It's important to listen carefully, especially when the speaker is an older person. Misunderstandings often arise because someone doesn't express themselves clearly or because the listener simply isn't paying attention.
The man in front of us started to protest, immediately capturing my attention. Of course, the reason was obvious: we'd been torn from our world and brought here against our will, separated from the people who loved us. Well, in my case it's alright, though I do have some regrets, like not thanking the orphanage director for everything he did. Perhaps, in my original world, I'm already dead...
If so, then maybe this is my new body.
—We don't want to wait any longer! Couldn't you just tell us everything you know right now, old man?
The person who asked was a man at the front, with a polite voice. He sounded young, but with a mature undertone. Since I was still huddled in the back, I had no way of seeing who he was. I'm still here, hiding; it must be a reaction conditioned by my shyness. I don't think I have the courage to speak openly while anxiety gnaws at me. Besides, the tension in the air suddenly increased, making it even harder for me to announce my presence.
—I see. But it would be best if we introduced ourselves first. My name is Ishtal, and I am an advisor to His Majesty. I was also the one who proposed the plan to summon you, the Valiant Heroes, to our world. Once again, I apologize.
The old man bowed before everyone, his voice heavy with regret. I feel sorry for him, his back bent with age, but in a world where anything can happen, who knows if he's truly frail or not? I've read enough novels to know that appearances can be deceiving. That's what I prefer to believe.
I remember the orphanage director always complaining about his back pain and fragile bones, but he could still unleash his fury. He was capable of running a mile chasing you with a wooden stick while yelling. But I digress...
Although Councilor Ishtal noticed the unease of those present, in the end everyone decided to go with the flow.
—Well, I am... —and so they continued.
I'm sorry... The truth is, I'm terrible at remembering names, especially with the chaos of this event. Plus, I easily lose focus on formalities; maybe it's my lack of social skills that makes a round of introductions so boring.
Hm? No, I don't think so. I think my distraction is a defense mechanism. My eyes wander around the room, and I'm having trouble following the conversation. I don't know if it's fear, but I can't help feeling like someone is watching me with malicious eyes, full of murky intentions... Is it because of this body?
After a while, they finished introducing themselves. I suppose I'll be able to tell them apart by their appearance. For example, the guy in front of me is over six feet five inches tall; he has a robust build and an impressive height that I'm quite envious of, considering how scrawny I was in my old body. I'll call him "Muscular" or something like that.
After the long introduction, the old man spoke hurriedly:
—Oh! It seems His Majesty has arrived! Heroes, thank you for your patience.
I feel the tension rising. Some of those in front of me clench their fists, ready to attack; others remain calm or seem indifferent. It's frightening, terrifying to be caught in the middle of this exchange. I shrink even further, trying to erase my existence.
Suddenly, soft voices emerged from somewhere, capturing everyone's attention:
—That's what happens to you for working too much and getting stressed, you stupid king.
—You reap what you sow; you handled four months' worth of paperwork in a single night. Are you stupid?
—Your health worries me a lot, I have to take care of you all the time.
They were girls' voices; though they spoke lightly, they sounded dignified and refined. "Hey! Aren't you speaking too ill of your king?" Curiously, I felt the tension in the group lessen as I listened to them. The atmosphere became more relaxed.
I peeked out to the side, overcome by curiosity. The King is a young man of about twenty, with shining white hair, sky-blue eyes, and a body that, although slender, is clearly well-trained. He's tall, about six feet one inch. How I envy him!
The girls accompanying him are textbook beauties. One is blonde, wearing white armor and a pleated skirt with a black ribbon in her hair. Another wears a breastplate with incredible engravings and shorts that accentuate her figure. Her face is doll-like, with long eyelashes and round eyes. The last one appears to be a mage, with a violet shawl that defines her silhouette in a rather... suggestive way. She is the tallest of the three and possesses a sharp, cold beauty.
The old man spoke again, interrupting my remarks:
—Your Majesty, these are the thirteen valiant heroes summoned! They seek answers now, so I would be grateful if you would provide them.
—Thirteen? Ishtal, either you're very absent-minded or you've forgotten how to count by age —the sorceress said coldly.
Uwah... she's ruthless.
—There are fourteen presences, you know?
—Huh? I'm sorry for the mistake, Lady Violetta! But who is the missing hero? I don't see anyone else.
—Heroes, please make way to the back.
Like the parting of the Red Sea before Moses, the others parted, revealing my stunned face. My social anxiety flared, and chills ran through my body. The other heroes gasped at the tiny creature standing behind them. I have no idea what I look like; I only know I'm small.
"A little girl?!" exclaimed almost everyone in the room.
Only the king maintained an impassive expression. My insignificant existence astonished them. At least it's a relief to know I'm not an old woman nor do I have any deformity...
"KYAAAAA, HOW CUTE!" someone shouted near the king.
Some glances shifted; now they watched me as if I were prey. Terrifying! The old man cleared his throat to regain his composure. For a moment he seemed quite capable. You've earned some respect, old man.
—Little girl, please step forward and say your name.
Hahaha... that didn't help my anxiety at all. My heart is pounding. However, I have to accept that, from now on, this body is mine. I took a step forward, my legs trembling, under everyone's gaze.
I want a fresh start. I want a quiet life, free from shocks and pain. I don't really care about how I look now. My attachment to my old body is still strong, but when I try to remember it, all I can feel is the sting of the gunshot wound in my side... and it still hurts. It's a strange reaction for a man, but with this gender and this appearance, there's not much I can do.
Thinking of a new name is complicated. I wanted to say "Nil," but since it's a new life, I looked for something similar that would be appropriate for a girl. Ipomoea nil is difficult to pronounce, so I decided to use the name I was given at the orphanage as my last name.
-My name is...
Everyone froze. My voice rang out clearly, almost like an angel's song; even my heart skipped a beat. I must get used to this sound. I sighed deeply to calm myself, offered a faint smile, and stared intently at the king.
I announced my name in this new world:
—...Asagao Lionheart.
Even under the gaze of the king and all those behind me, I managed to stand firm.
That's how it is.
From now on, I am Asagao Lionheart.