Ch.55Confession (2)

The Princess of the Empire of Minerva, Rina’s academy life was surprisingly ordinary. Before enrollment, she had expected nothing but tiresome affairs.

By tiresome affairs, she meant being swarmed like flies, just as her older brother and Crown Prince, Leort Urmi Jeckyless, constantly experienced. This was understandable considering how a noble lady named Sophia had clung to her upon enrollment, and how Jackson Mirelle Carryson had recklessly approached her before the first lecture.

However, contrary to expectations, such situations rarely occurred. The reason was her new friend from the first day of enrollment, Cecilly Drat Isillia Vin, the Princess of Helium.

From the entrance ceremony, Cecilly had attracted attention with her extraordinary behavior, and beyond that, she was a beauty who exuded elegance with her beautiful appearance and seductive atmosphere.

Stories about Cecilly had long been widespread throughout Halo Academy. Though many came hoping to catch even a glimpse of her face, even that proved impossible.

Just as Cecilly stood beside Rina, Rina firmly stood beside Cecilly. Without considerable courage, no one dared approach these two.

Thanks to this, she was able to enjoy a relatively smooth academy life. With new friends and the ability to enjoy things she couldn’t in the imperial palace, each day was joyful for her.

Above all, there was one unexpected gain. While having a friendly conversation with Cecilly, Rina immediately asked a question that came to mind.

“Cecilly. There’s something I’d like to ask, may I?”

“Hmm? Go ahead. I always welcome Rina’s questions.”

Cecilly gladly permitted at Rina’s request. With this, Rina cast aside any pretense and asked the question she had wanted to ask.

“Are you also looking for the author of the Biography of Xenon?”

“Biography of Xenon?”

Cecilly responded to Rina’s question with wide eyes. Rina nodded and continued her question.

“Yes. I thought Helium would naturally be searching for them too.”

The reason for this question was simple. Though she couldn’t say it directly, she wanted to help Cecilly even a little.

The more she grew closer to Cecilly, the more she realized one thing. Whether it was just Cecilly or all demons, they regarded the author of the Biography of Xenon as not just a benefactor but truly a savior.

For demons who were forcibly isolated from the world and had to live hidden in darkness, treating them as a savior was only natural. So the demons must be desperate to find the author of the Biography of Xenon.

And Rina herself knew exactly who the author was. Strictly speaking, they could be called “co-authors.”

‘It must be Issac writing down the stories told by the Red Lion. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have such severe calluses on his middle finger.’

The Crown Prince, Leort, had confirmed that Hawk, known as the Red Lion, was the author of the Biography of Xenon. But she thought differently.

A knight who had trained in martial arts all his life having such writing skills? Rina could only say the evidence was flimsy.

So she guessed that if Hawk roughly provided the stories, Issac would ghostwrite them, and that’s how the Biography of Xenon was published.

While Rina was making such conjectures in her head, Cecilly blinked at her words and then smiled.

“Of course I’m looking. But I’m trying not to worry about it.”

“Huh? Why?”

Rina showed an incomprehensible reaction to Cecilly’s answer. If it were her, she would do whatever it took to find them, but Cecilly said otherwise.

To this, Cecilly gave a deep yet distant look and quietly said:

“At first, I tried to find that person too. But thinking about it, it seemed disrespectful.”

“Disrespectful?”

“Yes. Above all, I want to focus on my studies right now. You heard my speech at the entrance ceremony, right? I said I would show that we demons can live like humans. That person would surely want that too. So rather than searching for them, I should achieve what I truly want. As for finding them, I can always seek them out later when they reveal their identity.”

Rina wore a slightly dazed expression at Cecilly’s explanation with a gentle smile. Unlike herself and Leort, who used imperial power to search, it was a very mature decision.

Of course, Cecilly could say this because she had already found “that person,” but Rina, with her keen observation, immediately noticed that those words were sincere. So she felt a bit disappointed.

“…I see. Alright.”

So she gave up on giving Cecilly hints. She had thought it would be fine between friends who shared their hearts, and between fans who loved the Biography of Xenon, but after hearing her determination, she abandoned the idea.

Cecilly smiled at Rina’s response and stood up. Then she suggested:

“Want to go to the bathroom for a bit?”

“…Sure. Let’s go.”

Rina lightly accepted her suggestion and got up to walk with her. Just before leaving the classroom, her eyes caught sight of someone.

Marie Housen Reckyless, hiding her face on the desk. It was a very different appearance from usual.

Above all…

‘…Why are her ears so red?’

The ears revealed through her faint blue-tinged white hair were visibly red. This was a somewhat strange reaction to Rina, who had known Marie for a long time.

If it were someone else, she would have approached out of curiosity, but Rina couldn’t do that. Because of a mistake she made when she was very young, Marie had developed deep hostility toward her.

So now, even though she was curious, she had to hold back.

‘Is she sick? I’m a bit worried.’

Finally, she was ‘slightly’ lacking in perception in this area. Rina looked at Marie with concerned eyes before heading out the door.

Meanwhile, Marie, who was lying face down on the desk…

‘He said he has something to talk about with me? He definitely did. Then… no. What should I wear? He said to come in uniform, but…’

Her mind was incredibly complicated.

*****

The meeting time with Marie was set for 6 PM. I thought it would be good to get supplies from the dormitory and have dinner while at it.

Naturally, Marie questioned why we couldn’t just go together from the start, but when I said I had something to show her, she quickly closed her mouth. The bonus was her face turning red as she did so.

It seems she thinks I’m meeting her separately for some kind of confession? It is a confession of sorts, but I’m a bit worried whether I should clear up the misunderstanding or not.

‘…Surely she won’t be disappointed?’

And back to the present, I’m waiting in front of the restaurant until Marie arrives. The attire was awkward for casual clothes, so I’m wearing my uniform.

The restaurant is the same one where I had dinner with the Leort and Rina siblings last time. As far as I know, this is the only soundproof restaurant.

‘I’ll show this after all the talking is done.’

While waiting with a slightly anxious heart, I checked the mail envelope in my hand again. Inside the envelope is the first edition of the Biography of Xenon that I’ve written so far.

After dinner with Marie, I plan to hand this to her and explain everything. It’s uncertain whether she’ll believe me, but I intend to do my best.

“Issac!”

While I was waiting patiently with a pounding heart for a different reason, a familiar voice pierced my ears. When I turned my head, Marie, with her faint blue-tinged white hair, was waving her hand vigorously as she approached.

Did she put on makeup? She’s wearing her uniform as I asked, but somehow her atmosphere seems different from before. I was slightly dazed by her appearance, which was more vibrant than I had ever seen.

Certainly, though she’s overshadowed by others, Marie is pretty in her own way. Especially today, perhaps because she prepared for our meeting, she seems prettier than usual—that thought circled in my head.

“I’m not too late, am I?”

Marie, who had suddenly come right in front of me, asked with a bright smile. I stared blankly at her smile, which was emitting a happiness virus, and answered in a dazed voice.

“…No. I just got here too. It’s not even 6 yet.”

“That’s a relief. Let’s go inside now.”

Marie spoke with an urging nuance, as if she wanted to be alone with me as soon as possible. Hearing that, I couldn’t help but think again that she really likes me.

That naturally brought a gentle smile to my face. As I always said, being with Marie made me feel at ease. There was no need to worry about anything else, and I could focus solely on her.

My decision to confess my secret to her is certainly not a wrong choice. I tucked the envelope containing the first edition under my left arm and extended my right hand, suggesting smoothly:

“Shall we go, lady?”

“… …”

As soon as I said that, Marie’s face visibly reddened. Since it was just a simple manner, I couldn’t help but wonder at her reaction.

‘Why is she like that? Is she embarrassed?’

According to the etiquette I learned at home, this action is merely a manner. I learned this from my mother.

But belatedly, I could recall something else my mother told me. This action only serves as manners in “official events” like social gatherings or balls; in everyday situations, its meaning changes 180 degrees.

If in everyday life, especially when a man shows this behavior to a woman, it’s tantamount to saying, “I have romantic feelings for you.” This alone would be enough to make me panic, but the problem doesn’t end there.

“…Yes.”

*Grasp*

Marie, though embarrassed, gently took my hand. I could feel a slight trembling in her hand and a determination not to let go.

Thanks to that, it was now my turn for my face to turn red. A woman taking a man’s outstretched hand?

It’s a response saying, “I also have romantic feelings for you.” If not, she would have just smiled and politely declined.

But Marie gently took my hand. It was as good as accepting my indirect confession.

“… …”

“… …”

The two of us, unable to say anything, just held hands and looked at each other.

Not knowing what to do, I quietly opened my mouth to break the awkward situation.

“…Shall we go inside?”

“…Yes.”

Marie answered in a voice as quiet as an ant passing by, her head bowed low.