As Starlight Academy came into sight, the moon had replaced the sun. Night had fallen, and the stars were starting to dot the sky.
Then, when I returned the carriage and the horse, night had completely taken over.
Lamps lit the paved path back to the dorms, keeping the darkness at bay.
But even so, it seemed like it couldn't keep the gloom of recent events away.
I glanced at the others while we walked across campus from the business section.
Roland looked lost in thought. No, not just lost in thought, but determined. His blue eyes were sharp with resolve.
I could understand why. After seeing all of that... and considering he had a younger sister as well, he was probably projecting a bit.
If Roland was in Alex's shoes...
Well, that guy had the luxury of having an overpowered Talent that he could awaken. Odds were that he would just get
I knew that.
But Roland didn't, so it looked like he was even more determined to get stronger than he had been before.
Marisa kept stealing glances at me.
I pretended to not notice. But I understood why she was acting that way too.
Marisa Sagewind was defined by her actions until the current day. Since the time her parents were lost in that Gate, and because of the harsh requirements to save them, she threw away everything else to reach the level where she could save them.
And then she just experienced a scene from hell where someone was in a similar situation of trying to save their loved ones... but failed.
I had succeeded in that recreation.
But [Alexander Smith] had failed in reality.
And that realization must be burning Marisa up inside. That even after everything, she might fall short. Could fall short. Because if someone as amazing as 'me' hadn't been able to save his sister, then could it be that she would fail too?
I didn't intend it to be that way. But from how quiet Marisa was, I could tell she had taken in that way.
...She was also partially correct.
Just like me, her objective was on a timer. If Marisa took too long to try and save her parents, they would be a lost cause.
That was what I wrote in 3D-ED, and that was what would undoubtedly unfold in reality unless things changed.
But they would. Because while we were still early enough to where most events were the same due to the preparations by the antagonists, the moment we crossed the Winter Solstice, everything would change irrevocably.
If I had to compare it... we were like the beginning portion of a fanfiction. Certain events had to come to pass since there was already so much setup. But as soon as those opening scenes were finished, the plot would completely break free...
Well, unless I decided to do something drastic right now like, for example, march up and kill Prince Maximillian.
Of course, there was changing the plot, and then there was recklessly flipping the table over. There were steps to this. Like how you couldn't just change a charging train's direction.
I could change the course we took by flipping a few levers up ahead. But trying to change the train in motion would result in a trainwreck. Too many casualties would result from that. Pointless casualties at that.
But anyway...
Like the others, Evelyn was quiet and also stole glances at me. But she seemed thoughtful, like something was hanging heavy on her mind.
I wasn't sure what exactly. The obvious thing would be what we just went through... but I knew Eve well enough by now. She wasn't worried about me.
Well, she was. But that wasn't what was weighing on her mind right now.
I felt like she was thinking about something else. Like a puzzle that had just come to her mind... at least judging from how her silver eyes kept flitting as if she was trying to piece things together.
Whatever the case, and whatever the reason... like that, we traveled in silence until we reached the center of campus.
I came to a stop and looked at the others. "Well." I laughed and said, "It wasn't quite the relaxing day trip I'd planned... but it was productive, I guess. We all got something out of it at least, right?"
Roland blinked and then nodded. "Yeah." He murmured and sighed. "Alex..."
I shook my head. "I told you already, Roland. It's fine. Betty..." I took a deep breath and nodded, firm. "Betty is out there. I will find her. So I'm fine."
Roland gave me a long look. Then he nodded and reached out his hand.
"Hm?" I blinked, confused. Still, I took his hand. "What is it now, Bud?" I laughed and said, "Don't tell me you're getting lonely, because-"
"I swear on my name, Roland Lionheart." His blue eyes were filled with conviction and he said, "I will stand by your side from this point onwards. You are my friend and sworn ally, Alex. Do not hesitate to call on me. Especially if it means I can help you find your sister."
I froze. Then I let out a wry smile. "...You always were this sort of person, Roland."
Marisa spoke up too and said, "I swear as well, Alex." She placed her hand over her heart and said, "Upon my magic and my heart, I swear... Marisa Sagewind will do her best to aid you in finding your sister." She let out a soft smile and said, "Let's bring Betty home soon. Okay?"
I ended the handshake with Roland and stared at Marisa, smiling. "A guy could misunderstand if you speak like that, Mari."
Marisa's ears turned red and she stomped on the ground. "I'm trying to be serious here!"
I laughed and nodded. "I know. And thanks."
At that time, Evelyn walked up to my side and grabbed my right hand before gently placing it over her heart. "And you have me as well, Alex. So never forget." She let out a warm smile and said, "Even if I have to give everything else up, I will never let you go."
I felt my breath catch as she said those words. Then I let out a slow sigh and shook my head. I reached up with my left hand and brushed her cheek. "Don't make promises that invite disaster, Eve. I love you and your devotion. But I never want you to throw away what you hold dear for my sake."
Evelyn shook her head and said, "For you, I would even sacrifice- Mmph?!"
Before she could finish her words, I pulled her in for a kiss.
"Mm! ...Mm..." Evelyn resisted at first, but then she melted into it. After a while, she pulled back, breathless, and said, "You are such a terrible man. Always using that to distract me..."
I smiled and said, "Well, some things need to be forgotten. And what better way than a kiss?"
Evelyn huffed and stepped away, crossing her arms. "...You are terrible. I cannot even remember what I was going to say now... Argh." She let out a wry smile and said, "To think you have this effect on me..."