Night.

After a few days had passed since then, the year was finally due to dawn the day after. We spend all of our time at home, but Stella seems to really like Amelia and Senior Rebecca.

He invites the two of us to do anything to play and laughs with real pleasure.

As a brother, I'm glad, but I actually miss Stella a little bit because she's crazy about both of us.

"Well, and"

Private room. I've already bathed, so I turn on the light of the lamp that I should even read before I go to bed. This time I'm reading Mr. Reese's new issue.

There was also a massive sorcery battle, Magics War, and a hymn festival, and the time at the end of the year was just fine because I couldn't get the time together.

And is it about thirty minutes? About that time after I started reading, the door was knocked.

"... Amelia? What's the matter with you?

When I opened the door, there was Amelia. My hair is still slightly wet and my cheeks are red. Sure, though I heard you were going to take a bath with Stella and your senior.

"Uh... that. I'm up early and I have some time, so I was wondering if I'd like to talk to Ray for a second... Oh, my God. Can't you?

I look up anxiously.

But there's no reason to say no. Get her indoors immediately.

"No. I don't mind. Come on in."

"Ugh, yeah! Yes!

This room is relatively simple. In the first place, I don't really like flashy decorations. The table and chair, plus the bed, would have had enough furniture.

"That. Were you even reading a book?

"Ah. It's Mr. Reese's new issue."

"Speaking of which, Mr. Reese is a very famous novelist."

"Sounds like it. The first time I heard it, it was a surprise."

"Heh... I was a bestseller, too, so I've read it. That's so funny."

"That's a great portrayal of the characters. I feel each Goto is really portrayed as plausible"

I glanced at the book I had on the table and thrilled with that story. Amelia also has an unexpected taste in books when it comes to reading.

"But unexpected. Ray, you read romance novels."

"Right. The novel is basically a lot of romantic stuff."

"Also, could it be that... interested, or something?

Those eyes were like expecting something.

He just peeks into my eyes like he's staring.

Interested or not. It is decided because it is enough to read.

But I'm sure there's a different reason for the root.

"... I think I'm interested. However, some books I used to let you read were a lot of romantic. And I'm sure I'm looking for it."

"Looking?

"… I want to know the mechanics of people's minds"

"People's hearts, huh?"

Temporary silence. And I opened my mouth again.

"Ah. I was born and raised in a special environment. Approximately, you wouldn't be able to call it a normal life. It was natural for people to die. One day on that battlefield, I thought I was going to die too. Every time my people scattered, I felt a big hole in my heart"

……

Amelia has a serious look and listens to me.

"I'm sure reading is probably a quid pro quo. To fill this gap in your mind. Well, I've said a lot of great things, but I also said that there's a reason I like you purely... What's up, Amelia?

"Ugh... gu... that. Oh, sorry."

When I looked closely, she was crying. Wipe away the tears that flow and apologize for some reason.

"I'm sorry. Would I have done something offensive?

"Yeah. The other way around. When I think about Ray, I get a little emotional."

"Really?

"Yeah. But I know I feel the same way. Even I'm still looking."

"Right..."

That day. Just before the rookie finals of the Magics Chevalier tournament. I went through Amelia and her mind.

I'm sure the big branch was over there.

Because I was able to expose my mind on that spot, I was able to go straight from then on.

"Hey, it's time for the new year."

"Right."

Hit it and change, and the story moves to college.

"I've had a lot going on this year..."

"I've been through a lot too."

"I made a lot of friends, and I won the tournament."

"That's right. Will Amelia have won both the Magics Chevalier and the Magics War?"

"Yep. At the choir festival party, that was already complimented. I hate it so much."

She laughed niggardly and said so in a joking tone as she clapped her shoulders.

"Ha. Just be praised, okay?

"No way. What do you really mean? Feeling complimented?

"I see. Too much of everything is a thought."

"Yeah. That's for sure."

Think about it, it's probably been a long time since we've talked about other love alone like this. Thinking about it for a long time, I really don't think it's possible.

"So what, jeez, actually... talk about engagement, or not answering?

"Right. The aristocrats hear that engagement is important. In Amelia's time, let's celebrate in a grand way. I don't know if I can attend the Ordinary, but invite me if you like."

"Mmmm... Huh!

Amelia, inflating her cheeks, looked clearly grumpy.

Could I have made any mistakes again?

"Ray, you know, even if I'm engaged to someone else... okay?

"No, you wouldn't have the right to say anything to me. Nobility, among them, there is nothing I can do to intervene in the story of the three nobles, which is the Ordinary. Even if it's the Seven Mages."

"It's not about Soyu. - Oh! I heard how Ray himself felt!

My feelings?

No, it would be decided that Amelia would be engaged. That's what I thought, even when I was Senior Rebecca. The aristocratic maid is quick to get engaged.

That's what I hear in my early twenties I often get officially married.

Amelia does have a brother who is her eldest son, so I don't have to worry about her succession that much.

"... hey, what does Ray think?

The hand gently touches. Warm, Amelia's hands.

What do you think......? When Amelia gets engaged, I'm sure she'll see less of you than ever before. If you graduate from college, that's probably the only way you're going to get to see each other.

What do I think when that happens?

Will we get used to it as before in the new environment?

Or...

"Right, right. This can't be loud, but I'm sure you'll feel lonely"

"─ Huh!!

Amelia shaking her body in a freak. And I'm going to hold my hand even harder.

"No, I guess you shouldn't think of this. But if I graduate from college and I don't get to see Amelia much... I feel lonely,"

"Oh, yeah. Heh..."

I've never been in this kind of emotion before. Even when I left my master, I felt lonely, but this time I felt something different.

"But it's okay. You don't have to hang out with me like that. If Amelia gets engaged, let's bless her wholeheartedly."

Again, Amelia smiled gently.

"Oh well. That's what Ray is like, isn't it? But it was nice to know how Ray felt. I'm sorry, listen to something weird."

"No, I don't mind."

Well, it's time for me to go to bed.

Stand up.

When I dropped Amelia off, she finally asked me this again.

"Ray. Thanks a lot this year. Really, you've been given a lot."

"This way, yes. I got something irreplaceable for Amelia too."

"Hehe. See you tomorrow."

"Ah."

Let Red Lotus's hair sweep, and she left.

What are the emotions that swirl in this chest?

I still didn't get it at all at this time.

But that will come one day to face.

─ ─ I felt that way.