We left Volk-san’s study and headed to Ariane’s room.
"Come to think of it, Ray, have you ever visited Amelia’s or Rebecca-senpai’s homes?"
"I have. I was even invited into their rooms."
"I-I see..."
"Is something wrong?"
Her complexion paled suddenly, and she seemed to grow agitated.
"Ray. You must not tell either of them that you came to my home today."
"? Is there a reason?"
I couldn't fathom why I shouldn't mention my visit to Ariane’s house to Amelia and Rebecca-senpai.
Was she perhaps keeping some grand secret?
"Consider this a maiden’s warning!"
Despite being in the middle of the hallway, she thrust her face close to mine and poked her index finger against my chest.
Since she seemed entirely serious, I decided to agree, though the logic escaped me.
"I appreciate the warning. I don't quite understand, but I'll keep it between us."
"Yes. That would be for the best."
She turned on her heel.
Following her lead, we arrived at our destination.
"Well then, please, come in."
"Pardon the intrusion."
With a slight bow, I stepped into Ariane’s room.
My first impression was how sparse it was.
Amelia and Rebecca-senpai had both put a fair amount of effort into their decor. While not overly flashy, their rooms definitely felt like the private quarters of noble daughters.
In contrast, Ariane’s room was austere. It contained a bed and a table. Aside from a closet, there was nothing particularly noteworthy.
If anything stood out, it was the dumbbells and other training equipment occupying a corner of the room.
But those hardly added a touch of elegance to the space.
Ariane usually gave off a rather glamorous impression, but perhaps she simply didn't care much for interior design.
"You have a look on your face that says, 'It's surprisingly plain...'"
"My apologies. Did it show?"
"It’s fine. I take pride in my personal appearance, but as long as I have a place to sleep, I'm content."
She gave a gentle, sweet smile.
Ariane Algren.
I realized once again that while I felt I knew her, I still had much to learn.
"Now, please, have a seat."
"Thank you."
We sat across from each other at the table. At that moment, a polite knock sounded at the door.
"You may enter."
At Ariane’s word, the door opened quietly.
"Pardon me, Milady. I have brought tea and sweets."
The maid gave a deep, graceful bow.
She placed the tea and an afternoon tea stand on the table. Then, she beautifully arranged the sweets on the tiers.
There were cakes and cookies, along with small confections I didn't recognize.
"I shall take my leave now."
With another bow, she departed.
"Shall we have a bit, then?"
"Yes. I accept with gratitude."
It was the first time I had spent a quiet moment like this with Ariane.
Glancing at her, I watched as she sipped her tea and ate her sweets with incredibly refined movements.
She wasn't a daughter of the Three Great Noble Families for nothing; her etiquette training was clearly impeccable.
Today, Ariane seemed more poised than usual—a truly charming woman.
"? Is something the matter? You’re staring quite intently."
That was careless of me.
I might have been a bit captivated.
I decided to offer an honest apology.
"Forgive me. Your movements were so elegant, Ariane. I found myself spellbound."
"...Wh-?!"
She fumbled, dropping a cookie onto the table.
Her cheeks were stained a faint cherry-blossom pink.
"...Ray. Are you like this with everyone?"
"Of course. I strive to be sincere with everyone I meet."
"Hah... I can see why those two have such a hard time dealing with you..."
"Those two?"
"Just talking to myself."
After we spent a short time enjoying our tea, Ariane shifted the conversation to a more serious topic.
"Ray. I have something to consult you about."
She looked more solemn than usual.
Her eyes were fixed on mine, as if trying to pierce through me.
"I’m listening."
After a brief silence, she spoke.
"Do I... well... do I still have room to grow?"
"..."
Her eyes were moist.
They were clearly wavering with uncertainty.
It was obvious to me that Ariane still had plenty of potential. However, the fact that she was even asking... meant she likely didn't feel any growth within herself.
"You do. You're still in the middle of your journey, Ariane. As am I."
"...If you are still in the middle of your journey, then nearly every Sorcerer is."
"True. I believe there is no such thing as a 'complete' Sorcerer."
"...I see."
"Is this about Amelia? No... is it about the Butterfly Effect?"
I asked bluntly, going straight to what I suspected was the source of her anxiety.
As if surrendering, she raised both hands and let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"Fufu. You see right through me, don't you? Shall I tell you a little about the past?"
She gazed out the window.
And then, Ariane began to recount her history.
"Amelia and I have been very close since we were children because we’re the same age. But Amelia struggled with the expectations placed upon the nobility... and she pushed me away. No matter what I said, I couldn't reach her."
"..."
I listened in silence.
"From then on, I began to work hard for Amelia’s sake. I believed that by remaining the goal she aimed for, I was doing the best I could for her."
"...I see."
"But now that Amelia has actually surged ahead of me... I feel like I'm about to break. Ah... I've only recently realized that this must have been exactly what Amelia was feeling back then."
She looked down.
The gesture was unlike her usual self.
It was the first time I had seen Ariane’s vulnerability. However, I didn't think any less of her for it.
Everyone is weak in their own way. Even the Seven Grand Sorcerers are no exception.
Because I have connected with so many people, I know that this is a natural struggle. And I, too, have been saved by the kindness of others.
That’s why I want to help people in return—to pay that kindness forward.
"I told myself I should just keep charging forward with passion. I know that's the right path, yet I can't help but lose my way. Is it enough to stay like this? Can I truly grow this way? I’ve heard the stories of precocious Sorcerers. Child prodigies who fade into mediocrity as they age. I am terrified of that..."
She hugged her own shoulders, trembling slightly.
After interacting with the daughters of the Three Great Noble Families, I’ve realized they are constantly under immense pressure.
They are expected to perfectly embody the ideals of their lineage.
I felt it with Amelia and Rebecca-senpai, too.
Ariane was lost. Even if you move forward believing in yourself, there comes a time when you hit a wall.
That happened to me as well.
"Ariane."
I stood up.
I walked over to her side and gently took her hands in mine.
"Everyone faces times like these. Even I have suffered through periods of stagnation."
"Is that... true?"
"Yes. But during those times, there were people around who supported me. That’s why I was able to reach the rank of the Ice Sword Sorcerer. No one can survive on their own. That’s why I will become your strength, Ariane."
"...Is that really all right?"
I looked directly into her wavering eyes.
I answered her with absolute conviction.
"Of course. That’s why you asked to form a team with us for the Magics War, wasn't it?"
"That’s... true. I wanted to know Amelia’s secret. I wanted to understand how she grew so much. And that’s what led me to you, Ray..."
"I see. Then let’s aim for victory. I'm certain that what you’re looking for lies at the end of that road."
"Do you... really think so?"
"Yes. Without a doubt. Trust me."
I squeezed her hands firmly once more.
Suddenly, Ariane stood up with a start.
"All right!"
I watched in surprise as she slapped her own cheeks with all her might. She certainly hadn't held back.
Her skin was instantly swollen and red.
"I’m done moping. I’ll follow you, Ray. So please, lead the way. I look forward to working with you."
Ariane then gave a deep, respectful bow.
I accepted her resolve.
"The pleasure is mine. I look forward to working with you as well."
"Yes."
We exchanged a handshake.
A fierce determination had returned to her eyes.
I expect I will continue to touch the hearts of many people as I move forward. Each time, I will connect with them, and we will grow together.
I felt it again.
No one can live life entirely alone—.