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Since this is a significant moment leading to the conclusion, I want to maintain a lighthearted tone, reflecting the gravity of the situation with a touch of humor. Here’s the translation:

—

The warning that wasn’t really a warning from 2号 since morning. Today is the last day for that persistent little punk. Just as 2号 said, today is ‘the last’ day. No matter the outcome, the fact that it’s the last remains unchanged.

Even if—

Knock, knock!

“Elysia? Are you awake?”

“Um, yes! Just give me a moment! I’ll be right out!”

Upon hearing Selian’s voice along with the knock, I relaxed my stiff expression and checked my face in the mirror to make sure everything looked okay. Good. This should be fine.

Since it’s a well-maintained single room, the door opened smoothly without even a squeak.

“Come in.”

“Um… then I’ll excuse myself.”

I guided her to an empty chair at the table and took out one of the drinks she usually had, handing it over to her.

“Oh, you didn’t have to— but I’ll be waking up soon anyway.”

“Is something urgent?”

“No, that’s not it! I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be able to hang out today because I have a rehearsal for the closing ceremony. I already informed Yuli and Anne, so you’re the last one.”

“Is that so? You really are diligent, Selian. Even though you’ve been practicing hard before the Celestial Festival, you’re still working hard up to the last minute. I could never do that.”

I would’ve probably slacked off or complained about it, showing how much I didn’t want to do it. At least I wouldn’t have practiced this much, even taking personal time like Selian does.

“Well, it’s part of the Hero’s duty, so since I’m doing it, I want to do it perfectly.”

Selian answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I suppose… being raised as a Hero from a young age makes such behavior seem normal to her. But as a friend, I wish she could let loose a bit.

Honestly, watching her being so dedicated every day makes it hard to breathe, as it’s more than just diligence—it’s overwhelming effort.

“Well then, I’ll get going. I’ll see you at the closing ceremony later.”

“…Okay.”

She could’ve stayed a little while longer to chat and relax since she came to visit, but she stood up to head straight for rehearsal without even touching her drink.

“Um, Selian…?”

“Yeah?”

As she opened the door and partly stepped into the hallway, I called out to her, stopping her from leaving.

“I… have something to say…”

Seeing me hesitate made her tilt her head in confusion, and she stepped back into the room. She didn’t know what I wanted to say, yet she sat down again as if she was ready to hear me out seriously.

“I’ve never seen you so hesitant before, Elysia. Is it something important?”

…Did it show that much? As an Assassin, I can’t even maintain a poker face and am already giving away my thoughts to the target. It’s not funny at all.

I pulled out the chair across from her and slowly opened my mouth.

“Um… well, you see…”

Yeah. Confessing here is the best option. Even if she feels betrayed and immediately tries to kill me, I’d welcome it if it helps save her life. I just wish she’d hold off on that while I explain things.

“What I mean is…”

“Yes, go ahead.”

But even though I know it’s right to confess honestly, I could only stammer and mumble. I had been prepared for this since a few days ago and even last night, yet my mouth just wouldn’t open.

“Elysia?”

Dammit. My head feels like it’s throbbing with pain, and I feel blocked as if something is stuck inside.

I need to say that I’m an assassin after her life, and that someone is targeting her even now, yet why can’t I get the words out?

“…No, wait. I only called to encourage you. I wanted to tell you that I’m looking forward to the closing ceremony today.”

“Haha! You’re being a bit dull, Elysia. But thank you for being excited; I’ll make sure to work even harder to meet those expectations.”

Looking at her innocent smile made me feel even worse for not being able to say a word.

I reached out toward her retreating figure as she turned to leave, my mouth moving but only air came out, realizing how hypocritical my actions were.

“Dammit!”

After she left, I remained alone in the room, letting all my frustrations regarding this situation pour out. Yet, the disgust I felt for myself only grew.

In the end, I failed to confess everything to Selian. If things continue like this, her life will be in danger. Of course, 2号 doesn’t know I’ve betrayed her yet, so for the moment, it’s fine, but I don’t know when things might change.

Now that my best option to confess honestly has failed, I’ll have to choose a second-rate option. Still… at least until today, Selian’s assassination request is in my hands, so while it’s not a lot of time, I have some time to prepare.

I grabbed the unfamiliar sword grip that was resting in the corner of the room and stood up.

—

“Ehehe! Hurry, hurry!”

Unlike me and Yuli, who were walking slowly to the closing ceremony, Anne hurried ahead with a few steps, urging us on.

“Anne? Didn’t I tell you it’s impolite to run in front of people?”

Anne flinched at Yuli’s beginning reprimand and stopped in her tracks. Then she tentatively came closer to us, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at how she was watching Yuli’s mood.

Thinking this might be the last time I see this made my heart ache, but I tried to suppress it and focus on remembering the moment.

We soon arrived in front of the closing ceremony stage. Ignoring Yuli and Anne insisting there were better spots, I moved to the very front to remember Selian’s face just a bit clearer.

If I think about what I’ll do next, it’s completely hypocritical, but at least for the closing ceremony… I wanted to see it, especially since she practiced so hard.

It was hard not to notice something right in front of me, but Selian lightly waved her palm toward me to say hello.

Alongside Selian stood the pink-haired Saint, who turned to look at me, whispering something to Selian. I think her name was Mariel, if I remember right?

And then the closing ceremony began.

As Selian claimed, the ceremony was indeed beautiful. Or rather, it should be beautiful.

My eyes were more focused on capturing Selian, who had practiced hard since morning, rather than the overall ceremony.

And finally, as fireworks burst high in the sky behind her, illuminating her bright smile, it was so beautiful that I quickly wiped away a single tear that welled in my eyes. I don’t even deserve to shed a tear.

—

“Um… Selian?”

“Yes?”

After the closing ceremony, while we were all heading back to the dormitory, I took a small step back from Anne and Yuli to call out to Selian.

“Um… could you come by that empty space we used to hang out at for a bit after we get back?”

Since all my friends are beauties, crowded places were uncomfortable, so we often met in quiet, secluded spots. That’s where I was calling Selian to.

Fortunately, she didn’t seem suspicious and spoke with a serious look.

“Didn’t you get to say what you wanted this morning?”

“…Well, you could say that.”

Sure, this time would be a bit different from this morning, but the essence was the same, so it’s not a lie. My remaining purpose is the same: to protect Selian from the assassination threat.

“Okay, I’ll come without Anne and Yuli knowing. I’ll make sure to talk to them, so don’t worry.”

She was worrying about me even now. She wouldn’t be acting this way if she knew what I was about to do. No, maybe she’d act just like that even if she knew?

…I briefly indulged in an absurd imagination. Let’s drop those wishful thoughts.

Anyway, as the time to part ways with Selian and the others draws nearer, I’ve started to think the craziest thoughts.

Even as Selian walked next to Anne and Yuli again, I stepped back slowly, looking at their backs as I walked toward the dormitory.

After everyone scattered to their rooms, I was the first to visit Anne’s room.

“Anne! I had a great time today! You must be tired, so go rest.”

Anne looked puzzled when she saw me right after coming back, but she quickly smiled and responded to my night greeting.

“Yeah! You rest well too, and I’ll see you in the morning! Starting tomorrow, we’ll be back to training!”

Morning, huh?

“…Right. I’ll have to train hard again starting tomorrow. Make sure you set your alarm so you don’t oversleep. Got it?”

“Yeah! Don’t worry!”

She answered confidently, but I knew she’d oversleep again tomorrow. But I couldn’t scold her for being late; after all, I’d be the one oversleeping, and for much longer—probably forever…

After seeing Anne close her door, I headed to Yuli’s room.

“Hey? What’s going on?”

“Nothing, just… I had a great time today and wanted to tell you to rest well since you must be tired. No need to worry too much.”

“Haha… you’re acting kind of oddly, Elysia. I had fun hanging out with you today too.”

“Alright, I’ll get going. Sleep well.”

“…Wait, Elysia!”

As I turned away from Yuli’s room, I heard her calling out to me from behind. I paused, looking back at her.

“Yeah? What’s up?”

“Um… If you have any worries, feel free to come to me anytime. I don’t know if I can help, but you never know…”

Oh no. I thought I was acting sufficiently stealthy, but I guess it was obvious? I considered for a moment that I should be careful, but soon realized it would be pointless going forward and sighed internally.

“Yeah, I got it. Sorry for worrying you. But really, it’s fine, so go in and rest.”

“…Okay.”

She entered her room with a reluctant expression and closed the door. I felt pathetic for worrying her until the very end.

Goodbyes to Anne and Yuli. While it might be nothing more than an assassin’s deception for them, I still wanted to convey it somehow.

And now, I must go for the final farewell.

 

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