"Master. Please wake up."
"Ugh... nn..."
"We have training scheduled for this morning."
"I know... I know, but..."
Spring.
The temperatures were mild, making for pleasant days. In the midst of one such morning, Lydia was still tucked away in bed. It was currently 6:00 AM. The previous night, she had been full of vigor, promising to put Ray through his paces at dawn, but she had never been a morning person. True to form, she was now being stubborn.
"Master. Wake up."
He shook her.
The boy was doing his best to rouse Lydia.
This was none other than Ray. Through his time spent with Lydia and the members of the Special Selection Unit, Astral, he had regained his sense of humanity. He no longer wore the dark expression he'd had when they first met; he had recovered enough to converse normally like this.
"Nn... three more hours..."
"That's far too long."
"Ray..."
"Whoa—!"
To his shock, Lydia grabbed Ray’s small body and hauled him into the bed with her. She hugged him tight, treating him exactly like a body pillow.
"So warm..."
"Master! Don't sleep-talk your way out of this!"
As they bickered, Carol and Abby entered the room. The plan for the day was for the unit members to go out together for cherry blossom viewing.
Operations for Astral were proceeding smoothly. Both Lydia and Carol had been promoted to Captain. Meanwhile, Abby had achieved the monumental feat of becoming a Major just before turning twenty.
She was the youngest in military history to reach the rank of field officer. Given that female field officers were incredibly rare to begin with, her status within the military was already significant.
"...Lydia. What are you doing?"
"Aha! You’re doing something naughty with Ray-chan!"
Hearing their voices, Lydia finally opened her eyes.
"...Hm? Oh. Why is Ray in my bed?"
"You’re the one who grabbed me, Master."
"Hah? I’d never do such a thing."
"...Well, if you say so."
Ray climbed out of the bed with a look of half-exasperation. He then turned to greet the two newcomers.
"Major Garnet. My apologies for Master, as always."
"No, it’s fine. We’ve known each other a long time."
As they spoke, Carol suddenly tried to pounce on Ray.
"Waaah! Caro-caro wants to hug Ray-chan too! ☆"
"Absolutely not."
Ray placed a hand on Carol’s forehead to keep her at bay, muttering calmly. Lately, Ray had started to notice something. Carol’s skinship seemed to be getting more aggressive. It had always been intense, but over the last few months, her sense of personal space had felt suspiciously non-existent.
Occasionally, he would feel a chill when exposed to her predatory, beast-like gaze. Ray was secretly terrified that Carol might one day "eat" him.
For now, however, he told himself he was just imagining things.
He didn't yet know how little time remained before that tragedy would strike.
"Hup. Phew, the morning air is as refreshing as ever."
Lydia looked positively radiant, but Abby was quick to retort.
"Weren't you just trying to sleep for another three hours?"
"Hmph. The moment I wake up is always the best moment. It’s just getting to that point that’s a struggle! Gahaha!"
"That isn't something to brag about..."
Lydia stepped out of bed and began to get ready. Ray was already prepared, and he had even laid out Lydia’s clothes for her.
"Oh! Ray, you're as thoughtful as ever."
"It's nothing."
Watching this, Abby whispered to Carol.
"Hey, Carol. I think I might have raised Ray the wrong way..."
"Hm? Why? Ray-chan is so reliable!"
"No... he's too reliable. At this rate, Lydia’s going to turn into a useless human..."
"Oh, stop! It’s way too late for that! Abby-chan, you’re such a worrywort!"
"I suppose, but still..."
Carol giggled, but Abby still looked as if she’d swallowed a bitter pill.
Ray had shown signs of this from the start. He was deeply compassionate and always tried to repay the kindness shown to him. That hadn't changed. If anything, his sense of gratitude toward Lydia for taking him in made him respect her immensely.
However, Abby feared he was too good at looking after others—that perhaps they had given him too much of an intensive education.
In terms of sorcery, physical ability, and academics, he was undeniably brilliant. His skills were already on par with any adult’s. This was the result of the passionate tutoring provided by the three of them.
The other members of Astral had also contributed to his education. The result was the Ray who stood there now.
"Alright. I'm ready."
"Master. You look beautiful today."
"Fufu. You think so?"
"Yes."
Ray complimented Lydia with a straight face. Then, he turned to Abby and offered the same praise without a hint of hesitation.
"Major Garnet, you look very beautiful in your civilian clothes as well. They suit you."
"I-Is that so...?"
"Yes."
Even for Abby, being complimented so straightforwardly was embarrassing. No matter that it was coming from a young child, she couldn't help but blush.
"Hey! What about me?! Me too! Hey, Ray-chan, what about Caro-caro?"
"...They suit you too, Carol."
"Yay! Thank you!"
It was a completely monotone delivery, but Carol didn't care. She flashed a wide smile and tried to lunge for another hug.
"...Hey! S-Stop it...!"
Lydia and Abby watched them with faint smiles.
"Three years already. Time flies."
"It does. Still, I'm surprised Lydia’s tutelage produced such a fine person. Did you use yourself as a 'what-not-to-do' example?"
"Hah? He was raised by me, a genius. Obviously, he was going to turn into a genius too."
"...Let's go with that."
Abby looked at the grinning Lydia and realized that some things truly never changed.
The group headed toward the park where they were meeting the others. Ray was already well-acquainted with the members of Astral, so he wasn't nervous. He carried a basket in his right hand.
"Ray. What did you make today?"
"Sandwiches. I prepared some with extra mustard for you, Master."
"Oh! I’m looking forward to those! Ray’s sandwiches are delicious!"
"Thank you. Major Garnet drilled the recipes into me."
"See? Abby’s a great teacher! Though she still can’t touch my level!"
The master and disciple chatted away. They had grown quite close. Most importantly, Ray smiled often now. The memories of that day certainly remained within him.
However, according to the boy, he didn't remember the specifics clearly. There was talk of him starting school soon, but his aptitude as a sorcerer remained the primary concern.
According to Lydia's reports, Ray was already reaching the level of the Ice Sword. His talent for sorcery had surpassed what Lydia Ainsworth’s had been at his age.
She would never tell Ray that, but it was her firm belief.
Compared to her own progress at that age, Ray was further ahead. He had already reached a domain that placed him among the upper echelon of sorcerers.
For that very reason, they had to be extremely careful with how he was managed.
"Lieutenant Colonel! We’re here!"
Lydia called out to Henrick, who was waiting with the rest of the unit.
And so, the entirety of Astral gathered to enjoy the cherry blossoms together.