Lord of Avalon : Lost in Another World

A Lord's Dilemma

Ardi let out a long sigh, wiping the sweat off his brow with his already damp sleeve before accepting a warm towel from Megumi. Beads of sweat still rolled down his face after an exhausting kenjutsu training session with Kenshin.

Megumi, her expression calm as always, carefully handed him a bottle of fresh water from the Moon Well. "Drink, My Lord," she said softly.

Ardi took the bottle and downed its contents in one gulp. The refreshing coolness washed down his throat, soothing the exhaustion from his intense training.

Kenshin, sitting cross-legged on the dojo floor, smirked as he watched the exchange. He knew this was more than just a simple relationship between a chef and her lord. With a knowing look, he casually remarked,

"My Lord, will Megumi become the future lady of Minori Village, just like Lady Yui?"

Ardi choked instantly. The water he had just swallowed nearly shot out of his nose. Megumi, reacting on instinct, quickly knelt beside him and patted his back gently.

"Ardi-sama, drink more slowly..." she said awkwardly, her cheeks turning red.

Ardi coughed a few times before managing to regain his composure. He shot Kenshin a betrayed look. "Oi, Kenshin! What kind of question is that?"

Kenshin shrugged, completely unfazed. "I'm just curious, My Lord. Isn't it obvious?"

Megumi lowered her head even further, trying to hide her embarrassment behind her hair.

Ardi sighed, rubbing his face with his hand. "Don't say weird things. Megumi and I are just... just..."

Megumi stiffened, waiting for his answer.

"She's just an amazing chef," Ardi finally said, though his voice lacked confidence.

Megumi bit her lip, a mixture of relief and disappointment welling up inside her.

Kenshin simply gave a small smile, his eyes filled with understanding. "My Lord, are you really sure about that answer?"

Ardi fell silent.

Kenshin then stood up and lightly patted Megumi's shoulder. "Megumi, you can return to the kitchen. I need to have a private talk with Lord Ardi."

Megumi nodded quietly and stood up, but before leaving the dojo, she glanced at Ardi as if wanting to say something. In the end, she only sighed softly and walked away.

Once she was gone, Kenshin turned back to Ardi with a serious expression.

"My Lord, let's take a walk outside."

The two men walked through Ardi's private garden. The evening sky had turned golden, and sakura petals danced gently in the breeze, landing on the surface of the koi pond.

Kenshin crossed his arms, staring at the sky for a moment before speaking. "I know you're from a different world. You see relationships differently from us. But as a lord, you need to understand that love isn't just about personal feelings. It's also about responsibility."

Ardi sighed, sitting down at the edge of the pond and staring at his reflection in the water. "I know... But I don't want to hurt anyone, Kenshin. If I accept Megumi's feelings, I might hurt Yui. But if I ignore them, I'll hurt Megumi."

Kenshin sat beside him, his voice softer now. "And if you don't choose, you'll hurt them both."

Ardi remained silent.

Kenshin continued, "In this world, having more than one partner isn't unusual for a lord. In some cases, it even strengthens stability and alliances. But I know you're not the type to build a harem just because you can. You want meaningful relationships, not just duty."

Ardi nodded. "I don't want a harem just for the sake of it. I want the people by my side to truly want to be there, not because of politics or status."

Kenshin smiled. "Then you only need to be honest with yourself, My Lord. Yui has already noticed Megumi's feelings for you. And if I had to guess, she's waiting for your decision."

Ardi let out a deep sigh, feeling like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He looked up at the darkening sky as more sakura petals drifted around him.

"I'll think about it, Kenshin," he finally said. "I don't want to rush and make a mistake."

Kenshin patted his shoulder before standing up. "That's a wise answer, My Lord. But don't take too long. If you hesitate for too long, opportunities can slip away."

Ardi looked at him and let out a small chuckle. "You sound like an old man giving life advice."

Kenshin smirked. "And you sound like a young man afraid of love."

Ardi could only sigh.

This world had given him power, status, and even the chance to build a civilization. But even the greatest strength couldn't make matters of the heart any easier.

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A Dinner Unlike Any Other

As the evening settled over Minori Village, warm lantern light filled the Lord's Office. Megumi, as always, arrived with a tray of carefully prepared dishes—a meal she had painstakingly made. But tonight felt different.

Before Megumi could place the tray down and leave, Ardi spoke up.

"Megumi, please sit and eat with me tonight."

Megumi blinked, startled. Normally, she only delivered the food before quietly stepping away. She opened her mouth to respond, but Ardi continued before she could protest.

"Shiro, Miyu, bring extra dishes and tableware from the kitchen. Ren, keep watch outside."

Ren hesitated for a brief moment, sensing that this was not an ordinary meal. However, he nodded and left, understanding that his lord was about to make an important decision.

Minutes later, Shiro and Miyu returned, carefully setting the additional food and utensils before bowing respectfully and leaving.

Now, the room was silent except for the crackling of the lanterns. Ardi exhaled slowly, looking at the two women before him.

On one side sat Yui, his ever-loyal fairy assistant and the one who had supported him through everything. Her gentle blue eyes carried a knowing glint, as if she had already predicted what was coming.

On the other side sat Megumi, his personal chef. She was kind, sincere, and always put others before herself. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her quiet warmth and unwavering care that stirred something deep within Ardi.

Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward slightly.

"Yui… Megumi… I need to be honest with you both."

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Feelings Laid Bare

Megumi, who had been quietly tracing the rim of her teacup, froze. Meanwhile, Yui remained composed, watching Ardi intently.

"I…" Ardi hesitated, his voice uncharacteristically unsure. "I'm not the kind of man you think I am. I'm not a gentleman. I'm just an otaku who barely has experience with relationships."

Yui tilted her head, a small smirk forming. "Oh? You don't say."

Ardi sighed. "I mean it. I thought I could be the type of man who only devotes himself to one person. But… I've failed."

He clenched his fists, then exhaled deeply.

"Because despite my love for you, Yui… I've also started to develop feelings for Megumi."

The room fell into a tense silence.

Megumi's eyes widened in shock. Her fingers trembled slightly as she clutched her kimono sleeve. She had never expected Ardi to say it so directly.

Ardi turned to her, his gaze sincere.

"Megumi, you're always there for me. Not just as my chef, but as someone who genuinely cares. I started noticing the little things—the way you scold me when I skip meals, how you always prepare warm tea when I'm exhausted, how you… worry about me more than you should."

Megumi's face turned crimson. She lowered her gaze, gripping the fabric of her sleeve tighter. "I-I was just doing my job…" she mumbled.

Ardi smiled weakly. "If that were true, then why do you always go out of your way to make sure I eat properly? Why do you look so relieved every time I return safely?"

A soft sigh broke the silence.

"You really are dense, Ardi," Yui said.

Ardi flinched. "I—"

Yui shook her head, letting out a quiet chuckle. "I knew this would happen eventually… but I didn't expect you to admit it this soon."

She took a sip of her tea before setting it down.

"Ardi, you're not the first man to be caught between two women. And honestly? It's not like I didn't see this coming."

Ardi blinked. "You… did?"

Yui smirked. "Of course. Did you really think I wouldn't notice how you look at Megumi when she's not paying attention?"

Ardi opened his mouth to deny it, but Yui raised a finger.

"And Megumi… you're not exactly subtle either."

Megumi let out a small squeak, covering her mouth with her sleeve, her entire face glowing red.

Ardi exhaled. "I just don't want to hurt either of you."

Yui's expression softened. "Then don't."

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An Unexpected Answer

Ardi looked at her, confused.

Yui leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm.

"You already know how I feel about you. And as for Megumi…" She turned to the flustered chef. "Megumi, you've already made up your mind, haven't you?"

Megumi hesitated. Her fingers gripped the hem of her kimono tightly. She swallowed hard before nodding.

"…I don't mind… being second."

Ardi felt his breath hitch. "Megumi, I—"

She shook her head and forced herself to meet his gaze despite her burning cheeks.

"I know Yui is first. She always will be. And I know my place. But… even so, if you'll have me, I…" Her voice trailed off into an embarrassed whisper.

Ardi sat there, his heart pounding. He turned to Yui, who simply smiled.

"Well, Master?" she said teasingly. "You have your answer."

Ardi let out a dry chuckle. "I really don't deserve either of you, do I?"

Megumi bit her lip, looking away shyly. Yui, on the other hand, playfully flicked his forehead.

"Nope. But that's okay. You'll just have to spend the rest of your life making it up to us."

Ardi groaned, rubbing his forehead. "I have a feeling my peaceful days are over."

Yui grinned. "Oh, they've been over for a while now."

Megumi smiled softly—a look of relief crossing her face.

For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe… she could stay by his side.

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Training Under the Starlit Sky

A quiet night enveloped Daimyo Manor. The sky glittered with countless stars, and a gentle breeze swayed the cherry blossoms in Ardi's private garden. The koi pond shimmered under the lantern lights, creating a peaceful contrast to the intense training that was about to begin.

Standing atop a stone in the garden, Ardi change his Nexus Garb his wore to black Shinobi Garb, his Omniblade, in its Ninjato form, secured on his back. A Ninja Pouch was strapped to his right thigh, making him look like a true shinobi in training.

Around him, a group of Minori Village shinobi had gathered, including Shirou and Miyu, who couldn't resist teasing their lord.

Shirou smirked. "My Lord, with that outfit, you almost look like one of us. Are you planning to change professions?"

Miyu chuckled, covering her mouth. "Careful, Shirou. If he's too skilled, we might lose our jobs!"

Ardi rolled his eyes before grinning mischievously. "Then when can I train with your kids? Maybe I'll teach them a few tricks."

Shirou and Miyu immediately coughed in surprise, their faces turning slightly red. Shirou scratched his head awkwardly, while Miyu suddenly found the starry sky very interesting.

Ren, already used to his lord's antics, simply shook his head. But deep down, he felt relieved. Ardi looked much more relaxed and open than before.

Once the laughter settled, Ren finally spoke.

"Alright, My Lord. Tonight, we'll focus on camouflage and counter-camouflage. This isn't just about hiding—it's about truly blending into the environment so that you disappear from your opponent's sight."

Ardi nodded. "So it's more than just standing behind a tree?"

Ren smirked. "Far more than that."

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Phase 1: Understanding the Environment

Ren led Ardi to the center of the garden.

"The first step," Ren said, "is to understand your surroundings. Camouflage isn't just about hiding your body—it's about merging with the shadows, the sounds, and the natural rhythm of the environment."

He then closed his eyes for a moment—and vanished. Not in a sudden movement, but as if his body faded into the trees and stones around him.

Ardi blinked.

"Where did he go?" he thought.

Scanning the area, he focused on the lantern lights, searching for any unnatural movement. However, every time he thought he saw something, it was just the leaves swaying in the wind.

After a few minutes, Ren's voice came from behind him.

"You're relying too much on your eyes. Use all your senses, not just your vision."

Ardi spun around, but Ren had already vanished again.

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Phase 2: Hiding One's Presence

After failing several times to find Ren, it was now Ardi's turn to hide. He positioned himself behind a large cherry tree and tried to mimic Ren's technique.

Slowing his breathing, he adjusted his movements to match the rhythm of the wind. He focused on erasing his presence, letting his body blend into the environment.

However—

"Too stiff," Ren's voice echoed from behind.

Startled, Ardi turned, but before he could react, Ren emerged from the bushes beside him.

"You're still thinking of this as 'hiding,'" Ren explained. "Instead, you should make people forget you exist."

Ardi let out a long sigh. "This is way harder than I thought."

Ren smirked. "If it were easy, everyone would be a shinobi."

Determined, Ardi tried again. This time, he studied the shadows, observed how the wind moved the leaves, and adjusted his posture to 'flow' with the surroundings.

Ren watched closely, then gave a small nod. "Better. But there are still gaps."

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Phase 3: Counter-Camouflage

Now, it was Ardi's turn to find Ren—without any hints.

He focused his senses. Looking alone wouldn't be enough.

He listened.

The gentle trickling of the koi pond, the chirping of night insects, the rustling leaves in the wind—

Something felt off.

There was an area where the wind didn't move naturally.

Opening his eyes, he scanned the garden again. Then, he spotted it—a shadow that was too still among the trees.

Quickly, he tossed a small pebble toward it.

Rustle!

Something shifted, and Ren stepped out from the shadows, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Good. You're starting to get it," Ren said.

Ardi grinned, exhausted. "So, the key is to sense people's presence, not just look for them?"

Ren nodded. "Exactly. This isn't just about hiding—it's about understanding presence."

Ardi stretched, feeling his muscles ache from the intense focus. "I can see how this would be incredibly useful in the future."

Ren smirked. "And you've only learned the basics."

Ardi glanced up at the starry sky, taking a deep breath of the refreshing night air.

"Damn," he said with a small laugh. "Now I really want to train even more."

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A Quiet Observation

A short distance away, Yui and Megumi were watching them.

Yui, with a playful smile, whispered to Megumi, "He's really enjoying himself, huh?"

Megumi, still flustered from their dinner incident earlier, bit her lip. "It's because he's stubborn," she muttered.

Yui giggled. "Or maybe… he just wants to look cool in front of us?"

Megumi froze, her face turning bright red. "Y-Yui! Don't say weird things!"

Yui chuckled before floating toward Ardi.

"Master~ are you done playing ninja? If you're too busy, I might have to go to bed alone tonight~."

Ardi sighed. "I just finished training, and you're already teasing me again?"

Yui smirked. "Of course! It's my duty as your partner, after all."

Megumi, still standing nearby, clutched her apron nervously. She wanted to say something but struggled to find the right words.

Ren, watching everything unfold, simply shook his head with a small smile.

"It looks like our Lord's life is about to get even more… interesting."