Chapter 94

After losing consciousness in the battle with the masked man, I ended up being hospitalized.

...It was just from being punched and losing consciousness...

When I asked the staff, they said, "We have been instructed by the state to take good care of you!" Is it because I am a noble?

The next day, while I was bored, someone visited my hospital room.

"Are you okay? I came to visit you and report after the fact."

It was Filbus.

"This is from Huring. He wanted to come, but he was too busy with the kingdom festival..."

Saying that, he placed a box of sweets on the side shelf.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I'm feeling good."

"That's good to hear."

Then Filbus told me that Sares had died.

"He committed suicide. Don't tell anyone... The background is complicated, so we're handling it as if he dropped out of school."

"I understand."

Instead, I asked Filbus something else.

"What is the 'darkness'—?"

...Is Sares the 'darkness'...?

Filbus had indeed said so.

"I could explain it, but... Carleil will tell you after the kingdom festival. Can you wait until then?"

"Sure."

I nodded.

After a brief chat, Filbus got up.

"Well, I'll be heading back. Huring will get mad if I skip out too much."

"Huring is scary when she's mad."

"I know, I know!"

Filbus laughed heartily.

"...Actually, I was thinking about asking Rola to come today."

"Rola?"

"She's probably worried about you too— but she doesn't know where you're hospitalized, so she can't visit."

After a pause, Filbus continued.

"I thought about it, but I didn't bring her. Do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because I want you to find your own answer."

"..."

"Have you seen what's important yet?"

"...Yes."

"Good."

Filbus nodded in satisfaction.

"I don't know what answer you found, but— are you sure there's no hesitation?"

"I'm fine. I've already decided."

"Alright, then that's good."

Filbus smiled slyly and said,

"Show me your heroic side, hero."

Then he left the room.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

After Filbus left, I arranged to be discharged from the hospital immediately.

Today is the first day of the kingdom festival.

There was a place I had to go today.

I returned to the dorm and took out the formal suit I was given when I left the Luminous territory.

I looked at it for a while—

I thought about it for a bit—

Then I decided it wasn't right for today. The uniform I had worn to the hospital was a bit dirty, so I changed into a brand new one.

Then I headed to the dance hall.

There, the students of the academy had gathered.

Today, a dance party was being held to celebrate the start of the kingdom festival. The students, dressed up, added a festive air to the space.

...But mostly, it was the noble students who were dancing.

It's understandable that the commoners, who hadn't learned to dance, would feel intimidated. They didn't have formal suits, so they were wearing their school uniforms. Their main goal was probably the free food provided.

I looked around and approached my target.

"Kilria."

Kilria and the nobles surrounding him all looked at me.

Kilria spoke.

"Oh, you're discharged. Hmm? ...What's with that outfit?"

He looked at my uniform with a puzzled expression.

I ignored it and said,

"Can you give me a moment?"

Kilria and his attendant, Fay, followed me.

As soon as we entered an empty room, I said to Kilria,

"I'm sorry, but I want you to leave me alone."

Kilria's eyelids twitched.

Fay, his attendant, spoke up.

"You, to Kilria-sama—!"

But Kilria raised his hand to stop Fay.

"Albert, what do you mean?"

"Exactly that. I want you to stop paying attention to me. Please tell the other nobles as well. As the one who coordinates, you can do it, right?"

Kilria shook his head at my words.

"Albert, it's a bit difficult for me to say this to an older student— but that's not a wise decision."

Kilria laughed.

"Relationships among nobles are built over a long time. Not inviting someone, not responding— these small acts of distrust can erode trust. Your attitude in this academy will come at a high cost."

"...I know..."

I knew that's why I pushed myself.

As a result, I almost lost something I shouldn't have.

"But I've made my decision."

The duty of Albert Luminous.

The way of life of just Albert.

I, the clumsy one, can't have both. The choice is clear.

—I will always be your friend, no matter what. I swear. This is something I will uphold no matter what.

I can't break my promise with her.

She is the one who became friends with me— the 'finished me' that no one paid attention to until recently.

In the battle with the masked man, it was her determined wish for my victory that spurred me on when I was about to give up.

How much her smile has supported me.

How much her voice has healed my heart.

What is important.

What is precious.

There's no need to think about it.

If I have to give up something to be with her— I will gladly do so.

I said firmly,

"I will refrain from socializing with the nobles at the academy."

"...I understand. If that's your decision. I'll let everyone know."

Kilria continued,

"But, Albert Luminous. My interest in you hasn't changed. If you ever need help— or if you change your mind, feel free to say so. I'll be happy to help."

"...Thank you."

I said briefly and left the room.

I returned to the dance hall.

I glanced at the nobles dancing in the center and then scanned the walls.

—There's no guarantee she's here.

The main characters of the party are the nobles. Few commoners come just to be wallflowers.

But I was confident she would be here.

Because just as she knows me—

I know her.

It's an event that is generally recommended to attend. She, being serious, would follow the instructions and come.

...And she would probably be standing alone.

As expected, I found her.

A white-haired girl standing by the wall, quietly watching the dancing nobles.

At that moment—

"Ah, it's Albert."

Decorated noble girls approached me.

"Why don't you dance?"

"Come on, dance with me."

I shook my head at their noisy invitations.

"Sorry, but I have a prior engagement. I'm sorry."

Saying that, I walked over to Rola.

"Rola."

"—Mr. Albert?"

She looked surprised at my sudden appearance.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad... I was really worried..."

She said with genuine relief. Her concern warmed my heart.

I exhaled softly to cool my heated chest.

"Rola, if you don't mind—"

I extended my hand and said,

"...Would you like to dance with me?"

"Eh? But, Mr. Albert, wouldn't it be better to dance with a noble—"

"No, it's fine. I've decided to stop that."

I shook my head.

"I won't socialize with the nobles at the academy. From now on, I'll be with Rola."

"—!"

Rola's eyes widened as she looked at me.

"R-really...?"

"It's fine. I've made my decision."

"But, I mean, if I dance with someone like me— I've never even learned how to dance..."

"It's fine. Dancing isn't about how well you can dance— it's about who you dance with."

At my words, Rola held her breath.

Then, she closed her eyes tightly and said,

"...M-Mr. Albert..."

Rola's white hand took mine.

"...If, if it's okay with you..."

"Let's go."

I led Rola to the center.

We faced each other, and I put my arm around her.

Rola, blushing, spoke quickly.

"Um, that! Really! I don't know how to dance at all! Please teach me!"

"Sure, I can do that."

I smiled.

I can teach you how to dance.

You've taught me something far more important.

Thanks to you, I've been able to walk this far.

You've taught me how to walk.

You've shown kindness to me, a lonely person.

How much do I owe you?

Have I been able to repay you at all? It feels like the more I try to repay, the more it grows.

Just being near you fills my heart so much.

Today's decision is something I can proudly stand by, just by holding your hand.

"Let's start slowly. Don't let go of my hand, Rola."

We slowly began with the basic steps.

And so, it was a happy ending.

【Announcement】 I've written a new work.

I can choose freely, with S-rank rare items and broken skills, I can do as I please with the [Schrödinger's Cat] that has awakened! ~As an adventurer, I'm earning levels and money and living happily, so I hope the people I expelled will also try their best~

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n0383gq/

The content is exactly as the title suggests. It's a story with the golden combination of 'retribution and cheat skills,' and the concept is 'a story that can be read and enjoyed easily.'

I have over 100,000 words of stock written up to a good ending.

It's only 5 chapters so far, but I'll be posting daily, so I'd be happy if you could give it a try.