Sitting together on the couches, I finally began to explain everything—how I was summoned to this world by mistake a year and a half ago, and how I met everyone here, including the Hero Party and the royal family.
"But you were never gone that long..." Mom said, confused.
"Yeah, that's true," I replied, "because on Earth, only about an hour and a half passed."
I briefly explained the difference in time between the two worlds—how time flowed differently here than back home.
Hearing that, Princess Maya tilted her head.
"You didn't go back to your own time?"
"Yes, I did return," I nodded, "with my belongings as well... but not at the exact same moment."
I pulled out the emerald pendant that still hung from my neck.
"I brought back a few things from here—including this pendant... and the mana I absorbed into my body."
"Is that why your body is still reacting to mana? Your eyes and your veins..." Maya asked, looking at my appearance.
"Yes," I said.
Lily, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke.
"Brother, by mana... do you mean that stuff from fantasy stories?"
I nodded again.
"Yes. Unlike our world, mana is fundamental here. It's everywhere—all the time. But our Earth-born bodies reject it. That's why I'm experiencing these... side effects."
Dad, who had been quietly listening all this time, finally asked,
"Then how did you return home in the first place?"
"Uh…" I hesitated. Is it okay to tell them? Will it be too much?
Princess Maya glanced at me.
"Sir Alve... I think you should tell them. They deserve to know."
I took a deep breath. Words felt heavy in my throat.
"I died," I said.
Silence.
Their faces froze—utter shock and horror settling in. For a moment, no one said anything.
"But... you're alive now... right?" Mom asked, her voice trembling.
I nodded.
"Yes. But after I died here... I woke up back in my room. As if nothing happened."
The room stayed quiet. They were still processing what I had just said. And I didn't want to push it any further—for now.
Trying to shift the topic, I looked toward Princess Maya.
"What happened after I left? I only see their gear hanging on the wall. Where are Ramon and the others? Are they in the palace?"
Princess Maya stood up, brushing back a loose strand of hair.
"Big Brother Edward took the throne and began working tirelessly. As for the Hero Party... Hero Ramon left a letter for you. You should read it when you have time."
"A letter?" I asked, surprised.
_Did they go on an adventure? Wait… wasn't I supposed to be dead? Then how did Ramon know...?_
Maya stepped toward the front door.
"Visit the palace later," she said. "Brother Edward couldn't come along due to his duties, but he's eager to meet you."
"I'll be there," I assured her.
Just as she reached the door, she paused, turning her head slightly.
"And Sir Alve... if possible—please visit your Master. The sooner, the better."
With that, she walked out, leaving behind thinking of Master, Miss Sera. I remember looking at her and Miss Kaelyn before I died.