episode_0024

Since then, Estelle and I have been traveling around.

We ate popular desserts, watched plays prepared by students, and watched performances by bards invited from outside.

Before preparing the plan, I was only worried, but fortunately Estelle’s reaction was not as bad as I imagined.

At least it didn’t seem boring. I quietly felt relieved at that fact.

However, not everything went as I planned.

Estelle was the type of person who had to confirm things she was interested in, so she often did what she wanted, and as a result, my plan ended up being completely meaningless from the middle.

“… … .”

That was exactly the case now.

Estelle’s eyes were focused on a certain booth.

At a quick glance, it looked like a place selling trinkets.

From my experience so far, it was as obvious as seeing fire what would happen in a few seconds.

Sure enough, Estelle began to walk towards the booth with long strides.

There was no option not to follow, so I followed her right away.

“Uh, uh, welcome… !”

The students running the booth greeted us with a now familiar reaction.

“… … .”

Estelle didn’t even look at them, but instead focused her gaze on the trinkets lined up on the stand.

I followed her and started looking through the items.

This booth seemed to be run by a club related to crafts or jewelry making.

After a quick look, the workmanship wasn’t as bad as I thought.

The finish is clean and the design has its own unique style.

Although it may not be as good as a professional product, it can certainly be said to be of superior quality than the products sold at street stalls somewhere.

But that’s just a general statement.

From the perspective of Estelle, who had grown up seeing and using all kinds of rare treasures, I thought that these might be like stones on the side of the road, but the person in charge was actually looking at them with quite interesting eyes.

“Isn’t it too plain for Your Highness to be interested?”

“Yes. That’s why it’s interesting.”

… Well, to someone who only sees gold every day, the pebbles on the side of the road may feel more amazing.

“Then how about buying one?”

Although the words were said lightly, Estelle immediately raised her head as if she had been waiting for those words.

“The accessories I bought with my own money don’t have much value.”

Saying that, Estelle looked at me with those sparkling eyes.

The meaning was so clear that I sighed softly and stepped forward.

“… Which one do you like?”

“I’ll look forward to your insight on that.”

“… … .”

The most difficult order came.

If you readily choose one, you will feel at ease.

Those complaints came to mind, but I knew that no matter how much I complained or lamented, there was no way Estelle would back down from what she said, so I gave up and focused on choosing the accessories.

Which one is better?

Here, it would be better to go with something simple rather than choosing something extravagant.

Because clumsy flashiness just looks tacky.

And items that are too conspicuous would not be good either.

It would be better to choose something that is as light, small, and inconspicuous as possible.

As I was looking through the shelves with my own criteria in mind, a ring caught my eye.

The material is… I do not know. Is it some kind of alloy made by magic?

The ring, which seemed to have tried to be stylish in its own way despite its simplicity, was an item that appropriately met my standards.

At this level, wouldn’t it still be appropriate?

“How about this?”

“Hmm.”

Estelle quietly looked at the ring I pointed to.

After a moment, her mouth opened.

“It’s subtle.”

“… … .”

… At best, people chose it.

“Then let’s do something else─”

“No. Let’s do this. Still, there is something called sincerity in choosing me.”

Should I be grateful for this or not?

I was truly captivated by a delicate emotion.

However, contrary to such complicated feelings, my body moved naturally.

I just bought the ring and presented it to Estelle.

Estelle looked at my hand holding the ring, then smiled mischievously.

“You don’t insert it directly?”

“How dare I touch Your Highness’s body.”

“Only in situations like this is he eloquent.”

Estelle smiled and accepted the ring.

Then he put it on his left index finger.

“It’s not as bad as I thought.”

It’s hard to know, but by Estelle’s standards, that’s a compliment.

Thinking that I had passed the ordeal safely, I sighed in relief.

“It is not right to just accept things unilaterally.”

At that time, Estelle spoke again.

Then, he took off another ring from his hand and held it out to me.

Take “.”

“… Do I mean this?”

“Then who else is there?”

Estelle said that, but I couldn’t readily accept the ring.

Because I knew at a glance that the value of the ring was extraordinary.

No, regardless of how it appears to me, it is the ring that Estelle was wearing.

There was no possibility that its value would be low.

I don’t know for sure, but it probably has tremendous value.

It’s too expensive to be a payment for the ring I gave you.

That’s why I tried to refuse.

but.

“Are you ignoring my sincerity?”

I ended up closing my eyes tightly.

When she comes out like this, I can’t resist.

In the end, I had no choice but to accept the ring.

“… Thank you.”

“What. It’s just a repayment for the gift.”

Even though the deal was completely unprofitable, Estelle didn’t seem to care at all.

Rather, a rather satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

***

Time passed quickly, and the orange sky finally appeared overhead.

“It’s almost the end now.”

Estelle said, looking at the completely colored sky.

“That’s right.”

I also looked up at the sky and answered calmly.

Night will come in a little while.

And then this year’s festival will come to an end.

I was looking at the sunset with such unusual sentimentality.

“Did you enjoy it?”

Suddenly, Estelle asked such a question.

Was it fun… la.

The plan I had at least lost its meaning halfway through, and it was a day where I was dragged around by Estelle the whole time. I was so out of it.

However.

Even though it was such a stormy day.

It wasn’t bad… I think so.

At least enough to feel sad that the festival is over.

“… Yeah, well.”

But I didn’t feel like saying what I was thinking, so I answered vaguely.

“You’re still a cocky guy.”

Estelle laughed softly.

“How was your Highness?”

At that laugh, I ended up saying those words without realizing it.

Normally, it was a question I would not have asked if it were my personality.

However, it literally came out without my knowledge or intention.

Maybe the magic of the festival or the setting sun made my mouth feel lighter.

… Or maybe it’s because of the worries in my mind that I’m forcing myself to look away from.

Whatever the reason, you cannot pick up words once they are spoken.

There’s nothing I can do but wait for Estelle’s answer.

However, there was no expectation that a normal answer would come back.

That’s because the opponent is Estelle.

What kind of confidence do you have in asking for an answer? They will criticize me and call me arrogant.

However, her answer was different from what I expected.

“Well, it wasn’t bad.”

At those unexpected words, my eyes naturally turned towards her.

“I guess I should go now.”

Estelle’s tone changed.

Calmly, as if announcing the end of a festival.

“Because I have to participate in the closing ceremony.”

Estelle is one of the student council presidents.

You will usually have to participate in the closing ceremony of a large event such as a festival.

“So, go ahead and enjoy the fireworks.”

Festival at Ferdion Academy.

The end of the big event is a grand fireworks display created using magic.

“Have you decided who to choose?”

She asked with a playful smile.

“What do you choose?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Someone to enjoy fireworks with.”

“No selection. I will watch it alone.”

“Huh. Are you going to just miss that golden opportunity?”

Estelle’s eyes widen slyly, as if she had just heard something surprising.

Seeing that intent expression, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Fireworks that signal the end of the festival.

It is also said that the fireworks display is the time when the enthusiasm for the festival reaches its peak.

Well, to put it simply, it means that lovers or people who have feelings for each other often see each other.

From what I heard, there are quite a few confessions coming and going.

Of course, it had nothing to do with me.

“Tsk tsk. How did those two fall for this guy?”

Estelle clicked her tongue and shook her head.

What is this person suddenly talking about again?

“What are you talking about?”

“ done. Don’t worry about it.”

Estelle seemed to have no intention of answering my questions obediently.

Instead, I muttered to myself, ‘I don’t know if I’ll be able to see the ending before I graduate.’

“… Well, even such a frustrating story can be interesting to watch in its own way. Anyway, it worked. Let’s go now.”

“… yes. Then let’s go.”

Even though I felt puzzled by the sudden announcement of a congratulatory message, I left.

This is the end of the festival.

The fireworks that will be our farewell will begin soon.

***

Looking at Wade’s back as he walked away, Estelle felt a slight sense of regret.

The lights getting smaller and smaller reminded her that the festival was indeed over.

regret.

okay. It’s a shame.

She was feeling an emotion that was unfamiliar to her, something she hadn’t felt in years.

Only then did she realize.

That he truly enjoyed today and the festival.

… No, actually, I may have known it already.

However, I was just averting my eyes.

So as not to feel any more regret. and… Don’t be greedy.

Although her position does not allow her to enjoy festivals with ease, she actually experienced the festival itself last year as well.

There may be differences in details, but the content itself was not much different between last year’s festival and this year’s festival.

But there was a big difference in what remained in my heart.

Last year’s festival was so uninspiring that it wasn’t memorable, but this year was different.

This festival left a profound mark on her heart, to the point where she felt again the regrets she had forgotten.

There was no need to think about where the difference came from.

I look down at the ring on my left index finger.

A ring so cheap that you wouldn’t even notice it, let alone wear it.

Estelle stroked the ring with careful movements.

A bitter smile appeared on her face.

She never imagined that the time she spent with the man would cause such turmoil in her heart.

The time I spent with him was that much enjoyable.

So, because she knew that, she deliberately separated herself from the man.

I feel like if I stay the same, I’ll end up being greedy that I shouldn’t be pursuing.

That was not possible.

It was clear that that greed would become her weakness, and it would also ruin his life.

That kind of thing shouldn’t happen.

Estelle thought so, so she broke up with the man.

He even gave his own excuse.

I had no intention of participating in the closing ceremony or anything like that from the beginning.

It was just used as an excuse.

In principle, the student council president should participate, but that was something that could be done by sending a representative.

Not participating in official events was a common occurrence for her.

Unless there were unavoidable circumstances, it was forbidden to use an agent, but even such rules could not restrain Estelle.

No one can say anything to her just because she broke the rules a little.

Feeling bitter, Estelle eventually took her hand off the ring.

The dream is over.

Now it’s time to return to reality.

“… I guess I should watch fireworks in a quiet place.”

I didn’t think I could bear the stuffiness if I went indoors in my current mood.

“I will guide you. There is a place I have seen in advance.”

At that time, her escort, Estelle, stepped forward.

Estelle looked at Renee with new eyes.

A woman who has been by her side ever since she was young.

A woman who maintained her position despite all threats and countless hardships.

And the only friend I can confide in.

‘… okay. In the end, there is only you.’

There were quite a few people who became close to her after hearing about her reputation and rumors.

However, none of them had ulterior motives.

He prostrated himself in front of her, wearing a mask, for the purpose of wealth, power, and power.

Everyone was like that.

And the only exception was Rene.

Therefore, Estelle also trusted Rene as the only person and entrusted her with her protection.

‘… Still, I’m not alone.’

A lonely road.

A path that has no choice but to be lonely.

Maybe you are blessed just by having a companion who can walk that path with you.

Comforting herself like that, Estelle shook off her regret and bitterness.

“… okay. Please guide me.”

“Yes.”

The loyal guard knight took the lead, and the princess followed behind him.

The place where Rene’s steps were heading was the forest located in the center of the academy.

A forest where no one is looking and only silence reigns even at this moment when the academy is heating up with the fever of the festival.

Although it was such a dangerous place that there was a reason why no one approached it, Estelle didn’t care at all.

Rather, I thought it was a good thing that there were no people.

I walked through the forest like that for a while.

They arrived at an open area.

In a fairly spacious field inside the forest.

“It’s definitely not a bad place to see fireworks.”

It’s quiet, there are no people, and the sky is clearly visible.

It was truly an appropriate place to watch fireworks.

Estelle took a long breath.

The unique smell of the forest settled on my nose.

That refreshing feeling seemed to make me feel a little better.

I was looking at the darkening night sky and waiting for the fireworks to appear.

“… An uninvited guest came.”

Estelle suddenly muttered.

Susssseu─

The sound of grass, which had sounded gentle just a moment ago, echoed eerily.

and.

“You are quick to notice.”

Several figures walked out of the shadows created by the forest.

Black cloth wrapped around his entire body, and weapons held in his hands.

Their intentions were clear.

“You can’t even get lost in thoughts. This guy’s situation is.”

Sighing slightly, Estelle lowered her head from looking at the sky.

Uninvited guests who clearly came for her.

But Estelle did not look embarrassed.

Her life was threatened, because it was like everyday life for her.

“Okay, who sent you guys?”

“Do you think I will just tell you?”

The man who appeared to be the leader chuckled.

As if mocking Estelle’s question.

However, the man’s expression changed immediately.

“… It might be common to say that, but you’re going to die anyway. Let me tell you specifically. His Royal Highness Prince Lee sent it.”

“Hwangjara Lee.”

Prince Lee.

Even for Estelle, she was quite an unexpected person.

Technically, he is her older brother, but he has almost no contact with her.

Moreover, he had never shown any desire for the throne.

He is a man who lived quietly as if he were dead, and thanks to which he is able to survive.

The fact that someone like that sent an assassin felt quite surprising to Estelle.

… This only applies if what the uninvited guest says is true.

Estelle was not a pure enough woman to believe what they said.

Well, you just need to check the authenticity slowly.

Estelle shook off her idle thoughts.

There was no trace of tension on her face.

Because she was confident.

I am confident that I will survive this time too.

Grumbling─

The guard knight, Rene, stepped forward, unsheathing his sword.

Then, he stood in front of Estelle and pointed his sword at the uninvited guests.

Looking at that back, Estelle felt an uncharacteristic sentiment.

How many times have I looked at this back?

There are probably so many that you can’t count them on your fingers.

She is a tyrant.

Because she had to become a tyrant, she suffered countless assassination attempts.

Each time, Renee was frequently blocked by enemies.

Ever since I was little. All along.

And today again, I found myself looking at that back.

I will probably see this picture many more times in the future.

Estelle pondered over a sentiment that she would not normally think of.

Could it be that she too was influenced by the magic of the festival?

Or is it because I still miss the reverberations of my dreams?

Feeling the bitterness that she thought had disappeared again on the tip of her tongue, Estelle let go of her unusual sentiments.

It was not an appropriate situation to indulge in sentimentality.

It is not too late to do that after dealing with uninvited guests.

Estelle’s expression sank.

As if the expression she had made at the daytime festival was a lie, she was now cold and hard, like a statue made of ice, not a person.

However.

The ice, which seemed stronger than steel, immediately cracked.

A woman, because of the actions of her faithful escort.

Renee, who was aiming her sword at the uninvited guests, suddenly turned around.

Then, he aimed the sword, which should have been aimed at the enemy, at his master.

“Sorry, Your Highness.”

Those words, colder than the sharp sword, pierced Estelle’s heart.