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“By the way, it’s such a shame. If it were an academy like Rizeria, we could definitely have made a lot of memories together.”

Rizeria, with her mother being a Sword Master and a Grand General, didn’t share her mother’s interest in swordsmanship. Instead, she inherited the talent from her artist father—whether it was painting, literature, or even playing instruments, she was said to excel at them all. As someone who completely fails at drawing and ends up with a mess, I can only admire her.

However, because of this, Rizeria didn’t see the need to enroll in Griffin Academy and instead attended another private academy where she could showcase her talent, so I had no chance to meet her. Seeing how well she got along with Selian made it even more regrettable.

Speaking of academies, I suddenly thought of the other classmates from my time there. I wonder how the kids from the other class are doing. Of course, I always stuck with Selian, Yuli, and Anne, but I also got along quite well with the others. There was even a class president among them. What was her name again…?

…What was it?

No, I can’t remember her name, but I was actually quite close with the class president. We participated in class competitions together, formed teams for group projects, studied for exams together, and helped each other out in various ways.

I know it’s shameful that I can’t recall the name of a friend I was close to, but after three years, her image in my mind is still firmly stuck as ‘class president,’ so I can’t help it.

In any case, the class president was capable and always hardworking, so I’m sure she’s doing well wherever she is. It’s not that I’m trying to end on a warm note just because I can’t remember her name; I genuinely feel that way. Who knows? We might run into each other again someday.

“Huh? What are you two up to?”

While I was lost in thought, the two of them were animatedly conversing, using all sorts of gestures and looks with me in between. It’s impressive that they could communicate without words, but even though they’re both my close friends, I can’t help but feel a little envious. However, if I get jealous here, it would make me petty.

If I step aside, the two of them could become even closer than they already are. But it hasn’t been long since I sat down; there’s no way I can just stand up immediately. I thought about finding a decent excuse to leave when I noticed someone in the distance.

“Rizeria?”

“…Yes? What can I do for you, Elysia?”

Rizeria, who was exchanging glances with Selian so intensely that anyone might mistake it for a snowball fight, responded a beat late to my call.

“Do you know those kids over there?”

I pointed to a group of kids clustered together. They looked like teenage girls who were about three or four years younger than me. Among them was a familiar face.

“One of my cousins is over there, but why do you ask?”

“Well, there’s a girl in my party named Luna, and it seems she gets along well with those kids. I was thinking of going over to say hi.”

When I first attended the party, Luna ended up wandering around while I was trying to get close to Rizeria, and by the time I returned, she had already made a ton of new friends. All my worries about Luna were pointless. In fact, she had grown so close to them in such a short time that when I tried to take her away, she gave me a sharp look.

“Then, shall I arrange a time to see you all later…?”

“No, no. There’s really no need to bother. I just want to say hi, so you stay seated, Rizeria.”

I quickly pushed Rizeria back down into her seat as she attempted to get up.

“Couldn’t I just briefly show my face when I leave later and say hi?”

“No, no. After having such a nice conversation, it wouldn’t be good to just sneak in and take away a friend.”

Moreover, I quickly countered Selian’s attempt to postpone things and stood up. The reason I wanted to greet the kids with Luna was to help Rizeria and Selian bond more, allowing them to have a natural conversation without me in the middle. While it’s true that I was also interested in saying hi to Luna’s friends, what mattered most was Rizeria and Selian sitting right next to me.

“Then, I’ll be back soon. You two chat a bit while I’m gone.”

I left the two of them, who were looking flustered, and quickly made my way to where Luna was. I glanced back to give a little hint for them to stay seated, and Selian, who was awkwardly trying to rise, sat back down.

I figured if I passed some time and returned, Selian and Rizeria would surely become as good friends as I was with them, and I headed toward where Luna was.

However, the closer I got to Luna, the more her friends began to give me suspicious looks as they noticed me approaching. It seemed they thought I was trying to take Luna away again like last time.

“Hello, ladies.”

“Oh? Senior!”

Luna, who had her back to me, turned around with a startled reaction upon hearing my voice. After confirming my face, she rushed over for a hug.

“How immature of you in front of the others.”

I chuckled and gently patted Luna’s hair to keep her ruffled look intact. It was only then that Luna pulled back and began introducing her friends one by one, pointing them out.

“This is Ilena, and this is Cindy, and this one is….”

As Luna named each child, I made sure to smile and wave at them, making eye contact. Among them, Ilena resembled Rizeria quite a bit, so it seemed she was indeed the cousin Rizeria had mentioned.

Yet even with my friendly demeanor, the other kids still wore unfriendly expressions. I initially intended to just say hi and leave, but their strong rejection piqued my stubbornness.

Even though they were Luna’s friends, I had no reason not to get along with them. Despite the age gap, it was only three years between Luna and me. Back in academy days, a three-year difference felt significant, but in social circles, it’s practically meaningless.

Just like Rizeria and Selian became friends through me, I could become friends with these kids through Luna.

*

“Well then, see you later. Thanks for being friends with Luna.”

“Goodbye, sister!”

Ultimately, sincerity shines through. The kids, who initially responded with suspicion when I approached, had turned into little siblings who playfully followed me around. One of the kids even said, “If it’s a sister, it’s okay to leave Luna with her!” It seemed they had discussed whether it was okay to bring Luna into my Hero party among themselves. It showed how much they cared for her.

Thanks to this unexpected yield, I must say support for the Emperor among the nobility has certainly thickened a bit.

“See you later. Have fun with your friends, Luna.”

“Yes, Senior!”

I gave Luna one last light tap on the head before moving back toward Rizeria’s table. On my way back, I noticed Rizeria and Selian smiling brightly as they conversed, seemingly much closer already.

“Black cat… so embarrassing….”

“No matter how much… better than a thief cat….”

“What were you talking about? It seemed like you were chatting about cats.”

“Eh?”

They were so engrossed in their conversation that even as I approached right next to them, they didn’t notice. Only after I spoke did they glance at me in shock, and even the other members of Rizeria’s party sitting at the same table seemed unable to join in, completely enthralled by their exchange.

“Yes, yes! We’re talking about cats! Right, Rizeria?”

“Of course! Absolutely, Marquis Deretia.”

From what I gathered, they seemed to be discussing various topics revolving around cats, making me wonder if I clumsily interrupted something confidential.

Seeing them not just bonding but keeping secrets from me made me feel a tinge of jealousy. However, I’m not jealous of either of them specifically; I’m just a bit envious that they became close without me. But ultimately, this is what I wanted. I should be happy that the two have grown closer rather than feeling envious.

“Speaking of which, I met your cousin. It was Ilena, right?”

“Yes. Is she causing any trouble? She’s always getting into mischief in front of me, so I’m worrying that she’s been a nuisance to Elysia. If she did something wrong, let me know. I’ll give her a good scolding.”

“Oh, Ilena’s not a troublemaker! She’s the sweetest kid around! In fact, it seems she takes after Rizeria, always eager to help me with introductions. It made me really happy when she called me sister since I don’t have any younger siblings.”

“Hmmm…? Is that so? Ilena said that, huh…?”

Rizeria had a mischievous smile, raising only one side of her mouth, which could easily lead to misunderstandings. But I know. Though Rizeria seems prickly and particular on the surface, she cares more about others than anyone else. I didn’t speak poorly of Ilena, and her expression was merely deceiving at first glance.

“Thanks to Ilena, it seems Luna has blended in well with the group, and I was able to become friends with the other kids as well. Could you convey my thanks to Ilena on my behalf later?”

“…No need to put it off. I should have a proper chat with Ilena soon.”

Having praised Ilena so much and made a nonchalant request, I thought I might have repaid her kindness a bit.

 

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