Whoops-
“Hey, the wind… … ”
Just like when I opened the door and came in, a pale pink girl in a patient uniform holding her bangs with the back of her hand in the wind.
It was Rubia.
Her hair, as fresh as a ripe peach, was shiny and shiny. The white skin contrasting with the dark shadows scattered a subtle luster. From the looks of it, it seems that they are now finding their former self to some extent. For me, the change wasn’t too bad.
“… uh, was there? Ezio?”
When he saw me with his arms crossed over the railing and only his head tilted back, he widened his eyes and stuttered as if he was bewildered by my presence.
“… … ”
“Hey, what were you doing there? I was just out for a walk.”
However, the movements are strangely awkward and the gait is bustling. As I stared at him without saying a word, his pink lips were closed and his eyes were rolling without a word.
I took a deep breath.
“… Did you follow me?”
Our hospital rooms were all on the same floor. Rubia’s room was probably the room right next to me, so I guess I heard the sound of the door open and followed her.
Rubia shrugged her shoulders like a child caught in a secret prank, and spread her arms slightly, pretending to enjoy the wind.
“Oh, no, isn’t it? Just to get some wind.”
“If you’re going to lie, I’ll just go down. You get some air here.”
Stop.
Rubia scratched her cheek as if embarrassed.
“… D, I got caught. Ehehe.”
“Hehehe, what is it.”
I thought I was sleeping well, but I’m still awake.
I asked Rubia, who was sneakily approaching here.
“What’s up.”
“Yes? is it a walk? I woke up in the middle of sleep, so it was a bit like going back to sleep. It was frustrating to stay in the hospital room all the time.”
“It’s very spacious and there are windows.”
It was a luxurious hospital room where only VIPs could be admitted, so it was as spacious as the living room of any mansion. The bed was big, the windows were big, and everything was big. Not to mention the splendor of the interior facilities. There will be no significant difference in the composition of furniture from a normal house. maybe.
“It’s just that I’m alone.”
Rubia muttered so.
“Because I want to be alone in such a large place, something… … it was hostile Besides, I couldn’t sleep, but the surroundings were so quiet that it was scary. It seems that someone is sitting on the sofa while you look away for a moment… I feel like I shouldn’t be looking at the edge of the ceiling for some reason… ? Feeling a bit like that… ? Hey, do you understand?”
“… I know roughly what it feels like.”
In other words, I was afraid to go outside.
“Just because I’m the enemy, I can’t wake up other sleeping kids. So I thought I’d just go out for a walk alone… I heard the door open next to me. I thought it might be you, Ezio, but you were right. I secretly followed you without being noticed… Looks like a success. Ahaha.”
Rubia came closer to me and said that in a slightly clearer voice. Her voice was somehow like the sound of a bird in the forest, and the more I listened to it, the more relaxed I was.
Whoa whoa… …
The wind blew again. Quite cold. The bangs were lifted, and the bald forehead became cool.
Rubia’s hair next to her also fluttered in the sky. Rubia glanced at me as she tucked her hair that was clinging to her cheeks behind her ears.
“He said he followed me.”
“… … huh? Yes.”
When I turned my gaze to Rubia, who was staring at my side face, Rubia hurriedly rolled her eyes to the front and nodded her head.
“Aren’t you here to say something?”
“What to say? Well… … that, is it?”
“Well, what else is it? Be certain.”
“Well… … ”
When a serious atmosphere was formed when he was alone with Rubia, there was a sense that the surrounding atmosphere became awkward. Because there were a lot of things going on.
As a result, I can say that I was unable to communicate completely openly. Rather than a private conversation, it feels like only the main point and the purpose.
We try to be careful with each other’s words and actions, and try to avoid remarks that may be a sensitive topic as much as possible.
… … Whatever it is, it’s never going to be a good relationship.
At one time, we shared all the very useless and trivial things like ‘I used the word idiot 5 times today’, but how did this happen, Won.
“… I do not know either. Do I have something to say or do I have nothing to say? Even if I go out for a walk, I’m afraid of being alone, so I thought I wanted someone to be by my side, but I saw you, Ezio, so I followed… only? If that’s the case, would it be okay? I must have something to say… Shall I?”
Rubia crossed her arms across the railing like me. Then, he gently placed a slender chin in the center. The yellowish moonlight flowing along the sharp nose was very impressive.
“You don’t have to.”
I said.
“Yeah, that’s it.”
Rubia agreed briefly.
“… … ”
“… … ”
I don’t know what it is, but we got it. I decided not to expand the meaning further. I didn’t even bother to lift the veil.
“You can see the stars well, and the wind is cool – it feels good, somehow.”
Suddenly, Rubia’s green eyes turned to the sky. Soon, a soft arc appeared on the corner of his mouth.
“I thought the whole city was barren, but it doesn’t seem that much different from the rural sky. Of course, there are no gates, trams, or trains in the countryside, but the sky you look up at is the same as in the city or the countryside.”
“I know.”
“… … Uh-huh, just being here like this suddenly brings back memories of the past. Back then, I was rarely awake until this late. I had fun playing outside with you, and when I came back, I fell asleep before 10pm every night. If I hadn’t slept until then, my parents scolded me. Ezio, didn’t your house do the same?”
“It did.”
“That’s right, I was thinking of my parents. When I saw your parents not long ago, nothing really changed from before. Are you all still young and active? I was all reassured. I was really glad that I wasn’t sick anywhere.”
“I see.”
“Oh, and you talked a lot about it, didn’t you? I sent them far away with expensive tuition, but I didn’t get a single letter. At first, he said he wanted to send it often, but later it was about once every three months? Really?”
“It did.”
“It’s too much-. You were worried about how well you are doing at the academy. … I told you I was doing fine. ah! So, by the way, did you say hello to your parents? So after sending the last letter. directly.”
“yes.”
“Then you know, I went home to find you.”
“I know. … … No, what?”
While we were arguing with each other in a way that was difficult to get along with, Rubia’s words, slurping out in a clear tone, suddenly pierced my ears like sharp thorns.
“When I first visited, your parents said you hadn’t come home yet.”
Rubia continued speaking without looking at me.
“Your whereabouts is the last letter I sent you half a year before graduation. Even that, three lines with my daughter. I am doing well, I am eating well. So don’t worry. it was like this And even after the winter of last year, he didn’t come back to his hometown. Of course I’m worried, but he said he’ll be fine as he’s a strong-minded son. … Instead, you asked me where you were, who was attending the same academy as you. Do you know what I answered?”
I had no clue. I was silent.
Rubia opened her mouth as if to help herself.
“Actually, my father and mother’s son are missing. I don’t even know where I went. Besides, he’s probably dead. So I’m looking. with all my might to die. … … can’t you say So you answered appropriately.”
“… … ”
“Ezio is doing well. I still don’t know how to go to college,” he said.
“… … ”
“I couldn’t say anything less than that. that you are doing well… Actually, it was close to my wish, though. Ahaha.”
“… … ”
“Your parents said, ‘When you get back, I want you to tell me to come down to your hometown sometime. … That word… … A little bit, it stabbed me in the chest.”
Looking at the scenery of the city engulfed in darkness beyond, Rubia scratched her cheek with a clumsy smile.
Whoops-
The wind blew and our hair fluttered.
While she couldn’t find anything to say, Rubia asked, glaring at me.
“Did your parents know that you were admitted to Frontier?”
“… no. You don’t know.”
I haven’t said it yet.
After becoming such a body, I had already registered for survival, but the goal of going to Frontier didn’t exist at that time.
So, I said the same thing, wondering if I would just go on to the high school of Lorsen Academy.
I think I’ll get a scholarship for tuition… He told a blatant lie that no one would believe, but it turned out not to be true.
Because all the students of the Frontier Epic class were full scholarship students. You don’t have to worry about tuition fees for the rest of your life.
“What about your parents?”
“You know.”
“… I see.”
However, Rubia’s parents were not present at the entrance ceremony. Maybe there was something It wasn’t my problem.
“It seems that rumors have already spread in the village. slope or something Do you know Uncle Germain? That uncle also sent a present for admission to the dormitory this time. The parcel was quite large, but when I opened it, I saw that there were gifts from other villagers as well. Note, writing instrument… A handmade teddy bear was also included. It seems to me that Diony made it. She’s been making dolls for a long time and giving them out. My skills have improved a lot.”
“I see.”
“Yeah, and Ezio also had a present from your parents. I haven’t opened it up yet.”
“… … okay?”
“yes.”
nothing came to me So, it was clear that the villagers did not know that I had entered here.
Even at the height of the war, it was a secluded and secluded countryside, so there is no way to check the list of freshmen for this year’s Epic Class unless you pay attention and look for it. But there’s no way you wouldn’t be interested.
However, Rubia also found out after the entrance ceremony that I had entered here. In the first place, only rumors abounded, and the exact list of freshmen was never made public. Because they were also strictly personal information.
Of course, in the case of nobles, being an Epic class student is a very honorable label, so they often talk about it on their own. So most of them must have been known… You probably won’t know about my admission unless Rubia tells you.
is not it. There have been so many incidents lately that my name is sometimes featured in newspaper articles, so somehow my news might spread to the remote countryside… … .
“You know, Ezio.”
“uh.”
“Are you going to keep your admission here a secret from your parents and the villagers?”
“… … Well.”
Now, I didn’t really plan to hide it, but somehow I did. Something… I thought I was entering with the feeling of a fresh start.
What’s more, I must say that I missed the time to speak. Even though I don’t think it has anything to do with it… … Now, why-? is the side
Above all–.
I’m a little worried because once I start talking, somehow, I’ll be able to tell you everything about my situation without hesitation.
Then I’m afraid to imagine the reaction my parents would have. His son might die within ten years right now. Their personality… … I will never stand still. I didn’t want to put a heavy burden on my parents, who were enjoying a peaceful and happy country life.
“Even if I don’t tell you, one day I will.”
“Aren’t you going to tell me until then?”
“for now. … Rather, it doesn’t matter to you whether I reveal it or not.”
I wanted to tell you. The tone was colder than the wind blowing right away.
“… right. sorry. A little bit after thinking about the past… You must be excited.”
Rubia said with a bitter smile. He seems to be trying to manage his facial expressions, but he’s still immature. His face looked a bit wounded.
“… … ”
“… … ”
The conversation doesn’t go any further. Of course. Until now, Rubia had started all conversations, but when Rubia was silent, the conversation between us naturally ended.
The first time I opened my mouth was when I asked Rubia what was going on with me. Other than that, only short and concise answers or questions. The reason why this happened was simple.
It’s because I’m uncomfortable with being alone with Rubia.
“… It’s cold, slowly.”
I brushed my arms from the bottom up. What happened next was something Rubia had expected at first glance.
Now let’s go back–.
“this… ”
“It’s glass.”
My mouth opened slightly and then closed again.
“You must have followed your brother very well.”
“… yes it is Look at what happened in the labyrinth.”
Reluctantly, he hung his arms over the railing.
“The ribbon that Yuri wears in her hair every day, the deal that her brother Yuri gave her as a present for her 6th birthday.”
“When you are six years old… … It’s been over ten years.”
“Is not it. But it’s shiny like new and it’s fine. It must be proof that you are working hard every day.”
“You look very precious.”
“Yeah, it looked like that.”
While Rubia shook her head, a memory suddenly popped into my mind.
—Who… at will…
It was in the labyrinth.
While Yuri lost her mind, she untied the headband to avoid any discomfort, but as soon as she got up, she found her own hairband, and as soon as she saw it in my hand, her expression was distorted.
I thought it was a precious thing even if I pretended to, so I said I wouldn’t touch it next time, but I blurted out saying that it wasn’t anything special.
… No, what is it, you bastard?
I can’t be honest anyway.
“He was someone I loved and depended on so much. My brother, who did that, suddenly lost his life on the battlefield… I can understand how heartbroken Yuri must have been at that time.”
Suddenly, Rubia muttered.
“Me too, Ezio, if you die… ”
“Don’t say you’re going to die.”
I remembered the brief quarrel I had with Rubia the other day, and said it in a succinct way. It was a time when I could vaguely feel the depth of various deep and heavy emotions that Rubia had for me.
“… … yea, I got it. I won’t.”
Rubia said so with a bitter smile.
However, I opened my mouth with a gloomy heart.
“It’s not like that at all.”
“No, it’s true. Ezio, even if you die… I promise not to take my own life.”
“… It cannot be verified.”
There is no way on my part to verify that Rubia’s promise has been faithfully fulfilled. Because then I would have already died. How can I know if Rubia will follow me after I die… … .
“that… That’s right. What do we do. Should I write a contract? ?”
“… done. go over What a contract.”
As I stared at Rubia, who had started to worry so much with a very serious face, I sighed.
“Anyway, Ezio, I don’t know if you know… In fact, Yuri is a good friend who has a lot of things, and is very kind on the inside. He listened carefully to every little thing I had to say, and he took care of me a lot during that time… If it seems like I’m having a hard time, I take care of you a lot. Most of all, she is pretty, cute, and sweet. He’s a really good friend.”
… … what.
Are the Yuri I’m thinking of now and the Yuri that Rubia is referring to are different people?
I’ll admit that I look pretty and cute.
Other than that… Just a glance, I can only think of a golden cat with its hair on its body straight and its mandibles fluttering.
sweet? are you good
… who?
next moment.
“──The person that Yuri relied on the most in her life was her older brother. So, family.”
Rubia’s eyes turned to me. It glistens beautifully with a soft green color.
“Ezio, you also have a family.”
… I wondered what he was saying, so maybe that’s why he talked about the villagers.
I was quietly silent.
“No one knew you as well as I did before, but now… Ezio, I don’t know more about you than I know.”
Rubia smiled as if she was helping herself and said so.
And then.
“I have a lot of questions, and I really want to ask them right away… Ezio, I know you can’t talk to me comfortably. ‘Cause I know you can’t depend on me anymore… So, I can’t ask you to tell me your secrets too, and to share the burden on your shoulders with me.”
At the point of saying that, does he know or don’t know that there is a subtle pressure coming in, he… … .
“So… I no longer qualify as the person you can rely on most, but Ezio your parents are not.”
“… … ”
“Are they the people who care and love you so much that if you are sick or having a hard time, no matter what happens, they throw everything away and run to your side one step at a time?”
“… … Well, yes.”
graciously agreed. As an only child, there were some who took care of me with more care. It is certain that they are objectively true parents.
“I don’t know if I’m in a position to say things like this—”
“There are so many things I don’t know. If you’re having a hard time, tell your parents about it, right?”
“… uh? ah… Um, uh, huh.”
Rubia shook her head and nodded slightly.
I know what you meant.
Anyway, Rubia must be full of questions for me right now. A conversation I had with a demon in the labyrinth. The situation I’m in right now Why is my body like this? There are only ten years left… … .
But, I haven’t been able to sort it out yet.
Confess to someone and sleep… … I don’t even know what to say in the first place. Even I am confused, but the other person will be confused. It would take a month to even understand the whole mess. Before I could even start the story properly, I first got tired. How am I supposed to explain this? full of the same thoughts.
“It’s not something that is particularly difficult to tell you.”
“… … uh?”
As if he had never expected such a word to come out of my mouth, Rubia blinked blankly.
I spoke quietly.
“And, I am not as dependent on you as you think. You knew very well what you meant to me. is not it?”
I glanced around and asked,
“… … Aren’t I uncomfortable?”
Rubia had been asking the question with a crying face.
I said as I pressed my index finger between my forehead.
“Not uncomfortable. of course.”
“-
Rubia bit her lip slightly. It looked like it was the second time he had been hurt. His eyes slid down as if he were dead.
I can’t help but make a face like that. Can I have a comfortable conversation with the guy who said that he no longer sees me as an ordinary friend?
I decided to go out of my way to make it a little bit funny.
“It’s not just inconvenient, these days when I’m alone with you talking like this is the most difficult and inconvenient.”
“Ugh-”
“It’s inconvenient for you to keep looking at me, and it’s uncomfortable to talk to you all the time even though you’re making an uncomfortable look just by looking at me.”
“Ugh-”
“It’s also inconvenient to bring up uncomfortable topics such as talking about old memories and keep making the atmosphere uncomfortable. It’s inconvenient to follow me all the way to the rooftop. Even though I didn’t allow it, it’s inconvenient to try to stick close to me. just uncomfortable all uncomfortable Anyway, it’s uncomfortable. Either way, it’s uncomfortable.”
“… … Ezio, I think I’m going to cry.”
“You can cry. I will allow it.”
“… … Too bad, Ezio.”
Tears were really forming in the corners of Rubia’s eyes, which had pouted their lips as if in a grudge. Although it wasn’t full enough to flow down, I didn’t know that if I stimulated it a little more, I might cry out of frustration. Because he’s a guy with so many tears.
“still.”
“… Yes.”
I wiped Rubia’s tears from the tip of my eyelids with my fingers. Rubia closed her eyes for a moment, then opened it again. He looked like a puppy dog when he quietly accepted my hand towards his face without avoiding it.
“If you think you’re talking like that because you’re worried about me, it’s not that uncomfortable. Rather thank you This is sincere.”
“… … ”
In the end, everything Rubia wanted to say to me was because she worried about me. Because I was worried about my well-being. I feel like the burden I am carrying is too much. I wondered if I could alleviate some of that… … It was with that in mind that he was willing to speak to me.
Above all else, when we went out of the labyrinth, we decided to talk to each other at that time. I thought a little bit would be fine.
“… … I’m really about to cry, what should I do… ? Hib.”
“It’s not the same, you’re already crying… … .”
For some reason, her heart was grieved so much, Rubia suddenly began to shed tears like silver beads. I tried to wipe it off with the back of the palm of my hand, but only the damp water was seeping out.
His eyes were red and his nose was also red. There was an overlapping sound of hissing and laughter that seemed to fall out of the wind.
“Ah, really, again, I don’t want to cry, I didn’t… … .”
It was a crybaby among crybabes. A sigh came out.
When the tears stopped flowing, but the hiccups remained as residues, I quietly opened my mouth when I thought Rubia had calmed down.
“It’s hard to tell you the details right now… Just ask me one thing That will answer it.”
It was something I had to explain to Stella and Mew anyway. It would have been better for me and them to talk when they were together.
… … I don’t know about glass. If you come back to the Frontier, maybe I can tell you then. For now, I’m just hoping that I can come back to Frontier.
“… Thank you, hib. Ezio.”
I don’t know if that’s something to be thankful for.
Anyway, Rubia said.
“Ezio.”
“yes.”
“… Really, in ten years… die?”
It was a small, powerless question.
“… … Is that what you wanted to ask the most?”
Rubia nodded her head without saying a word.
… … Hahaha, it’s like a lightning bolt in the middle of the night. Moreover, he did not have a comfortable rest of his life. It looks like he’s been messing around with abominable demons every day. I wonder if it’s okay to stay on the frontier. I’ll have to talk to Elena-senpai about that.
Left and right–.
It wasn’t difficult to answer Rubia’s question.
he said without hesitation.
“no.”
It was a sword-like denial.
“Don’t die. never.”
i don’t die
Somehow it will look alive.
As always, like crazy… … I won’t give up.
“So don’t worry about it either. Because I am not dead.”
“… … Yes, I will.”
Rubia said with a small smile as if she was relieved.
“Rubia.”
“yes?”
I lifted my arm off the roof railing.
Then he looked back and chuckled.
“Let’s go back, slowly. I’m going to catch a cold … Or would you like to stay here longer? I’m going down.”
“… … Oh no. I want to go with you.”
“Yeah, then.”
The wind outside is still cold. Rubia’s life magic could warm her body, but that wasn’t particularly good.
bum bum, bum bum.
Walking towards the roof door.
“Rubia.”
“… uh?”
I said to Rubia, who glanced at me next to me.
“I asked if you were going to keep hiding your admissions.”
“ah… … that, that It’s okay if you don’t answer… … ”
“I’ll let you know.”
“… … yes?”
“I’m going to go down to the main house and let you know. I’ll probably stop by once during summer break, but it sounds like you’d like to talk about it then.”
In some cases, you may already know, but the fact that you have to go down once anyway doesn’t change. After the final exams and sunny summer came, I planned to go back to the village where my parents would be and take a short break. Of course, training and exercise will not take a single day off there, but… … .
Anyway, at my words, Rubia muttered while scratching her cheek with a slightly dark look.
“Oh, then… … I have to go too, uh, um… … Ezio, would you like to come down first? Oh, or should I go first… … ?”
Of course, he thought he would go down separately from me, and he was asking who would visit his hometown first. It seems like he was worried that trouble or trouble would arise.
profit-
As he opened the roof door, he said no big deal.
“What are you talking about? You and I should go down together.”
“… … uh?”
Jerk, Tak.
Rubia’s footsteps stopped for a moment.
“During summer vacation, let’s go down to the main house together. It seems like your parents or my parents were worried about what happened to us even if you didn’t show much tea on the outside. They are not guilty. Let’s go and show them how well we get along.”
next moment.
“With Ezio… together… back home… ?”
Rubia, who had stopped in place, muttered blankly.
“Why don’t you like it?”
“──Oh, no! No way! Absolutely not! yes!”
Almost reflexively, he waved his hand in response to the question. Then, as I strode inside the door I had opened, I clenched my small fist. With a brighter face, she opens her eyes and opens her mouth.
“… … Let’s go together! Ezio!”
It was truly the brightest laugh I haven’t seen in a long time.