"HAHAHAHAHA! Weak human, now you'll know what regret truly feels like!" said K', his cursed aura so strong it made everyone shiver in fear.
"Winds of creation, storm of destruc—"
Before he could even finish his incantation, one of his arms was suddenly sliced off.
The powerful aura instantly weakened.
"Who's there?" K' asked, fear written all over his face.
"Didn't I tell you already?"
A woman's voice echoed through the house.
"Gamma..." he muttered, saying a name I didn't recognize.
Gamma?
"Leave, child, before I rip you to pieces," the voice commanded.
And just like that, K' vanished into thin air like the wind.
The atmosphere calmed. The darkness that had filled the house completely disappeared.
I rushed over to Elysia, who was clearly in pain and covered in injuries.
"I'm sorry, everyone. Please go home—the gathering ends here," said Elysia's father.
Everyone left in a hurry, still shaken. This incident might be a disaster for their family.
"Nao..." Elysia called out weakly.
"Lord Silvercrest, I'll take Elysia home now," I said to her father.
"Go ahead. Take good care of her," he replied, walking off and leaving the huge living room to just the two of us.
"You think you can walk?" I asked.
"I think so..." She tried to stand, then collapsed—but I caught her just in time.
I lifted her, cradling her like a princess in a knight's arms.
"I'm sorry, Nao... for dragging you into this," she murmured, resting her head against my chest.
"said again?" I teased.
"I'm sorry."
"One more time."
She playfully hit my chest, pouting with a soft voice that totally caught me off guard.
"I'm sorry... Darling" she said with a shy smile.
I was stunned for a second—then smiled. Guess I need to get used to Elysia's sudden jokes.
---
The next day, Elysia and I were granted leave by Sir Arsene after what happened last night. I felt like jumping for joy. Yay!
Right now, Elysia and I were in the infirmary at the Academy of Sandy.
I was surprised to see the infirmary was huge, and the beds were super comfy. The only problem? Elysia was the only one lying down. I was a little salty—and jealous, honestly.
Elysia, who was resting, grinned at me. "Nao," she called mockingly.
I sat in the chair beside her bed.
I stared at her, annoyed, though deep down I knew I didn't really deserve to be here. I didn't even get official leave. Sir Arsene just told me to take care of this injured girl properly.
Seeing her smile after everything that happened made me wonder if her head got hit too hard last night.
"Nao, come here," Elysia called me over.
I scooted my chair so close it touched the bed. She started patting my head. "Good boy," she grinned again.
She's lost it for sure.
I decided to test her memory. "What's your name?"
"Elysia Silvercrest."
"Your age?"
"Sixteen."
"Your class?"
"1-A."
Okay… her answers are all correct. So why is she acting so weird?
She kept petting my head and playing with my hair. I wasn't used to this version of her.
"My Nao… my Nao…"
She cupped my chin and made me face her.
"Elysia, is that really you?" I asked. She was acting way off.
"Yes," she said softly, resting her forehead against mine and closing her eyes.
"Nao…" she said gently, "Would you hate me for being this weak? Because right now, you're the only thing holding me together."
I stayed silent, just staring at her.
"You're the only one I can show this side of me to," she said, tears falling from her eyes.
The mood turned heavy.
"I'm not as strong as people think… I'm weak, useless…"
Honestly, no human heart can bottle up everything forever. It always spills out in the end.
"I want to be acknowledged… to be liked, to be loved by my family… but last night, I lost so badly I couldn't even put up a fight. What would they think of me now?"
"I told you already…" I stood up, and she looked up at me.
"...Do it for yourself." I patted her head gently. "You spoiled little princess."
She burst into tears. "Nao…" She hugged me tightly. I let her cry it out, not saying anything until she calmed down.
Dealing with someone like her isn't easy—even if I understand her pain. She's had no one to confide in for a long time.
A few minutes later, she fell asleep in my arms. I adjusted her sleeping position and laid her back on the bed properly.
As I walked out of the infirmary, I saw Tetsu, Theo, and Selene heading toward the room.
"Nao!" Tetsu hugged me out of nowhere.
Seriously, what is it with people hugging me like I'm some cuddly pillow?
"Is Elysia okay?" Selene asked.
I just nodded. "She's sleeping."
Tetsu let go. "Did you get hurt?" he asked, looking me up and down.
I pushed his head away. "I'm fine."
"What are you guys doing here?" I asked.
"We came to visit. But if she's sleeping, it's fine," Theo answered.
"Wait, isn't class still going on?" I asked, confused.
"Well…" Theo looked at Selene, and Selene pointed at Tetsu.
"We skipped," Tetsu admitted casually.
My eyes widened. "And they dragged me along too. Said today's lessons were boring," he added.
So all of you are... criminal partners.
I sighed heavily. "Whatever. I'm heading home," I said, hands in my pockets as I walked off.
---
Someone was running frantically through the infirmary, drawing everyone's attention.
"Doctor! Which room is Elysia Silvercrest in?!" Zareth asked, panting.
"That way," the doctor pointed.
Zareth didn't waste a second. He burst into the room and saw Elysia sitting quietly, staring at the sky.
He froze.
She looked at him—and smiled.
Zareth was stunned. His sister, who had always been emotionless, was smiling?
A thousand thoughts ran through his mind.
Did she lose her memories?
Was she about to leave forever?
Had she given up on life?
Zareth quickly approached her. "Are you okay?" he asked, his face pale and a little anxious.
"I'm fine," she replied with a soft smile.
Zareth couldn't believe what he was seeing. His sister… smiling sweetly?
"Why are you smiling?" he asked.
Elysia touched her face, realizing her lips were curling up. "Maybe I remembered someone's words," she said with that same sweet smile.
As her brother, Zareth immediately came to one conclusion:
'My sister is in love.'
But with who?
Zareth's expression turned serious.
Whoever stole my sister's heart… he better be ready to face the consequences.