Chapter 52
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Side Story - That Day
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"Hey, handsome."
A soft voice whispered in my ear like a spring breeze. Spring had long since passed, but the summer where I lived still lingered on the bygone season. Was it longing to stay wrapped in spring's embrace and sleep through the winter? Even the overgrown grass swayed lazily in the wind, making me want to slack off a bit too. Pretending not to hear the girl, I closed my eyes.
"Hey, get up."
Then warm hands shook my shoulder vigorously. I wanted to say I was already awake, but I let it be, reluctant to lose that gentle touch. I knew I had to get up. But I just didn't want to.
"If you don't, I'll kiss you?"
"For real?"
The sweet temptation slipped past my lips before I knew it. As always, the girl playfully flicked my forehead.
"Of course not. Get up already. The sun's high in the sky."
Of course it was. She'd come and lain down beside me the moment the morning sun rose. My fatigue had vanished ages ago, but I deliberately furrowed my brow and tossed around.
"I wanna sleep in today. I'm so tired right now."
"What were you up to all night?"
"Hmm... thinking about you?"
Only then did I slyly open my eyes and look at her. Her cheeks flushed bright red.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere. I'm not letting you off, you pervert."
She tried to play it cool, but her neck and ears were burning crimson. That's why I couldn't stop teasing her. I couldn't hold back my laughter and ended up chuckling, only to get smacked.
"Ow."
"Don't laugh weirdly. Come on, get up. I'll hold your hand."
"Fine, fine."
I couldn't win against her stubbornness and took her hand. It was soft and warm, blooming with the scent of mint flowers the moment I grasped it.
"Morning, Eli."
"Yeah, yeah, morning, Luca. Now get up already."
Eli took my greeting with an exasperated tone and yanked my hand hard. But instead of rising, I went limp on purpose, holding my ground. She twisted her lips and furrowed her brow.
"What's this nonsense now?"
"Well... not really playing around. I never said I'd get up."
"Oh? Gonna play hard to get, huh? You'll only snap out of it after I bite you again."
"Come on, spare me that. It really hurts."
"Or should I just sit on you and squash you flat? Wait, that might be a reward instead. Getting pinned under Lorenheim's top beauty's butt."
"Lorenheim's top beauty, huh. Who decided that? No one calls you that except me."
"You little..."
Eli glared at me with feigned anger, then burst out laughing. She let go of my hand and plopped down beside me.
"Sigh. Fine, whatever. I came to share good news, but maybe I should just forget it."
"What is it? Sera moving away?"
"...You two are always bickering over nothing. Even though you'll end up hanging out together anyway."
"She's always the one who starts it."
"Sera doesn't mean any harm, Luca. Don't be too mean to her."
You're too soft on Sera. I stopped myself from saying it. It wouldn't change anything anyway. Instead, I stretched and looked up at Eli.
"So, what's this good news?"
"Not telling."
"Come on, at least a hint? Is it good news just for me? Or for all three of us?"
"Who knows."
For a split second, a shadow crossed Eli's usually bright face. It was fleeting, but unmistakable melancholy. I mirrored her seriousness and asked carefully.
"What's wrong? Is it something serious?"
"No, it's not... like that."
Called out, Eli bit her lip and looked down at me with a grave expression. Then she brought up something out of left field.
"Hey, Luca. What's your dream?"
"...Asking that out of nowhere?"
"Just answer. What's your dream, student Luca?"
Her tone was playful, but her voice stayed earnest. She already knew what it was. But saying it myself felt embarrassing, so I deflected.
"To be a good husband, obviously."
"Not that realistic stuff. The dream you've had since you were little."
"You know it, so why ask?"
"Just wanted to."
Eli hugged her knees with a wistful voice and rested her chin on them. Her black hair cascaded down over her knees.
"So, is becoming a knight still your dream, Luca?"
"Well... it's more like a dream I hold onto. Not that I'm dead serious about it. Just something I'd like someday."
"I see."
Her last words were muffled against her chest. Turning to gaze at her profile, I noticed some dirt on her cheek and raised my hand. But she looked at me and pushed it away.
"You got something in your hair, Luca."
"You're one to talk..."
"Hang on."
Eli flashed a mischievous smile and leaned toward my head. Then she bent down over me.
"Hey, what're you..."
"Hold still."
Her calm voice came with long hair brushing over my face, tickling my cheek. Our eyes met so close that I fell silent.
"I won't do anything weird."
A playful smile curved her lips again. I stared into her chocolate-brown eyes, then averted mine shyly.
"...You could do something weird."
"Ears all red and you say that? Stay still. I might poke your eye if you move."
"Spare me that..."
My voice came out strangled. Mortified, I shut my mouth as Eli began gently stroking my hair.
In the early summer heat, her slightly sweaty yet soft touch swept over my forehead. Her small fingers wove through my strands, occasionally tickling with her nails, lulling me to sleep. But the mint flower scent wafting from her body pricked my nose, keeping me alert and locking eyes with her.
A face I'd seen a thousand times, yet each glance made my heart race with excitement flooding my body. That eye smile of hers. The long lashes flowing beneath. Her clear smile always had me swallowing nervously without realizing. And now, I gulped again, lips dry.
"Mm..."
"What? Nervous? 'Cause such a pretty girl is touching your hair?"
"Scared you might bite me again."
"Already figured it out? Then offer your neck nicely. Gotta leave a mark."
"Please, have mercy."
I bolted up, unable to take it. Eli withdrew her hand with a bittersweet sigh. I dusted off my pants and turned back.
"There, I'm up. Now spill. What's the good news?"
"About that."
Eli walked a few steps with hands behind her back and stopped in front of me. She hesitated, then spoke.
"...The village chief wants to see you."
"The chief?"
"More precisely, he called everyone. But he specifically asked for you to come."
"Uh... me? Why?"
"Well..."
What could it be? I hadn't done anything wrong. As I racked my brain, Eli spoke firmly, as if resolved.
"A knight from the capital is looking for you."
"Huh?"
...
What... did she say?
"What'd you say, Eli?"
"You heard me."
"No... uh... must've misheard. Say it again?"
"A knight from the capital is looking for you."
Her words hit again, and I froze, staring at her lips. A knight from the capital? Looking for me?
"You're not messing with me, right?"
"I'm not lying. Why would I lie about this?"
"A real knight?"
"Yeah. Seems like it. Showed the knight order emblem. Fancy armor too. He... wants you."
"Why? What's it about? Did he say?"
"No idea."
"No guess? Any hints or vibes?"
"Nope. Totally clueless."
As I pressed excitedly, Eli bowed her head slightly. Then whispered so softly.
"...That's why... I'm worried."
"What?"
"Nothing."
She forced a bright smile, but darkness lingered beneath.
It was the expression I hated most. So I teased playfully on purpose.
"What? Scared the knight might take me away from here?"
"...And if he did?"
But she answered dead serious. I faltered but shook my head casually.
"Nah, no way. Probably just a census or something. Right?"
Deep down, I hoped the knight would take me to the capital, my lips twitching upward. Eli watched, then smiled again.
"Yeah, probably."
"Let's go then, Eli. Can't keep the knight waiting."
I reached out my hand. She hesitated, then took it. Feeling the solid weight, I bolted forward.
"Eek! S-slow down, Luca!"
"What? Can't hear you!"
"Slow down!"
"Can't hear, Eli! Let's hurry!"
Laughter crept into my voice. I laughed outright and dashed with all my might.
Cool wind brushed our cheeks as it raced alongside. The sun blazed brightly on my forehead, and the ground felt solid underfoot. Breathing in the fragrant earth rising from the soil, I looked up.
Something told me today would be the most special day of my life.