Our conversation lasted far longer than I had anticipated.
This was because Maria spoke at great length about Rebecca-senpai’s life, going all the way back to their early childhood. Naturally, I listened to every word. When she spoke of her sister, Maria looked even more radiant than usual.
However, as the stories progressed, a shadow began to fall over her face.
"My sister is amazing. She really is...!"
"Yeah. I can tell that much from everything you've said."
Maria suddenly wore a puzzled expression.
"...I wonder why. I find myself telling you all sorts of things, Ray."
"I’m truly glad to hear that. But do you find the rest difficult to talk about?"
"Eh... how did you know?"
"It’s written all over your face."
As her stories moved past their early childhood, it felt as though she was hiding something—or perhaps intentionally leaving things out. I could sense those delicate shifts in her mood.
"I see... maybe I just wanted someone to listen. No, I'm sure that's it..."
"I’ll accept whatever you have to say. And I won't repeat it to anyone else."
"Then, I guess I'll try talking about it."
Maria brushed back her pure white hair, revealing the piercings in her ear.
"These piercings. Why do you think I have so many?"
"Because you like them? I know someone whose hobby is collecting them."
"Well, there's some truth to that, but ultimately, these are a sign of rebellion."
A sign of rebellion. I reacted honestly to her words.
"Rebellion? Against what?"
"The way nobles are supposed to act. And against my parents, I suppose."
"..."
"My sister was exceptional. She worked harder than anyone and had incredible talent. On top of that, she had the looks and a great personality. I was constantly compared to her. 'Work hard so you don't lose to your sister.' So many people told me that, like a mantra. It was only a matter of time before I ended up like this."
"By adopting an appearance far removed from the noble ideal, you wanted to rebel?"
"Well... yeah. Besides, I was already far removed from them to begin with."
Those words likely referred to her pure white features. The causes of albinism are still a mystery. There might be some magical factor involved, but research hasn't progressed that far.
Master once told me that noble society is a closed one. They cling to tradition and refuse to tolerate anything new. In such a world, a child with Maria's appearance could easily become a target for exclusion.
And she had been raised in the shadow of Rebecca-senpai.
It must have been a life of hardships and sorrows I couldn't even begin to imagine.
"I love my sister. But at the same time, I can't help but feel a sense of inferiority. So, dressing flamboyantly is my small way of resisting. No, I do this so I can be myself."
"I see... So that was it."
"Well, that's all it is. Just an inferior younger sister acting out."
"...I understand your story, Maria. I don’t intend to offer hollow words of comfort, but let me say this one thing."
"What?"
Her tone was defiant, yet she seemed uneasy. I wanted to say something to reassure her.
"...I can't fully understand those hardships or that sadness. But Maria, you have fought to be yourself, haven't you? That is something to be commended. Personally, I think you're very beautiful. Your hair, those piercings—they're quintessentially you. I believe you should be proud of that."
"...I-It's not like I care what you think."
Maria looked down. Because of her snow-white skin, it was easy to see her face turning beet red.
"You haven't had anyone you could talk to until now, have you?"
"Maybe not. But it's fine. I've mostly come to terms with it."
"I see. But from now on, if anything happens, I want you to talk to me. If you just need a listener, use me as much as you like."
"...Hey, Ray. Are you like this with all girls?"
"No. This isn't limited to men or women."
"Right. You're just a natural charmer, then."
Maria turned away with a huff, speaking somewhat bluntly. But even that gesture was quite endearing.
"Shall I tell you a bit about myself as well?"
Because she had shared her story with me, I felt I could disclose my own. It felt like a necessary exchange of trust.
"Your story, Ray? Come to think of it, there are rumors that you're an Ordinary, yet you're surprisingly good at magical combat..."
"I'm a war orphan."
"Eh..."
Maria’s expression froze. She looked up at me, dazed.
"The Far East Campaign. You know of it, don't you?"
"Y-Yeah. I heard it was the first war where sorcerers were fully deployed... and that the death toll was staggering..."
I could tell she was frightened; her voice was trembling.
"I was on the front lines. There were many times when I thought it would be fine to die. But I was saved by a certain woman. I call her Master. She taught me that this world contains beauty as well as ugliness. I had my own period of struggle. That's why I want to be of help to others now. That is my wish."
I kept the explanation brief. In the past, I likely would have avoided speaking of it out of concern for the other person's reaction.
However, after truly connecting with Amelia at the Magics Chevalier, I had decided to move forward.
Confiding my past was proof of my growth. Or so I hoped.
"...I see. I always felt there was something unusual about you, Ray. Now I know."
"Yeah. We can never completely understand each other's feelings. But I can acknowledge them. That’s why I want to keep helping people. That's how I intend to live."
"Hah... I don't know what to say. You're something else, Ray."
"Am I?"
"Yeah. But I feel a certain kinship... maybe we're two of a kind."
"Perhaps we are."
Maria Bradley.
She was also someone who was lost.
Living with a complex, always compared to her sister, Rebecca-senpai.
But she possessed a unique strength. Instead of breaking, she had preserved her identity by changing her appearance.
We were similar. We were both individuals who continued to struggle against the lives we were given. That must have been what she meant.
I truly hoped I could be of help to her again.
◇
"Let me know if you find out anything about my sister."
"Yeah. Of course."
"I'll let you know as soon as I find out anything, too."
"That would be a big help."
"It's fine. Besides, if I'm on my own, I'll just get stuck."
"I see. Then feel free to talk to me anytime."
"Yeah. I'll do that."
The sun had already set, and the world was pitch black. We walked along a road illuminated only by streetlights. Maria had said she could get home fine on her own, but I insisted on walking her back. She had eventually relented with a sigh.
"It's close by. You really didn't have to."
"I can't let a woman walk home alone in this darkness."
"Fine, fine. Whatever..."
We walked in silence for a while.
Suddenly, my attention was drawn to a man walking toward us. He was exceptionally tall, his body packed with dense muscle. His physique might have even rivaled the Club President's.
His ink-black hair was cut into a deep fade, and his eyes were sharp.
It would be rude to stare, so I quickly looked away.
As we passed each other, I caught a glimpse of the man dropping a handkerchief out of the corner of my eye.
"Excuse me. You dropped this."
I snatched it before it could hit the ground and spoke to him.
He turned around.
Our gazes met.
The man gave a soft, friendly smile.
"My apologies. I had it stuffed carelessly into my pocket."
Contrary to his intimidating appearance, he seemed very polite. I try not to judge people by their looks, but it was still unexpected. After bowing politely and thanking me, he continued on his way.
It was an unremarkable encounter.
Yet, I felt a lingering sense of dissonance.
"You're quite the gentleman, Ray."
"Ah... yeah..."
"Is something wrong?"
Maria peered into my face.
I must have been standing there dazed, staring after him.
I broke my gaze and turned back around.
"No, it's nothing."
"I see. Well, shall we go?"
Once again, Maria and I walked side by side. There was nothing special about the dimly lit path. It was just an ordinary road, same as always.
Under the glow of the streetlights, we finally reached the gates of House Bradley.
"Thanks for walking me home."
"The pleasure was mine. It was a meaningful conversation."
"Well then. Bye-bye."
"Take care."
Maria gave a light wave. I responded with a bow and began the walk back to the dormitory.
I remembered parting ways with Rebecca-senpai in front of these very gates. It was the end of summer, when the cries of the cicadas still filled the air. That sweltering heat was gone now, replaced by a touch of nostalgia.
By contrast, the night was silent.
The air was even a bit chilly.
I looked up at the sky. It was overcast today—a rarity lately. The clouds were thick, and the faint moonlight barely managed to illuminate the world.
Suddenly, pitter-patter, rain began to spot the ground.
The rain wasn't heavy yet, but I picked up my pace. I hadn't brought an umbrella, so I'd have to make a run for it.
"...?"
I stopped.
—Was I being watched?
I felt a gaze on me, but it vanished instantly. It could have been my imagination. I didn't sense any actual killing intent. Perhaps I was just being oversensitive because of Rebecca-senpai’s situation.
I didn't know it yet.
A massive force was beginning to move, with Rebecca-senpai at its center.
The Cultural Festival, a major turning point, was about to begin.