Chapter 55: Confession(2)
Chapter 55: Confession(2)
Lina, the Imperial Princess of the Minerva Empire, led a surprisingly ordinary life at the Academy. Before enrolling, she had expected nothing but exhausting days.
By "exhausting," she meant the way flies constantly swarmed around her, much like they did her brother, Crown Prince Leort. Her prediction seemed accurate when a young lady named Sophia clung to her from the moment she arrived, followed by Jackson’s reckless approach before the first lecture had even begun.
However, contrary to her expectations, such situations rarely occurred. This was entirely thanks to Cecile, the Princess of Helium and the new friend she had made on her first day.
Cecile was a beauty who had captured everyone's attention with her extraordinary behavior at the entrance ceremony. Beyond her stunning looks, she exuded an air of elegance and a captivating aura.
Rumors about Cecile had long since spread throughout Halo Academy. Many students came just to catch a glimpse of her face, but even those attempts were usually thwarted.
Just as Cecile was always by Lina’s side, Lina was always right there next to Cecile. Unless one possessed incredible courage, no one dared to approach the two of them.
Thanks to this, Lina was able to enjoy a relatively peaceful Academy life. With a new friend by her side, she spent her days happily, enjoying the things she could never do back at the Imperial Palace.
Above all, there was one unexpected harvest. As Lina was chatting amiably with Cecile, the thought crossed her mind, and she immediately posed a question.
"Cecile. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. Do you mind?"
"Hm? Go ahead. I always welcome questions from you, Lina."
Cecile readily gave her permission. Casting aside her usual mask of royal decorum, Lina asked the question she had been harboring.
"You’re looking for the author of the Xenon Biography too, aren't you?"
"The Xenon Biography?"
Cecile blinked in surprise, repeating the title. Lina nodded and continued.
"Yes. I figured Helium would naturally be searching for them as well."
The reason for her question was simple. Though she couldn't say it directly, she wanted to see if she could be of any help to Cecile.
The more she grew close to Cecile, the more she realized something. She wasn't sure if it was just Cecile, but the Demon race regarded the author of the Xenon Biography as more than just a benefactor—they saw him as a savior.
For the Demons, who had been forcibly cut off from the world and forced to live in the shadows, such treatment was only natural. It stood to reason that they would be desperate to find the author.
And Lina knew exactly who the author was. Strictly speaking, he was more of a 'co-author.'
‘Isaac must be writing down the stories the Red Lion tells him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have such thick calluses on his middle finger.’
Crown Prince Leort was convinced that Hawk, the man famous as the Red Lion, was the author. Lina, however, thought differently.
A knight who had spent his entire life honing his martial arts possessing that level of literary skill? To Lina, the evidence for that was weak.
She suspected that Hawk provided the general plot, and Isaac acted as the ghostwriter to publish the Xenon Biography.
While Lina was busy with her deductions, Cecile blinked a few times before breaking into a smile.
"Of course we’re looking. But... I’ve decided not to worry about it too much."
"Huh? Why?"
Lina reacted with confusion. If it were her, she would have used every means possible to find him, yet Cecile said otherwise.
Cecile’s gaze grew deep and somewhat wistful as she spoke softly.
"At first, I tried my best to find him too. But after thinking it over, I felt like I was being disrespectful."
"Disrespectful?"
"Yes. More than anything, I want to focus on my studies for now. You heard my speech at the entrance ceremony, didn't you? About showing that we Demons can live just like humans. I’m sure that’s what he would want, too. So, rather than searching for him, I should achieve what I truly desire. As for finding him... it won't be too late to visit him when he chooses to reveal his identity himself."
As Cecile explained with a bright smile, Lina’s expression went slightly blank. It was a very mature decision, especially compared to her and Leort, who had used the full power of the Imperial Family to track him down.
Of course, Cecile could only say this because she had already found 'him,' but Lina, with her keen observation skills, sensed that the sentiment was genuine. It left her feeling a bit conflicted.
"...I see. I understand."
Lina decided against giving Cecile a hint. She had thought it would be fine between friends who shared their hearts and as fellow fans of the Xenon Biography, but she dropped the idea after hearing Cecile’s resolve.
Cecile smiled at Lina’s response and stood up. She then made a suggestion.
"Shall we head to the restroom for a moment?"
"...Sure. Let's go."
Lina lightly accepted and stood up to walk with her. Just before they stepped out of the classroom door, someone caught her eye.
It was Mari, slumped over her desk with her face hidden. Her posture was far too different from her usual self.
Above all...
‘Why are her ears so red?’
Even through her pale hair, which had a faint bluish tint, her ears were visibly flushed a deep red. To Lina, who had known Mari for a long time, this was a rather fascinating reaction.
If it had been anyone else, she would have approached out of curiosity, but Lina couldn't. Because of a mistake she had made when they were very young, Mari harbored a deep hostility toward her.
So, despite her curiosity, she had to hold back.
‘Is she sick? I’m a little worried.’
Ultimately, Lina was 'slightly' lacking in intuition when it came to these things. She gave Mari one last worried look before heading out the door.
Meanwhile, Mari, who was still slumped over her desk...
‘He said he had something to talk to me about? He definitely said that. Then... no. First, what should I wear? He told me to just wear my uniform, but...’
Her mind was an absolute mess.
*
I set the meeting time with Mari for 6:00 PM. I figured it would be good to grab dinner together while I was at it, since I had to stop by the dormitory to pick up some things anyway.
Naturally, Mari had questioned why we couldn't just go together from the start, but she went quiet as soon as I told her I had something to show her. The fact that her face turned red when she shut her mouth was a bonus.
It seemed she thought I was meeting her separately for some kind of confession. Well, it is a confession of sorts, but I was torn on whether I should clear up the misunderstanding or not.
‘...I hope she won't be disappointed.’
Returning to the present, I was waiting for Mari in front of the designated restaurant. I was wearing my school uniform, as it felt awkward to wear casual clothes.
The restaurant was the same one where I had eaten with Leort and Lina before. As far as I knew, this was the only place with soundproofing magic.
‘I’ll show her this after we’ve finished talking.’
Waiting with a slight sense of nervousness, I double-checked the envelope in my hand. Inside was the first edition manuscript of the Xenon Biography that I had been writing.
After dinner, I planned to hand this to her and explain everything. Whether she would believe me or not was a mystery, but I intended to do my best.
"Isaac!"
While I was waiting with a heart fluttering for a different reason, a familiar voice reached my ears. I turned my head to see Mari, the girl with pale hair tinged with blue, waving her hands wildly as she approached.
Had she put on makeup? Even though she was wearing her uniform as I’d requested, she somehow looked different than before. I found myself dazed by her appearance, which seemed more vibrant than ever.
It was true that she was often overshadowed by others, but Mari was definitely beautiful. Especially today, since she seemed to have dressed up for the occasion, the thought that she looked even prettier than usual circled my mind.
"I’m not too late, am I?"
Mari, who had reached me in no time, asked with a giggle. I stared blankly at her smile, which seemed to radiate infectious joy, before answering in a dazed voice.
"...No. I just got here myself. It’s not even six yet."
"That’s a relief. Let’s go inside."
Mari spoke with a hint of urgency, as if she wanted to be alone with me as soon as possible. Hearing that, I couldn't help but realize once again how much she truly liked me.
A gentle smile naturally formed on my face. As I’ve always said, I felt at peace when I was with Mari. I didn't have to worry about anything else and could focus entirely on her.
My decision to confess my secret to her was definitely not a mistake. I tucked the envelope containing the manuscript under my left arm and playfully extended my right hand.
"Shall we, milady?"
"..."
The moment I said that, Mari’s face turned noticeably red. It was a simple gesture of manners, so her reaction left me puzzled.
‘Why is she acting like that? Is she embarrassed?’
According to the etiquette I learned at home, this was merely a polite gesture. My mother had taught me this.
However, I belatedly remembered something else my mother had said. This gesture only counts as simple manners at 'official events' like social gatherings or balls; in everyday life, the meaning changes 180 degrees.
If a man performs this gesture for a woman in a casual setting, it is synonymous with saying, "I have romantic feelings for you." That alone was enough to make me panic, but that wasn't the end of it.
"...Okay."
Squeeze.
Despite her shyness, Mari softly took my hand. I could feel a slight trembling in her grip, along with a firm resolve that she never wanted to let go.
This time, it was my turn for my face to turn beet red. A woman taking the hand offered by a man?
It was her response: "I also have romantic feelings for you." If she didn't, she would have just laughed it off and politely declined.
But Mari had gently taken the hand I offered. It was as if she had accepted my indirect confession.
"..."
"..."
Neither of us could say a word, simply staring at each other while holding hands.
Unsure of what to do, I finally spoke up to break the awkward silence.
"...Shall we go in?"
"...Yes."
Mari lowered her head and answered in a voice as tiny as a whisper.