Ch.58Confession (5)

After the confession time, which contained various meanings, nothing else happened. We didn’t forget to order some light snacks for dessert to satisfy our idle mouths.

The atmosphere had been light to begin with, but now it was much lighter than before. I no longer had anything to hide from Marie, and Marie had also expressed her feelings.

Someone once said that there’s no closer relationship than between people who have shared their secrets with each other. Moreover, since Marie had never been a burdensome person to begin with, I could relax around her.

“Oh right. I’m curious about something—where did you learn that writing style? Did someone teach you?”

“I didn’t learn it from anyone; I figured it out myself. Honestly, I never dreamed that the Biography of Xenon, which I wrote as a hobby, would turn out this well.”

“Wow… that’s amazing. Is it really just a hobby? For a hobby, it contains quite a variety of stories.”

Marie took this opportunity to ask me everything she had been curious about. I could see intense curiosity in her eyes.

“As you know, I read a lot of books. Reading autobiographies written by explorers and adventurers allows me to experience the world indirectly. I can also consult my father.”

“I see. Then what about the demon race? You covered Sakran’s end quite thoroughly too. That’s what changed people’s perceptions.”

“Well… I don’t have a specific explanation for that. I simply disliked how the demon race was discriminated against, and I never imagined my influence would be so tremendous. The first page of the Biography of Xenon always contains this phrase: ‘All of these stories are entirely fictional.'”

“For fictional stories, they felt too vivid.”

“Again, I never imagined things would turn out this way. It was just something I wrote as a hobby, okay?”

“Hmm…”

Even though I insisted the Biography of Xenon was just a hobby, Marie seemed unconvinced. Of course, she was reacting this way because she had no idea I was a reincarnator.

I felt a bit awkward since no suitable excuse came to mind. Fortunately, Marie shrugged her shoulders, seemingly choosing to believe me.

“Alright. The world is vast, and there are many geniuses out there. I’ll just think you’re one of those geniuses. Right?”

“That’s a bit… embarrassing.”

“Don’t be embarrassed. But really, no matter how much I think about it, I still can’t believe it. My boy… friend is the author of the Biography of Xenon.”

Marie hesitated slightly, either because she was embarrassed to say “boyfriend” or because I hadn’t properly confirmed it. She glanced at me as she spoke.

It seemed I needed to give her some confirmation on our way back. The current atmosphere wasn’t suitable for that, so I had to hold back for now.

Until then, I should try to keep the atmosphere from becoming awkward. I picked up my teacup and gave a slight smile after hearing her words.

“Haha. That’s true. Even my family asked if I really wrote it when it first came out.”

“I envy your family… They get to see the Biography of Xenon before it’s released.”

“My parents might, but my siblings don’t see the manuscripts. Since they’re at the academy, it’s difficult to send them the drafts.”

“Do your siblings have to buy copies themselves?”

“No, not exactly. My father receives books directly from the publisher and sends them by mail.”

Until the publisher introduced new technology, people had to compete fiercely to purchase books. This wasn’t much different for nobles, to the point where even Marie had struggled to get copies.

But my family is a bit different. My parents read the Biography of Xenon in advance through my manuscripts, while Nicole and Dave access it through books sent by the publisher. So the catastrophe of family members not being able to read it rarely occurs.

Though I’m not sure about Dave since he’s currently busy with knight duties.

Marie thought about my answer for a moment, then grinned. It was somewhat of a mischievous smile.

“So you’re still writing now, right?”

“Yes.”

“When you finish, can you show me? Just a little peek.”

“No.”

“Hmph.”

Trying to get something for nothing, are we? When I responded firmly, Marie made a disappointed sound.

Of course, she wasn’t being serious, so I was half-joking too.

If Marie truly wanted to see it, I’d gladly show her. There’s no reason to refuse since she’s not the type to misuse my manuscript.

“Just show me once~ I’m curious about the next volume~”

“I haven’t even finished writing it yet.”

“Will you show me when it’s done?”

“No.”

“Pffft…”

Now Marie was puffing her cheeks like a child to express her dissatisfaction. But to me, it just looked like an adorable tantrum.

I smiled contentedly as I picked up my teacup and took a sip of tea. At the same time, I checked what time it was.

Is this what they mean when they say time flies? We started dinner at 6 o’clock, but it’s already almost 8 o’clock.

‘Since there’s nothing scheduled for tomorrow…’

As long as we don’t return too late, it should be fine. I hoped time would pass a little more slowly.

“Issac, can you tell me how many volumes the Biography of Xenon will have before it concludes?”

While I was looking at the clock and thinking, Marie rested her chin on one hand and asked me a question. I gently put down my teacup and answered.

“Probably… around 20 volumes. There are still many stories to unfold.”

“There’s still a lot left. Is the entire story in your head?”

“It is, but I have a separate notebook where I record the plot developments. You might remember that drawing I accidentally showed you last time?”

“Oh, that? The drawing that looked like a steam locomotive?”

I nodded. Even though I had drawn it crudely like an elementary school student, Marie seemed to have recognized it.

“The plot is written in that notebook. I accidentally brought it that time, but I won’t be bringing it to the classroom anymore.”

“Hmm. That’s impressive. It’s like you have another world inside your head. I really wonder if we’re the same age.”

“Such flattering compliments won’t get you any scraps.”

“Tch. Was I too obvious?”

Despite my words, I couldn’t help but feel a bit startled. Marie occasionally makes statements that seem to pierce right through to my essence without realizing it.

Last time, she jokingly asked if I wrote books, and now she’s making such remarks even though she has no idea I’m a reincarnator. Each question feels like a pinprick.

“Well, I still genuinely think you’re amazing. Can you at least tell me when the next volume will be released?”

“It should come out in about a month, but after volume 10, I’m planning to take a hiatus until we become third-years.”

“What?! What do you… Oh, because of academy issues?”

Marie was momentarily shocked and almost shouted loudly, but then she seemed to understand. She too was feeling the busyness that would come before becoming a third-year, so she understood.

“Yes. From the moment we become third-years, we’ll have more free time, so I’ll start writing then. It might be a bit noisy, but it can’t be helped for the sake of academics.”

“Hmm… So when you said it was a hobby, you really meant it? Couldn’t you just continue living as an author?”

“That’s something to consider after graduating from the academy. For now, I’m focusing on history as my career path.”

Before the Biography of Xenon became a hit, my dream was to become a historian. So even if the Biography of Xenon hadn’t performed well, I probably wouldn’t have cared much.

Marie looked at me with a curious expression after hearing my answer, then smiled slightly. She spoke in an admiring tone.

“Issac, you have everything planned out? I’m envious. I haven’t even decided on my career path yet.”

“I’m the unusual one. Others are probably similar to you. What do you enjoy most during lectures?”

“I enjoy playing the most?”

What are you, Pororo? I looked at Marie with an incredulous expression.

Seeing my face, Marie laughed cheerfully like an innocent girl.

“I’m kidding. Originally, alchemy was the most interesting. The professor explains things well.”

“That’s true.”

“But now…”

She trailed off momentarily, glanced at me, then smiled sweetly and said:

“I think history is my favorite now.”

“… …”

“My family forced me to learn it, so I used to dislike it, but not anymore. Thanks to someone.”

“Ahem. Ahem…”

I cleared my throat and picked up my teacup to hide my flushed face.

*****

The sweet time passed quickly. I wished time would flow more slowly, but even an omnipotent god cannot stop the flow of time.

Both of us had to head back to our dormitories, feeling regretful about how quickly time had passed. However, that didn’t mean our sweet time together was completely over.

“… …”

“… …”

In the street where deep darkness had settled and only faint lamps provided light. Most restaurants had closed, and there were hardly any passersby, creating a quiet atmosphere.

And the two of us were slowly, very slowly walking down that street, holding hands.

Wishing that this sweet time would pass more slowly. Trying to delay our arrival at the dormitories as much as possible.

Marie and I were walking hand in hand without saying anything, our heads lowered.

“… …”

With my head still lowered, I glanced at Marie. Like me, she was keeping her gaze fixed on the ground as she walked endlessly.

I vividly remember how startled she looked when I first took her hand after leaving the restaurant. It was such an adorable reaction, unlike when I boldly kissed her.

‘I wish this moment could last forever.’

Is there any happier time than being with someone you like? I raised my head, which had been lowered, and looked up at the night sky.

The stars were densely embedded in the darkness, forming a galaxy. It was truly a beautiful and mysterious sight that almost made me lose myself.

Come to think of it, when was the last time I looked up at the sky like this? At home, I often looked up when I had nothing to do, but since coming to the academy, I’ve been so busy every day that I haven’t had the leisure to look at the night sky.

Suddenly—

While I was absentmindedly staring at the galaxy, Marie suddenly stopped in her tracks. Naturally, I had to stop as well.

When I checked why she had stopped, I realized we had arrived at a fork in the road. It was the fork leading to our respective dormitories.

I wanted to escort her to the girls’ dormitory, but unfortunately, according to academy regulations, I would receive a severe warning if I did so. I don’t understand why such regulations exist, but I should follow them for now.

Anyway, it meant that the time for us to part had come. I shifted my gaze toward Marie at the fork.

Coincidentally, Marie had just turned her head toward me as well.

“… …”

“… …”

We looked at each other without saying anything. And we tightened our grip on each other’s hands.

What should I say at a time like this? Should I say I don’t want to part, or should I say goodbye?

As I was moving my lips and pondering internally, Marie looked at me with moist eyes and quietly opened her mouth.

“…Issac.”

“…Yes.”

“Um… you know. Are we…”

“Are you asking if we’re dating?”

When Marie hesitated and mumbled, I spoke first. Marie flinched noticeably, then slowly nodded.

Even though I had spoken for her, she still seemed embarrassed and turned her gaze away. I gave her a gentle smile.

“I’ll be straightforward. Originally, all I wanted to talk to you about today was the Biography of Xenon. Your actions toward me were unexpected.”

“… …”

“Of course, that doesn’t mean I didn’t have feelings for you. You were the first friend I made when entering the academy, and no one is as comfortable to be around as you. I did have romantic feelings for you.”

At my words, Marie slowly raised her face and looked directly at me. Her eyes were trembling slightly, indicating her nervousness.

Then I placed my other hand, the one not holding hers, on her face. The sensation of her slightly warm and soft skin transmitted through my hand.

Marie opened her eyes wide in surprise when I placed my hand on her face. Her face also appeared much redder than before.

I looked at her trembling eyes and slowly brought my face closer. And then…

I pressed my lips against Marie’s, just as she had done to me at the restaurant. While a peck would normally end here, I didn’t stop.

“Mmph…!”

What followed wasn’t a simple kiss, but a deep one that only lovers would share. Marie’s lips were tightly closed, leaving no space for my tongue to enter, but that was fine. This was solely an action to confirm my feelings for her.

Moreover, her tightly closed lips were probably due to extreme nervousness, something Marie herself might not have been aware of. I wanted to use my tongue to knock on her lips, but I managed to hold back. We can take things slowly.

For now, just pressing our lips together firmly and confirming each other’s feelings was enough. That’s what Marie would have wanted too.

“Haah!”

“… …”

After a long yet brief moment, when I pulled my lips away, Marie let out a breath she had been holding. Her face was so red it looked like it might burst at any moment, and she was breathing heavily.

My face was also burning hot, and I wanted to fan myself. While I had acted courageously in my own way, it was still embarrassing.

Then, looking at Marie who didn’t know what to do, I quietly opened my mouth. I couldn’t hide the trembling in my voice.

“And now those feelings have changed.”

“Uu… uh…”

It didn’t matter if Marie couldn’t think straight due to embarrassment. I approached her and embraced her.

I could vividly feel her body stiffen.

Finally, resting my chin on Marie’s shoulder, I delivered the final blow.

“I like you, Marie.”

“… …”

“Is that enough?”

Marie’s stiff body gradually relaxed. Then she also raised her arms and carefully embraced me.

“…Yes.”

After her timid response, we shared each other’s warmth for a long time.

*****

While the two were sharing their warmth and confirming their feelings under the night sky filled with stars…

It was very late at night, so there were hardly any passersby, but that didn’t mean there were none at all.

“… …”

A pair of red eyes was staring intently at the couple engaged in their affectionate act.

Although the figure was hidden in darkness, making it difficult to discern their appearance, the red eyes shone clearly. Perhaps because of this, it gave off an ominous feeling.

The person watching the sweet atmosphere of the couple with a complex gaze eventually narrowed their eyes.

A sense of extreme displeasure was evident, and the atmosphere suggested they might intervene at any moment.

“…No.”

But soon they closed their eyes completely to suppress the impulse. Then the owner of the red eyes muttered in a meaningful voice.

“At least not now. Not now…”