045 The Last Day

It was the final day of summer vacation—Estarm.

The days following Teacher Milk’s return had been a whirlwind of activity, exhausting but undeniably fun.

Engaging in combat while Flash—Time Lapse—was active was more grueling, intense, and difficult than I had ever imagined. For one thing, maintaining my mana pool was an absolute nightmare. I hadn’t missed a single day of training, but even so, the consumption rate was absurd. In a real fight, I’d likely be forced to use it only in short, tactical bursts.

Furthermore, the duration of Magic Turbulence (Enroute)—the technique used to disrupt an opponent’s mana—shrank the stronger the target was. To make it work, I had to keep my Whip in constant contact with the enemy. It was like trying to keep a steady current of electricity flowing through a moving target.

I’d tested it on Teacher Milk, and I only managed to seal her magic for a few measly seconds. Still, being able to forcibly interrupt a spell chant was a massive advantage. Between the Power Up Duke (Vitamin) had coached me through and the Flight Magic I’d learned from Carta, I had become considerably stronger.

But it’s probably still not enough, I thought. That’s just how high the difficulty of the Calamity is.

Having Cecil at my back was a huge confidence boost, yet a lingering anxiety continued to gnaw at me. It pained me to think about it, but when the Calamity finally struck, I would have to rely on her.

"Weiss? Are you okay?"

"Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought. It wasn't the right time for that."

"Please, don't worry about it," Cynthia said with a gentle smile. "I’m just happy that we can spend the final day of Estarm together like this."

"Me too!" Lilith chimed in, though she looked a bit hesitant. "But... am I getting in the way of you two?"

"Don't be silly, Lilith. You’re our indispensable partner."

"Ehehe, that makes me so happy!"

We had traveled from the Fanscent Territory by carriage to visit a coastal town called Youth. Sea bathing was the main attraction here, and the area was teeming with life during the Estarm season. While the streets were packed with tourists, the vast majority were high-ranking nobles. Perhaps because the shops knew their clientele, the prices were astronomical, but the crime rate was nonexistent.

"Safe and Secure Youth"—that was the reputation it held among the aristocracy.

The scenery was, in a word, breathtaking. We walked along a path where a grand fountain sprayed mist into the air to our front, while the sparkling blue sea stretched out to our right. The cobblestone streets were immaculate, filled with the bright laughter of playing children and the inviting aromas of thriving restaurants.

I was living within the world of Noblesse Oblige. I was truly alive. Lately, I found myself dwelling on that fact more and more.

Stealing my fiancée, Cynthia, away from Allen was the single biggest change I’d made to the game's timeline. When the Calamity arrived, she would be standing on the front lines. I wouldn't even have to ask; knowing her personality, she would dive into the fray without a second thought.

However, I still hadn't told her that this was my second time facing the Calamity. I had a very good reason for keeping that secret.

Cynthia, Allen, and Duke were the primary protagonists of the Calamity. I remembered that Carta had eventually dropped out of the Academy, but she had been dragged into the conflict as well. The future was unwritten. I had no way of knowing if revealing the truth now would be a masterstroke or a total disaster.

Because of that uncertainty, I had to be careful. Besides, more than anything, I wanted to cherish this peaceful moment.

Just then, a shop with a vibrantly colored roof caught my eye.

"Cynthia, Lilith, how about some ice cream?"

"That sounds wonderful," Cynthia agreed. "The view is so lovely here; shall we take it down to the shore?"

"I'm all for it! Lady Cynthia, what a perfect suggestion!"

"Yeah, that sounds great."

The ice cream in this region was famous. I asked for recommendations from a clerk wearing a garish, summery shirt and placed our order. I opted for a fruit medley, while Cynthia and Lilith went with vanilla and chocolate.

"This thing is huge," I muttered, staring at the serving.

"My, it really is impressive."

"But it looks so yummy!"

It was far larger than I had expected, but it certainly looked like it would be a satisfying treat. We walked down to the water's edge and sat on the sand, watching the waves. The rhythmic sound of the tide provided a natural BGM, and a cool sea breeze brushed against us like a welcome.

"Mm... it's delicious."

"This is the best...!"

"You're right. This is exquisite."

As expected of Youth, the flavors were enough to satisfy even our pampered noble palates. This might have been the first time I’d ever experienced such a quiet, serene moment. I’d felt something similar while playing Universe with Cecil, but it made me realize how much I wanted to truly understand this world. There was still so much I didn't know—and I was starting to think that learning those things was just as important as training.

"Weiss, may I have a bite of yours?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Thank you. —Mm, how tasty..."

I couldn't help it; every time I looked at her, I was struck by how enchanting her profile was. Our initial meeting had been... well, a disaster, but now I was genuinely in love with her.

Wait... did the original Weiss love her too?

Occasionally, I had moments where I questioned if these emotions belonged to me or the character I had inhabited. No, I'm overthinking it.

"You're always worrying about something, aren't you, Weiss?"

"Sorry. Did it show on my face again?"

"Please, don't apologize. I only wish you would rely on me more."

"She's right! Master Weiss, you try to shoulder everything by yourself way too much!"

"I am relying on you," I insisted. "More than you know."

Cynthia shook her head. Her hair swayed in the breeze, her white cheeks peeking through the strands. She looked as though she wanted to say more but was hesitating. Noticing the atmosphere, Lilith jumped to her feet.

"I’ll go throw away our trash! You two stay right here!"

"Thanks, Lilith. Sorry."

"Don't mention it! —Anyway, I’m off!"

After a long stretch of silence, Cynthia finally spoke, her voice soft and deliberate.

"...I love you, Weiss. At first, I suppose it was something close to love at first sight. But it’s different now. I’ve seen the person you really are, I’ve come to know you, and I want to be by your side forever."

Honestly, I was so stunned I couldn't find my voice. The way she looked at me as she spoke... it was as if she were peering directly into my soul.

It was only because I knew the "plot" of this world that I had been able to get close to her. Because of that, there were times when I felt like a fraud, like I was merely toying with people's hearts using a cheat sheet.

But she had just looked at me and denied all of that.

Good grief, I’m a pathetic guy.

"Thank you, Cynthia. I love you too. No matter what happens from here on out... I will protect you. I promise."

"Hehe. You make it sound like we're about to head off to some grand battlefield."

Well, we are, I thought. But even if it kills me, I'll keep you safe.

"...I have a feeling there are things you can't tell me," she continued. "Even so, I believe in you. And I know Miss Lilith feels the same way. Weiss, I’m going to get stronger. Let’s keep working hard together."

"Yeah... Cynthia, I'm sorry for everything. I think I’ve reached the point where I’d be useless without you."

She was gently soothing the deepest, most hidden parts of my heart. She accepted everything I was and told me it was okay to be at peace. It felt so good... and that was exactly why I had to protect her.

"Cynthia."

"—Yes?"

I glanced around to see if anyone was watching. Of course they were; the beach was crowded. We were supposed to be a proper gentleman and lady. If we were alone, it would be one thing, but doing this in public was a serious breach of etiquette.

But I couldn't hold back.

"I love you."

"And I love you."

We pressed our lips together. It was a kiss that meant we had opened our hearts to one another—and a vow that I would protect her at any cost.

Summer vacation was over. It was time to get serious.

"Let’s give it our all again tomorrow. The period right after a long break, when everyone else is still distracted, is the best time to start racking up points."

"Fufufu, I suppose you're right."

In the world of Noblesse, there were countless branching paths. And, of course, there were routes where the heroines died.

I will never let that happen. Not in this life.

As I watched the sun dip toward the horizon, I made the most solemn vow of my life.

---

Watching Cynthia and Weiss from a distance, Lilith wore a soft smile.

The emotion welling up inside her wasn't jealousy; it was a profound sense of duty, a mission to protect the two people she held dear.

Even if it costs me my life.

"For their sake, I—"

Lilith made a vow of her own, whispered only to the wind.