Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 45: Mirror, Mirror at the Pub

Chapter 45: Mirror, Mirror at the Pub

After class, Katherine and Laura made their way to the bustling academy market, weaving through the lively crowd. Merchants stood behind their stalls, shouting about their fresh produce and finest wares. Customers haggled over prices with practiced ease, and the occasional street performer played a tune or juggled knives, hoping to earn a few coins. The air carried a mix of scents—warm bread, fragrant spices, and something vaguely fishy that neither of them wanted to investigate too closely.

Katherine was sure that Arianne was waiting by the fountain in the marketplace. She had instructed her servants that if anything happened or if they needed assistance, their designated meeting place would be in front of the fountain.

Laura stretched her arms dramatically, her golden hair catching the sunlight. "Ah, freedom! No more lectures, no more nosy nobles judging our existence, just a peaceful afternoon—"

"Arianne should be around here," Katherine said, scanning the market stalls. "I sent her to buy bananas earlier."

Laura let out a deep, disappointed sigh, as if the weight of the world had suddenly fallen upon her. "Of all things in this world, you chose bananas."

"You say that as if they’re not a perfectly reasonable thing to buy," Katherine replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Bananas, Katherine? Bananas?" Laura repeated, her tone filled with exaggerated disappointment. "Of all the things you could urgently send your maid to fetch—mystical artifacts, rare spell books, a legendary sword—you chose bananas?"

Katherine exhaled slowly and smiled, clearly used to this brand of dramatic nonsense. "Bananas are... fine. And besides, Arianne likes them too."

Laura sighed, clutching Katherine’s arm as if she had just uncovered a terrible secret.

Katherine shook her head, but there was amusement in her expression.

"By the way, Princess, is it really okay for you to be wandering around with me? Won’t your attendants get worried?"

"Oh, they will," Laura admitted, flicking a strand of hair over her shoulder. "But I get bored being restricted to the same places. I want to explore from time to time." She beamed happily. "Besides, who would dare question me when I have you? I can just say I was hanging out with a friend." She chuckled.

Katherine rolled her eyes but smiled. Laura had a way of making everything feel lighthearted, even when her mind was burdened with heavier thoughts. Like, for example, the strange letter from Arianne.

A traveler spoke words that only I would understand.

Was it just nonsense? Or something more?

For now, she would focus on finding Arianne. But that letter stayed at the back of her mind, lingering like an unsolved riddle.

That phrase had been repeating in her head ever since she read the letter. Could it be related to her situation? She had no solid leads on how—or why—she had been transported into this novel. If there was even the slightest chance that this traveler knew something, she had to follow up.

Luckily, she wouldn’t have to look far. As soon as they reached the bustling market square, she spotted Arianne waiting near a fruit stall nearby the fountain.

"My lady," Arianne greeted, bowing her head slightly.

Katherine’s gaze dropped to Arianne’s hands, noting the distinct lack of bananas.

"Arianne, did something happen?" she asked, her tone light but laced with curiosity.

Arianne hesitated, shifting her weight slightly before lowering her head apologetically. "I... I apologize, my lady. While I was purchasing the items you requested, I mistook someone for you."

Katherine blinked, caught off guard. "Mistook them for me?"

"Yes," Arianne confirmed, her brows knitting together in confusion. "Their appearance was... similar. At a glance, I was certain it was you. But when I approached, I quickly realized my mistake."

Katherine frowned. Someone who looks like me? Red hair and green eyes were uncommon—so much so that she and Marquis Jonathas were often pointed out for their unique features. Yet now, out of nowhere, someone else with those traits had appeared?

"And then?" Katherine prompted, sensing there was more to the story.

Arianne sighed, as if still trying to process the encounter. "When they heard me mistake them for you, they seemed amused. Then they asked if they truly resembled you... and insisted on meeting you."

Katherine felt an uneasy chill creep up her spine. Her mind ran through the possibilities. Was this person just a curious traveler? A long-lost relative? Or was there something deeper at play?

"I’m very sorry, my lady, for disturbing your time," Arianne added, bowing slightly. "But they said something... peculiar."

Katherine stiffened slightly. Peculiar...? She recalled the letter Arianne had sent earlier.

Arianne pursed her lips, clearly unsure of what she had heard. "They spoke in an odd manner... mentioning words like ’other world,’ ’intey...net,’ ’way-fay,’ and ’guggle’?" Her brow furrowed in deep confusion. "I am afraid I could not make sense of it, my lady. But they said that should be enough for you to understand."

Katherine’s breath caught in her throat.

Internet. Wi-Fi. Google.

Her fingers twitched. Those weren’t just familiar words—they were words from her world. A world that no one in this book should know about.

She quickly schooled her expression, but the weight of the revelation pressed down on her. Could it be? Someone else from my world? It seemed too impossible. Yet, hadn’t she thought the same thing when Zamir talked to her about people like her getting lost in this world?

"Intey...?" Laura repeated, tilting her head in thought.

Katherine turned to look at her, expecting to find skepticism, but instead, Laura’s golden eyes shone with excitement.

"Oh! This must be a mysterious traveler of ancient wisdom!" Laura clasped her hands together dramatically. "A seer! A prophet! A secret scholar with knowledge lost to time!" She gasped. "Or a wizard! Katherine, what if they’re a wizard?"

Katherine, despite the tension gripping her, let out a quiet chuckle. "A wizard, huh?"

"Well, how else would they know of such strange things? ’Intey...net?’ ’Way-fay?’ That must be some kind of arcane language."

Katherine pursed her lips, fighting the urge to explain. Oh Laura, if only you knew.

She turned back to Arianne, her thoughts racing. "Where are they now?"

"They’re waiting at a nearby pub," Arianne answered. "I can take you there now."

Katherine exchanged a glance with Laura. For once, the princess didn’t tease—her curiosity was as evident as Katherine’s unease.

"Let’s go," Laura said, rolling up her sleeves as if preparing for an adventure. "We should see for ourselves."

Arianne led the way, weaving through the crowded streets, while Katherine followed, her pulse quickening with every step.

She had been curious about people like her in this world.

But now, she might be able to get a lead.

***

The pub was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of ale, roasted meat, and the faint trace of smoke from a poorly tended fireplace. The lively chatter of patrons filled the space, blending with the occasional clatter of mugs against wooden tables.

Katherine stepped inside, her gaze sweeping across the crowded room as Arianne led the way. Laura walked beside her, eyes gleaming with curiosity rather than wariness.

"Not the most elegant place," Laura murmured, glancing at the rustic decor and the rough-looking patrons laughing over their drinks, "but it’s interesting. I’ve never been to places like this before."

Katherine barely heard her, her attention drawn to the far corner of the room where a hooded figure sat alone at a small table, nursing a drink. Even in the dim lighting, his striking features were impossible to miss—fiery red hair and piercing green eyes. They were her colors.

Her breath hitched.

At first glance, he almost looked like a mirror of herself, but as she observed him more closely, the differences became clear. His face was more angular, his nose slightly straighter, his jaw sharper. His red hair, though the same shade as hers, was slightly longer and fell in careless waves. If Katherine was like a fox, sharp yet refined, he was like a wolf—casual but alert, as if always prepared to move.

Sensing her stare, the man lifted his gaze and smiled—a slow, easy grin that made him seem approachable despite the mysterious air about him.

Katherine hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward, Laura and Arianne close behind.

Katherine crossed her arms, studying the man carefully. "I heard you wished to speak to me. I was skeptical, but now I can understand why."

The man chuckled, setting his drink down. "Your maid mistook me for you," he said, his voice warm with amusement. He motioned to the empty seat across from him. "Care to join me?"

Katherine hesitated for only a moment, but before she could decide, Laura had already pulled out a chair and seated herself, draping one arm over the backrest as if she belonged there.

"I hope you don’t mind my presence," Laura said, her golden eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I’m just here because I’m curious."

The man’s gaze flickered between Katherine and Laura before settling on Katherine. His expression was unreadable, but Katherine could see it—the silent question in his eyes.

"Is bringing this lady with you wise?" he asked. "Does she... know about us?"

Katherine’s fingers tightened around the edge of the table, but she kept her face neutral. It was a careless slip to bring Laura here—Katherine had been desperate for a lead. But Laura, for all her curiosity, had no idea. As far as she knew, Katherine was just an odd but loyal friend.

"She doesn’t," Katherine answered smoothly, keeping her tone light but firm.

The man studied her for a moment, then let out a small, knowing chuckle. "Understood." He leaned back, swirling his drink idly. "Then let’s speak carefully, shall we?"

Laura, watching the exchange with growing curiosity, raised an eyebrow. "So you’ll keep secrets, even with me here?" She crossed her arms, looking between them. "At least let me in on a little bit?"

Katherine ignored Laura’s playful complaint and met the man’s gaze head-on. "Alright, let’s start," she said, her voice lowering slightly. "Who are you?"

Laura gasped. "You guys don’t even know each other?"

The man exhaled, as if deciding how much he wanted to reveal. He reached up and pulled back his hood, revealing his full face.

"Call me Ruel," he said with a wink. "And let’s just say... you and I? We’re not so different."

Ruel’s lips quirked into a small grin, though his eyes remained thoughtful.

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