The Priest Luciana silently gazed at the man before her.
Unlike before, his black hair was neatly arranged, and his eyes glimmered a hue close to black.
She knew that his pupils could not be entirely black, yet they were a deep brown that was almost black.
Those eyes were extremely calm.
It was as if she was gazing at the surface of a serene lake, reflecting only the Priest Luciana before her without any ripples or movements.
Although they were dark enough to be nearly black, Priest Luciana could momentarily glimpse the unspoken fragments of hope sparkling within them.
“…You are.”
Like someone staring at the stars or drifting through the night sky, his eyes held a hopeful light, longing for something while painfully aware they must give up.
What could this mean? Though it felt almost like nonsense, Priest Luciana understood.
This sentiment was not wrong in the least.
She gazed entranced at the shimmering hope in those eyes, simply looking on.
“Professor Antorelli, why…?”
“…….”
“Why are you doing this? Why…?”
Priest Luciana reached out toward that sparkle, as if she had made up her mind not to remain still any longer.
She seemed to have grown tired of remaining inactive.
“You met Lady Rina for the first time today, didn’t you?”
“That’s correct.”
“Then why… why would you nod your head without hesitation at the thought of putting a burden on your body for someone you just met… accepting such a fatal loss… and trying to offer kindness?”
Priest Luciana was not someone who could not do such a thing. Even as empty words, she was a priest and, in any case, a cleric. She had a naturally kind disposition.
If she came across an unnamed person abandoned on the street, she would do her utmost to help, and even if it were a complete stranger, she would strive to show consideration.
However, at the same time, she found it difficult to comprehend that behavior. Though she understood actions driven by humanity’s good nature, it was new and strange for someone like Professor Antorelli to know all the circumstances and yet take on all the responsibility himself.
Priest Luciana’s lips trembled. Due to the narrow balcony, the distance between Professor Antorelli and her was so close that a single step could bring them together.
Gazing down at Priest Luciana, Professor Antorelli looked at her eyes closely for a moment.
“…It’s because you resemble someone.”
“Pardon?”
“Someone I know, very much so. In that aspect.”
Rina von Adelheit. Priest Luciana was fully aware that the lady she served devotedly was, as Professor Antorelli said, kind at heart.
She also knew that her heart was gentle. Because of that, she acted cautiously in everything, fearing for those around her.
And that past outings had a significant influence on that.
If there were someone who resembled such Rina, that person would undoubtedly be…
“A foolish person who cares for others, whose nature is to be considerate, and who nervously wonders if their actions might cause trouble for others….”
“…….”
“And who can’t find peace until they’ve done what they can when the opportunity arises… that tiresome person.”
Yes, it would be such a person.
“But at the same time, a person whom nobody could hate. That kind of person.”
“…….”
“And yes, I absolutely must take Lady Rina to the festival.”
Priest Luciana understood.
She realized how genuine the man before her was.
To anyone else, he might seem blinded by the light, rushing forward without thought, but the target of his blindness was fundamentally different. He was not looking at Rina von Adelheit but at someone else entirely.
“That is…”
“…a task only you can accomplish.”
Priest Luciana replied. Professor Antorelli’s expression subtly changed upon hearing her answer.
He appeared surprised. Priest Luciana softly smiled at him.
“Is that correct?”
“…That is incorrect, Priest Luciana.”
“…What?”
Then, Professor Antorelli extended his hand toward her.
“I said from the beginning that it is something ‘we’ can do.”
“Ah….”
“Priest Luciana, please help. So that Lady Rina can enjoy the festival with her family.”
The gentle and kind lamb who had spent her entire life being mindful of others. A being so fragile that it seemed she would break with the slightest touch.
“Let’s do our utmost so that Lady Rina can feel happiness.”
“…….”
After that, it was simply a matter of flow.
Professor Antorelli spoke wisely, hoping for Priest Luciana’s cooperation.
“Yes. Of course.”
Priest Luciana took his hand.
“Of course, because…”
It was something that needed to be done.
*
Priest Luciana and I returned to Rina’s room.
Rina was sitting at the head of the bed, engaged in lively conversation with Sub-priest Sofia.
So focused was she on their dialogue that she did not break her conversation even when we entered through the door.
The occasional smiles she showed seemed to present a new side of her to Priest Luciana.
“Lady Rina, smiling like that….”
She had been smiling since Sofia and I walked in, but never quite as naturally or brightly as she was now.
As Priest Luciana and I watched her pleasing state, we soon moved to be by her bedside. Rina and Sofia turned to us as they sensed our presence.
“Luciana. And… Professor Antorelli.”
“Apologies. I took a little longer than expected.”
“No, it’s fine. Thanks to Sub-priest Sofia, I wasn’t bored at all.”
As Rina said, Sub-priest Sofia’s expression looked cheerful. Though she might be older than Rina, she seemed to have formed a good friendship with Rina due to her friendly nature.
I nodded as I sat down on the chair by Rina’s bed.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Sub-priest Sofia even promised to visit often.”
“…Sub-priest.”
“Haha… um, Head Priest.”
I looked momentarily at Sub-priest Sofia, but she awkwardly smiled and tried to use Rina as a shield to evade the situation. I could only sigh shallowly and shake my head.
“Once everything is finished and if I have the leisure, and also ensuring it does not burden Lady Rina.”
“…Yes.”
“Very well.”
After convincing Sub-priest Sofia, I turned my gaze back to Rina. Her face, still wearing a natural smile, caught my attention.
“Lady Rina.”
“Yes, Professor Antorelli.”
“Don’t you want to enjoy the Fall Festival?”
“…Are you bringing that up again?”
Rina sighed softly. The natural smile that had adorned her face had vanished.
“Professor, I’ve said it before, but I don’t want to go to the festival at the expense of those around me. When I go out….”
“I’ve already received permission from the Duchess of Adelhaid. The Duke of Adelhaid has agreed as well.”
“…My mother?”
Rina looked immensely surprised. It was quite a sight to see her expression shatter, which had maintained a gentle smile since Sofia and I had entered the room.
“Yes. It was permitted by the Duchess of Adelhaid. Moreover, Priest Luciana will help me.”
“…….”
“Now, Lady Rina, let me ask you once more. Don’t you want to enjoy the festival?”
Rina fell silent. She merely stared at me for some time.
“…I had just managed to pull myself together.”
Eventually, a single tear fell from her reddened eyes.
“Just when I felt a bit better, this happens… I was on the verge of giving up… I worked so hard to let go of everything….”
“…….”
“Why did you come all of a sudden… and do this…? You must know I can’t… so, why…?”
“…Lady Rina.”
“I’ve tried so hard to hide my feelings… I thought I was finally managing to hold them back, but now you just… rummage through my heart…?”
Clear tears trickled down Rina’s face. The tears that ran down her pale cheeks fell and soaked the soft blanket.
“I know very well that my loved ones suffer because of me….”
“…….”
“And I also know well how worried everyone is when I step outside…! You knew that too…!”
“Yes. I understand very well.”
“Then, why…!”
“Lady Rina. If there were a way for you to enjoy the festival without anyone suffering… what would you do then?”
Rina’s mouth closed. Her round, wide-open eyes sparkled beautifully, holding back tears she couldn’t shed. They glimmered like red gems that could draw anyone into their depths.
I gazed at them intently and continued speaking.
“Please, it was requested by the Duke of Adelhaid and Lady Laura that you enjoy the festival.”
“My father and sister…?”
“Lady Rina, contrary to your worries, everyone wishes for you to enjoy the festival.”
“…….”
“Will you give up that hope like this?”
I asked. Rina von Adelheit could not respond.
Her red eyes shimmered with unshed tears. I opened my mouth again.
“Lady Rina, even if everyone worries about your health, there’s something they worry about even more.”
“What is that?”
“They want you to be happy. Everyone does.”
“…That….”
Rina, who had briefly wiped her tears with her sleeve, soon glared at me with shining eyes.
“Is that true for you too, Professor?”
“Yes. It is.”
My answer came without a hint of hesitation, causing Rina to stare at me in disbelief. I pressed on her heart.
“I too wish for your happiness, Lady Rina.”
“…….”
“Not just me, but everyone feels that way. So, Lady Rina.”
I gently extended my hand with a smile towards the dazed Rina.
“Are you ready to be happy?”
I want to give the opportunity to those foolish enough to sacrifice themselves for others.
There won’t be a second chance.
Seeing those fools crumble without ever finding happiness… once is enough.
“…I will ask you.”
Despite her tears, Rina sincerely smiled and took my hand. I felt a faint warmth from her small hand.
Seeing that smile, I made a promise.
Yes, there will be no second chance.
