Chapter 60 - Chapter 60
Only one week remained until the Spirit Summoning Ceremony. The academy was bustling with activity, and many ritual officials, such as mages and priests, could be seen. Theodore-sama seemed to be the one in charge, and I found myself crossing paths with him more often. He would greet me casually, but he always looked exhausted. When I asked him what was wrong, he explained that he was busy fending off the aggressive advances of the female students. A future Marquess, a guaranteed future as the Captain of the Order of Mages, and that handsome face... it was impossible to expect the girls to ignore him.
"Oh, Viscount Frion is popular as ever today," Natalia Abbott remarked as we walked down the second-floor corridor, looking out the window. Indeed, Theodore-sama was surrounded by a swarm of female students. His Highness was often surrounded as well, but he always managed to slip away with a polite smile. In contrast, Theodore-sama looked visibly annoyed. Perhaps it was a difference in how they handled people.
Our eyes met. He was mouthing something. What was it? Do something? I looked down at the crowd, but the number of girls had increased since the other day. If I tried to intervene, I would likely be caught in the crossfire. His Highness had said, 'He refuses to take a fiancée, so it's his own fault. Just leave him be.'
"I'm sorry, Theodore-sama. I am far too powerless right now."
I apologized in my head, promising to have Samuel make him something delicious later, and quietly looked away. I told myself the sharp gaze I felt from below was just my imagination. I turned back to Natalia with a smile. "You are participating in the Spirit Summoning Ceremony as well, aren't you, Natalia?"
"Yes, but I'm not sure if I'll succeed, so I'm feeling quite gloomy. Students are allowed to watch, right? If I fail, it will be hard to show my face at the academy the next day."
"You'll be fine. The mages wouldn't let anyone participate if they didn't think a contract was possible."
"I suppose. But I heard someone failed a few years ago. Apparently, they've stayed cooped up in their territory ever since, avoiding society."
The ceremony was held in the academy's arena, which was also used for festivals and tournaments. The seating was tiered, and there were VIP boxes. Being surrounded by spectators on all sides made the participating students incredibly nervous. I had participated last time as well; I was the first to go and successfully contracted with a mid-ranking spirit, returning to the waiting room amidst thunderous applause. I hadn't seen Anna-san's ceremony, where she received the blessing of the Spirit King of Light. Katrina-sama, who had been in the audience, later described the Spirit King as divine and beautiful, and many students were apparently moved to tears.
But what about this time? This Anna-san was completely different from the one I knew. There was no guarantee the Spirit King of Light would appear. Just as I had contracted with Kuro despite losing my mana, the future of these contracts had changed. If my suspicions were correct, this Anna-san was acting differently for a reason. If her personality was different, would the outcome be the same?
"I wonder what will happen," I whispered. Natalia shrugged.
"Whatever happens, happens. I'll just hold my head high and do my best!"
"That's the spirit, Natalia. I truly believe you'll be fine."
"Thank you. Will you come to watch, Rachel?"
"Of course."
"Then I feel much better."
Natalia gave me a bright smile and headed toward the practice rooms to work on her magic. As I started to head home, a hand suddenly reached out from an empty classroom and pulled me inside. A small cry escaped my lips as I was pulled into a firm embrace. Soft, golden hair brushed against my cheek.
"His Highness!"
"Forgive me for startling you. I saw you and... I simply couldn't help myself. Are you angry?"
He looked down at me with the expression of a scolded puppy.
"I was surprised... but I am not angry."
"I am glad. Lately, whenever I find you, I am overcome by the urge to hold you."
Lately, His Highness had become much more straightforward with his words and physical affection, as if he had cast off some old restraint. It seemed natural to him, almost unintentional. The other day, when I told him I couldn't go home unless he let go of my hand, he had looked down at our joined hands in genuine surprise. Seeing him flustered was a rare treat. However, these interactions meant my heart was constantly racing whenever I was with him. I wished I could be more composed, but his warm, gentle smile always left me speechless.
"Are you heading home now?"
"Yes."
"Then I shall take you. My work finished early for once."
I was so happy. It was enough just to see him, but to be able to spend the journey home together was a wonderful bonus. My heart felt full of warmth.
"Thank you, His Highness."
"No, I simply want to be with you. Would you mind if I stopped by the Marquess's estate? I wanted to play with Kuro as well."
"Of course! Kuro will be delighted."
The thought of the cute black cat waiting at home made me smile. His Highness watched me with a tender expression.
"And what about Rachel?"
"Eh?"
"Will Rachel be happy as well?"
He gazed into my eyes.
"...Yes," I whispered, as if caught in a fever. He gave a delighted smile and released his hold on my waist. Suddenly, I felt a pang of loneliness at the loss of his warmth. I was startled by the thought. What am I thinking? I shook my head, and when His Highness asked if I was alright, I simply nodded. He let out a happy laugh.
"I'll go get ready. Shall we meet at the carriage stop?"
"Yes. I will be waiting."
He narrowed his eyes happily, patted my head gently, and left the room. I still wasn't used to this. The intensity in his eyes was overwhelming. My cheeks must have been bright red. I was no match for him. With a heart much lighter than before, I made my way toward the carriage stop.
ブックマーク、評価、感想、誤字脱字報告ありがとうございます。
殿下が最近浮かれています。
多分、湖に行ってからですね。