Feverish Blush
Facing the chilly night breeze, Ludenberg Lavante returned to his dorm and buried his face in his hands.
What the hell just happened?
Just moments ago, something utterly dreamlike had unfolded for him. Ashytara Solenute's words lingered in his mind, one after another. But among them, the one that struck the deepest chord was undoubtedly a single word.
I like you.
And the soft, sweet kiss that followed. Ludenberg's face burned scarlet, and he struggled to suppress the smile tugging uncontrollably at his lips. But how could he control an expression born of such overwhelming emotion? Unrestrained feelings rampaged within him, painting his face with pure bliss.
Happiness more intense than he'd ever known. In retrospect, it made perfect sense. Realizing that love wasn't one-sided but mutual brought an indescribable joy.
After writhing in that euphoria for what felt like ages, he tried to steer his thoughts away from Ashytara entirely and recalled their final exchange.
...Right. Not yet. So let's keep pushing until the Glory Festival.
Until he could prove himself before the entire empire and declare his feelings for her boldly, in front of everyone.
But even imagining confessing to her was enough to scatter his thoughts again. In the end, swept up in fantasies, he tossed and turned all night without sleep.
Ludenberg wasn't the only one who had a sleepless night. Ashytara, too, was thrashing about on her dorm bed, glowing with excitement.
"Aaaahhh...."
Her face, buried in the pillow, was flushed red just like his. A smile played at her lips, of course. Happiness crashed over her like a wave, her every thought fixated on Ludenberg.
The upcoming friendly match finals faded in importance; now, she could hardly wait for the Glory Festival. Fantasies bloomed of Ludenberg confessing to her right there on the stage, as Solem's glory was bestowed.
And those fantasies always ended the same way. A kiss deeper than the one she'd given him tonight.
"Hehe...."
Giggling dreamily, she felt her heart race even harder recalling his reaction to her kiss. His face turning bright red even in the dark night. The dazed, blank stare as he gazed at her, then his eyes widening in realization that their lips had met.
All of it was exactly what she'd longed for, so Ashytara clutched her chest and laughed.
Lud's reaction was so cute.
She was curious, too, what face he'd make when they met tomorrow.
He'll probably blush the second he sees me. Definitely. Lud gets embarrassed easily....
How delightful that would be. The sight of him flushing at the mere view of her—the man she loved.
In the past, such shyness from Ludenberg might have stirred unease in her, worrying other girls might approach now that his iron walls seemed to soften. But not anymore.
It was still just her one-sided confession, but tonight she'd confirmed his response was overwhelmingly positive. And reflecting on how he'd been treating her lately, she knew he liked her too.
Ashytara wasn't some oblivious girl like the old Ludenberg when it came to matters of the heart. She couldn't miss the affection in the glances he sometimes stole her way.
Because they matched the looks she so often gave him.
With that certainty, she no longer felt anxious about other women approaching him. She was confident they couldn't steal his heart anyway.
That assurance brought a profound peace, leaving only a pleasant flutter in her chest. Savoring it, Ashytara drifted into a comfortable sleep.
...Unlike Ludenberg, whose mind was wholly consumed by thoughts of her, robbing him even of proper rest.
The next day—as expected—the sleep-deprived Ludenberg splashed cold water on his foggy head. Even that did little to quell the burning heat in his skull, making it hard to think straight.
Ashytara's surprise attack on the innocent boy had been too effective; he'd pulled an all-nighter and still couldn't shake it off.
"Get it together."
He slapped his cheeks a couple times and headed to the training grounds. Dawn, before the sun had even risen. The perfect time for practice.
Reflecting on how the friendly matches had made him neglect his own training lately, Ludenberg gripped his sword. The sensation was second nature now. The feeling of becoming one with the blade. Another growth from his trials, no doubt.
He unleashed his familiar sword forms—the techniques from his dreams, now thoroughly ingrained in his body.
What should he even call this nameless style?
No. Too late to worry about that now. Does it need a fancy name? Just make it yours. That's enough.
His own swordsmanship. That settled it.
Anyway, Ludenberg focused his mind and swung. Pouring every ounce of strength into each strike. Half-hearted swings yielded no training.
With full concentration, the stray thoughts of Ashytara that had plagued him all day began to fade, power infusing his thrusts.
The blade danced through the air. How to channel force, how much rotation—thinking through every detail meticulously, the swings began to whistle menacingly through the empty space.
His session dragged on for hours, until people started gathering at the grounds. Only then did he sheathe his sword.
How many hours had he lost himself in the blade? It had been ages since he'd immersed so deeply. Satisfaction spread across his lips.
Lately, he'd been training with Ashytara more, critiquing her forms instead.
Speaking of which, gotta check Tara's swordplay again. For the finals against Senior Dalia Retiu...
His focus shattered in an instant. He shook his head, but once Ashytara entered his mind, she consumed it entirely.
This is serious.
He had no choice but to relax his stance. Training was impossible like this.
Footsteps approached. As expected, Ashytara.
"Tara?"
"Morning. You're at it early again."
Today, she seemed even more vibrant than usual. Her skin glowed smoothly, her hair shimmered more lustrously. In a word, to Ludenberg's eyes, she looked far more beautiful than ever.
Facing that radiant figure, his face heated up on its own. His gaze flicked involuntarily to her lips.
Those lips were on mine.
Uncontrollable emotions surged; he clutched his forehead and shook his head.
Ashytara laughed delightedly at his reaction. It matched her prediction from last night perfectly.
He's so damn cute.
Oblivious to her thoughts, Ludenberg forced composure and spoke.
"...Finals are soon. We had a deal."
"Yeah, we did. But Lud, your face is extra red today. Got a fever?"
As she reached out casually, Ludenberg waved her off.
"No. I'm fine."
"Doesn't look fine to me."
Grinning mischievously, Ashytara closed in. She knew exactly why he was blushing but teased anyway, pressing her hand to his forehead.
But when her palm touched him, even she let out a startled sound.
"...Huh?"
The heat from his forehead exceeded her expectations.
"Lud, your forehead's scorching. You know that?"
"...Scorching? Nah, just from training."
"Training doesn't make you this hot, Lud. You catch a cold or something?"
"A cold? I'm fine."
Ludenberg checked himself at her words. His head spun a bit, heat pooling, but nothing major.
"Head not dizzy at all?"
"Uh, a little?"
"It's a cold!"
Clamoring dramatically, she grabbed his arm and dragged him along. Ludenberg couldn't comprehend her overreaction. Dizzy for a bit and it's a cold? He'd always had an iron constitution, rarely ever sick.
He stared, bewildered.
"H-Hey? Tara, wait...."
"Quiet. Just follow."
Determined, Ashytara hauled him straight to the boys' dorm. A few guys freaked at her intrusion but quickly averted their eyes, pretending not to see.
She asked him,
"Where's your room?"
"End of the hall... No, Tara, I'm really fine. You know I hardly ever get sick."
"..."
Silent, she marched him right into his room. It was barren: a few books, his black longsword, basic clothes. That done, she shoved him onto the bed.
"To me, you look anything but fine. I know you're tough—no minor ailments ever. But this heat from your forehead? Not normal. Super hot. Definitely a cold. Head's dizzy, right?"
Ashytara spoke sternly. Ludenberg finally took stock properly. It wasn't just blushing; the dizziness intensified.
"...Yeah, what's going on."
"Idiot. You pushed way too hard with the friendly matches. And last night, you barely slept because of me, didn't you?"
Her blunt words hit home, flushing his face anew.
"N-No... Uh. Yeah."
"So rest today. Get up and you're in trouble. It's partly my fault, so tell me if you need anything. I'll stick by you."
"...Got it."
Facing her firm resolve, Ludenberg meekly nodded.