Ch.215Chapter 215: Beauty Under the Moonlight (3)

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And so, the play that had repeatedly lifted and dropped the numerous spectators in their seats finally came to an end.

A man who unconsciously muttered a monologue while looking at a flowerpot placed in the best spot in the garden.

And a goddess who came out to water the flowers blooming in the garden as usual, accidentally overhearing it from afar.

From the moment when the gazes of two people who had been together for a long time but had turned their backs on each other due to a misstep finally met each other.

Before I knew it, I was so immersed in the play that proceeded with a much lighter atmosphere.

Clap, clap, clap, clap-!!

I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage until the applause from the audience toward the curtained stage after the play ended rang in my ears.

Hmm. It was an excellent performance.

Just as I was about to stand up to add my own applause to that ovation.

Clap, clap, clap, clap-!!

I caught sight of my own goddess sitting next to me, standing up before me and clapping her hands with delight.

Even to someone like me who doesn’t have much expertise in theater, it seemed like an outstanding play.

For a “professional” (?) audience member who occasionally attended plays on her days off, it must have been a perfect performance beyond compare.

When I secured tickets for the premiere, I was half-doubtful whether Shizu would enjoy it.

But now, from Shizu’s lips as she faced the play.

“Thank you for letting me see such a good play…”

Hearing her express incomparable gratitude toward me, my half-doubt quickly transformed into relief and joy.

How could I not be happy when I could decorate our rare date with the sight of Shizu being so delighted with its finale?

Just as I was about to evaluate today’s date along with the play that had just ended.

When the lowered curtain rose again and the stage was filled with a moment of open communication as the actors who had graced the stage sent their thanks to the audience.

“The sequel covering the aftermath hasn’t been scheduled yet, but I’ll get tickets as soon as it is.”

From my mouth came talk about the sequel to the play that I had been debating whether to mention based on Shizu’s reaction to the performance.

I brought it up because I was certain she would be pleased based on her reaction.

“…Really? But next time, let me get the tickets.”

As expected, as soon as she heard about the sequel, Shizu was overjoyed and even insisted on taking the initiative herself.

It was a reaction that clearly showed how satisfied she was with the play I had chosen after careful consideration.

This alone was more than enough to make me happy.

But the sight of Shizu’s joy when she saw the tickets I produced after suggesting we go to the Imperial Grand Theater at sunset wasn’t something one could see every day.

“It’s fine. Ticket booking wasn’t that hard. I’ll do it.”

I volunteered to handle the tickets while hiding my ulterior motives(?).

“You must have had a hard time getting these tickets… I can’t keep making things difficult for Cal…”

The moment I saw Shizu trailing off slightly, showing both gratitude and apologetic feelings at the same time.

My heart, which had been acting up whenever I saw Shizu lately but had somewhat calmed down.

Thump, thump

Once again defied my control and ran wild on its own.

“…Are you cold? Your face is a bit red.”

Looking at Shizu asking about my condition with a worried voice, it seems a moderate blush has spread across my face.

Including the time before my regression, it’s been over a decade since I started liking you.

I prided myself on knowing everything about you by now and thought I had graduated from childishly being shy over ordinary things.

“That’s strange, the theater’s ventilation system is working fine… Are you sick somewhere?”

When I face your warm voice worrying about me over trivial matters.

My heart and face run wild beyond my control, just like when I first discovered the emotion of love.

Do I dislike this situation that isn’t going as intended?

How could I?

I wish this would happen every moment I face her.

This is my time with Shizu.

Clap, clap, clap, clap-!!

The noise created by the audience responding with applause and cheers to the actors’ greetings won’t be enough to separate me, feeling affection while looking at you, and.

“…You don’t have a fever. That’s a relief.”

Shizu, who has already placed her hand on my forehead to check for a fever.

#

After the actors’ curtain call ended.

Shizu and I leisurely left the Imperial Grand Theater.

I made various preparations as we were leaving.

Although the temperature had warmed up considerably since morning as the day progressed.

Thinking that the morning’s chill would return once the sun set and night arrived, I started by putting the coat I had prepared back on Shizu.

And I also tried to erase from my mind the rigid daily routine that would resume tomorrow after this rare day off as a member of the Imperial Knights.

[Feeling drained at the thought of working after playing to your heart’s content? I understand. Hehehe….]

…I was trying to forget, but thanks to Paphnir’s teasing with one of the most annoying voices I’ve heard today, I ended up remembering it again.

It was almost as if he had been keeping silent until this moment just for this.

Paphnir’s voice ringing in my ears was doing its best to tease me while carefully not crossing the line.

I almost got upset for a moment because of it.

“I really enjoyed today.”

But Shizu’s voice, as she wrapped both her arms around my right arm while happily wearing her coat, restored my reason.

“All dressed? Then let’s go.”

I continued walking toward the exit with a deliberately calm voice.

Even after an enjoyable day, the end always brings the same regret.

When we entered, our steps seemed quite cheerful despite being slow.

But now that it’s time to leave, although our steps are faster, each step feels as if shackles are weighing down my heart.

…I never thought I’d use the word “irony” in a situation like this.

This irony seems to be felt not just by me but also by Shizu, who is holding my arm with both of hers as we walk.

Her expression, as she matched her stride perfectly with mine, also showed a subtle, indescribable mixture of emotions.

Though the degree might differ, it was clear that she too regretted the end of this moment with me.

Seeing that, the corners of my mouth were about to rise slightly without me realizing it when.

“…Huh?”

A questioning word came from Shizu’s mouth as she fixed her gaze on the distant exit, straightening my smile.

What did Shizu see that made her express such doubt?

Just as I was about to expand my perception to check the situation outside, thinking something serious might have happened.

“Outside is… brighter than I expected?”

The pure curiosity evident in Shizu’s voice beside me eased my tension.

Looking slowly outside after hearing those words, there was indeed an unusually bright atmosphere for this time of day.

Thinking about it, her doubt was natural.

We had entered the theater as the sun was setting.

After a play lasting just over two hours, complete darkness should have greeted us as we exited.

Yet the outside scenery was so bright that one wouldn’t even notice the actual time.

Anyone, not just Shizu, would feel puzzled by this.

Even though the illumination facilities that adorn the Empire’s downtown area—nicknamed “the street where night never comes” for its splendor—would be shining brightly at this hour.

Artificial lighting couldn’t create such a bright environment.

…What could it be?

Feeling puzzled, I carefully escorted Shizu, who still held my right arm tightly with both of hers, as we cautiously exited through the doorway.

“Wow…”

As soon as we left the theater entrance, Shizu’s voice of admiration was heard as she looked up at the sky, naturally drawing my gaze upward as well.

“Wow…”

The same exclamation of admiration burst from my lips as well.

It was a mixture of relief at discovering what was illuminating every corner of the downtown area so brightly—something artificial lighting couldn’t achieve—and.

Admiration at being captivated by the beauty of the full moon hanging alone prominently in the night sky.

White breath announcing winter naturally puffed from my mouth.

While facing such winter weather in the Empire, where seasonal changes are typically subtle, was somewhat troublesome.

In terms of being able to fully appreciate the beauty of the full moon revealed without a single cloud.

I felt I should thank the cold air that had been diligently working since morning to create a cloudless night sky.

It was a beautiful full moon. Even considering how it tends to rise especially high in winter.

Today’s full moon, rising without a single rough edge, was exceptionally beautiful.

Even the artificially created full moon on stage that had drawn gasps from the audience earlier.

Couldn’t match the beauty of the full moon naturally adorning the night sky now, I thought.

As my thoughts continued while looking at the winter night’s full moon.

“The moon is beautiful…”

Saying this, Shizu released her arms from around my right arm and slowly walked toward the spot where the full moon’s light shone particularly brightly.

Step, step

Thanks to our slow exit from the theater, Shizu’s footsteps were imprinted on the quiet downtown area where human presence had ceased, and.

As if the sky wanted to help Shizu’s movement toward the bright spot, the moonlight coming down from the full moon increased its brightness, centering on Shizu.

When the actress playing the goddess on the theater stage took steps toward the garden, artificial lighting illuminated her, and.

As the audience let out small exclamations of admiration like those made when drunk at the beauty of the actress comparable to a goddess.

From my lips, which had remained silent while steadfastly watching the stage.

“Ah…”

I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration at the sight of Shizu walking now.

Shizu’s lovely appearance, which gave the feeling of walking toward the sky, was the very embodiment of today’s play title, “Flower Blooming Under Moonlight.”

The difference being.

If the blooming flower on the theater stage was hidden deep within a cactus that needed much time to bloom.

This flower blooming before me now…

“…Cal? What’s wrong?”

She asked, feeling shy under my intense gaze.

“…You’re just so beautiful.”

At my honest answer to her appearance as it was.

“…I know.”

Though she gave a coy reply.

“But I don’t think anyone but Cal would tell me I’m beautiful in such a gentle way. Thank you.”

The difference is that this beautiful flower understands the words of someone who doesn’t hide their gratitude.

While there has never been a time when spending time with Shizu wasn’t enjoyable.

I don’t think there will be another sight as worthy of being remembered for eternity as today.

No, that’s not right.

I pray that moments surpassing this one will continue to arise in the future.

That was a small desire that had bloomed in my heart—a heart that had lived only wishing for someone else’s happiness—amidst the miracle that came just as I was about to end my wretched life.

It’s a beautiful night.

May even more beautiful moments continue from now on.

“The moon looks better from here. Cal, come over here and look together.”

“I’ll be right there.”

I answered Shizu’s call and walked toward where she was.

Although the constellation symbolizing the Great Winter Triangle wasn’t strangely visible, it didn’t matter.

When I have my own goddess emitting a warm light that stars in the sky ahead can’t compete with…

What do mere stars matter?

At least in this moment, putting aside the regret of ending the day.

I’ll join Shizu, who is purely delighting in the night sky, and make you even happier.