The night before the finals, I was alone in my room at the lodgings. I had decided to stay at the facility right next to the Colosseum to ensure I was ready for tomorrow’s match.
Our final meeting had just concluded.
Tomorrow’s battle would undoubtedly be a struggle to the death. While it would be ideal to decide the match in two rounds, that was nothing more than wishful thinking. I had instructed the other two to remain calm even if we dropped a round.
Furthermore, due to the nature of the Siege Battle rules, the side that took the first round gained a significant advantage. If we secured the first win, we would have the psychological edge of knowing we only needed one more to be crowned champions, whereas our opponents would grow desperate with their backs against the wall.
Looking at the matches so far, the win rate for the team that took the first round was overwhelmingly high.
A sorcerer’s true strength is heavily dictated by their mental state. In that regard, I believed in our team. I took pride in my own composure, and I had done my best to instill that same resolve in Amelia and Ariane.
All that was left was to get a good night's sleep and prepare for tomorrow.
It was just past nine o'clock. It was a bit early to turn in, but just as I was about to start my nighttime routine, three polite knocks echoed through the room.
"Yes. Who is it?"
I rose from my chair and walked toward the door. When I opened it, I found Ariane standing there.
"Ah... Um, am I disturbing you?"
"Is something the matter? Is it about tomorrow's match?"
"Well... yes, that is part of it, but..."
She seemed to be struggling to find her words.
Though she was usually quite articulate, her face was currently flushed a soft pink, and she was restlessly fidgeting with her hair.
She appeared to have just come from the bath, as her hair was still slightly damp. That likely explained the rosy tint in her cheeks.
"Would you like to come in for a moment?"
"A-Ah, thank you. Please excuse me."
She entered the room with hesitant steps. Since this was just a temporary lodging, I couldn't offer much in the way of hospitality.
However, I had been planning to have some hot milk before bed, so I handed the cup to Ariane.
"Here, have some hot milk."
"Are you certain? Was this not meant for you, Ray...?"
"It’s fine. I’ll make another one for myself."
I prepared a second cup and sat down.
As we sat across from each other with the desk between us, I got straight to the point.
"So, what happened? Are you feeling unwell? Or is there a problem with your Magic Area?"
"N-No! My physical condition is perfect! And my Magic Area is functioning normally!"
"That’s a relief. In that case, is there something else?"
When I asked, she cast her gaze downward. I knew better than to press her or rush the conversation. I could sense a certain vulnerability in the air around her.
After a long silence, Ariane suddenly looked up and spoke.
"Once the match is over... I fear I will be unable to maintain my composure. That is why I came to tell you now."
"Tell me what?"
"My gratitude."
Staring at me with upturned eyes, Ariane bowed her head deeply.
"──Thank you for everything you have done for me!"
Her words were filled with more emotion than I had ever heard from her. I wasn't sure exactly how to describe it, but her sincerity struck a chord deep within me.
"I’d like to say 'you’re welcome,' but... you're right. I have something I want to tell you as well, Ariane."
"W-What is it...?"
She looked momentarily stunned. She seemed surprised, yet also as if she were bracing herself for what I might say next.
I decided to lay bare my own thoughts.
"I should be the one thanking you for following me this far."
"──T-That isn't true! I have no right to receive such words! It is only thanks to you, Ray, that I have made it this far!"
She clearly meant it. Though she denied my thanks in a panic, her eyes were swimming with tears. She was clearly overwhelmed; her voice was louder than usual, and her tone wavered.
That was all the more reason for me to keep speaking.
"Let me talk about myself for a bit. Until now, I was afraid of touching the hearts of others."
"..."
In a sudden shift, Ariane fell silent and listened to me with absolute earnestness.
It was the same as when I spoke with Amelia; there was still a part of me that felt a lingering fear about sharing my true feelings. However, because Ariane had fought by my side this entire time, I felt I could be honest with her.
"By entering the Academy, I met many friends. Through them, I learned the importance of connecting with people. I achieved many things during the Far East Campaign, and now I am one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers—the Ice Sword Sorcerer. From an outside perspective, that might seem like a great legacy. But as a human being, I was still a work in progress."
"You... a work in progress, Ray?"
"Yeah. I’m still only fifteen. The same age as you, Ariane. Our circumstances differ, but I spent a long time being lost. Just like you."
"That is..."
It was the truth. I had been wandering in the dark for a long time.
But meeting everyone had changed me.
I felt like I was able to truly connect with Amelia during the Magics Chevalier, with Rebecca-senpai during the Cultural Festival, and now with you, Ariane, during this Magics War.
No one can live entirely alone.
Entering the Academy allowed me to relearn that fundamental truth.
It was possible I had given something to the others. But at the same time, I felt like they had given me something far more precious in return.
I shared these thoughts with Ariane. I felt she needed to know.
I had originally planned to tell her after the finals, but I felt a sudden urge that it had to be now.
"Ray... I had no idea you felt that way."
"Yeah. If I don't put it into words, I can't expect it to get across."
I gently reached out and touched Ariane’s hand.
It was very warm. I believed that this warmth was the very essence of human connection.
"Thank you, Ariane. I feel I’ve grown even more because of you. You were the one who invited me to join this Magics War. I hadn't originally intended to enter. But being able to reach the finals and fight alongside you like this... it’s been truly fun. I was happy that we could share that joy together. So──"
I paused for a moment, and a natural smile touched my lips.
"──Thank you for inviting me. I’m truly glad I met you, Ariane."
Overcome with emotion, a single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek, but she wiped it away instantly.
I suppose the maiden she aspired to be wouldn't cry here.
I knew she was always striving for her ideal self. She spoke of it often. She surely had her own vision of what an Ideal Maiden should be.
"I-It is I who should be saying that! I am so very happy that I met you, Ray. Thank you. Truly, thank you so much!"
There was no more need for tears. She gave me a radiant smile. It was the most charming and beautiful smile I had ever seen her wear.
If I, a man who had been stained with blood and knew only how to take, could finally give something back to someone... then I could ask for no greater happiness.
◇
Ariane eventually left the room and headed back to her own. She gave me one last look and a small wave before scurrying off down the hall.
I watched her until she was out of sight.
"──Amelia. You're there, aren't you?"
The moment I called out, a single lock of red hair peeked out from around the corner of the corridor.
"...You knew?"
"Yeah. I sensed someone standing outside the door."
"I see. Well... the atmosphere wasn't exactly right for me to walk in. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, I promise."
"I know."
I asked Amelia if she wanted to come in, but she shook her head.
"I’m fine. Honestly, Ariane was acting so strange that I just decided to follow her."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. But looking at her now, she seems like she’ll be alright."
"Yeah."
"Even so──"
Amelia gazed into the distance, her voice clear and dignified as she spoke her mind.
"Ariane was just like me. I always thought she was so much stronger than I was. But I suppose you really don't know what someone is thinking until they say it out loud."
"Yeah. You were the one who taught me that, Amelia."
"...That feels like so long ago."
"It does. It's already winter."
"I feel the same way Ariane does. I'm so happy I met you, Ray. That’s why I’m going to win tomorrow, no matter what. I’ve received so much from you, after all."
Her words were laced with iron resolve. I could see the unshakeable will to win burning in her eyes.
She really had changed, I thought.
Back during the Magics Chevalier, she looked as though she might be crushed by the pressure at any moment. Now, she was standing tall, ready to face the finals head-on.
Seeing her like that made me... truly happy.
"Let’s win this, together."
"Yes."
We bumped our fists together.
With that, we went our separate ways for the night.
I watched her walk away. She didn't look back.
Her back looked broader and more reliable than ever before.
With our respective feelings tucked close to our hearts, we turned our focus toward the finals.