The warning from Number 2 that came this morning wasn’t really a warning. The visits from that person, who drops by so often, will also end today. Today is the “last day,” as Number 2 said. No matter what the outcome, the fact that it’s the last day won’t change.
Even if…
Knock knock.
“El? Are you awake?”
“Uh, yeah! Wait a moment! I’ll be out in a sec!”
With the sound of knocking came Selian’s voice, and my tense face relaxed as I checked my expression in the mirror. Good. This should be enough.
Since it’s a well-maintained single room, the door opened smoothly without even a creak.
“Alright, come in.”
“Um… then, excuse me.”
I guided her to an empty chair at the table and handed her one of the beverages she usually drinks.
“Ah, you didn’t have to bother… since I’m getting up anyway.”
“Is there something urgent?”
“No, not really. I wanted to let you know in advance that I won’t be with you all today because I have personal closing ceremony practice planned.”
“I see. Selian sure is diligent. You’ve been practicing for a long time before the Celestial Festival, yet you’re still putting in so much effort right up to the last minute. I could never do that.”
If it were me, I’d probably skip or complain and make it obvious how unwilling I am. At the very least, I wouldn’t be using my personal time like Selian does to practice.
“Such things are also among a Hero’s duties and responsibilities. If we’re going to do it, we should do it perfectly.”
Selian answered as if it were nothing, her calm face unwavering. Sure… she’s been growing up as a Hero since she was young, so this might just seem natural to her. But as a friend, I hope she’d take it a bit easier.
When I see her working tirelessly every day to the point that I feel suffocated just watching her, it’s hard to describe her diligence with mere words.
“Well, I’ll be going now. See you at the closing ceremony later.”
“…Alright.”
It would’ve been nice if she’d stayed and chatted a bit, but it seems she’s heading straight to practice, not even touching her drink as she got up from her seat.
“Hey, Sel…?”
“Yes?”
Just as Selian opened the door and was halfway into the hallway, I called out to stop her as she was about to leave.
“I… there’s something I want to say…”
At my hesitant demeanor, she tilted her head curiously and stepped back into the room. She sat back down on the chair, ready to listen to whatever I was about to say, despite not knowing what it could be.
“Wow, this is the first time I’ve seen you this hesitant, El. It must be something important, huh?”
…Did it show that much? As an assassin, I can’t even maintain a poker face, letting my target know my intentions. How laughable.
Sitting across from her, I slowly began to speak.
“Um… well, you see…”
Here it goes. This is the best course of action to confess. Even if she feels betrayed and cuts off my head on the spot, as long as I can save her life, it would be welcome. I just hope she’d hold off on killing me for a moment so I can explain the situation.
“That is…”
“Yes, please continue.”
Even though I know it’s right to confess honestly to her, I can’t bring myself to say anything and just fumble awkwardly. Even though I’d been mentally prepared for days, even last night, my mouth still refuses to open.
“El?”
Damn it. My head aches, and it feels like something’s blocking it.
I should tell her that I’m an assassin sent after her and that someone is still after her life right now. So why can’t I stop hesitating?
“…Never mind. I just wanted to encourage you. I was going to say that I’m looking forward to the closing ceremony today.”
“Hehe. You’re quite bland, El. But I’m glad you’re looking forward to it. I’ll work even harder to meet that expectation.”
Seeing her innocent smile made me feel even worse about not being able to say something as simple as a word.
As she got up again and headed for the door, I reached out and tried to say something belatedly but only confirmed how fake I am.
“Damn!”
After she left, I stayed in the room alone and cursed myself for everything I knew about the situation. But no matter how much I cursed, my self-loathing only grew stronger.
In the end, I failed to confess everything to Selian. She might be in danger like this. Sure, Number 2 probably doesn’t know I’ve betrayed him yet, so we should be fine for now, but we don’t know when the situation might change.
Since the best option of confessing honestly to her failed, I’ll have to go with the second-best choice. Still… at least until today, I have some time to prepare, even if not much, since the assassination commission on Selian is still mine.
I stood up, gripping the unfamiliar sword in the corner of the room.
“Yeehee! Hurry, hurry!”
Unlike Yuri and me, who were walking slowly toward where the closing ceremony was taking place, Anne was dashing ahead and urging us on.
“Anne? Didn’t I tell you not to run because you’ll disturb other people?”
Anne flinched at Yuri’s impending nagging and stopped her rapid strides. She then sneakily returned to our side, carefully watching Yuri’s expression, which made me suppress a chuckle.
Thinking it might be our last, it made my chest ache, but I forced myself to hold it together in an effort to further engrain this moment in my memory.
As we approached the stage of the closing ceremony, despite Yuri and Anne insisting on better seats, I moved closer to the stage so that I could etch Selian’s face more clearly into my memory.
Though my actions might be hypocritical considering what I intend to do, I at least wanted to see this closing ceremony—something she’s worked so hard for.
Being so close, it was almost impossible to miss her when Selian subtly waved at me.
Standing beside Selian, a girl with pink hair, who I think was the Saint, Mariel, also looked my way and whispered something to her.
And then the closing ceremony began.
True to Selian’s word, the ceremony was indeed beautiful. Or rather, it probably was.
My eyes were too focused on capturing Selian’s movements, practicing hard since morning, to really focus on the overall ceremony.
And at the end, as the fireworks lit up the sky high above her, her radiant smile was so beautiful that I quickly wiped away the tear that gathered at the corner of my eye without Selian noticing. I don’t deserve to shed a single tear.
“Hey… Sel?”
“Yes?”
As we made our way back to the dormitory after the closing ceremony, I took a step back from Anne and Yuri and called out to Selian.
“Uh… after we get back to our rooms, can you come to our usual meeting place for a bit?”
Since all of our friends are stunning, crowded places have become rather inconvenient for us. That’s why we often gather at a quiet, lonely clearing. I’m calling Selian to that place.
Fortunately, she doesn’t seem suspicious and instead replies seriously.
“Did you not have time to talk this morning?”
“Uh… I guess you could say that.”
Though it will be slightly different from this morning, the purpose remains the same. My last remaining goal: to protect you, Selian, from this assassination threat.
“Alright. I’ll come discreetly from Anne and Yuri. I’ll make sure they won’t worry, so don’t concern yourself.”
Even in this situation, she’s worried about me. She has no idea what I’m about to do, which is why she’s showing this attitude. Or… maybe even if she knew what I was going to do, she’d show the same attitude?
…I briefly imagined something absurd. Let’s put that ridiculous hope aside.
As Selian walks back to Anne and Yuri, I lag behind a step and slowly walk toward the dormitory, watching her back.
After everyone separated to return to their respective rooms, I first visited Anne’s room.
“Anne, I had a great day today. You must be tired after all that, so go rest when you get in.”
Anne looked surprised to see me back at her room after she’d already gone in, but she smiled brightly in reply to my nighttime greeting.
“Yes! You too, El! See you tomorrow morning! We’re starting training again from tomorrow!”
“Tomorrow, huh?”
“…Right. We need to train hard again from tomorrow. Make sure to set your alarm and come on time, no being late. Got it?”
“Yes! Don’t worry about me!”
As surely as she’s so confident now, Anne will be late again tomorrow. But I can’t criticize her lateness, given that I will be—undoubtedly, infinitely—later…
After watching Anne’s door close, I went to Yuri’s room next.
“Huh? What’s the matter?”
“Not really anything… just wanted to say it was a fun day today, and you must be tired, so I thought I’d say good night. Don’t overthink it.”
“Hehe… El seems a bit unexpectedly thoughtful. I had fun today spending it with you, El.”
“Alright, I’ll be going then. Good night. Sleep well.”
“…Wait a moment, El!”
As I was about to leave Yuri’s room, Yuri’s voice calling me from behind stopped me. I turned around while standing in the hallway and looked at her.
“Yes? What’s wrong?”
“Uh… if you’re troubled by anything, feel free to come anytime. I’m not sure how helpful I could be, but still…”
I see. I was trying to act but ended up showing my emotions so clearly? I briefly thought I should be more careful, but then realized it’s pointless going forward.
“Right, I understand. Thanks for the concern, but I’m really fine, so you can go to bed and rest.”
“…Alright.”
She reluctantly entered her room and closed the door. Once again, I felt pitiful for causing her worry, even at this late moment.
Goodbye to Anne and Yuri. It’s only a lie, a deception of an assassin, but I still wanted to say it to them.
And now, it’s time for me to say my final goodbye.
