The massive sorcery battle Magics War came to a successful end. With that, the College also held a closing ceremony at the same time, and the winter break was finally coming.
Speaking of plans for the winter break, I don't have as many plans as I have for the summer break. Because that's because winter break is shorter. Of these, perhaps the best main one will be the hymn festival.
Every year, the festival takes place on the 25th of December.
They originated in the diocese of the kingdom and began by singing psalms. It has gradually developed from there and is now one of the best events in this Arnold kingdom.
You used to seem to spend a lot of time with your family, but now you think spending time with your lover is also the flavor of this choral festival?
Until now, I've never attended a hymn festival. There was talk of going with my family during the sanatorium, but my parents were also busy at work at that time of year, and Stella and I would not be the only ones who would forgive me... so I never participated.
But not this year.
That's because I'm invited to a choir festival party. That's sponsored by the Sorcery Association, and I'm invited as an [Ice Sword Sorcerer], but this is a good opportunity for me to go.
Plus, a lot of nobles come, which doesn't mean I know zero people.
"Mr. Ray! Congratulations on your win!
After winning, Senior Rebecca came to me smiling with great pleasure. Just that day, I was about to break up with Albert and Evie and head over to Amelia's, but along the way I stumbled upon Senior Rebecca.
"Thank you. It was a critical battle, but we managed to win"
"Honestly, it was a great fight! Mr. Ray, that was so cool!
"That's frightening."
The sense of distance from Senior Rebecca approaches me gleefully. I've been thinking lately that seniors are oddly close when talking, or like they're conscious of the ascendancy...? I feel it.
Well, maybe it's too much for me to think about, so I don't have anything special to mention.
"Um... Actually, I just wanted to talk to you..."
"What is it"
When I lean down, I show a way to wrap my hair around my fingers as I twirl it. He seemed to be staring at something.
"Today is the... December, the 23rd, right?
"Right."
"Is Mr. Ray going to participate in that... hymn festival with someone?
"No, I don't have any particular plans. Enough to go to a party at the sorcery club?"
Senior Rebecca has looked up at me with moisturizing eyes.
I see. About the hymn festival? As for the hymn festival, I don't have any plans, especially this year. Sure, at night, he talked about even eating with his master, but until then, he's free.
Besides, the day before the hymn festival seems to be quite exciting again in recent years.
You think December, the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth are important festivals for this king's people?
"Oh, if that's the case! Tomorrow, I'm fine!!?
I dye my face red, and I come even closer gleefully. I can see you breathing a little rough and apparently nervous. Of course, I don't have any particular business other than the night of the twenty-fifth, so I'll get right back to you.
"Yes, time is fine"
"Ho, is it true...?
When I put my hands together in front of my chest, that's what I ask again.
"Yes, because I don't have any particular plans"
Then he said, "Yay...!," said Senior Rebecca in a small, gutsy pose. Apparently, you wanted to go hang out with someone else for a while. Seniors would have had a lot of things, and I'm sure they want to stretch their feathers.
"So, hah! Let's get together in front of the Central District fountain tomorrow at 10: 00. Ugh!
"Yes. Okay."
She bowed her head and waved loudly on the spot, leaving as if she were skipping. When I left, I also heard a little nose song.
That's how I headed back to the hospital with Amelia and Ariane.
"So why don't we all go play tomorrow?
Now he was just coming to the room where Amelia and Ariane were hospitalized. Even when it comes to hospitalization, he can be discharged immediately. Tonight, I hear we're both going back to our parents' house.
"Uh, the... Ray"
"What's up, Amelia?"
"Senior Rebecca asked you out, didn't she?
"Oh. But when it comes to playing, the numbers would be better. I'm still trying to speak to everyone after this."
……
Put your hands on your head and stand still on the spot, Amelia. Doing so, Ariane sighs loudly, "Ha..." again.
"Ray... ha... Well, I knew it. Well... you can see how hard Amelia and Senior Rebecca have been struggling."
"Right? No, I don't mind. This is how you talked to me earlier. I bet you did. But maybe a little sympathy for the seniors."
"Hey..."
Trying to stare into the void, the two looked stunned and now sighed all together.
Mm-hmm. Could I have done something wrong?
But it's a hymn festival because of it. I don't think it's wrong that we all want to have fun...
"Ma, bad for Senior Rebecca..."
"That's right."
The two of us apparently agreed on something, and he kept agreeing to it. I was sending a gaze at poor people for me until the end, but what was that...
As I was about to leave the hospital, it was the first time in a long time that a golden twin tail had caught my eye.
"Ah! Not Ray. No!
"True! Ray-kun... Huh!
Yes. It was Clarice and Elisa there. Apparently, they both came to see Amelia and the others.
"You had a great game!
"Uh-huh! That was a sweaty game in my hand! Happy winning!"
"Hmm! I'll celebrate you specially. Wow! Oh, my God!
and the two of them are happy with the momentum that is likely to jump on the spot. I wanted to thank both of them again.
"Both of you, thank you. This win was only because of everyone's support. I really appreciate it."
After that, I decided to ask Elisa and Clarice about their plans for tomorrow. Then he clouded his face just like Amelia and the others.
"Mm-hmm. No, I don't mind, but hey"
"Wow, I'm fine too. Yikes...! But..."
Similar reaction. What the hell is the problem? I was curious, so I decided to ask for more information.
"Is there something wrong? Amelia and Ariane reacted the same way. It would help if you could tell me more."
"Eh. I'll tell you what."
Clarice keeps staring at me half-eyed and looks up at me.
"You, the invitation... didn't they tell you you were alone?
……
At that time, I remember a story about Senior Rebecca. But you're not supposed to hear about us going alone.
"No, you didn't say anything in particular."
"Ha... even if you haven't told me, guess where. Well, maybe Ray's the way he always is."
"Ugh, yeah... right..."
After that, Clarice and Elisa also reluctantly agreed. Originally, there seemed to be talk of everyone wanting to go somewhere in the victory celebration... oddly enough, the toothpick remained a mystery.
And I'm on my way home alone.
It's completely winter. Time isn't night again, either, but the sun is totally about to set. Street lights also start to light up, proceeding alone through such thin darkness.
"Snow, huh?
I feel cold on my face.
Looking up at the sky, it was starting to snow.
Right. It's already... that's the season.
Winter. And this cold feeling.
Without denying it, it reminds me of the past. I got caught up in the Far East battle, about that day.
But I'm not alone anymore.
I have a lot of loved ones.
I'm really excited we're all going to see each other tomorrow.