he was sure to stumble carelessly into yet another silly episode of his life. Whenever it came to important stuff like this, it was as if some magic or miracle worked behind the scenes to smooth it all over. Suimei was a magician, so maybe it was only natural for him to get away with such marvels.

I should really get up...

Judging by the light pouring through the window, it had been morning for a while. All the dust in the room seemed to glimmer with sunlight. Reiji glanced at the desk. It was horribly cluttered—covered in weird gadgets, undecipherable scribblings, and failed magic circles.

Reiji was currently staying in the Yakagi residence located in the Nelferian Empire. Several days had passed since Suimei’s group had returned to the modern world. In the meantime, Reiji’s group was borrowing the place and had been entrusted with its care. There were more than enough rooms here for everyone to have their own personal space. What’s more, unlike in Astel and the self-governed state, they even had a bath. With recent television news in Japan going on about how cramped homes were getting, Reiji wondered how much this place must’ve cost.

As for Graziella...

I need to keep an eye on you lot.

With that announcement, she’d claimed one of the rooms in the Yakagi residence. Despite sleeping in the castle upon first returning to the Empire, she’d inexplicably started staying here instead. Reiji had no idea what had compelled her to do so, but her decision had made it easy for him to see her whenever he wanted to. Passing information had gotten far more convenient too.

Titania, on the other hand, was unhappy about Graziella’s decision for reasons Reiji couldn’t figure out.

It was with those thoughts stumbling around in his sluggish mind that Reiji walked down the corridor. He couldn’t hold back a yawn, even though he was fully standing and mobile. He was sorely tempted to just go back to bed, and without paying too much attention to what he was doing, he opened the door in front of him. He was under the impression it was the door to the living room. He couldn’t remember that this was, in fact, Titania’s room. As a result, it wasn’t Reiji but the room’s occupant who suffered for his carelessness.

Huh...?

Oh...

Reiji first saw a girl with light-blue hair evenly cut above her shoulders and eyes of the same color, shining like gems. Though she was somewhat petite, her body was supple and well-balanced, and her breasts were modest yet still ample. Just like her breasts, her butt was small but beautifully shaped. Her slender limbs had Reiji once more question how the laws of physics allowed her to wield her two swords with such expertise.

Reiji had opened the door exactly when Titania had finished taking off her underwear. She was as naked as the day she was born, all her important parts laid bare. In an instant, she flushed red all the way to the tips of her ears and immediately turned her back to him.

R-R-R-Reiji-sama! U-Um...!

Her reaction served to immediately snap Reiji out of his stupefied state.

S-Sorry! I didn’t mean to! he exclaimed.

R-Right, Titania stuttered. I doubt you would ever purposefully do such a thing. Something must have happened.

Y-Yeah...

U-Um, are you... staying?

Right! Sorry! I’ll close the door right away! Reiji yelped.

With that, Reiji slammed the door shut, sealing inside not only Titania but also himself.

Um... Titania mumbled.

Wha?! No! Reiji spluttered. That’s not what I meant!

No, if that is what you intend, then I’m already prepared! Please, go ahead! Titania replied.

Uhhh...

Titania threw herself on the bed, posturing herself to receive him, even if somewhat shyly. She covered her breasts with an arm and had her knees pressed together, her eyes averted and her face bright red. She looked so sweet and innocent. Reiji found himself nearly stumbling toward her, like a moth to a flame, but stopped himself.

Y-You’ve got it wrong! he yelled. That’s not what I meant! I’m sleepy and not in my right mind!

Um, it’s my first time, so please be gentle, Titania said.

"That’s not my intention! I really, really didn’t mean to!"

The entire Yakagi residence felt the building shake from Reiji’s scream, followed by the loud slam of a door and the sound of panicking footsteps.

By the time Reiji regained some composure, all the residents of the building were gathered in the living room and seated at the table. Each of them were tending to themselves—drinking tea, cleaning their nails, looking into a hand mirror, and the like.

Anou Mizuki was Reiji’s close friend who’d been summoned to this world alongside him and Suimei. She’d been with him ever since the summoning, and she’d used her magic to help him. She had a gentle expression that brought peace of mind and long black hair that was well cared for. She wore an out-of-season red scarf and fingerless gloves whose origin was a mystery. She was unique, to put it lightly, and not too long ago, she’d been a never-ending source of trouble. Now, she was back to normal. At her core she had an innocent, light personality, so just seeing her smile naturally filled Reiji with energy.

Titania Root Astel was the princess of the Kingdom of Astel—the country that had summoned them to this world. During their stay in Astel, she’d always worn a dress, but now she favored clothing more suitable for traveling. Not too long ago, she’d been very reserved and graceful, but ever since confessing to being a master swordswoman, she had an air to her, a stillness—the silence of a dark lake, the sharp edge of a razor. Due to the earlier ruckus, her face was still somewhat red. Reiji had trouble even meeting her eyes.

Graziella Filas Rieseld was the princess of the Nelferian Empire. Typical of the upper classes, she had a haughty attitude prone to belligerence, but also had a certain wildness about her. Yet she was equally possessed of a great kindness and a strong sense of responsibility. Her blonde hair was wavy, framing mature features for her age, and she wore a military uniform, the coat over her shoulders inlaid with a magic circle. She gave off an aura of military might and majesty at all times.

These three made up Reiji’s usual group, but they weren’t the only ones at the table. Elliot—the hero summoned by El Meide—and his attendant Christa were also here.

R-R-Reiji-sama, g-good morning? Titania greeted him as he walked up to the table, a strange inflection in her voice.

M-Morning, Tia! It’s a good day today, huh?! Reiji replied.

Yes! It’s a wonderful day!

They both tried to pretend that nothing had happened, but naturally, everyone could see through their painfully awkward act.

Despite it being such a wonderful day, that was quite the ruckus you two made, Graziella commented harshly.

I know, right? Mizuki agreed. I was seriously wondering what happened.

Well, that was, you know... Reiji said, panicking as both Graziella and Mizuki turned critical eyes on him.

I don’t know. What was it? Mizuki prodded.

Well, ummm...

Reiji tried coming up with an excuse, but he couldn’t think of anything. He could simply sum it up as an unfortunate accident, but each time he tried opening his mouth, Mizuki’s glare sharpened, forbidding him from doing so.

What an unbecoming blunder, Elliot said, sipping his tea and sighing deeply.

Ugh... I know, Reiji said.

Reiji, there are proper steps to entering a lady’s room, Elliot continued. You can’t just barge in irresponsibly with all the force of a drunkard. Unless you enter with the full intent to take her, it’s simply rude to Princess Titania.

H-Hey?! What the heck are you talking about?! Reiji protested.

The readiness to take a lady, of course?

I didn’t mean to do anything like that!

Then that makes it even worse. A man must take proper responsibility.

Well... Reiji muttered, turning to Titania.

R-Reiji-sama...

Tia, um...

As the two just stared at each other, undeniable tension seeped into the room.

W-Well, it’s no big deal, Graziella cut in, her voice somewhat shrill. There’s no need to blame him so much.

That’s right, it was just an unfortunate accident, Mizuki agreed, trying to end the conversation in a hurry. Yup, an accident. If you didn’t mean to, then all is forgiven.

It was hard to believe that, just moments ago, both of them had been criticizing him.

Wh-What are you two doing?! Titania yelled. The mood was just getting good!

Tia, the mood is still good, Mizuki retorted. Are you misunderstanding something?

That’s right, Princess Titania, Graziella joined in. Can’t you quit your persecution complex act for once?

Mizuki was suddenly back to her cheerful self, while Graziella, for some reason, gave a smile that could only be described as provocative. Titania, on the other hand, looked truly vexed. She ground her teeth, as if the game-winning goal she’d desperately needed had just been blocked.

At any rate, you had to be in a serious daze, Graziella said, turning to Reiji. I don’t believe anything like that has happened before. Are you unwell?

I couldn’t agree more, Reiji said. Seriously, what’s wrong with me?

His head had been in an inescapable haze. Despite him waking up, it was as if his mind had been elsewhere entirely.

Hm. You can hold a conversation properly, but your complexion seems poor, Graziella commented.

Well, it’s nothing serious, Reiji said, not quite sure why he seemed to be so tired either.

That was when Reiji noticed Graziella’s appearance. She was groomed, her hair properly combed, and she wore a faint hint of makeup. It must have taken her some time to do—she had to have woken up early this morning. Reiji couldn’t help but admire her, for getting up and getting ready in the morning was a far simpler thing for him to do.

Reiji-kun, not getting enough sleep? Mizuki asked, cocking her head cutely.

Yeah, seems so, Reiji answered. I was pretty sure I got enough, though.

Ah! Maybe you have SAS!

SA-what?

Reiji had no idea what she was on about. Mizuki folded her arms and smugly arched backward a little. So what could this acronym stand for? Reiji sank into thought for a while before coming upon the answer.

Do you mean... sleep apnea syndrome?

You sure are smart, Reiji-kun! Mizuki exclaimed. Exactly that!

Mizuki, couldn’t you just have skipped the obscure acronym? Reiji asked, exasperated.

Heh heh heh... I never really get the chance to use them over here.

Mizuki smiled, as if caught in the act red-handed. It was just like her for her remnants of chuuni to show up at times like these. Although... not too long ago, Reiji had been forced to taste the fear of having it on full display at all times.

At any rate, Reiji didn’t recall contracting a sleep disorder. He was still young, and he didn’t have any of the bad habits that would typically lead to it developing. Apparently, it had nothing to do with weight, but he’d heard it was related to the muscles around the neck.

Reiji, how about taking a seat? Graziella suggested, pulling back a chair. Over here.

Huh? Sure.

Reiji headed over to the seat Graziella offered, when suddenly, a sharp light glinted in Titania’s eyes.

Reiji-sama, there’s a spot here too, she said. Please go ahead.

Huh? Uhhh...

Titania gracefully pulled back the chair next to her. Where was he supposed to sit? He remained perplexed as the two girls mysteriously stared daggers at each other. Mizuki noted this and forced her way between them.

Don’t go bothering Reiji-kun like that, you two, she told them.

Mizuki, are you sure you can be saying such things? Graziella said. Aren’t you falling behind in the race?

That’s right, Mizuki, Titania agreed. Your generosity is virtuous, but aren’t you being a little too carefree?

I-I-I-It’s not like I’m really w-w-worried or anything! Mizuki exclaimed, trying to act composed. Just—being in the closest seat isn’t going to change anything!

That’s quite the line to spout when you’re so clearly flustered, Graziella commented.

I mean, if it was that easy, none of us would even be competing by this point, right? Mizuki retorted.

The two of them fell silent at that.

Right? Both of you think so too, don’t you? Mizuki prodded.

You certainly have a point, Graziella agreed. It completely slipped my mind how formidable an opponent he is.

Indeed, Titania added. Perhaps we weren’t taking it seriously.

This vague and incomprehensible explanation seemed to convince both of them.

What’re you three talking about? Reiji asked.

Something an insensitive sleepyhead will never understand, Mizuki answered. Don’t worry about it.

Mm. Don’t let it bother you.

She’s right. Please don’t pay it any mind.

All three of them were in harsh unison.

Whaaa...?

Reiji felt like he had fallen short somehow. He turned to Elliot, who took an elegant sip of his tea before sighing scornfully.

How do I put this...? he said. Are you and that man actually brothers by blood?

Do you mean Suimei? Reiji asked. We aren’t. Why do you think so?

Well... Don’t let it bother you.

Elliot let out another big sigh, muttering things to himself like This is pretty severe and Everyone has it so rough. Reiji had no idea what was going on. Maybe it was because his mind still wasn’t fully functional. He took a random seat at the table, receiving discontented looks from Titania and Graziella.

Reiji-sama, I have a suggestion, Titania said, turning to him in a formal manner. Or perhaps... a request.

A request? Oh...

That immediately brought to mind what had happened earlier.

I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! he cried. I’ll be more careful! I’ll knock before entering! Even if I mess up, I’ll leave right away!

N-Not about that! Titania yelled. I mean something else entirely!

S-Sorry!

That isn’t really bothering me, just so you know! Titania cleared her throat, then got back to her original point. Um, I would like us to return to my home... to Metel, as soon as possible.

Back to the capital? Reiji asked.

Yes. I must report Duke Hadorious’s case to my father. Seeing as you were involved, I was hoping you could accompany me.

True, we do need to do that.

She had a point. Elliot had been unjustly restrained, leading Reiji to infiltrate Duke Hadorious’s manor with Suimei’s group. There, they’d discovered that the duke was connected to the Universal Apostles. They had to report this to the king and ask him about the duke as well. There were no means of long-distance communication here, so they needed to make their way back to Astel’s capital to do so.

I apologize for asking you to go all the way back, but I humbly ask that you do so, Titania said.

Sure, I don’t mind, Reiji said. If anything, we should get back as soon as possible.

Lucas de Hadorious... Graziella mumbled, an air of annoyance in her voice. What a troublesome foe.

From the way she firmly tapped her finger, it was easy to see how irritated she was. The duke had outwitted her too, so she wasn’t completely uninvolved.

A lord with territory adjacent to the Empire who possesses a powerful army at his beck and call, all the while commanding considerable personal strength, she added. How truly troublesome. It’s no simple matter to make an enemy of him.

Ummm, Tia... He’s one of the Seven Swords, like you are, right? Reiji asked.

Yes, Titania confirmed. He is the gentlest of the Seven Swords, wielding a dancing blade in battle. He is known as the Lord of Swords.

We only managed to beat him thanks to Suimei... Reiji said.

He can be quite the bother as an enemy, Graziella added. His strength plays a major role in keeping the Empire from making any significant moves.

Kurant City was Astel’s main defensive point, located along the border with Nelferia. His custody over the territory made it simple to imagine how talented the duke was. Graziella had a fairly high assessment of him too.

"Tia. You once said he