The Magics War had come to a safe conclusion. With its end, the Academy held its closing ceremony, and winter break had finally arrived.
As far as plans for the winter were concerned, I didn't have nearly as much scheduled as I did during the summer. This was simply because winter break was much shorter. In the midst of that brief window, the main event was undoubtedly the Carol Festival.
It was a festival held every year on December 25th.
Its origins supposedly traced back to the singing of hymns in the Kingdom's cathedrals. From those humble beginnings, it had gradually evolved until it became the premier event in the Arnold Kingdom.
In the past, people primarily spent the day with their families, but these days, the real charm of the Carol Festival was said to be spending it with a lover.
Up until now, I had never truly participated in the festival. During my period of recuperation, there had been talk of going as a family, but my parents were always busy with work during that season. My parents felt it would be a bit much for just Stella and me to go alone... so we had never attended.
However, this year was different.
I had actually been invited to a Carol Festival party. It was hosted by the Magic Association, and since I had been invited in my capacity as the Ice Sword Sorcerer, I figured it would be a good opportunity to go.
Besides, many nobles would be in attendance, so it wasn't as if I would have zero acquaintances there.
"Ray-san! Congratulations on your victory!"
After the win, Rebecca-senpai had approached me with a radiant smile. It happened just as I had parted ways with Albert and Evi and was about to head toward Amelia and the others; I simply crossed paths with Rebecca-senpai by chance.
"Thank you. It was a fight that went down to the wire, but we managed to pull through somehow."
"It was a truly incredible battle! You looked so very cool, Ray-san!"
"I’m flattered you think so."
Rebecca-senpai stepped well into my personal space. I had been thinking lately that whenever she spoke to me, she was strangely close, or rather... she seemed to be consciously looking up at me through her lashes. Or so it felt to me.
Well, I might just be overthinking things, so I didn't make any specific mention of it.
"Um... actually, there's something I wanted to ask you..."
Looking down, she twirled a lock of hair around her finger. She seemed to be hesitating, searching for the right words.
"Today is... December 23rd, right?"
"That's right."
"Are you... spending the Carol Festival with anyone, Ray-san?"
"No, I don't have any particular plans. Other than attending the party for the Magic Association, that is."
Rebecca-senpai looked up at me with moist, shimmering eyes.
I see. So it was about the Carol Festival. I didn't have any specific plans for the day this year. I recall discussing having a meal with Master on the night of the festival, but until then, I was free.
Moreover, the day before the festival had also become quite a lively celebration in recent years.
December 24th and 25th were both vital festive days for the citizens of this Kingdom.
"In that case! Are you free tomorrow!?"
Her face flushed a deep red as she leaned in even closer. Her breathing was a bit shallow, and I could tell she was nervous. Of course, since I had no obligations other than the night of the 25th, I gave her an immediate answer.
"Yes. I have time."
"R-Really...?"
Clasping her hands tightly in front of her chest, she asked once more to be sure.
"Yes. I don't have any other plans."
"Yes...!" she whispered, giving a small, triumphant fist pump. It seemed she had really wanted to go out with someone. Senpai had been through a lot lately, after all; I'm sure she just wanted to let off some steam and enjoy herself.
"T-Then! Let's meet tomorrow at ten o'clock in front of the Central District fountain!"
"Understood. I'll be there."
She bowed several times right then and there and waved her hand vigorously before practically skipping away. As she left, I could even hear her humming a little tune.
With that settled, I headed once more toward the hospital where Amelia and Ariane were staying.
"So, why don't we all go out together tomorrow?"
I was currently in the room where Amelia and Ariane were hospitalized. Even though they were technically patients, I heard they were being discharged immediately. Both of them were supposed to return to their family homes tonight.
"Um, well... Ray."
"What is it, Amelia?"
"You were invited by Rebecca-senpai, weren't you?"
"Yeah. But if we're going out, the more the merrier, right? I'm planning to ask everyone else after this, too."
"..." "..."
Amelia went perfectly still, her hand pressed to her forehead. Beside her, Ariane let out a long, heavy sigh.
"Oh, Ray... honestly... Well, I expected as much. I feel like I finally understand the hardships Amelia and Rebecca-senpai have been going through."
"Right? I mean, it's fine. It's good that you told us beforehand, at least. I figured you'd do something like this. But I can't help but feel a little sympathy for Senpai."
"I quite agree..."
As if staring into the void, the two of them looked completely stunned, sighing again in perfect unison.
Hmm. Could it be that I had done something wrong?
However, it was the long-awaited Carol Festival. I didn't think the desire for everyone to enjoy it together was a mistake...
"Well, I feel bad for Rebecca-senpai, but..."
"I suppose we should go."
The two of them seemed to reach some sort of agreement and gave their consent. They kept looking at me with pity until the very moment I left, but I couldn't for the life of me imagine what that was about...
As I was leaving the hospital, I caught sight of golden twin-tails fluttering in the distance.
"Ah! Ray! There you are!"
"It's true! It's Ray-kun...!"
Indeed. The ones standing there were Clarice and Elisa. It seemed they had both come to visit Amelia and Ariane.
"Hey, that match was incredible!"
"It really was! It was a total nail-biter! Congratulations on the win!"
"Hmph! Consider this a special celebration! Congratulations!"
The two were so excited they looked like they might jump for joy. I expressed my gratitude to them once again.
"Thank you, both of you. This victory was only possible because of everyone's support. I'm truly grateful."
Since I had intended to invite Elisa and Clarice as well, I asked about their plans for tomorrow. When I did, their faces clouded over exactly like Amelia's and Ariane's had.
"Hmm. I mean, I don't mind, but..."
"I-I'm okay with it too...! But..."
The same reaction. Just what was the problem? Curious, I decided to ask for clarification.
"Is there some sort of issue? Amelia and Ariane reacted the same way. It would be helpful if you could tell me what's wrong."
"Fine. Since you asked."
Clarice looked up at me, staring with flat, half-lidded eyes.
"You, that invitation... weren't you told it would be just the two of you?"
"..."
I recalled the conversation I had with Rebecca-senpai. However, I didn't believe I had heard anything about it being just the two of us.
"No, she didn't say anything like that."
"Sigh... Even if she didn't say it, you should have sensed it. Well, I guess this is just Ray being Ray."
"Y-Yeah... I suppose so..."
After that, Clarice and Elisa also reluctantly agreed. It seemed there had already been talk about everyone going somewhere to celebrate the victory, but the reason for their strange hesitation remained a mystery.
And so, I set off on the road home alone.
It was completely winter now. The sun was about to set, and the streetlights were beginning to flicker to life. I walked through the deepening twilight.
"Snow?"
I felt a cold sensation on my cheek.
Looking up at the sky, I saw that snow had begun to fall.
I see. It’s already... that season again.
Winter. Snow. And this biting cold.
Inevitably, the sensation made me recall the past. That day when I was swept up in the Far East Campaign.
But I was no longer alone.
Because now, I had so many precious people by my side.
I was truly looking forward to everyone going out together tomorrow.