Chapter 280: Introductions

"Hehehe, come to think of it, Luna-san, your magic was simply marvelous. Even that Allen was backed into a corner, after all."

"It really was! I want to be able to use such creative magic myself!"

"Too right."

I still don't have the foggiest clue what's going through her head, but since she isn't bolting for the exit, I assume we’re in the clear.

During the next lecture, Luna ended up sitting right alongside Cynthia and Lilith.

When we broke into groups during the lesson, she was paired with Carta, so I took the opportunity to introduce her.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luna-san."

"……Likewise."

"Carta is pretty cheerful now, but she used to be way more soft-spoken," I added.

"Heh, that brings back memories," Carta said with a smile.

"I think you and Luna will really hit it off."

Luna just gave me a quiet, upward glance from beneath her bangs.

After that, I made the rounds with Shari, Cecil, Tura, Allen, Duke, and Olynn. I gave her a rundown of my impressions of each of them while telling them a bit about her.

Once classes let out for the evening, Luna reached out and gave my sleeve a tentative tug.

I shot a panicked glance at Cynthia, but she just gave me a knowing, gentle smile.

We slipped away from the others, and though she was clearly trembling, she managed to find her voice.

"Why... why did you introduce everyone to me?"

"…I want to be the number one in this Academy," I started. "I want to become even stronger than I am now, and those guys feel the same way. But Luna… it’s an undeniable fact that I broke my promise to you. Cynthia is my precious Fiancé, and that isn't going to change. I don't have a single leg to stand on here. I'm truly, deeply sorry."

I bowed my head low. If I’d just used my brain a little more, I could have prevented all of this. I’ve been constantly combing through my past memories, terrified I’ve forgotten something else. This is my mess, through and through.

Tears were streaming down Luna's face, but she reached out and grabbed both of my hands, trying to force me to look up.

"Vai-kun, you aren't at fault. …Deep down, a part of me wondered if I was being silly for taking a childhood promise so seriously. I was just using it as an excuse for my own cowardice. I kept thinking that if I just waited… eventually… But I should have been the one to speak up. Thank you for being honest with me."