Chapter 39: The First Letter (39)
Chapter 39: The First Letter (39)
In the end, Seria ended up in my arms. There was nothing else I could have done.
Honestly, when a beauty like Seria asks for a hug, is there any man alive who could refuse?
Well, maybe there is. I might have even been one of them.
But seeing Seria grow despondent again when I didn't answer for a long time, anyone would have felt compelled to hold her.
The anxiety that she might start crying again also played a part. Right now, Seria looked incredibly unstable to anyone's eyes.
She buried her face in my chest, nuzzling against me a few times as if savoring the sensation. I felt like I was going to die of embarrassment, but Seria, perhaps still intoxicated by the sense of relief, didn't seem to have much of a reaction.
It was only a little while later that she suddenly snapped out of it. Realizing what was happening, her eyes went wide, and she looked up at me.
My face was already as red as it could be, and I had been avoiding her gaze for a while now. That was how embarrassing the situation was.
Seeing my reaction, Seria finally seemed to realize the gravity of the situation herself.
A junior was wrapped in her senior's arms, nuzzling her face into his chest as if finding peace. That alone was more than enough to be mistaken for a couple.
Seria’s face flushed crimson in an instant. Stuttering, she scrambled out of my arms. Her eyes were spinning.
“Th-th-that is… Senior Ian? Th-this is….”
“It’s okay. As long as you’ve calmed down….”
In truth, Seria looked like she was falling into an even greater panic rather than calming down, but I chose not to point that out.
I just hoped that lending her my chest had been of some help. As I tried to brush it off and move on, Seria desperately tried to stop me.
“P-p-please listen! Th-that was because of my mother!”
“……Your mother?”
And so, Seria’s story began. It was another memory of her mother, something I had been hearing quite often lately.
However, the story she shared today wasn't about the nightmare-like memories she had told me before. Rather, they were the faint, happy memories that remained from even earlier.
Before we knew it, Seria and I were walking along a quiet path. We had to head to our lectures soon, so we had no choice but to keep moving.
The path led through a forest, with flowers and grass growing here and there. It was a fitting atmosphere for a private conversation.
“When I was little, whenever I cried, my mother used to hold me.”
“I guess you were a crybaby even back then.”
At my words, Seria seemed to recall how she had just been sobbing moments ago. She lowered her head, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush. Her voice trembled with shame.
“A-anyway, my mother was a former maid, so she was often away. She was even called away after she gave birth to me.”
“……Is that even possible, no matter the circumstances?”
She was a woman who had conceived and given birth to the head of the family's child. Even if the Yurdina family was obsessed with blood purism, that was too much. To call her away like a common servant.
Seria’s voice sank even lower. She couldn't even manage a bitter smile. As usual, her face remained expressionless.
Knowing that it was a mask to hide her emotions, I said nothing.
“It wasn't that they actually made her work like a servant. It was just that some of the family elders disapproved of her, so they would call her out just to give her a piece of their mind… things like that.”
But even at a young age, there was no way Seria didn't know her mother was being despised.
In fact, the younger a child is, the more sensitive they are to the emotions of adults. Usually, children use that sensitivity to throw tantrums—to get what they want.
Seria probably couldn't do that. It was likely around that time that she became less talkative and her expressions grew increasingly stoic.
As if proving my theory, Seria’s confession continued.
“Actually, it wasn't something to be that anxious about, but even then, I vaguely knew. That the atmosphere in the family regarding my mother was grim.”
“So you cried because you were afraid she would leave.”
“……Yes.”
Seria lowered her head slightly. The blush on her cheeks remained. She kept glancing at me, checking my reaction.
Come to think of it, didn't that mean I reminded her of her mother?
She probably didn't literally think of me as her mother, but it meant I was that precious to her. I thought to myself that I should be grateful.
It was probably because I was her first friend. As her social circle expanded, she would eventually realize.
She would realize that friends don't usually cut ties over a few words, and more importantly, that she didn't need to give me such special treatment.
When that time came, I might feel a bit lonely, but it would mean Seria had grown, so I would have to accept it humbly.
Still, feeling a bit mischievous, I teased her.
“Am I that precious to you? Enough to be compared to your mother?”
“Th-th-that’s, well….”
Seria immediately started flusteredly trying to make an excuse, but her bright red face was already telling the truth.
I burst out laughing. My hands naturally reached out and took Seria’s. Startled, her eyes met mine. I spoke with a serious gaze.
“I won't leave over something like that, so don't worry.”
I was telling her not to be anxious anymore.
According to Reto’s advice, you have to hold a woman’s hand and speak in a definitive tone to give her more confidence. Making eye contact was a given, of course.
As if Reto’s words actually had some merit, Seria’s face flushed once more. She cast her gaze down slightly and spoke in a voice filled with a strange emotion.
“……Yes.”
Satisfied that she wouldn't act like that next time, I finally let go of her hand. For a split second, Seria let out a small "Ah" as if disappointed, but she soon quietly cradled her own hand.
As if trying to feel the lingering warmth. She was a child who felt that much loneliness.
I’d have to keep looking out for her. At least until she made a few more friends.
With those thoughts in mind, I was walking with Seria when I came to a dead stop. I had spotted a certain flower blooming by the roadside.
Its sky-blue petals caught my eye. Six petals were in full bloom, boasting their beauty. I had seen the name of that flower somewhere before.
When I stopped, Seria followed my gaze with a curious look. Then, she let out a small exclamation.
There was a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
“Ah, it’s a Sepia flower.”
“……You know it?”
I asked back reflexively. My voice was somewhat low, but Seria, busy looking at the Sepia flower, didn't notice.
She spoke in her usual tone.
“Yes, it was my mother’s favorite flower. When I was little, she used to pick them and tuck them behind my ear.”
A faint smile played on Seria’s lips. It was a rare sight. Seria rarely smiled, which suggested she had many memories associated with the Sepia flower.
Because of that, I couldn't say anything.
A single name written at the end of the letter.
The pseudonym ‘Sepia’ suddenly flashed through my mind. From the demonic beast attack during the swordsmanship practice to the upcoming Hunting Festival.
My eyes quietly turned toward the woman standing beside me. She, who always seemed like an ice sculpture, was now looking down at the flower with a warm gaze. The contrast was staggering.
To the point where my heart skipped a beat for a moment.
“Even now, when I see a Sepia flower, my heart feels warm. Because it’s one of the few memories my mother left me….”
Could she be ‘Sepia’?
It was the moment the question I had buried in my heart for a while came back to life.
That afternoon, I was walking down the main avenue of the Academy in silence.
My mind was a mess. The memories of Seria from earlier today were thrashing around in my head like fry released into a pond.
‘Sepia.’ Was Seria really her?
Based on the warning someone had scribbled about the person who sent the love letter from the future, she and I were supposed to become lovers.
Only then could the destruction of the world be prevented. Honestly, it was a story that didn't feel real at all, but those words were always lodged in my chest like a sharp stone.
If so, would I really enter a romantic relationship with Seria in the future? For the second son of a rural viscount, that would be quite the social climb. Even if she was an illegitimate daughter, Seria still carried the Yurdina name.
It meant being tied by blood to one of the Empire's Five Great Noble Families. Furthermore, Seria was a talented woman with not only skill but also exceptional beauty; I should be welcoming the idea with open arms.
But ironically, that was exactly why I felt so suspicious.
Really? Me? Becoming her lover?
Wasn't I far too low-ranking a partner compared to Seria? Perhaps I was overthinking things. I couldn't be sure Seria was ‘Sepia’ just based on that.
I was walking along, lost in these thoughts. Suddenly, I felt a soft impact on my arm. Startled, I turned my gaze toward the person responsible.
Black hair, amber eyes. The lovely-looking girl was someone I knew all too well.
Celine Haster. She was clinging to my arm with an awkward smile that was very unlike her.
“W-w-what a coincidence! Ian-oppa, I mean… Orabeoni? Have you been well?”
“……?”
I looked at her with a face that clearly said, What’s wrong with this girl? but Celine was still gauging my reaction. Only then did I remember the conversation I had with Reto this morning.
Come to think of it, he had predicted that Celine would soon come to appease my anger. As expected of someone who grew up with her like a real sibling, his prediction seemed to be correct. The pity was that Reto, who had wanted to see Celine like this so badly, wasn't here to witness it.
I was about to say that I wasn't angry anymore, but a sudden surge of curiosity made me look down at her without saying a word.
I wanted to see what Celine would do next. At that, Celine’s gaze grew even more anxious.
She soon began to dab at her eyes with her sleeve, pretending to cry.
“This Celine hasn't had a moment's peace thinking about you, Orabeoni… That cold back of yours as you walked away in anger back then….”
“It hasn't even been a full day yet, so of course you haven't had a moment's peace.”
“Ah, anyway!”
Celine, who was about to snap at my remark as usual, seemed to catch herself and started checking my reaction again. She smiled brightly and pressed herself closer to my arm.
“This girl has reflected deeply… I was a bit much when I upset you back then, Ian-orabeoni. So, you’ll let go of your anger, right?”
“I don't want to.”
“Aw, why?!”
Celine began to stomp her feet, looking miserable at my blunt refusal. She clung to me with a pitiful, aegyo-filled voice.
“Stop being mad, okay? Please? I was wrong… I won't fight like that in front of you anymore.”
“So you’re going to keep doing it when I’m not around?”
“No, but that loser keeps getting on my nerv—ah, aaah! I won't! I won't do it! Celine completely surrenders! I’ll listen to everything you say, Ian-oppa!”
Celine was about to speak her mind in an annoyed voice at my questioning, but as soon as I tried to shake her off, she immediately declared her surrender.
A chuckle escaped my lips. It was because Celine looked quite cute acting like that.
Hearing my laughter, Celine’s face immediately brightened. She asked me excitedly.
“Y-you laughed? You just laughed, didn't you, Orabeoni? You’re not mad anymore, right?”
“I don't know. Depends on how you behave.”
“Oh, come on, you’re totally not mad anymore~”
She poked me in the ribs. Even as she did, she was sneakily checking my expression, clearly wanting to confirm if I was truly over it.
Of course, my anger had vanished long ago, so there was no need for that. I shook my head as if she were hopeless.
Celine didn't hide her joy. Her mood instantly improved, and she whispered into my ear in a suggestive voice.
“If you’re really still mad… want to touch my breasts?”
A seductive, sweet voice. As her breath tickled my ear, a tingling sensation shot up my spine.
However, I had only one response. My fist connected with Celine’s forehead.
“Ouch!”
“Stop messing around.”
“Ow, that hurts!”
Celine barked at me, then began to grumble under her breath.
She said things like I wasn't even a man, or that refusing a beautiful girl like her was a crime against history—all of it was quite excessive.
Of course, I didn't even pretend to listen. There would be no end to it if I played along with every one of Celine’s jokes. I was just satisfied that our relationship had returned to normal.
Celine and I soon went back to our usual banter. We were walking together when I felt someone block my path.
Thud.
My puzzled gaze shifted forward. Standing there was a girl wearing a pointed hat, the kind favored by mages.
Refined brown hair and mysterious blue eyes. She was shorter than even Celine, but thanks to the pointed hat, she looked a bit taller. Even so, she still looked like a child.
I was able to recognize her identity immediately. It was because the man following her with a miserable expression was a familiar face.
Lupin Lainella. The guy I had punched before. I thought I had warned him there wouldn't be a next time, but he had the nerve to show up in front of me again.
No, perhaps even he hadn't come of his own volition. As soon as he saw me, he began to tremble like an aspen leaf. My eyes quietly turned toward the girl.
On second thought, she wasn't a girl. The black cloak draped over her shoulders symbolized her school year.
Fourth year—the highest grade. Come to think of it, I had heard that students were returning one by one for the Hunting Festival, and it seemed she was one of them.
'Elsie Lainella.' She was one of the prodigies of the prestigious magic house, the Lainella family. Naturally, she was a powerhouse even among the fourth years.
And with her at the lead, several burly fourth-year seniors began to gather around me. They were likely the gang Elsie Lainella led.
I had heard rumors that while she looked like a doll, her actions were no different from those of a criminal organization.
A groan escaped my lips.
I had a feeling I knew what this was about, but I decided to ask to maintain at least a minimum level of courtesy toward a senior.
“Senior Elsie, what is the meaning of this?”
“I heard you beat up my brother?”
She was blunt. My eyes flicked toward Lupin standing behind Senior Elsie. Despite his noble appearance, he let out a shrill cry and clung to her.
“S-s-sister… let’s just stop! This guy is no joke! He’s a total psycho!”
However, Senior Elsie only furrowed her brows slightly and spat out cold words.
“Will you shut up? This is why you don't hear anything good from the family… Does it make sense for a son of the Lainella family to get beaten up by the second son of a rural viscount and not say a word?”
Lupin fell silent as if he had swallowed a bee. But the way he kept glancing at me suggested he was still terrified.
Celine tightened her grip on my arm. A quick glance showed she was looking around with quite a bit of fear in her eyes.
The opponents were seniors. And high-ranking nobles at that. It was only natural for her to be afraid.
Normally, I should have been too, but having become abnormally bold after losing my memories, I simply asked Senior Elsie in an incredulous voice.
“Is this really okay? We’re in the middle of the Academy.”
“Yeah, it’s not. So let’s go somewhere quiet, just us.”
With that, Senior Elsie gestured somewhere with her chin. I didn't know the exact location, but she likely meant a deserted clearing.
Students passing by began to gather and whisper. No one was foolish enough not to realize what was happening, yet no one stepped forward.
The Lainella family was a prestigious house, and Senior Elsie’s reputation was outstanding. The gang she led wouldn't be pushovers either; one way or another, they were people who had survived at the Academy until their fourth year.
If you didn't want to get dragged into trouble, it was best to stay quiet. Celine tugged at my sleeve.
“I-Ian-oppa…….”
I looked at Celine for a moment, then let out a deep sigh.
It couldn't be helped. I spoke to Senior Elsie in a dry tone.
“Let Celine go. I’m the one you have business with anyway.”
At those words, Senior Elsie stared at me in silence for a moment, then let out a chuckle.
“Quite the man, aren't you? Fine, I don't want to make a bigger scene than necessary either.”
Looking at her again, she was a cute and lovely girl. The problem was that her actions didn't match her looks at all.
With a slight nod from Senior Elsie, a few of the thugs moved aside.
I pushed Celine toward the opening. She was pushed back hesitantly, looking at me with worried eyes.
The situation was different from last time. A surprise attack was impossible, and the opponents were fourth years who were fully prepared. There was even Elsie Lainella, a skilled mage.
It looked like I’d be spending another stint in the concentrated healing room; I’d probably get scolded by the Saintess again.
Just as I let out a sigh and Celine, who was looking at me with trembling eyes, bit her lip as if she had made a decision—
Whack!
A sharp sound rang out. Then, the body of one of the thugs surrounding me slumped forward.
Thud. The sound of a massive body collapsing.
Silence fell. It was something no one standing there had expected. Everyone’s dumbfounded gazes turned toward the back of the fallen man’s head.
A small notebook was lying there. Had he been hit by its corner? But no matter how heavy a notebook was, it shouldn't be able to knock out a fourth-year Academy student in one blow.
Then there was only one answer. The person who threw that notebook was even more skilled.
Eyes slowly moved. Everyone’s gaze focused on the direction from which the notebook was presumed to have flown.
The crowd parted like a wave. It was a path made for only one person. The woman receiving such treatment acted as if it were only natural.
Brilliant golden hair came into view. Then crimson eyes, porcelain skin, and a slender figure.
She was a northern beauty who looked like she had stepped out of a painting. Draped in a jet-black cloak, she walked with confidence. Several people followed behind her like attendants.
A woman who boasted beauty like the sun, who drew people to her like moths to a flame—I had heard of her before.
The direct descendant of the Yurdina family, the Golden Lion of the North.
“……Delphine Yurdina.”
The name was spat out from Senior Elsie’s mouth. Her blue eyes were already filled with blatant hostility.
Regardless, Delphine Yurdina wore a smile.
An incredibly confident attitude, as if Senior Elsie and her gang were nothing more than tiny specks of dust compared to her.
“I saw a few cats bullying a kitten, and it was a bit of an eyesore… What was that old saying? A ‘thorn in one’s eye’?”
She was the ultimate wall that Seria had to overcome.