Chapter 170 - Return (5)

"Kiss."

Is this really okay?

Fear grew in a corner of my mind that this might create a rift in my relationship with Silveryn. If it wouldn't affect our future relationship, I would do it without hesitation. If not, I wanted to be as careful as possible.

"Kiss!"

Silveryn pushed forward relentlessly as if my wishes didn't matter.

The strength of her arms around my waist increased. This wasn't something I could resist and break free from. She was stronger than me.

"Please turn your head slightly."

Silveryn shook her head with a bright smile. Then she fixed her gaze straight ahead. She wanted me to kiss her lips, didn't she? This was serious trouble.

"Teacher, that's..."

"Hurry."

She showed no signs of backing down. 

Could we remain purely master and disciple after doing something like this?

No, maybe I was overthinking it. Perhaps it was just an expression of affection.

Silveryn's body was hot. The air grew warm and heat rose from the ground. Magic. 

Is she angry? 

Looking at her expression, no. She looked completely innocent.

It felt like a silent message that there would be consequences if I disappointed her.

Silveryn looked down at me with playful eyes and slightly pursed her red lips.

I finally steeled myself and slowly raised my head. Then slowly brought my lips to Silveryn's.

– Chu.

Though it was a light kiss, I couldn't gather my thoughts. I felt dizzy as if all the blood in my body had rushed to my head. Her face was so close I didn't know where to look.

"...One more time."

The corners of Silveryn's mouth rose as she watched me.

"..."

"Just kidding."

She stroked the back of my head while holding me tight.

"Write often."

"I won't forget this time."

And with that, I parted from Silveryn. She pulled her robe low and disappeared toward the horizon.

After she left, a corner of my heart felt empty. I was also worried. After all, she always sought out dangerous situations.

Though I rode as fast as possible and changed tired horses along the way, it still took quite a while to return to Eternia.

After ten days, I finally returned to Eternia.

"So there's been no public announcement from the Principality about defeating the phantasmal beast?"

"No. They decided to keep that part confidential."

"Right, you really worked hard. We'll continue the detailed report about the phantasmal beast tomorrow. For now, go rest."

"Yes, and about what I asked..."

"You mean Cecil? We've taken care of that, so don't worry too much. If any problems arise, report to me."

I had previously asked Professor Candinella to handle the situation, as it would be suspicious if Candy's absence coincided perfectly with mine and she returned exactly when I did.

It seemed to have been resolved somehow, but how did they handle it to dispel suspicion? Did they tamper with memories?

After completing my return procedures with Professor Candinella, I left her office.

Somehow things had gotten complicated, and I'd missed nearly a month of classes. I received top marks for the escort mission at the Principality's request. Though this more than made up for any disadvantages of missing classes, the long absence made me feel like an outsider. The chaotic atmosphere from the start of the semester was gone, and everyone seemed more deeply immersed in Eternia's atmosphere.

After finishing the procedures, I stood before the door of the Thorn Garden for the first time in a long while.

I wonder how Trisha’s been.

Looking from outside, light leaked from Trisha's room window. She seemed to be there.

I lowered my hand as I was about to knock. Since it was my dormitory too, I probably didn't need to knock.

I opened the door and entered.

Standing alone in the hall, I called out carefully, "...Trisha?"

Thinking she might be asleep, I called again, "Trisha, are you here?"

Suddenly there was a loud crashing sound from the second floor. Then with thundering noises, Trisha came running out. She leaned over the railing as if about to fall and shouted, "Why are you only coming now!!!"

"I was really busy."

"Liar, you probably just skipped classes to slack off!!"

"I'm hurt you'd think that."

Despite appearances, I had nearly died.

She darted down the stairs again. She was so rushed that one of her pigtails was only half-tied, and she was barefoot in pajamas.

"What were you really doing to come back so late!"

Trisha's eyes were brimming with tears. I thought she was just happy to see me, but looking closer, blood was welling up from her shin. That must have been the source of the earlier loud noise.

"Is your shin okay?"

"It doesn't hurt!"

"..."

Trisha snatched my luggage bag and immediately started rummaging through it.

"What are you doing?"

I watched her strange behavior with confusion. 

Is she looking for food? 

There were only some clothes and equipment—what could she be searching for? After searching for a while, Trisha said.

"...It's not here."

"What isn't?"

"The shield! There were rumors you received it from the Duchess. I guess they were just rumors after all!"

"Is me receiving a shield that important to you?"

"The school was buzzing with rumors about you! There were strange rumors about you being engaged to the Duchess and whatnot! Do you know how worried I was? I had such a hard time dealing with it!"

"...The platinum shield was too heavy, so I left it by the door."

Trisha turned to me with wide eyes.

"You're lying!"

"Go check for yourself."

Trisha jumped up and went outside. Soon after, she covered her mouth and screamed in surprise, "Kyaa!"

"...?"

Trisha stood frozen as if in shock. 

Is it really that shocking?

"What are you so shocked about?"

"Then... are you marrying the Duchess?"

"No, this has nothing to do with that. The engagement rumors are just rumors."

"Then what kind of relationship do you have with the Duchess!"

I wondered how exaggerated the rumors had become for even Trisha to react this way.

"...We did become close. I promised to visit during break."

"No! You promised to come to my house during break!"

"Right, I'm planning to take you with me when I go."

Trisha looked up at me sulkily and said, "...How close did you get with the Duchess?"

"..."

"Closer than with me? Is her promise more important than mine?"

Trisha looked thoroughly disgruntled.

How should I answer? 

Though I had formed a bond with the Duchess through dramatic events... we hadn't built the same level of intimacy as I had with Trisha.

"Well..."

"You have to think about it that much?"

"Well..."

As I opened my mouth after some consideration, she cut me off and shouted, "Of course, you're closer to me!"

"...Right. I'm closer to you."

I had thought bringing them together might help shorten schedules, but now I see it wouldn't be a good idea to have Trisha and Duchess Bibi meet.

Actually, even after returning to Eternia, my thoughts were focused on Duchess Bibi. During my return journey, I kept thinking about her—specifically about her illness.

So the first thing I did as soon as morning came was go to the library. It was to find even the slightest clue about the curse of the Goddess' Blood.

Half curiosity, half sympathy for the Duchess drove me.

After attending my first chaotic class since returning, I headed back to the library.

I searched for materials about the elven archives but couldn't find any proper records. Around lunchtime, I heard sounds from beyond the bookshelf where I stood in the Third Archive.

The Third Archive was the alchemy section, an unpopular area, and I had been the only student there until now. In this vast area, there were just two people—me and this unknown person.

I continued my research, not thinking much of whoever it was. After about an hour of searching, I pulled out a book and made eye contact through the gap with the person on the other side.

"...?"

Though we only met eyes through the narrow gap, they, startled, quickly tried to leave.

Though I'd only seen part of their features, I remembered who it was.

"...Luna?"

The retreating footsteps stopped abruptly.

Soon after, she returned to the opposite side of my bookshelf.

I pulled out two more books to widen the gap enough to see her face. She cautiously revealed herself.

It was indeed Luna.

However, she couldn't meet my eyes.

"What a strange coincidence to meet here."

"Yes... quite... a coincidence..."

"Are you here looking for alchemy books?"

"Yes.... I like alchemy."

But had her fear of men returned? She ducked her head nervously. Well, we hadn't had contact for over a month, so she might have become uncomfortable again.

"Is it okay to talk?"

"Yes..."

"Thanks for the charm from before."

"I'm glad you returned safely."

"Wait, there's no one else around, right?"

Luna's fear of men was well-known, and Candy was supposedly the only male friend she had, so we needed to be careful as it would raise suspicions if someone saw her talking casually with me.

"No..."

I lowered my voice and said, "This is perfect timing. Remember when I invited you for a meal before?"

I had promised to invite Luna to the mansion for a meal after finishing the circulation system class.

But Luna didn't remember.

"Did that... happen?"

From her response, it seemed it hadn't been an important matter to her. Maybe she was pretending not to remember because she didn't want to visit a house where a man lived. Well, if that was the case, maybe it was better to forget about the promise.

"No, never mind if you don't remember. Let's just forget about it..."

Then Luna suddenly spoke urgently, "I remember."

"...?"

"You invited me for dinner... I remember exactly."

"Really? Then I was thinking of inviting you this weekend. How about it?"

Luna bowed her head for a moment before speaking, "...I'd like that."

"What do you like, Luna? You don't like cooking much, right?"

From my memory of accompanying her in circulation system class, Luna had no particular talent for cooking. She even turned meat into charcoal trying to grill it alone.

But contrary to my expectations, Luna shook her head.

"I like it. I... cook well. I'll help too."

"Okay, about the exact schedule, when we meet next time... Come to think of it, there aren't many places where we can meet."

There were almost no ways to contact Luna while living unmasked. We had to pretend to have no interest in each other.

"...This place isn't bad."

"Then let's meet at exactly this spot in the Third Archive from now on. After being here, I agree it's good for quiet meetings."

I picked up a book in front of me.

"I'll be in front of 'Alchemy for Solving Family Discord,' and you?"

She pulled out a book in front of her and said, "Murder Potion."

"Alright, same time, same place tomorrow."