CH 84

"Uh..."

I was at a crossroads.

Luna was looking at me with her round eyes.

Luna and Rie.

These two were completely different.

Objectively, it was difficult to compare the two, and even subjectively, it was hard to decide who was prettier.

Luna, who gives off a pure and warm vibe.

Rie, with her captivating aura and an allure that draws people in.

Their personalities, appearances, and pursuits were all different.

As such, it wasn't possible to rank them like grading at the academy.

So, what choice should I make?

However, people often overlook one thing with difficult problems like this.

The answer was already predetermined.

I immediately made my decision and opened my mouth.

"I think Luna is prettier."

Rie was far away and couldn't hear this.

So, the right choice was Luna, who had asked the question and was right in front of me.

"Huh..."

Upon hearing my words, Luna suddenly turned her head.

Without showing her face to me, she quietly opened her mouth.

"Th-th-thank you!"

Seeing Luna in such a state somehow made me feel shy.

"Hmm... O-okay."

I also turned my head, cleared my throat, and responded.

Just when an awkward silence seemed to be settling in, something happened.

The magical lamps illuminating our surroundings began to turn off one by one.

And only the lamp at the very top stayed lit.

The light from it was cast on one side where Astina stood.

Astina was wearing a dress that was a mix of a moderate blue and white, giving off an elegant vibe.

"Are you all enjoying yourselves?"

Astina asked with a smile.

And then she continued.

"You've all shown incredible dedication this past year. It's been eventful, both for me and the academy."

Astina spoke with emotion, as if reminiscing about the past year.

"Despite my shortcomings as the student council president, I'm eternally grateful to all the professors and council members for their help during my one-year term."

Astina went on sharing her thoughts about the past year.

Seeing her like this stirred many emotions in me as well.

While I was watching Astina, she turned her head and our eyes met.

Astina paused, looked at me, and gave a sweet smile.

"Thank you... really."

And she spoke her final words of thanks, looking in my direction.

Because the lights where I was were off and it was dark, I wasn't sure if she recognized me, but I felt as if she was looking at me.

Astina turned her head and spoke to everyone.

"Now, please enjoy the last party of the year."

As Astina said this, the lights in the banquet hall turned back on.

"This is kind of touching."

As I said that, Luna, who seemed to agree, nodded her head.

"Rudy."

Just then, someone called my name.

"Ah, Rie. Finished with what you were doing?"

I could see Rie walking towards me.

However, something was off.

Her brow was furrowed, eyes glaring in my direction.

"......?"

I looked at Rie with a bewildered expression.

“Uh......”

Rie approached me with what appeared to be an irritated expression.

Once she got close, she suddenly began to thump my stomach.

“Hey, why! What's going on!”

Her punches didn't hurt that much, but the sudden attack was startling nonetheless.

“Just take it!”

Rie shouted at me with a glower.

I blocked her punches with my arm in surprise.

“You dare, block?”

As soon as I blocked her with my arm, Rie started to hit me wildly.

“……????”

All I could do was to wear a bewildered look and take the hits from Rie.

“What are you two up to now?”

Astina approached us with a sigh upon seeing me and Rie.

Rie, with a smug look, spoke to Astina.

"There's a reason."

Her words only added to my confusion.

"What…?"

What did I do wrong……?

“Anyway, I will be taking Rudy Astria with me for a bit.”

Astina suddenly reached out, her hand grabbing my arm.

“Oh, no way!”

“No way!”

Luna and Rie shouted at Astina in response.

“Sigh…… It's only for a moment. I need to discuss something. It’s about work.”

Astina’s words seemed to dampen Luna and Rie's spirit a bit.

With my arm still in Astina's grasp, I asked her.

“Is it about what you mentioned before?”

Astina nodded subtly and let go of my arm.

“Follow me.”

I silently obeyed and followed her.

---

---

After a short walk, a terrace located in a corner of the banquet hall came into view.

A curtain hid it from view, making it look like a private conversation area.

As Astina approached, the servant who was blocking the entrance opened the curtain, allowing us to enter.

“Come in.”

“Did you arrange for this space separately?”

Astina answered my question with a nod.

"What's this all about?"

As I questioned Astina, she hardened her expression for a moment and sat down on a chair on the terrace.

“Where should I start......”

Astina murmured to herself and slowly began to speak.

“I'll be returning home tomorrow.”

Astina continued.

“You are aware that I won't be at the academy next semester, right?”

“Ah......”

The first semester of the third year.

This period was an internship period.

A time to experience what one would do after graduating from the academy.

Of course, if one didn't have a decided career path, they could continue studying at the academy, but Astina had a clear career path ahead.

The successor of the Persia Viscount family.

“I will be returning home next semester and will be taking succession classes.”

Although I vaguely knew, it felt odd hearing it directly from Astina.

Astina would be gone for more than half a year starting tomorrow.

The thought of someone I saw every day suddenly disappearing left me with an impending sense of emptiness.

"Sit down for a moment,"

Astina pointed at the chair next to me.

I took a seat and turned to face her.

She responded with a faint smile.

"Honestly, I believe that you, Rie, Luna, and the others all have promising futures. Not because of your status, but due to your prowess in magic and other tasks."

Upon hearing this, I scratched my head,

"Thank you..."

Astina shook her head at my gratitude, continuing her thoughts.

"But, you all are too often caught up in strange incidents. Beyond Luna's abduction, there have been countless other incidents, right?"

"Ahh... Yes,"

I replied with an awkward smile.

"No matter how exceptional your abilities, there are many in this world stronger than you, and you all are still so young. It's quite possible for things to happen that you can't handle."

Astina sighed heavily,

"I feel like I'm leaving a child at the market, especially knowing I'll be away for a while."

I grinned at Astina's concerned expression.

"There were a lot of things, but didn't we overcome them all?"

"Well, that's true,"

she agreed.

I patted my chest reassuringly.

"There's no need for concern. Whatever happens, we'll survive and grow. When you return, you'll find us even better than before."

At this, a smile crept onto Astina's previously worried face.

"I see, hearing you say that makes me feel somewhat relieved."

We exchanged smiles, making eye contact.

"But more than that, I have something else to tell you."

"...Yes?"

Astina glanced toward the terrace entrance briefly, ensuring that no one was nearby before continuing.

"Do you recall Homecoming Day, when I received the Saint's prophecy?"

At Astina's words, my eyes widened.

The Saint's prophecy.

It was meant to be a prophecy about Serina...

But Astina hadn't said anything about it then.

"At that time, there was another prophecy that came down."

"Ahh...,"

I had completely forgotten about it.

Was it something related to Serina?

However, what she said next was something I hadn't anticipated.

"The prophecy I kept hidden was to be wary of you."

"...What?"

I cocked my head, puzzled.

Be wary of me?

The prophecy that should have descended was to be cautious of Serina.

But... the prophecy changed?

"Originally, I had planned to protect you if something happened, but now that I won't be at the academy, I can't do that."

I was too taken aback to respond.

I never imagined the prophecy could change.

"Rudy Astria, I don't know how this prophecy will come into play, but take care of yourself. Be prepared in case something happens to you.

Ask Rie, or ask Luna, and prepare a plan in advance."

Her intense gaze bore into mine as she firmly stated,

"Never, never allow yourself to die."

Astina spoke with utter sincerity.

If I were ignorant of the circumstances, I might have joked, asking 'How can anyone die in the academy?'

However, knowing the future as I did, I could not afford to be so relaxed.

All I could do was respond with equal sincerity.

"I won't die."

Just as I made this pledge, music began to echo from outside.

At that, Astina carefully rose from her seat.

I watched her intently.

"Then, shall we dance a song?"

Astina extended her hand towards me, like a gentleman inviting a lady to dance.

I chuckled softly at the sight.

"I'm no good at dancing."

"Just give it a try."

Astina glared at me as she spoke.

There was no real anger in her gaze.

She was more playful than anything else.

"Very well."

Rising from my seat, I accepted Astina's outstretched hand.

She placed her other hand on my shoulder, and I moved mine to her waist.

The dance was a little clumsy, but I found that by mirroring Astina's movements, I could manage something that resembled dancing.

Astina looked up at me, a smile lighting her face as she saw my awkward expression.

"When I get the chance, I'll come and see you."

Her smile was warm.