When I fainted in battle with the masked man, I was hospitalized.

... I was just beaten and fainted...

Asked the staff, "I am asking you to take good care of the patient from the country!". Is it because I am noble?

Someone visited the hospital the next day to spare time.

"Are you okay? I've come to visit you with a post mortem."

It's Philbus.

"This is from Hulin. I think I wanted to come, but I was too busy at the Kingdom Festival...."

That's what I said. I put a sweets assortment on the side shelf.

"How are you feeling?

"There is no particular problem. I'm fine."

That's great.

Then Philbus told me that Salles was dead.

"You killed yourself. Don't tell anyone around... because the background is complicated and I'm handling it because I quit school."

"Okay."

Instead, I asked Philbs something else.

"What is darkness?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philbus certainly said that.

"I don't mind explaining... he'll talk to Carlisle when the Kingdom Festival is over. Wait till then."

"I don't mind."

I nodded.

After a brief chat, Philbs stood up.

"Well then, it's time to go back. If you skip too much, Hoolin will get angry."

"Hulin is scared when he gets angry."

"I know, I know!

Hahahaha! And Philbus smiled happily.

"... actually, I was worried about asking Laura out today."

Lola?

He's probably worried about you, too, but he doesn't know where you're going.

Philbus continued after putting it for a beat.

"I was worried, but I didn't bring him. Why do you think that is?

"Why?

"I want you to find the answers you want."

……

"Have you seen what's important?

"... yes"

"Okay."

Philbus nodded to his satisfaction.

"I don't know what the answer is, but you're not lost, are you?

"It's okay. I've already made up my mind."

Ok, well...

Philbus smiled invincibly.

"Show me something cool, hero."

That's how I got out of the hospital.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

After Philbus left, I talked to the hospital and got out of the hospital.

Today is the first day of the Kingdom Festival.

Because there was somewhere I really wanted to go today.

When I got back to the dorm, I took out the party dress I was wearing when I left Luminas.

Just keep looking at it.

I'm a little worried.

I thought it was different.

This is not the dress I should wear today. The uniform I wore back from the hospital was a little dirty, so I changed to a brand new uniform.

Then head to the dance hall.

There were college students gathered there.

Today we are celebrating the start of the Kingdom Festival with a dance party for the students of the Academy.

The figures of the decorated students make the space gorgeous.

... but noble students are dancing all the time.

Civilians don't learn to dance, so it's no wonder they're upset. I don't even have a tuxedo so I wear a school uniform and participate. Their aim as wall flowers will be served free of charge.

I looked around and approached the person I was looking for.

"Kirilla"

Kirillia and the nobles surrounding him will see me.

Kirillia opened her mouth.

Oh, you've been discharged. Hmm?... what's that look like...?

And then he looked at my uniform and looked suspicious.

Nevertheless, I said:

"Just give me a minute."

Kirillia and his servant Fay are coming after us.

I told Kirilla not to leave the hall and enter the empty room.

"I'm sorry, but please leave me alone."

Tingling and Kirillia's eyelids move.

It was the Fay of the Servant who shouted.

"You, Kirilla!"

But Kirillia put her hand to stop Faye's words.

"Alberto, what do you mean?

"Keep it that way. I want you to stop bothering me. Tell the other nobles. You can do this as a moderator, right?

Kirillia shook her head at my words.

"Albert, it's hard to say this to an older man, but that's not a smart decision."

Fufufu, Kirilla laughs.

"A relationship with a nobleman is a stack of years. I didn't invite you back then, I didn't reply back then - that little pile of mistrust loses my trust. Your attitude in this academy is going to be very high, isn't it?

"... I know..."

I couldn't do it because I knew.

I almost lost sight of what I shouldn't lose.

"But I made up my mind."

Responsibilities as Alberto Luminas.

It's just Alberto's way of life.

You can't take both from a clumsy me. Which to leave behind. Such a thing has been decided.

- I'll always be your friend. I swear, whatever this is, it'll stick.

I can't break my promise to her.

She was the one who made friends with me - the "finished me" that nobody had looked at until a while ago.

The battle with the masked man aroused me with all my strength, and she was the one who wished me victory.

I wonder how her smile supported me.

How much her voice soothed my heart.

What matters.

What matters.

I don't have to worry about anything like that.

If I don't get what I have to give up time with her - I'll be happy to give up.

I said perfectly.

"I will not associate with nobles at the academy."

"... okay. If that's your decision. [M] I'll tell everyone."

Kirilla went on like this.

"But, Alberto Luminas. It doesn't change that I'm interested in you. [M] If you have any trouble, if you change your mind, just let me know. I'll be happy to kiss you."

"... thank you."

In short, I left the room.

Return to the dance hall.

I ran my eyes against the wall, looking at the nobles dancing brightly in the middle.

... there's no guarantee she's here.

The main characters of the party are only the nobles. Few civilians are here to become wallflowers.

But I was sure he would come.

Because like she knows about me...

Because I know her too.

It's basically a recommended event to attend. Seriously, she will be careful to keep her word.

... and you'll be sitting alone.

As expected, I found it.

A gray-haired girl stands by the wall and quietly looks at the nobles dancing.

At that time...

"Oh, it's Alberto."

The noble schoolgirls dressed up spoke.

"Why don't you dance?

"No, no, no. Come dance with me."

I shake my head at the noisy girls.

"I'm sorry - I have an appointment. I'm sorry."

That said, I walked towards Laura.

"Laura"

"Mr. Alberto?

All of a sudden, Laura looked at my appearance.

"Are you okay?

Ah.

"I'm so glad... I've been worried so long..."

Laura said that she was really happy from the bottom of her heart. Her concern seemed to permeate my chest.

I exhale small enough to lower the temperature of my hot chest.

"Laura, um, if you don't mind..."

Give me your hand, I said.

"... would you like to dance with me?

"Hmm? But Mr. Alberto is more of a nobleman..."

"No, that's enough. What's the story?"

I shook my head.

"I don't go out with nobles at the academy. From now on, I'm with Laura."

――

Laura looked me in the eye.

"That's not true....."

"It's okay. Because it's a decision."

"But, you know, even if you dance with me... you've learned to dance in the first place..."

"It's okay. Amateur dancing isn't about dancing well - it's about who you dance with."

Laura stopped breathing, just like I said.

And then I turned my eyes and said this.

"... a, Mr. Alberto"

Laura's white hand took my hand.

"... if you don't mind me..."

"Let's go."

I took Laura to the center.

Face each other, I turn my arms around Laura's body.

Laura blushed her face quickly.

"Um, well! Really! Really! I don't know how to dance! Tell us more!

Fine, that's it.

I smiled.

I'll teach you how to dance as much as you want.

You taught me something more important than that. [M]

It was thanks to you that I stopped and walked here.

Because you taught me how to walk.

Because he looked at me with kindness and solitude.

How much do I owe you? [M]

I wonder if I could return a little. Whether I return it or not, I even feel that the amount continues to increase.

Just being close to you fills my heart so much.

I'm even proud of my choice today, just by holding your hand. [M]

"Let's start slowly. Don't let go, Laura."

We took the basic steps slowly.