LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 80.1
Stage 3-13. Bring Happiness To Each Other
“Wow! These cookies are so crispy and delicious!”
“Sweet things really are nourishment for the soul.”
“They sure are!!”
Agreeing wholeheartedly, Mashiro happily devoured the cookies arranged on the plate.
In doing so, she would surely grow even more.
And then, a few days later, she would glance at her belly and regret it.
Personally, I welcome Mashiro’s plumpness, but if I told her that, I’d be labeled a thoughtless guy.
Sometimes, kindness is about knowing when to keep your mouth shut.
I sipped the tea Reina had brewed, ensuring my mouth didn’t say anything foolish.
Today’s tea had a citrusy flavor. Its refreshing taste paired perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
“So, how is your studying coming along?”
“Yes! By tomorrow or the day after, we should have all the academy’s assignments done!”
“That’s… an impressive pace.”
Reina looked surprised. I shared her sentiment.
The academy had assigned an overwhelming amount of work, knowing the end of the long break wasn’t yet in sight. Even I found it daunting.
For Mashiro, once an ordinary commoner, to nearly complete it already—it was remarkable.
“There’s no need to rush. You’re not overdoing it, are you?”
“No, I’m fine. I take breaks when I get tired.”
“Molina-san has been helping us as our tutor. That support has really made a difference.”
“Ah, Molina… If it’s her, there’s no doubt. She taught me a lot about magic when I was young.”
Even without magic aptitude, a noble’s life demands knowledge of magic. Molina never showed any disdain, even when teaching someone like me, who had no talent.
I’m sure Mashiro and the others are gaining valuable lessons from her.
“Sorry, Ouga-kun. I asked Molina for help without consulting you.”
“It’s fine. Molina loves taking care of others. I’m sure she’s happy to help.”
“I just hope it’s not too much trouble for her…”
“Don’t worry. She wouldn’t have spent over a decade as head maid here if she couldn’t handle it.”
In fact, since she stopped tutoring me and Celesia, she’s seemed a bit idle. She’s probably enjoying herself now.
If Molina is assisting them, their incredible progress makes sense.
“You’ve been working hard. Once you’re done, let’s all go somewhere fun again.”
“Yay! …Actually, there’s something we wanted to ask you.”
“We?”
“Yeah. It’s not just me—it’s for Reina too…”
“For me as well?”
Reina and I exchanged a curious glance. What could it be?
The two stood up, bowed deeply, and spoke together.
“Ouga (kun)! Reina-san! Please train us!”
“…Raise your heads and have a seat, both of you.”
I was taken aback by their unexpected request but managed to keep my composure and gestured for them to sit.
…There were many things I wanted to ask, but this question came first.
“…Why do you want that?”
“Well… I want to be more helpful to you, Ouga. I feel I need to try harder.”
“…After the incident on Lambdave Island, we couldn’t do anything. Even now, we’re only able to rely on you for protection. I don’t want to stay behind you anymore. I want to stand beside you… as your fiancée.”
“M-me too! I hate just being protected! I want to be strong enough for you to trust me with your back, Ouga-kun!”
Their resolve and sincerity were unmistakable. Anyone could see it in their eyes.
But if they made that choice, there would be no going back.
They couldn’t step onto a battlefield with a wavering resolve; that would only lead to death.
Reina had taught me that lesson during our battles.
Because of that, I had to be strict with them.
“…You’re saying you want to step onto a battlefield where your lives are at stake? Are you truly prepared for that?”
“Yes! You said it yourself, Ouga: Staying by your side forever was the punishment you gave me, a ‘failure’. My resolve hasn’t wavered since then.”
“Ouga-kun gave me the chance to start over. I don’t want to live a timid, passive life anymore. I want to stay by your side! That’s the path I’ve chosen.”
“…Alright, I understand.”