A Confession Under the Moonlight
Tomorrow was the finals of the exchange matches. That fact stirred a strange emotion in Ludenberg Lavante.
He lay on his bed, draping his arm over his forehead in the room bathed in bright moonlight. Memories of his time in Ortara flooded his mind. Sparring with Ortara students. Slaughtering erosion beasts during the Salvation Cult's raid. Meeting Abaran's saintess and Isaltin's royals. Realizing his feelings for Ashytara Solenute through the second trial. So many things had happened.
The exchange matches in Ortara—which had sparked all those events—were ending tomorrow. It left him with a bittersweet feeling. A mix of regret and joy. That was why he couldn't easily fall asleep. After all, when deep thoughts weigh on the mind, sleep doesn't come easily.
Ludenberg had never stayed up late unless it was for training, but tonight sleep evaded him more than usual. In the end, he got up, slipped out of his lodging, and began wandering aimlessly.
The quiet night scenery unfolded before his eyes. Even in midsummer, the breeze felt cool with every step. He walked on. Though aimless, his feet unknowingly carried him toward the training grounds.
As he approached, his heightened senses picked up sounds. The sharp whoosh of a sword slicing through the air. Harsh breaths following. Someone was practicing swordsmanship.
Moving closer, a hazy figure caught his eye. Dark blue hair shimmering faintly in the moonlight. He needed to see no more.
Ashytara.
Her fierce dedication to her training was a sight to behold, so Ludenberg said nothing. He simply stood at a distance, watching her silently.
When she finally lowered her cross greatsword and caught her breath, he stepped forward.
His somewhat heavy footsteps echoed in the silent training grounds. Ashytara turned toward the sound.
"...Lud?"
"Still training?"
"Yeah. Couldn't sleep. Thought moving around might help. You too, Lud? Can't sleep?"
"Yeah."
"With everything that's happened."
Ludenberg nodded at her words.
"I get it. A lot's gone down. About a month now, right?"
"Yeah."
"Time in a foreign land isn't so bad after all. Makes it even more regrettable it's ending."
"Same here."
Hearing her response, Ludenberg sat down on the ground without a word. Ashytara did the same.
"Feels cool."
She murmured suddenly. Maybe because she'd been sweating until moments ago? The heat from training seemed to fade in the breeze.
"It's almost summer, yet this cool... Probably because Ortara's a bit north."
"Yeah. Back in Solemnute, the real heat'll hit."
"Heat. Summer, huh."
"Yeah."
Summer. Solemnute's hottest, most vibrant season. Holidays aside, it was a time everyone in the empire looked forward to. Founding Festival. Or Founding Day, as it was called.
"Come to think of it, festivals are so frequent. Origin Festival, Adem Festa..."
"Early semester, and Solemnute's events are mostly spring and summer. Can't be helped."
Ashytara chuckled softly at Ludenberg's offhand mutter.
"Not complaining. I like it."
"Why?"
"The atmosphere festivals bring? No real reason."
"Atmosphere? You never cared about that stuff before."
"Used to not, but lately I do. Sione said so too."
"Haha. You were all about training back then. Definitely a good change."
"Right?"
Ludenberg smiled faintly. After a brief silence, he spoke up.
"It's all thanks to you."
"Huh? Me?"
"Remember your birthday...?"
"Oh, the letter."
"I said it was thanks to you back then."
"Huh? Don't remember."
Ashytara grinned teasingly at him.
"Looks like you remember everything to me."
"Nah, I don't. Won't until you say it straight."
She planned to play dumb until he said what she wanted. Knowing this, Ludenberg sighed and tried again.
"I made it this far because of you. Because you stayed by my side... so, thanks. Always."
His face flushed slightly at the embarrassing words.
"Hehe."
Ashytara's cheeks turned pink as she leaned in and hugged his arm.
"Tara?"
Her warmth pressed against him, making his reddened face even more vivid.
"It's chilly."
"Chilly?"
"Yeah. Maybe from sweating? Night breeze feels cold."
"Here, drape this over?"
He unfolded his outer jacket and placed it over her shoulders.
"Better?"
"Warm. Let's stay like this a bit longer."
"Sure."
"Right. Back to what we were saying. Where were we?"
"Founding Festival."
"Yeah. Festivals again, and Glory Tournament after."
She gazed at the starry sky as she spoke.
"Glory Tournament... right. Busy even after Solemnute Adem."
"Gotta train hard. Though I won't participate."
"What? Why?"
Ludenberg stared at her, eyes widening slightly at the mention of her skipping the Glory Tournament.
"Didn't know? I have priestess duties."
"Like Adem Festa?"
"Yeah. With no other imperial blood at Solemnute Adem right now, I'll probably fill in for my sister too. It's student-led, after all."
"Ah. So..."
"Yeah. Bestowing Solem's Glory on the winner—that'll be me."
Solem's Glory. The mark of victory at this year's Glory Tournament, coveted by every student at Solemnute Adem. Proof of being the strongest student, proclaimed across the empire. Holders enjoyed great privileges, the biggest being direct entry into the Imperial Knights upon graduation—no need for the usual trials other knights faced.
"So, Lud."
"Yeah."
"I want you to win Solem's Glory."
"...I'll try."
Ashytara shook her head at his reply.
"Lud. Not 'try.' 'I will.'"
"Even if I win, it won't mean much."
"No. It will. You've always wanted recognition. This is your chance. Lud. To make the whole empire acknowledge you."
"...Ah."
In that moment, Ludenberg realized she saw right through his deepest desire. Coming to Solemnute Adem. Relentless training. All to prove himself to others.
That original purpose, blurring amid recent praises, sharpened again.
Right. Not for mere scraps of approval.
His goal: Prove to the empire he could best divine power users without any of his own. Make them all see it.
Ashytara nodded at his shifting expression.
"So, win it. You can."
"Yeah. I will."
"Starting with tomorrow's exhibition finals."
"...True. Lose that, and Glory Tournament's out too."
"Yeah. So tomorrow, give it everything."
"Got it."
As he nodded, she slipped off his jacket.
"Not cold anymore?"
"Yeah, fine now. Time to head back. It's late."
Ludenberg nodded. They both stood.
But Ashytara hesitated, standing before him instead of leaving.
"Tara? Something to say?"
"Yeah."
"Huh?"
"Lud."
"Yeah."
"Think it's time I said it."
"Said what?"
Her face flushed, she looked up at the night sky, avoiding his eyes.
"Weren't you curious? Why I was so cold to you yet never gave up on you."
"...Yeah."
She smiled, lowering her gaze to meet his squarely.
"I'll tell you now."
"Okay."
"When we first met, you led me."
"Yeah."
"From then, I knew you were irreplaceable in my life."
"Just that?"
"Not just that, Lud. Sometimes the smallest things change your life. When we became friends, you can't imagine my joy."
Ludenberg stayed silent. This was her time to bare her heart.
"We grew closer training under Duke Leonard. Then Eden and Mion drove us apart, turning us into strangers."
She still couldn't forget his coldness when they reunited at Solemnute Adem.
"...Yeah."
"You said harsh things to push me away."
"I did."
"It hurt, but memories flooded back. Days you guided me, kept me from quitting."
"I see."
"Yeah. Thinking on it, I realized something."
"...What?"
"I'd liked you. For a long time."
"...What?"
He doubted his ears.
"I like you. Not just as a friend. As a woman, I like you, Ludenberg. From when you taught me not to give up... I've always liked you. That's why I couldn't let go."
"... ."
His mind blanked.
What do I say? How?
He liked her too. Just say it.
But words wouldn't come. Throat tight.
He recalled her words: Prove yourself to the empire at Glory Tournament.
Right. Until then, he couldn't answer. He hadn't proven himself to all yet. Only capital folk and Adem students knew. Rumors had curbed some disdain, but many still believed Eden and Mion's lies—spread to nobles everywhere.
They'd point fingers at her: Liking that cursed, powerless guy.
He couldn't bear that. She deserved acclaim, always.
So he answered.
"Tara."
"Yeah."
She smiled softly, waiting—as if knowing what he'd say.
"Give me a little time?"
"...Sure."
"Like you said, I haven't proven myself yet. So... when I do."
"Yeah."
"I'll answer then. Sorry I can't now."
"I know why. I get it."
"Thanks for understanding."
"It's fine. I got my feelings across. But... this much okay?"
"...?"
Her scent enveloped him—more alluring than any perfume. Her face drew near.
Then, a soft touch on his lips. Warmth lingered.
His mind froze again. No thoughts.
The eternal instant ended. Her lips parted from his.
He gazed at her, eyes trembling. She blushed deeply, smiling shyly.
"I'll wait. Until you prove yourself. Until the day I bestow Solem's Glory on you."
"...Yeah."
He could say no more. Not even as she turned and walked to her lodging.