"Ray-san. Good morning."
"Good morning, Rebecca-senpai. Thank you again for today."
"No, it’s just my way of saying thanks."
It was early morning.
Lately, it had become a common occurrence for me to share breakfast with Rebecca-senpai. My turn to water the flowerbeds I’d built during the first semester often overlapped with hers. In fact, there was hardly a day when we weren't paired together.
After everything that had happened, Rebecca-senpai had insisted on doing something for me in return... and so, on our duty days, I ended up being treated to her homemade breakfast.
I’d told her it wasn't necessary, but when she pleaded with those moist, upturned eyes, I found I couldn't say no. Just as I was with girls younger than me, I was weak to a woman's tears.
"The weather is lovely today as well."
"Yes. It’s a refreshing, clear autumn day."
The two of us watered the flowers together.
It was late autumn now, and the season was deepening. The mornings were getting chilly, a sure sign that winter would be arriving soon.
"Well then, shall we have breakfast?"
"Thank you, as always."
"Not at all. I'm doing this because I want to."
The smile she offered me no longer held any shadows. In fact, Rebecca-senpai had been very bright lately, and more than anything, I felt she had become even more beautiful. The burden she’d carried must have been an immense source of stress for her. Seeing her laugh like this now truly set my mind at ease.
"Ta-da! Today, I tried making egg sandwiches, using the ones you made the other day as a reference."
"Oh! They look delicious!"
She pulled the sandwiches out of her basket. They were freshly made and still faintly warm. The bread was toasted to a perfect golden brown, looking incredibly appetizing. The vibrant scrambled eggs peeking out from within looked perfect as well.
"Well then, if you'll excuse me."
"Yes. Please, go ahead."
I took a bite.
The crunch of the toasted surface, the soft chewiness of the bread itself, and the slightly salty scrambled eggs that tied it all together... everything harmonized, creating a symphony that spread through my mouth. No doubt about it. These were delicious!
"Mm! These are wonderful!"
"...Really?"
"Yes! They're incomparable to the ones I make!"
"T-That might be a bit of an exaggeration... but, well, I'm happy to hear that. Thank you."
Rebecca-senpai looked down, her face turning slightly red. We continued to enjoy our sandwiches under the clear autumn sky.
"By the way, Senpai."
"Yes. What is it?"
"How are you feeling?"
"Let's see. I still can't use magic very well, but it hasn't caused much of a hindrance. I heard it will be fully healed in a few months."
"I see... I'm glad to hear that."
A portion of Senpai's Magic Area was currently sealed by my Chronos Lock. It essentially functioned as me transferring a part of my own power to her. My own condition had improved reasonably well, but it hadn't been long since Senpai had suffered her Magic Area Overheat. Since I didn't know what might happen yet, I made it a point to ask her from time to time if anything felt out of the ordinary.
"When I think about how my life was extended thanks to you, Ray-san... I really can't thank you enough."
"No. I only did what was natural."
"...Um."
"Yes. What is it?"
Having finished her sandwich, Senpai leaned her body even closer toward me. She was close—actually, she was too close. Her soft body was pressing right against mine. Almost clinging to me, Senpai asked:
"The reason you saved me was... well—"
Just as I was trying my best to ignore the sensation of her proximity, a loud voice reached my ears from a distance.
"Hey! What are you two doing over there?!"
It was Amelia's voice, one I had heard countless times. With her crimson hair fluttering behind her, she came running toward us with all her might.
"...Tch."
I thought I heard Senpai click her tongue beside me, so I turned my gaze toward her.
"? Is something the matter, Ray-san?"
"No... it must have been my imagination."
That's right. There was no way a refined and beautiful person like Senpai would click her tongue. I was probably just tired. I decided to convince myself of that for now.
"Hah... hah... hah... Rebecca-senpai. What exactly are you doing?"
"What do you mean? I'm just having a meal with Ray-san."
"You seem awfully close for just that..."
Amelia glared intently at Rebecca-senpai.
What was this? What was this sharp, dangerous atmosphere? I had a strange sense of déjà vu. At the same time, I recalled my Master's words.
"Listen, Ray."
"Yes, Master."
"Never stick your nose into a fight between women."
"...Is it bad even to try and stop them?"
"Especially then."
"I see... is that so?"
Sitting in her wheelchair, Master had spoken while looking up at the sky through the window.
"Women are, for the most part, troublesome creatures. They are especially dangerous in the middle of a quarrel. In those moments, stay silent and gauge the flow of the situation. The best course of action is to withdraw from the scene entirely. Make up some convenient excuse and get out."
"That is very educational."
"If you should happen to get dragged into that fight..."
"Yes?"
"Do not agree with either of their opinions."
Master had spoken with a serious expression. Her words carried an unusual amount of heat, as if she were speaking from personal experience.
"W-Why is that?"
"Because if you favor one side, the other will undoubtedly explode. In that situation, you must let them cut your flesh so you can sever their bone."
"Which means...?"
"Give a vague answer and just let them both be angry at you. It is an unavoidable sacrifice. Just accept it quietly."
"...I see. As expected of Master. You know these things well."
"Carol is exactly like that, after all. Now then, shall we train today?"
"Yes!"
I recalled that exchange from the past. Master, your advice back then was for a moment exactly like this.
Feeling deeply moved by the realization, I let Amelia and Rebecca-senpai's argument wash over me. I was a stone. No, I was water. Nay, I was the wind. Blending into the scenery was what I had to do right now.
While I was searching for the right timing to withdraw, the conversation was suddenly directed at me.
"Hey, Ray! You're being bothered too, aren't you!?"
"Ray-san. That isn't the case, is it?"
The choice. Vagueness was the best option here. Truly, Master's teachings were supreme.
"I am not being bothered," I said.
As I spoke, Rebecca-senpai flashed a triumphant look at Amelia. Amelia, on the other hand, let out an audible groan of frustration.
"However, when I consider that I am taking up Senpai's precious morning time, it is also true that my heart aches."
Then, I voiced the opposing view. This time, Amelia wore a triumphant look, while Rebecca-senpai let out her own groan of dissatisfaction.
I didn't quite understand what they were both upset about, but... I seemed to have navigated it successfully. Thank you, Master.
"Hmph! Rebecca-senpai. I'll leave it at this for today."
"That is my line, you know? Fufu..."
Their gazes crossed. Amelia seemed a bit agitated, but Rebecca-senpai was smiling. However, that smile released a kind of pressure I had never seen before.
Suddenly, I looked at my own hands.
"..."
They were shaking. I was undeniably terrified of Rebecca-senpai's current smile. Why? Even though this smile was as beautiful as always, why couldn't I stop trembling? This overwhelming pressure was something alien, unlike anything I had experienced even during the Far East Campaign. What on earth was this...?
"Well then, Ray-san. I'll be taking my leave now."
"I'm leaving too. Ray, make sure you're careful, okay?"
With that, the two of them walked away briskly. Meanwhile, I was still trembling from some unknown terror. I should probably go consult Master about this again. The mysteries surrounding women only seemed to deepen.