I Possessed the Villain’s Childhood Friend – Chapter 127

#What is Love? – 2

Charlotte fundamentally displayed little interest in others.

Most people couldn’t grasp the world as she saw it—being a genius meant her conversations rarely clicked with anyone else.

Charlotte harbored dreams of her apprentice becoming the greatest mage in history, surpassing even herself and Ender. However, it was obvious such talent wouldn’t just appear out of thin air.

As the current head of the Magic Tower and the dean of Arcana, her apprentice was still just Reina.

And admittedly, there wasn’t much she was actively teaching.

Mostly, Charlotte allowed Reina to observe her research or accompanied her on external duties.

After spending considerable time watching Charlotte, Reina quietly concluded, “She’s a person with almost no interest other than magic.”

Of course, that didn’t mean Charlotte lacked emotions.

Her motivation to confront Avatarara stemmed from a desire for revenge for her precious people.

Yet, even considering that, Charlotte had an almost obsessive fascination with magic.

In other words.

“What could love be?”

Reina would never have imagined Charlotte would ask such a question.

★

“Why the sudden inquiry?” Reina asked, suppressing her surprise, to which Charlotte sighed and replied.

“Well, my so-called student can’t stop bragging about Aike every time he comes. It’s only natural I’d get curious.”

Reina fell silent at Charlotte’s answer.

Even thinking it might have been a bit excessive lately, she realized she had been discussing Aike with joy.

“…I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. I’m just a tad curious.”

Saying that, Charlotte popped a macaron into her mouth.

It was an unusually serious expression on Charlotte’s face, something Reina had rarely seen.

“…”

Reina adjusted her seating position, preparing to listen intently to Charlotte’s words.

“My indifference to romantic interest is partly influenced by my mentor.”

Ender Arcana, Charlotte’s mentor, had lived a life of singleness.

Thus, Charlotte claimed it was only natural for her to lack interest in romance as well.

“Indeed, that might be true.”

“However, my mentor loved his Arcana students more than a lifelong partner. Not that I dislike the students, mind you.”

Indeed.

Ender’s deep affection for his students was a form of love, without a doubt.

Charlotte continued, explaining that this realization was what drew her interest.

“My mentor loved you to the extent he’d sacrifice his life for you. He must have thought of you as his children.”

“…That’s right.”

At Charlotte’s words, Reina felt a pang of sorrow.

Ender’s death had left her with a kind of trauma.

Noticing Reina’s sorrow, Charlotte waved her hand.

“I’m not blaming you. This role carries the responsibility to protect students regardless.”

“…Yes.”

“Of course, had I been in that situation, I would have sacrificed myself too. But there’s one key difference between my mentor and me. I wouldn’t be sacrificing because I love you like my children, but out of my duty as the head of Arcana.”

This was where Charlotte hit the crux of the issue, making Reina swallow hard and focus.

“And so, love might be a driving force that makes one stronger, don’t you think?”

“…Pardon?”

Reina’s voice echoed in the room, confusion evident.

Her response mirrored her previous one yet bore a completely different meaning.

However, perhaps oblivious to this difference, Charlotte continued, a hint of excitement in her demeanor.

“So, I want to understand love. I wonder if my inability to surpass my mentor stems from lacking feelings of love for someone.”

Only then did Reina realize.

Her mentor truly was a “magic fool,” with every thought ultimately leading back to magic.

“Please teach me, Reina. Help me understand love.”

Hearing Aike say that would have made her fall for him all over again.

“…At this rate, I think it might be impossible for you.”

Reina offered her starkly cold assessment.

★

“Hmm.”

After Reina left the dean’s office, Charlotte quietly sighed.

“I was rather sincere about that.”

In the battles that had taken place in Ethiopia—Es, Ed, Vita, Roxy, Arc—Charlotte had faced the five executives of Avatarara simultaneously and learned many things.

Among them was her question about the feeling of love.

Her last opponent, Es Cruel, had been incredibly strong.

Of course, Charlotte had to consider she was facing five opponents at once, yet still, Es Cruel was formidable.

One could say she was at least two levels above the other four combined.

Even more so because she couldn’t use her demon abilities due to the Sealing Stone.

“Hmm.”

Charlotte began to quietly imagine.

Without the Sealing Stone, with Es Cruel unleashing her full demon abilities.

Could she truly defeat such a formidable foe?

The answer was yes.

But if she had to protect the four who had collapsed while fighting, could she make them back down, even at the cost of her life, like her mentor?

She was uncertain about that.

Charlotte pondered if the difference lay in the love she could extend to her students.

“I really wanted to learn…”

Sighing in lament, Charlotte popped the remaining macaron into her mouth.

Of course, even if Reina heard her true feelings, her answer wouldn’t change.

And Charlotte falling in love was a tale for a much later time.

#The Greatest Knight – 1

Who is the strongest ‘knight’ in history?

If one were to ask this question, a variety of responses would arise.

Some would mention “Arthur Aakses,” the progenitor of Akses House.

Others might name “Roar Tonel,” the 9th Commander of the Central Knight Order.

And many would point to “Dait Rosen,” the knight who participated the most in hunting A-Class Magical Beasts.

But most would likely answer with certainty.

“The former head of Akses House, Ados Aakses, is the strongest knight.”

Upon hearing that, someone posed a question.

“Can’t the current Commander of the Central Knight Order reach that level?”

Laughter erupted at that question.

Even the knights currently part of the Central Knight Order couldn’t hold back their laughter.

Then someone answered with a chuckle.

“Perhaps he’ll be remembered as the weakest Commander in history.”

★

Time truly flew by.

I mean, it was bizarre to be so free.

Classes at Arcana were just the beginning. I also had to study all the knowledge and tasks I’d need to know as the Duke of Sird after graduation.

Being able to withstand an incredibly tight schedule undoubtedly stemmed from Reina, who always stood by my side, cheering me on.

“Are you nervous, my lord?”

“…A little.”

As Noelle asked, I calmed my racing heart and answered.

What month was it?

It was definitely May.

The exact date was May 15.

And what time was it?

10:30 AM.

I was wearing an unfamiliar and slightly uncomfortable black morning coat.

And I was seated in the waiting room of the Martires Order’s cathedral.

“My outfit feels awkward, and I can’t shake the worry that I might make a mistake.”

“Don’t worry, my lord. You look great, and even if you slip up today, it’s a joyous occasion we can laugh off.”

“Haha… But I mustn’t mess up.”

“Indeed. You must show the best side of yourself to Lady Reina… No, to your wife.”

Noelle immediately retracted that last title, remembering it shouldn’t be used yet.

Though, Reina had said I could call her whatever felt comfortable.

But speaking of which, shouldn’t I be calling him ‘my lord’ as well?

Noelle followed me, having vowed to serve me as Aike Sird.

Why was he still calling me ‘my lord’?

“That kind of feels like pressure when you say it.”

Well, anyway.

Today, May 15, was…

“But if the groom makes an odd mistake at the wedding, wouldn’t it be the worst for the bride?”

“…Haha, that’s true.”

Today was the day of my wedding to Reina.

★

Before I knew it, time had flown and it was nearly noon.

I stood at the altar, heart pounding.

“Personally, I’d like to congratulate you once more, Duke Aike.”

“Thank you.”

Atal, who was officiating the ceremony, quietly offered his congratulations first.

I smiled back softly and took a deep breath.

The gazes of the guests behind me felt oppressive, as if they were urging me to mess up.

“Phew…”

“Now, the bride will be entering.”

With a signal that I was okay, Atal, smiling gently, made the announcement.

With a creak, the cathedral doors swung open.

Stepping inside was a breathtakingly beautiful figure clad in pure white.

The veil could hardly conceal Reina’s charm, and the magnificent wedding dress could not express her perfection adequately.

All I could think was, at that moment…

No, in this world, Reina was the most beautiful and enchanting one, without a doubt.

And the faintly visible half-closed violet eyes and flushed cheeks peeking beneath the veil seemed to say Reina was just as nervous as I was.

“Ah…”

The piano’s gentle melody that quietly began to play startled me back to reality.

Grasping the bouquet adorned with red roses, the Duke Ricard—her father—gently linked arms with Reina, guiding her toward me.

Her steps were light yet imbued with so many emotions.

Now it was up to me to accept those emotions and stride forward with her.

“Your Grace, Duke Ricard.”

Before me stood Reina and Duke Ricard.

“…Ah.”

With a brief sigh, Duke Ricard spoke,

“Please take care of my daughter.”

Offering only a brief but certain request, Duke Ricard extended his right hand.

I firmly grasped it and bowed my head.

“Whatever happens, I will ensure we live happily together.”

Then Duke Ricard, or rather my father-in-law, gave a light nod and quietly stepped back.

I gently took Reina’s now free right hand as I spoke.

“Really, you’re the most beautiful in the world, Reina.”

“Aike, you’re the most handsome in the world.”

The tension melted away, leaving only happiness as smiles spread across our faces.

Reina matched my sentiment, flashing a dazzling smile that practically lit up the room.

That radiant grin was so beautiful it made me want to keep it all to myself, not wanting to show it to anyone else.

“…Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

I gently tugged Reina’s right hand to my left side, aligning our shoulders before slowly turning back to the altar.

Atal continued to regard us with a warm smile.

“Now, we shall proceed with the wedding of Duke Aike Sird and Lady Reina Rozelia.”

And the long ceremony began.

After the lengthy officiation ended…

“…Groom Aike Sird, will you vow before Eos to love Bride Reina Rozelia with unwavering devotion for life?”

At last, Atal turned to me with a question.

“Yes. I, Aike Sird, vow everything before the gods.”

With my sincere declaration, free of any deceit, Atal smiled and turned to Reina.

“Then, Bride Reina Rozelia, will you vow to love Groom Aike Sird faithfully for life?”

“Yes. I, Reina Rozelia, vow before the gods to walk with him through anything.”

“…Yes. Then shall we now present the wedding rings prepared by the royal family as proof of your vows?”

At Atal’s words, Sophia and Leon, seated behind the altar, each walked forward with a splendid case.

“Congratulations, Lady Reina.”

“Thank you, Miss Sophia.”

“Congrats on your wedding, Aike.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

With their congratulatory words, they opened the cases, revealing the rings inside.

The platinum rings, adorned with small blue sapphires, symbolized Reina’s hair and my eyes, as Leon explained.

“…I can only imagine how expensive these were.”

“Not just expensive, they were super pricey.”

After exchanging lighthearted banter with Leon, I quietly picked up the ring.

I then gently raised Reina’s delicate left hand, swallowing hard in anticipation.

The engagement ring that had adorned her ring finger since that day was clearly absent.

Certainly, it was for this moment.

“I, Aike Sird, promise to love and live as husband and wife with you, Reina Rozelia, through joy and sorrow, and no matter the trials we face in the future, I vow it before the gods.”

I slipped the wedding ring onto her empty ring finger, whispering softly into her ear.

“…There will surely be fights and tough times ahead. Yet know that this feeling will never change. I’ll make you happy, Reina.”

The captivating violet eyes barely visible beyond the veil widened as she gazed at me.

Seeing that endearing expression, I returned her smile, extending my left hand.

Reina, looking bashful, shyly picked up the wedding ring from the case Sophia held.

“I, Reina Sird, vow to devote myself as a wife and, even if death divides us, I will love Aike Sird and live as his partner before the gods.”

Blushing, Reina slipped the wedding ring onto my ring finger.

“I find joy just being with you… I love you.”

Her sweet words blew into my ear.

I desperately wanted to embrace Reina right then.

But.

“Now, we shall perform the final solemnity, the vow to seal this oath.”

Thankfully, Atal’s words helped me regain my composure.

I signed the vow document with a quill pen, and then Reina followed.

Leaving her name, ‘Reina Rozelia,’ which she’d write for the last time in this life.

From now on, she would live alongside me as Reina Sird.

“With this, the wedding concludes, and I declare before Eos that the two of you are now officially husband and wife. May you both be blessed abundantly!”

At Atal’s proclamation, cheers and applause erupted all around.

As a gentle yet sweet classical melody began to fill the air, I turned my gaze back to Reina.

And then.

“Reina.”

“Mm-hmm.”

I gently closed my eyes and embraced her, sharing a kiss.

The sweet fragrance that tickled my nose was intoxicating, a scent I could fall into for eternity.

In that joyous moment, the outside world faded away.

Surely, I would discover a new charm of yours every single day, living anew each day ahead.

“Thank you. And I love you.”

“…You seem quite skilled at these words today.”

Reina teased lightly, but from her cherry-red face, it was obvious she was trying to hide her embarrassment.

Feeling drawn to tease her further, I impulsively embraced her, lifting her up.

This was the pose dubbed the “princess carry” back in my original world.

“P-please put me down….”

“Shall we make our exit?”

Reina’s face flushed, and she lightly tapped my chest, but her feeble strength didn’t deter me as I walked out of the cathedral to where the carriage awaited.

Emerging outside and glancing around, everyone was genuinely blessing us.

I bowed my head in gratitude, and soon Reina, with her bright smile, waved at everyone.

Though her red face indicated she was still embarrassed.

What a cute and lovely bride she was.

“I’m sure I’ll be happy every day with you.”

“…Hmph.”

With that, we embarked on the journey of a lifetime as a couple together.