It’s the second night since I arrived in Rigforeshia, and tomorrow is the harvest festival, where I’m supposed to participate. I’d really like to rest up for the big day ahead… but I can’t seem to fall asleep. Maybe it’s because I napped earlier, or perhaps it’s because I fainted earlier, but sleep isn’t coming.
Just as I was thinking about stepping outside for some fresh air, there was a somewhat reserved knock on the door.
[Yes.]
I replied reflexively, but there was no answer.
Normally, I might have been suspicious when someone suddenly knocks on my door at night, but thanks to my Sympathy Magic, I already know who it is.
[What’s the matter? Sieg-san.]
[………………]
No answer came after her knock, which was expected since it was Sieg-san at the door.
The time was nearing the change of day, and when I asked what she wanted, Sieg-san made a small gesture with her hand.
[Are you going for a stroll? Yeah, I couldn’t get any sleep either.]
[……………….]
I’m not sure if Sieg-san couldn’t sleep either or if she was just wide awake, but she asked me if I wanted to go for a stroll.
Since I was planning to get some fresh air anyway, and I wouldn’t have to worry about anything with her around, I nodded in response to her invitation.
I walk side by side with Sieg-san through the moonlit streets of Rigforeshia.
In front of us floats a glowing, sphere-shaped magic tool—an item known as a Portable Illumination Magic Tool, often used to light the way.
It’s similar to the flashlights in our world, but this one doesn’t need to be held, and you can adjust the direction of the light, making it more efficient.
After a while, we reach a place that looks like a plaza, and Sieg-san gestures for me to sit on a nearby bench.
She sits next to me, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her red, ruby-like hair faintly gleams in the light from the magic tool, and I can’t help but feel my heart skip a beat as I glance at her from the side.
The night in Rigforeshia is quiet, and the occasional breeze gently caressing my cheeks feels refreshing.
After a brief silence, something comes to mind, and I turn to Sieg-san.
[Speaking of which, Sieg-san, I don’t think I’ve properly thanked you yet. For saving me, thank you v—Eh?]
[……………]
I was about to thank her properly for protecting me from the Black Bear’s attack, but just as I was speaking, Sieg-san raised her index finger in front of my face, stopping me.
She then shook her head a few times, pulled out a memo pad and pen from her pocket, and began writing something down.
“I think it should be me thanking you, Kaito-san. Thank you so much. Thanks to you, I was able to restore my strained relationship with Lili to how it was back then.”
[Ah, no, I didn’t really do anything…]
I only said what I felt at the time, and I believe the reason Sieg-san and Lilia-san managed to rebuild their relationship was because she spoke from the heart when she scolded her.
So, I responded that I hadn’t really done anything special, but Sieg-san shook her head and began writing on her memo pad.
“I needed someone to push me. And you were the one who did. Humility might be a virtue, but you should know when to accept compliments.”
[…Yes.]
“However, there’s something I’d like you to be careful about.”
[Be careful? What about?]
After writing that, Sieg-san held out a note, continuing what she wanted to say, while looking at me with her beautiful blue eyes.
“I know that the method you used earlier couldn’t be helped, but… please don’t be too reckless.”
[……………….]
“You getting hurt makes me sad… so I hope you’ll take better care of yourself.”
[……Yes.]
After scolding me like I was her naughty younger brother, Sieg-san looked at me with a gentle expression. I gave her my firm response in return.
Nodding at my reply, Sieg-san smiled softly and continued writing in her memo pad.
“……Kaito-san. Can I… borrow your shoulder for a moment?”
[My shoulder? Ah, sure. I don’t mind, but…]
“In that case, please excuse me.”
[Wha!? S-Sieg-san!?]
I didn’t quite understand what she meant by wanting to borrow my shoulder, but when I nodded, having no real reason to refuse, Sieg-san leaned toward me and rested her head on my shoulder.
Sieg-san is about the same height as me, so it’s not that surprising she’s at the perfect height to lean on me… but I never imagined it would turn into a situation like this.
Her long ears, a distinctive trait of the elves, swayed slightly, and I could feel Sieg-san’s body heat as her head rested on my shoulder. She stayed like that for a while, eyes closed, leaning her weight against me.
I, of course, wasn’t calm at all. Having a beauty like Sieg-san this close to me was making my heart race, like an annoying alarm clock that wouldn’t stop ringing.
“Kaito-san, you always… call out to me.”
[Unnn?]
As I sat frozen, a note was held out to me from the corner of my eye, almost as if it had materialized there.
“As you can see, I can’t speak, and maybe my height is a bit intimidating, but I don’t get talked to much.”
[C-Certainly, I also thought that Sieg-san was the cool type of person too.]
Sieg-san is about 170 cm tall, with a very well-defined face and a calm, composed presence. When I first met her, I had assumed she was the cool, stoic type.
“However, you’ve shared so many things with me. Even when I couldn’t respond, you didn’t feel adverse toward me… and I’m really grateful for that.”
[It’s just that I enjoyed talking to Sieg-san. I did think you were a cool person at first… but when I actually talked to you, I found you to be so warm, kind, and easy to talk to.]
“…… Thank you very much.”
Hearing my words, Sieg-san smiled a little shyly. After closing her eyes again, she rested her head on my shoulder.
The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable, but it felt warm and calming in its own way.
We stayed like that for a while, letting the silence wash over us. The occasional night breeze brushed past, and I let time flow gently, savoring the moment. Slowly, Sieg-san lifted her head from my shoulder and quietly stood up.
“It’s not a good idea to stay up too late, it could affect us tomorrow. We should head back soon.”
[Yes.]
Following Sieg-san’s words, I stood up from the bench.
As we walked back along the same path we came, Sieg-san took my hand like it was normal.
[Wha!?]
[…………….]
[Sieg-san?]
[…………….]
I’m caught off guard by how suddenly everything changed, but Sieg-san doesn’t answer. She just keeps walking ahead.
Her cheeks seem a little flushed—though it could just be the light—and she places her thin, soft hands over mine, walking a bit in front of me and gently pulling me along.
Separating from Sieg-san at the entrance of the inn, I headed back to my room.
I somehow felt like what just happened was a dream, and as I was about to lie down on my bed, I noticed something.
Before I knew it, a small note had been slipped into the pocket of my clothes. It was clearly written by Sieg-san. I picked it up, leaned close to the room’s illumination magic tool, and read the note.
“Kaito-kun is always straightforward and kind, and that is why I like you. Please remain the kind person you are now, even in the future. I’m troubled since I have many rivals, but I will do my best… so, if you can, please also look my way once in a while.”
[……………..]
I stared at the note, which was written in a somewhat suggestive way, and tilted my head in my room.
I guess this means she likes me, but what’s all this about rivals? If I remember correctly, Sieg-san and the others aren’t participating in the harvest festival tomorrow, so I can’t imagine she’d be competing with other participants…
Hmm, I’m not entirely sure what she meant, but I didn’t feel uncomfortable.
Thinking about it wasn’t getting me anywhere, so I tucked the note away in the Magic Box, turned off the light, and lay down on the bed.
I had trouble falling asleep earlier, but now, thanks to Sieg-san, I felt like I’d finally get a good night’s rest.
Dear Mom, Dad—Sieg-san and I took a walk down the street at night and talked about all sorts of things. I’m not sure I fully understand her intentions with some of her actions, but—I guess we’re getting along better, right?
<Author’s Notes>
No, no, she even went that far, so go notice it already……
T/N: No daily chap tomorrow anyway, so I might as well drop this chapter. 6/10