In a private chamber within the House Gladio mansion.
Outside the window, snow fell in a silent, steady rhythm.
Gazing out at the white landscape, Elysia stared down at the sealed envelope resting on her desk. It bore the crest of the Alcion ducal house.
Beneath the emblem were the words that carried the weight of her future: A marriage proposal.
It was a formal request for a wedding to take place immediately upon her graduation from the Academy. Her suitor was the heir to a family well-regarded within aristocratic society. Their status was impeccable, and the union would be politically advantageous for her house.
Normally, there would be no reason to refuse.
"…Milady."
A quiet voice called out from behind her.
Elysia turned to see a woman standing there. Her calm gray hair was tied back neatly—it was Julie, her dedicated personal maid.
"I’ve brought your tea."
"Thank you, Julie."
As the steaming cup of black tea was placed on the desk, Julie took a step back and spoke softly.
"Have you discussed this matter with your classmates?"
Elysia gave a small, weary nod. "Yes, I spoke with Allen and Lene."
She had been vague, but they had both sensed the truth. In the world of the nobility, an engagement was often a daughter’s way of sacrificing her life for the sake of the family. It was a common story.
"…And what about Master Luka?"
At the mention of his name, Elysia’s fingers stiffened for a moment. "I haven't told him yet."
A heavy silence followed. Outside, the snow continued to pile up, a rare sight for the capital.
Julie knew the truth. She remembered the incident during their years in the Elementary School Division. She knew that since that day—and perhaps even before then—Elysia had only ever had eyes for one boy.
Elysia took a sip of her tea. It should have been warming, but deep within her chest, she felt a lingering chill.
"Tell me, Julie." Elysia continued to stare out the window as she murmured, "Luka is a dangerous person."
Julie didn’t seem surprised. She simply listened in silence.
"He…"
Elysia’s mind drifted back to their childhood. She saw the boy who had stood in that same place, no taller than her. She saw the boy who had saved people without a moment’s hesitation, ready to throw his own life away.
"He saves people the instant he sees they’re in trouble. Without a second thought. Without ever considering the danger to himself. If someone is suffering, he will always reach out a hand."
It was a form of kindness. But—
"…That’s what terrifies me."
Julie cast her eyes down. Elysia let out a small, self-deprecating laugh.
"It’s strange, isn’t it? To feel this way…"
"No," Julie replied instantly. "It is simply because you love him so dearly, Milady."
Elysia looked at her with slight surprise.
"You have been watching Master Luka for a very long time," Julie continued.
Yes, she had. From the moment they first met, he had always carried an expression that set him apart from everyone else. And through that constant observation, she had come to know exactly what kind of person he was—and just how precarious his life was.
"If I were to cry out for help," Elysia said softly, "he would surely come to save me. No matter how dangerous it was. No matter how reckless."
It might have been conceit on her part, but she couldn't help but believe it. Luka Noctear would come for her.
That was exactly why she closed the envelope.
"I don't want to tell him."
I don't have eyes for anyone but him, yet if I told him about this, he’d probably just offer his congratulations like everyone else, wouldn't he?
"…Milady?"
"I refuse to do it," she whispered. "I don't want to see him get hurt again, and I won't have my feelings misunderstood by him."
Silence reclaimed the room as the snow continued its descent. Julie bowed her head slowly.
"This engagement can easily be withdrawn if you so desire, Milady."
"I suppose you're right…"
"I believe you should choose for yourself, without considering the obligations of the family." Julie offered a small smile. "Wh-Why not use this as an opportunity to propose an engagement to Master Luka yourself?"
Elysia gave a wry, bittersweet chuckle. "Fufu, if only I could do that. It would be for the best, wouldn't it?"
But I am not worthy yet.
Recently, she had begun to see more than just the spiritual strength in his eyes. She had begun to perceive Luka’s fragility. Her expression softened.
"…Fufu."
Back then, even the small, helpless version of herself hiding behind him could have killed Luka quite easily. His magical power was feeble. She had seen his training in the Magic Sword Arts Department; he was like a child who had only just learned how to grip a hilt.
She had finally realized what kind of person everyone—including herself—had been relying on. Even though he was so frail, that warm kindness of his made everyone depend on him.
I have to be the one to protect the weak version of him that no one else sees. The him that only I truly know.
Outside the window, the white snow continued to quietly blanket the world.
◇◆◇
"A-chooo!"
Crap, I just let out a sneeze with zero dignity and maximum satisfaction.
"Master Luka, are you cold?" Yuka asked.
"Maybe? I don't really feel a chill, though."
Is someone gossiping about me? Man, life is tough for a popular guy like me.
"Fia is bringing a warm towel for you," Yuka added.
"Ah, thanks."
Even so, the view outside today was incredible—a world of pure, pristine white. I’d heard the Kingdom didn’t get much snow, but this was a full-blown blizzard.
Maybe I should go out and build an Olaf? I want to make a snow hut, too. I bet no one else in this world has ever made one.
The sound of light, pitter-pattering footsteps approached from the hallway. There was a modest knock on the door.
"Master, may I come in?"
"Sure thing."
The door opened to reveal a small girl with peach-colored hair. It was Fia, clutching a towel in both hands.
"I brought something warm for you."
"Thanks, Fia."
As I took the towel from her, I saw steam rising from it.
"Ohhh, that’s the stuff."
I pressed it against my face, feeling the warmth soak into my skin.
"Haaa… I’m back among the living."
Fia giggled. "You let out a huge sneeze earlier."
"You heard that?"
"It echoed through the whole mansion."
Okay, that had to be an exaggeration. Beside me, I saw Yuka’s shoulders shaking slightly.
Don't laugh. Actually, go ahead and laugh. Seeing the two of them able to find joy in such trivial things probably extends my lifespan.
"But seriously, look at that."
I turned back to the window. White. Everything was pure white. The garden, the trees—all of it was buried under the snow.
"It’s amazing today."
Fia looked out as well. "Yes… I’ve never seen it fall this much before."
It was my first time seeing it here, too. I wondered if it ever stopped once it started. At this rate, I could build anything out of it.
An idea struck me.
"Alright, let's go outside."
"Eh?"
"I want to make an Olaf and a snow hut."
"O-laf?" Fia tilted her head.
"It’s a snowman."
"A snowman!" Her face brightened instantly.
"Exactly. Don't tell me you wouldn't want to make one?"
A snowman—the creation of life itself.
"I want to make one!"
Thought so. When she was a slave, there was no way she could have played like this. I’ll make sure she has all the fun she can handle.
"Then let's get to it."
Fia’s eyes widened. "Is it really okay?"
"Of course. The Academy is closed today anyway."
Yuka cleared her throat softly. "Please keep it within reason so you don't catch a cold."
"Yeah, yeah."
Fia reached out and grabbed my sleeve, her touch hesitant, just like when we first met.
"…Master."
"Hmm?"
"What is a snow hut?"
Ah. Right. She wouldn't know that either. I gave her a mischievous grin.
"To put it simply, it’s a secret base."
"A secret base?"
"A house made of snow."
Fia’s eyes sparkled with wonder. "I want to make it."
"I knew you would." I stood up. "We’re doing a snowball fight, too."
"Snow…?"
"We throw them at each other."
"Eh?" Fia looked genuinely shocked.
Good grief, are there really that few snow games in this world? Yuka let out a small sigh of resignation.
"You’re going to make a mess of the garden."
"Give me a break, I'm just a kid."
"That isn't a valid excuse…"
Outside, the snow continued its silent descent. Whatever. For now, I was going to enjoy this silver world.
"Alright, go get ready."
"Yes!" Fia scurried off, brimming with excitement.
Watching her go, I looked back out the window. While the earth was being buried under a layer of cold white, it felt as though Fia’s and Yuka’s hearts were finally beginning to melt.
…Heh. As expected of a former chuunibyou poet like myself, that was a pretty solid line.
Fine then. Once I graduate, I’ll just spend my days traveling, farming, and living as a wandering bard. (What a mess.)