Chapter 58: Confession(5)
Chapter 58: Confession(5)
After the "confession time," which had been loaded with various meanings, nothing particularly unusual happened. We didn't forget to order some light snacks for dessert to satisfy our lingering cravings.
The atmosphere had been light to begin with, but now it felt even more buoyant. I no longer had anything to hide from Mari, and she, in turn, had expressed her true feelings.
As the saying goes, there is no relationship closer than one where secrets are shared. Moreover, Mari had never been a difficult person to be around, so I was able to truly relax.
"Oh, right. I’ve been curious—where did you learn to write like that, Isaac? Did someone teach you?"
"I didn't really learn it from anyone; I figured it out on my own. To be honest, I never dreamed that Xenon Chronicle, which I just wrote as a hobby, would become this successful."
"Ooh... that’s amazing. Is it really just a hobby? For a hobby, there are so many different themes woven into the story."
Mari took this opportunity to ask me everything she had been curious about. I could see an intense spark of curiosity in her eyes.
"As you know, I read a lot. If you look at autobiographies written by explorers or adventurers, you can experience the world indirectly. I could also ask my father for advice."
"I see. Then what about the demons? You handled them with quite a bit of depth, especially Sacran’s end. It actually changed how people perceive them."
"Well... I don't really have a way to explain that. I just didn't like how demons were being discriminated against, and I never imagined the influence would be this terrifying. There’s always a disclaimer on the first page of Xenon Chronicle: 'All characters and events in this story are fictional.'"
"It felt way too vivid to be just a work of fiction, though."
"I’m telling you, I never imagined things would turn out like this. It really was just something I wrote as a hobby."
"Hmm..."
Even though I insisted Xenon Chronicle was just a hobby, Mari didn't seem entirely convinced. Of course, she had no idea I was a reincarnator, so her reaction was only natural.
I felt a bit awkward since I couldn't think of a better excuse. Fortunately, Mari shrugged her shoulders and seemed to accept it.
"Fine. The world is vast and full of geniuses. I guess I’ll just think of you as one of them. Right?"
"That’s... a bit embarrassing."
"What’s there to be embarrassed about? Still, I really can't believe it no matter how much I think about it. My boy... friend is the author of Xenon Chronicle."
Mari hesitated slightly, perhaps shy about using the word 'boyfriend' or because I hadn't officially confirmed our status yet. She even stole a few glances at me.
It looked like I’d have to make it official on the way back. The current atmosphere wasn't quite right for it, so I had to hold back for now.
Until then, I had to make sure things didn't get awkward. I let out a faint laugh as I picked up my teacup.
"Haha. I suppose so. At first, even my family asked if I was really the one who wrote it."
"I’m so jealous of your family. They get to see Xenon Chronicle before it’s even released."
"My parents might, but my siblings don't get to see the manuscripts. Since I'm at the Academy, it's hard to send them over."
"Do your siblings have to buy the books themselves too?"
"Not exactly. My father receives the books directly from the publisher and sends them by mail."
Until the publisher introduced new technology, people always had to compete fiercely to buy the books. Even nobles were no exception; even Mari had struggled to get her hands on them.
However, my family was a bit different. My parents read Xenon Chronicle in advance through my manuscripts, and Nicole and Dave read the books sent by the publisher. So, the catastrophe of my own family not being able to read the book almost never happened.
Though, I wasn't sure about Dave, since he was busy with his knightly duties lately.
Mari seemed to fall into thought after hearing my answer, then she gave a mischievous grin. It was the look of a prankster.
"So, you're writing it right now too, right?"
"Yeah."
"Can you show me when you're done? Just a little bit."
"No."
"Hmph."
Trying to get a freebie, are we? When I responded firmly, Mari let out a disappointed sound.
Of course, she wasn't being entirely serious, and I was half-joking as well.
If Mari truly wanted to see it, I was willing to show her. She wasn't the type to do anything reckless with my manuscript, so there was no reason to refuse.
"Just once~ I'm so curious about the next part~"
"I haven't even finished writing it yet."
"Will you show me when you're done?"
"No."
"Puu..."
Now Mari was puffing out her cheeks like a child to show her discontent. To me, it just looked like adorable pouting.
I smiled warmly and took a sip of my tea. At the same time, I checked the time.
Is this what they mean when they say time flies? It was 6:00 PM when we started dinner, but it was already nearly 8:00 PM.
'Since I have nothing to do tomorrow...'
As long as I didn't get back too late, it should be fine. I found myself wishing that time would pass just a little slower.
"Isaac. Then can you tell me how many volumes Xenon Chronicle will end with?"
While I was lost in thought looking at the clock, Mari asked me while resting her chin on her hand. I slowly set down my teacup and answered.
"Probably... it'll end around Volume 20. There are still many stories left to tell."
"There’s still a long way to go. Is the whole story already in your head?"
"It is, but I have a separate notebook where I record the plot development. I don't know if you remember, but do you recall that drawing I accidentally showed you last time?"
"Ah, that? The one that looked like a steam locomotive?"
I nodded. Even though I had drawn it stubby like a primary schooler, Mari had noticed.
"The plot is written in that notebook. I brought it by mistake that time, but I won't be bringing it to the classroom again."
"Heh. That’s impressive. It’s like there’s another world inside your head. I really wonder if you’re actually the same age as me."
"Flattery won't get you any spoilers."
"Tch. Was I too obvious?"
Despite my words, I couldn't help but flinch inwardly. Sometimes, Mari would unconsciously say things that pierced right through to my true nature.
Last time, she had jokingly asked if I was writing a book, and now she said this even though she had no idea I was a reincarnator. Every single one of her questions hit a nerve.
"Well, I really do mean it when I say you're amazing. Then, can you tell me when the next volume is coming out?"
"It’ll probably be out in about a month, but once Volume 10 is released, I’m planning to go on hiatus until I become a third-year."
"What?! What do you mean... Ah, because of the Academy?"
Mari was momentarily startled and almost shouted, but then she spoke as if she understood. She was already feeling the pressure of how busy things would get before becoming a third-year, so she seemed to get it.
"Yeah. I’ll have more free time once I’m a third-year, so I’ll start writing again then. It might cause a bit of a stir, but I have no choice for the sake of my studies."
"Hmm... I guess you were serious when you said it was a hobby. Couldn't you just live as a full-time author?"
"I’ll think about that after I graduate. For now, I’m planning to pursue a career in history."
Until Xenon Chronicle became a hit, my dream had been to become a historian. So, even if the series hadn't done well, I likely wouldn't have minded much.
Mari looked at me with a strange expression for a moment after hearing my answer, then she smiled slightly. She spoke in a voice full of pride.
"You have everything planned out, don't you, Isaac? I’m jealous. I haven't even decided on a career path yet."
"I’m just the unusual one. I’m sure everyone else is just like you. What’s your favorite subject in class?"
"I like playing the most."
What are you, a toddler? I looked at Mari with an incredulous expression.
Seeing my face, Mari burst into a clear, innocent laugh.
"I’m joking. Actually, Alchemy used to be the most fun. The professor explains things well."
"That’s true."
"But now..."
She trailed off for a moment, glanced at me, and then said with a beaming smile.
"I think I like History the best."
"... ..."
"My family forced me to learn it, so I used to hate it, but not anymore. Thanks to a certain someone."
"Ahem. Cough..."
I cleared my throat and picked up my teacup to hide my flushing face.
*
The time, sweet enough to rot one's teeth, passed quickly. I wished it would flow a little slower, but not even an omnipotent god can stop the passage of time.
The two of us, feeling regretful about how fast the time had gone, had no choice but to head back toward the dorms. However, that didn't mean our sweet time together had come to a complete end.
"... ..."
"... ..."
The street was draped in deep darkness, illuminated only by faint lanterns. Most of the restaurants had closed, and there were hardly any pedestrians, creating a quiet, secluded atmosphere.
And on that street, the two of us were walking slowly—very slowly—with our hands clasped together.
Praying that this sweet moment would last just a little longer. Trying to delay the moment we arrived at the dorms, even if only by a little.
Mari and I walked in silence, our heads bowed, simply holding hands.
"... ..."
I glanced at Mari with my head still down. She, too, was walking aimlessly, her gaze fixed on the ground just like mine.
I could vividly remember her startled face when I first took her hand after leaving the restaurant. Unlike when she had boldly kissed me, it was such a cute reaction.
'I wish this moment could last forever.'
Could there be any moment more blissful than being with the person you like? I lifted my head and looked up at the night sky.
The stars were densely packed in the darkness, forming a single Milky Way. I was almost entranced by the truly beautiful and mysterious sight.
Come to think of it, when was the last time I looked up at the sky like this? When I was at home, I looked at it often because I had nothing to do, but after coming to the Academy, I had been so busy every day that I didn't even have the leisure to look at the night sky.
Stop.
Just as I was staring blankly at the Milky Way, Mari suddenly stopped in her tracks. Naturally, I had to stop as well.
When I checked why she had stopped, I realized we had already arrived at the fork in the road. The path that led to our respective dorms.
As much as I wanted to walk her all the way to the girls' dormitory, unfortunately, according to the Academy regulations, doing so would result in a severe warning. I didn't know why they made such a rule, but I had to follow it for now.
In any case, it meant the time for us to part had come. I turned my gaze toward Mari at the fork.
Coincidentally, Mari had just turned her head toward me as well.
"... ..."
"... ..."
We looked at each other without saying a word. At the same time, we tightened our grip on each other's hands.
What should I say at a time like this? Should I say I don't want to leave, or should I just see her off?
While I was hesitating, my lips trembling as I debated internally, Mari looked at me with moist eyes and spoke quietly.
"...Isaac."
"...Yeah."
"Um... you know. Are we..."
"Are we dating?"
When Mari hesitated and faltered, I beat her to the punch. Mari flinched visibly, then slowly nodded her head.
Even though I had said it for her, she seemed just as embarrassed, turning her gaze away. I gave her a gentle smile.
"I’ll be perfectly honest. Originally, the only thing I wanted to talk to you about today was Xenon Chronicle. Your actions were unexpected."
"... ..."
"Of course, that doesn't mean I didn't have feelings for you. You were the first friend I made when I entered the Academy, and there’s no one I feel more comfortable with than you. It’s true that I had romantic feelings for you."
At my words, Mari slowly raised her face and looked me straight in the eye. Her pupils were trembling slightly, showing her nervousness.
Then, I reached out with my free hand and touched her face. The sensation of her slightly warm, soft skin traveled through my hand.
Mari’s eyes widened in surprise as I touched her face. I could see her face turning much redder than before.
Slowly...
I looked into her eyes, which had begun to tremble like an earthquake, and started to bring my face closer. And then...
Chu.
Just as Mari had done to me at the restaurant, my lips met hers. If it were just a peck, I should have pulled away immediately, but I didn't stop there.
"Mmph...!"
It wasn't just a simple kiss, but a deep one that only lovers would share. Mari’s lips were tightly shut, leaving no room for my tongue, but it didn't matter. This was purely an act to confirm my feelings for her.
Moreover, her lips were likely clamped shut because she was so extremely nervous that she wasn't even aware of it. As much as I wanted to use my tongue to tap on her lips like a knock, I barely managed to restrain myself. We could take things slow.
For now, it was enough to just press our lips together deeply and confirm each other's hearts. Mari must have wanted this too.
"Haa!"
"... ..."
After a long yet short moment, I pulled my lips away, and Mari let out the breath she had been holding. Her face was so red it looked like it might explode at any moment, and she was breathing heavily.
My own face was burning so much I wanted to fan it with my hands. I had acted bravely in my own way, but it was still embarrassing nonetheless.
I looked at the flustered Mari and spoke quietly. I couldn't hide the tremor in my voice.
"And now, those feelings have changed."
"Uuu... uu..."
It didn't matter if Mari couldn't think straight due to her embarrassment. I stepped closer and pulled her into an embrace.
I could vividly feel her body stiffen.
Finally, I rested my chin on Mari’s shoulder and delivered the finishing blow.
"I like you, Mari."
"... ..."
"Is this enough?"
At that, Mari’s stiffened body finally relaxed. Then, she raised both arms and carefully hugged me back.
"...Yes."
Following her timid reply, the two of us shared each other's warmth for a long time.
*
It was around the time the two young people were sharing their warmth and confirming their feelings under the night sky spread with the Milky Way.
Because it was so late at night, there were almost no pedestrians around, but that didn't mean there were none at all.
"... ..."
A pair of red eyes was staring intently at the couple engaged in their romantic display.
Although the figure was hidden in the darkness, making it difficult to discern their appearance, those red eyes glowed vividly. Perhaps because of that, they gave off an even more ominous feeling.
The person, who had been watching the couple's sweet atmosphere with a complex gaze, eventually narrowed their eyes.
A feeling of intense displeasure was clearly evident, and the atmosphere was such that they might step forward at any moment.
"...No."
But soon, they closed their eyes completely, suppressing the impulse. Then, the owner of the red eyes muttered in a meaningful voice.
"At least not now. Not yet..."