Winter break was finally drawing to a close.
The Third Semester would begin tomorrow. Fortunately, there were no major events scheduled for this term, such as the Magics Chevalier or the Magics War.
While the Magics War had been announced on rather short notice, I doubted we would see a repeat of such a sudden development.
Evi had recently returned, and the two of us were currently in the middle of a workout.
"Phew... phew...!"
"Hah... hah...!"
Inside the room, sweat dripped from our bodies, pooling on the floor drop by drop. Without stopping to wipe it away, we focused on completing our respective training menus.
Naturally, we were both shirtless. Despite it being the dead of winter, one could transcend all things through muscle training.
The cold was a mere triviality.
"Right... that should do it."
"Yeah."
As soon as we finished our workout, we immediately moved on to our protein intake. During the break, I decided to ask Evi about his time at home.
"Evi, how was your family's place?"
"...Ah. That, huh."
We faced each other.
Evi scratched his nose, looking a bit sheepish, before sharing what had happened at his family home.
"You heard the stories about it from Ray, right?"
"Yeah."
"So, I got to thinking... maybe my old man had his own share of struggles too."
"Did you talk to him?"
"For the first time in... yeah. It was the first time in years we actually sat down and talked properly."
His voice was very calm. The expression on Evi’s face, which I hadn't seen in a while, looked remarkably refreshed.
"I see."
"It’s not like we’ve completely reconciled or anything... but I feel like our relationship is better than it was. Besides, we really bonded over stories about the tournament and you. I even heard a few stories about your past..."
Hearing that, I braced myself slightly.
"Did Deruku... say anything in particular?"
I asked tentatively, searching for an answer. With it being winter, memories of my own past were inevitably resurfacing. However, Evi’s expression remained as steady as before.
"He said that you haven’t changed a bit from how you were back then."
"I haven’t changed...?"
"Yeah. He said you’ve always been someone who is earnest and works hard for the sake of others. You can be a bit clumsy, but my old man and I were both in agreement on that."
Evi grinned, flashing his white teeth.
In my own mind, I could never quite see my past and present selves as the same person. And yet, perhaps the core of my being had never changed.
A man who lives earnestly and works hard for others, huh?
Yes. No matter the era, I could only ever live life with all my might. Without looking to the future, I simply faced the overwhelming reality before my eyes.
It was true during the Far East Campaign, and it has remained true during my time here as a student.
I am simply living with everything I have.
Through Evi’s words, I realized this once again.
"Evi, thank you. It makes me really happy to hear you say that."
"Hehe. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but I think you’ll always be that way, Ray. That’s probably why so many people gather around you."
"Do you think so?"
"Don’t you believe me?"
I stared straight into his eyes. There was no trace of a lie there. Evi truly believed what he was saying.
"...I believe you. Once again, I’m looking forward to working with you from here on."
"You bet!"
We shared a firm handshake. It was a grip so strong it was almost painful, but right now, that pain felt somehow comforting.
◇
That night, I responded to a summons from Abby-san. It was a sudden request, but I didn't have any plans for the evening regardless.
The Academy would resume its usual schedule tomorrow, so meeting now wasn't an issue.
I made my way through the dimly lit school building toward the Headmaster's Office. I had been called here once when I first enrolled, making this my second visit.
Finally, I reached my destination.
After a light knock, Abby-san’s voice called out from inside.
"Come in."
"Excuse me."
I opened the door and gave a polite bow. When I looked up, I was slightly surprised. Abby-san wasn't alone.
Master was there in her wheelchair, as was Carol. Since Carla-san wasn't present, I assumed either Abby-san or Carol had brought Master here.
The atmosphere felt different from the usual office air. A certain tension hung in the room—the kind that reminded me of my time as a soldier.
"Did something happen?"
I decided to ask right away. It seemed better to get straight to the point.
"Ray. Regarding the matter with Lydia..."
Abby-san started to explain, but Master reached out a hand to stop her.
"Abby. I should be the one to tell him."
"...Fair enough."
Master wheeled herself over to me.
"Ray, you don't need to be so tense. It’s not a heavy topic."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. To put it simply, I’ve decided to become a teacher here starting next academic year."
"Master... a teacher?"
I was stunned. Master had more than enough achievements as a researcher to sustain herself in that field. Why would she choose to become a teacher now?
"Actually, the proposal has been on the table since a year ago."
"I... hadn't heard anything about that."
"Haha. I didn't tell you, after all."
A faint smile played on her lips. Master brushed her hair back and continued.
"As I mentioned before... I believed I had taught you the wrong things, Ray. I felt I no longer had the right to teach you anything."
"There’s no way that—"
I tried to protest that such a thing was impossible, but she cut me off.
"Yeah, I know. I know you’d never say such a thing. However, it was a matter of my own feelings. Unless I could settle that within myself, I wouldn't be able to move forward."
"..."
"That’s why I decided on my birthday—I’m going to move forward."
"Does that mean the release of our Covenant will coincide with that?"
"Indeed. By then, I should be at the point where I can manage with just a cane, even if I'm not entirely out of the wheelchair."
"I see..."
Master becoming a teacher at this Academy... Since she had been in charge of military training during our days in the service, she was quite skilled at instruction.
I had wondered about it a little in the past. Abby-san had become the Headmaster, and Carol had joined as well.
It wouldn't have been strange for Master to be here. In fact, there were times when I wondered why she wasn't.
Master had been hesitating. Just like me, she had been unsure of her destination.
But now, she had finally decided. That must be why she had called me here tonight.
"I thought I should tell you first, Ray. I was here for the Academy paperwork anyway. Well? Were you surprised?"
She wore a mischievous, slightly wicked grin. Seeing that familiar face, I let out a soft chuckle.
"Yes. I was very surprised."
"I see. Then it was worth it."
It was the first time in a while I had seen Master’s cheerful smile. She truly was a beautiful and lovely person. I was reminded of that once again.
"Still, to think nearly ten years have passed..."
She suddenly spoke, her voice thick with emotion.
"Yes. It’s been nearly ten years since I met you, Master... and everyone else."
"Time flies. We always thought we’d live our lives as soldiers. Now, here we are, living as teachers and students at an Academy. It’s a strange thing."
Abby-san and Carol both nodded in agreement.
At the same time, I remembered.
That moment ten years ago, when we first met—