"Still, I can't believe I've been summoned to another world."
Finally, even though Frieren hadn't finished eating, she began to talk about her situation, her emerald eyes calm as she reached for another piece of meat.
"Oh? You actually believe what I told you earlier?" Shido asked, genuinely surprised.
"Why not?" Frieren replied, placing the meat into her mouth and chewing happily. "I could feel the mana in the surroundings suddenly shift into something unfamiliar the moment I arrived."
She paused briefly, swallowing before continuing.
"And that system of yours is the biggest proof you have."
When she mentioned the system, Frieren felt a strange feeling in her chest.
Her will and life had been forcibly bound, her soul suddenly linked to a person she had just met for the first time. It was a situation that would have terrified most, but Frieren wasn't overly worried.
From the moment she first laid eyes on Shido, there had been an odd sense of familiarity, making her instinctively recognize him as someone important, even though they had never met before. It was beyond her understanding, and despite her hundreds of years of knowledge and experience, Frieren couldn't find an answer to explain this bond.
She could tell that it must be because of that system.
In the end, she let out a long sigh and simply accepted it.
She had quietly observed Shido, and though he carried a strong presence, she could tell he wasn't a demon or someone with a cruel heart. For now, that was enough to ease her mind.
"What's wrong?" Shido asked, noticing the deep sigh that escaped Frieren's lips.
"Nothing… It's just that…" Frieren shook her head slightly, her emerald eyes softening. "I'm a little worried about my apprentices."
Her mind drifted to Fern and Stark, wondering what they were doing right now. Were they searching for her? Had they even noticed her sudden disappearance?
"You don't need to worry about them." Shido said calmly.
"Hm? Why's that?" Frieren tilted her head, curiosity could be seen in her eyes.
"Because, the time in your world and the same with every world will temporarily stop." Hearing Shido's explanation, Frieren was surprised but not shocked, after all, she already experienced the power of the system that made her really helpless so this much didn't cause a huge impact on her.
"…I see." She lowered her gaze, a faint smile appearing on her lips. At least Fern wouldn't have to panic or feel alone. After all, Frieren wasn't just her mentor, she was like a mother, the one who had raised her from childhood.
"Then, can you tell me about yourself and this world?" Frieren asked, her emerald eyes meeting Shido's with calm curiosity.
She was genuinely interested in the person she now recognized as her master, and the new world she found herself in.
"Although the system provided me with some information about you and your origins, I still want to hear it directly from you." she added.
Shido nodded. "Alright."
With that, he began to share his story, who he truly was, the system that guided him, and the existence of the countless worlds he could travel to.
Frieren quietly raised a sound barrier around them, ensuring no one else in the tavern would overhear their conversation. After all, it was far too dangerous to speak openly about these things in public.
Their conversation continued for quite some time, Frieren listening intently until Shido finally finished his explanation.
"…So I have to complete all the quests to move to another world."
"Hm. Interesting." Frieren nodded thoughtfully, her emerald eyes reflecting a quiet spark of curiosity as she considered the unknowns of this new world.
"Alright." She casually waved her fork as she spoke, her silver hair swaying with the motion. "Since I'm already here, and I can't exactly break free from this system, I'll just explore this world and help you with your quests."
Having finished her meal, Frieren was now fully focused on Shido, her gaze calm yet expectant.
"…Ahahaha. Thanks." Shido let out a small, awkward laugh. He felt a hint of guilt, knowing she had been forced into this situation, but his thick skin kept it from showing on his face.
As he looked at her, young, beautiful, yet carefree attitude, Shido found himself smiling inwardly.
Yes, this really was the Frieren he knew.
She was a bit of a sloppy person with a few loose screws, but Frieren's mastery of magic was undeniable. Shido had originally wanted Rumia to learn more advanced magic, and now he was certain that Frieren would be the perfect mentor for her.
"Since you're done eating, do you want to tour the capital first?" Shido suggested, knowing it would help Frieren get familiar with her new surroundings.
"Okay." Frieren nodded, a subtle light of anticipation in her emerald eyes. "I'm curious to see how cities in this world differ from my own."
"Good. Then let's go."
...
"I'm back."
Shido had taken Frieren around the capital, explaining various places and details about the city as they walked, before they finally decided to return to his home.
Frieren, curious as always, was interested in seeing Shido's household and meeting the friends he had mentioned, especially the girl he wanted her to teach magic. She didn't particularly mind; after all, she had taken apprentices before.
"Welcome back, Acheval-san!" Tuare called out brightly, hurrying to the door to greet Shido. She looked like an excited puppy welcoming its master home, while wagging its tail happily at her masters arrival.
"…Acheval?" Frieren tilted her head, raising an eyebrow as she glanced at Shido, finding it a bit amusing.
Shido felt her gaze and the corners of his lips twitched, but he chose to ignore it. He had already explained to Frieren that he was using an alias in this world, after all.
"I'm back, Tuare." Shido gently patted her head, and Tuare's face bloomed with a blissful smile.
"Mmn~"
"Right, where are Rumia and Clementine?" Shido asked, planning to introduce Frieren, especially to Rumia.
"Ah." Tuare looked a little reluctant as Shido's hand left her head, but she quickly answered. "Rumia-san is practicing magic in the backyard, while Clementine-san went up to her room to rest after breakfast."