Chapter 59

■ Chapter 58. Confession (5) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

After the confession time, which had various meanings, nothing special happened. I didn't forget to order a simple snack to soothe my empty mouth.

The atmosphere was originally light, but now it was even lighter. I had nothing left to hide from Mari, and Mari had expressed her feelings.

Someone once said that there's no closer relationship than when you've shared your secrets. Moreover, Mari was never a burdensome person to begin with, so I could relax.

"By the way, I have a question. Where did Isaac learn such a writing style? Did someone teach you?"

"I didn't learn it; I figured it out on my own. Honestly, I never imagined that the story of Xenon would become so popular."

"Wow... That's amazing. Is it really just a hobby? For a hobby, it's quite diverse and well-crafted."

Mari took this opportunity to ask me all the questions she had been curious about. I could see the intense curiosity in her eyes.

"As you know, I read a lot of books. Reading autobiographies of explorers and adventurers allows me to experience the world indirectly. I can also seek advice from my father."

"I see. What about the content about the demons? The story of Sakuran's last moments was quite in-depth, and it changed people's perceptions."

"Hmm... I don't really have a good explanation for that. I just didn't like the discrimination against demons, and I never imagined the impact would be so significant. The first page of the story of Xenon always has a disclaimer: 'All these stories are fictional.'"

"Even for a fictional story, it was too vivid."

"Again, I never imagined it would come to this. It was just a hobby, okay?"

"Hmm..."

Even though I said it was just a hobby, Mari didn't seem to believe me easily. Of course, she has no idea that I'm a reincarnated person, which is why she reacts this way.

I couldn't think of a good excuse, so I was a bit at a loss. Fortunately, Mari shrugged and seemed to accept it.

"Alright. The world is wide, and there are many geniuses. I'll just think you're one of them. Isn't that right?"

"A little... embarrassing."

"Embarrassing? Anyway, I still can't believe it. My... friend is the author of the story of Xenon."

She hesitated a bit, either because she was embarrassed to call me her boyfriend or because I hadn't confirmed it properly. She even glanced at me.

I guess I should confirm it with her on the way back. The atmosphere isn't right for it now, so I'll have to hold back.

Until then, I should try to keep the atmosphere from getting awkward. I smiled faintly and lifted my teacup.

"Haha. That's true. Even my family asked if I really wrote it at first."

"Indeed... I envy your family. They got to read the story of Xenon before it was published."

"My parents didn't, but my siblings couldn't see the manuscript. It's hard to send it while I'm at the academy."

"Do your siblings have to buy it too?"

"Not really. My father gets the books directly from the publisher and sends them by mail."

Before the publisher adopted new technology, books were always obtained through fierce competition, even for nobles. Mari had a hard time getting them too.

But my family is a bit different. My parents read the story of Xenon from my manuscript, and Nicole and Dave get the books sent from the publisher. So, it's rare for my family to miss out on reading it.

Except for Dave, who is currently busy with knight duties.

Mari listened to my answer, thought for a moment, and then smiled mischievously.

"So, are you still writing?"

"Yeah."

"Can I see it when you're done? Just a little bit."

"No."

"Aw."

Trying to take advantage of me, huh? I responded firmly, and Mari made a disappointed sound.

Of course, she wasn't serious, and I was half-joking too.

If Mari really wanted to see it, I'd be happy to show her. There's no reason to refuse since she wouldn't misuse my manuscript.

"Show me once~ I'm curious about the next part~"

"I haven't finished it yet."

"Will you show it to me when it's done?"

"No."

"Pfft..."

Now, Mari puffed out her cheeks like Sazae and expressed her dissatisfaction. But to me, it just looked cute.

I smiled warmly and took a sip of tea, checking the time.

Time flies, doesn't it? We started eating at 6, and it's almost 8 now.

'Since I have nothing to do from tomorrow...'

I just need to get back before it's too late. I hope time passes a bit slower.

"Isaac, can you tell me how many volumes the story of Xenon will have?"

While I was looking at the clock, Mari rested her chin on her hand and asked me. I put down my teacup and answered.

"Probably... around 20 volumes. There are still many stories to tell."

"Still a lot to go. Do you have the whole story in your head?"

"It's in my head, but I have a notebook where I record the plot. You remember the drawing I accidentally showed you last time?"

"Oh, that one? The one that looked like a steam locomotive?"

I nodded. Even though it was drawn messily like a child's, Mari noticed.

"The plot is written in that notebook. I brought it by mistake last time, but I won't bring it to the lecture room anymore."

"Hmm. Impressive. You have another world in your head. I'm starting to doubt if you're really my age."

"Even if you give me such embarrassing praise, it won't change anything."

"Tch. Was I too obvious?"

Even though she said that, I couldn't help but be a bit startled. Sometimes, Mari unintentionally says things that hit the nail on the head.

Last time, she jokingly asked if I wrote books, and now, even though she doesn't know I'm a reincarnated person, she says things that hit home. They're all questions that make me squirm.

"Well, I'm still impressed. Can you tell me when the next volume will be out?"

"Probably in about a month, but I plan to take a break after the 10th volume until I'm a third-year student."

"What?! Why... Oh, because of the academy issues?"

Mari was momentarily startled but then seemed to understand. She must have felt how busy it gets before becoming a third-year student.

"Yeah. Once I become a third-year student, I'll have more free time, so I'll start writing then. It'll be a bit noisy, but I have to prioritize my studies."

"Hmm... I thought it was just a hobby, but it seems you're serious. Can't you just be a writer?"

"I'll think about it after I graduate from the academy. For now, I'm considering a career in history."

Before the story of Xenon became a hit, my dream was to be a historian. So, even if the story of Xenon didn't do well, I probably wouldn't have cared much.

Mari listened to my answer and looked at me with a strange expression, then smiled slightly. She spoke with a proud tone.

"Isaac, you have everything planned out? I'm envious. I haven't even decided on my career path yet."

"I'm the exception. Others are probably similar to you. What's your favorite lecture?"

"I like playing the most?"

What, are you Peppa Pig? I looked at Mari with a bewildered expression.

Mari laughed like an innocent girl when she saw my face.

"Just kidding, I actually found alchemy the most interesting. The professor explains it well."

"True."

"But now..."

She hesitated for a moment, glanced at me, and then smiled.

"I think I like history the most."

"..."

"I didn't like it before because my family forced me to study it, but now it's different. Thanks to someone."

"Cough. Cough..."

I cleared my throat to hide my blushing face and lifted my teacup.

* * *

The sweet time was so sweet it could rot your teeth, but it passed quickly. I wished time would pass a bit slower, but even an omnipotent god can't stop the flow of time.

We had to move towards our dorms, feeling regretful about the quickly passing time. But that didn't mean our sweet time was completely over.

"..."

"..."

The street was shrouded in deep darkness, with only faint streetlights illuminating it. Most restaurants were closed, and there were almost no passersby, creating a quiet atmosphere.

We were walking slowly, very slowly, holding hands on that street, wishing this sweet time would last a little longer, and trying to delay our arrival at the dorms.

Mari and I walked without saying a word, heads down, holding hands.

"..."

I looked at Mari, who was also looking down at the ground, walking endlessly.

I vividly remembered her surprised face when I held her hand as we left the restaurant. It was a very cute reaction, unlike when I kissed her boldly.

'I wish this moment could last forever.'

Is there a happier time than being with someone you like? I lifted my head and looked at the night sky.

The stars were densely packed in the darkness, forming a galaxy. It was truly a beautiful and mysterious sight that left me in awe.

When was the last time I looked up at the sky like this? I used to do it often when I was at home, but since coming to the academy, I've been too busy to look at the night sky.

Thud-

While I was gazing at the galaxy, Mari suddenly stopped. I naturally stopped too.

Checking why she stopped, I realized we had reached a crossroads. The path to our respective dorms.

I wanted to walk her to the girls' dorm, but unfortunately, the academy rules would result in a severe warning. I don't know why they made such rules, but I have to follow them.

Anyway, it meant it was time for us to part. I shifted my gaze to Mari at the crossroads.

Coincidentally, Mari was just turning her head towards me.

"..."

"..."

We looked at each other without saying a word, squeezing each other's hands.

What should I say in a moment like this? Should I say I don't want to let go, or should I say goodbye?

While I was pondering this internally, Mari looked at me with moist eyes and spoke softly.

"...Isaac."

"...Yeah."

"...You... You know. Us..."

"Are we dating?"

As Mari hesitated, I took the initiative. She flinched and then slowly nodded.

Even though I said it for her, she seemed equally embarrassed, looking away. I smiled gently.

"To be honest, the only thing I wanted to talk to you about today was the story of Xenon. Your actions were unexpected."

"..."

"Of course, that doesn't mean I didn't have feelings for you. You were the first friend I made when I entered the academy, and no one is as easy to get along with as you. I do have romantic feelings for you."

Hearing this, Mari slowly lifted her face to look at me directly. Her eyes were trembling slightly, probably due to nervousness.

Then, I reached out with my other hand and touched her face. The slightly warm and soft texture of her skin transmitted through my hand.

Mari's eyes widened in surprise when I touched her face, and her face was noticeably redder than before.

Swoosh-

I looked into her trembling eyes and slowly leaned in. Then...

Peck-

Just like Mari did to me at the restaurant, our lips touched. If it were a peck, I should have stopped there, but I didn't.

"Mmm!"

It wasn't a simple kiss but a deep kiss, the kind lovers share. Although Mari's lips were tightly closed, preventing my tongue from entering, it didn't matter. This was just to confirm my feelings.

Moreover, her lips were probably tightly closed because she was extremely nervous, and she might not have been aware of it. I wanted to use my tongue to knock on her lips gently, but I restrained myself. We can take it slow.

For now, just a deep kiss to confirm our feelings. Mari must have wanted this too.

"Phew!"

"..."

After a long yet short moment, I pulled away, and Mari let out a held breath. Her face was so red it looked like it might burst, and she was breathing heavily.

My face was also burning, and I wanted to fan it. I acted bravely, but I was still embarrassed.

Then, I looked at Mari, who was at a loss, and spoke softly. My voice was trembling.

"And now, my feelings have changed."

"Ugh... Ugh..."

It didn't matter if Mari couldn't think straight due to embarrassment. I stepped closer and hugged her.

Her body stiffened noticeably.

Finally, I rested my chin on her shoulder and delivered the final blow.

"I like you, Mari."

"..."

"Is that enough?"

Then, Mari's stiff body relaxed. She lifted her arms and gently hugged me back.

"..."

Her shy response followed, and we shared each other's warmth for a long time.

* * *

The two of them were sharing their warmth and confirming their feelings under the starry night sky.

It was very late, and there were almost no passersby, but they weren't completely alone.

"..."

A pair of red eyes was staring intently at the affectionate couple.

Although their figure was hidden in the darkness, the red eyes were clearly visible, giving off a sinister feeling.

The person with the complex expression watched the couple's sweet moment, then narrowed their eyes.

Their displeasure was evident, and they seemed ready to intervene at any moment.

"...No."

But they soon closed their eyes, suppressing their impulse. Then, the owner of the red eyes muttered in a meaningful tone.

"At least not now. Not now..."