"I want to hear exactly what you're sorry for."
"…For treating you carelessly all last year without knowing, for suddenly calling you out yesterday to fight, for everything."
I slowly sifted through Luca's memories.
Leo had certainly played a significant role in making Luca's school life more desolate.
No one can truly enjoy school life if they're hated by a popular student.
'Of course, even if Leo hadn't shown his disdain, Luca would have had the same image here….'
I let out a bitter laugh at the unfortunate reality.
By openly despising Luca, Leo had only added fuel to the fire.
But that fire had already been burning brightly from the first day of school.
'Still, it's not like he wasn't hurt at all.'
As I watched Leo, he lowered his head.
"I'm sorry. It's late, but I'll help you with anything I can."
"Well, can we delay the forgiveness for later?"
I am not Luca. It wasn't me who lived a life full of caution; it was Luca.
If I ever leave this body, Luca will have to live on his own.
So, at the very least, I wanted to leave this decision for Luca to make himself.
Leo nodded at my words.
"Of course. You don't have to forgive me. I didn't apologize to burden you. I just felt bad for showing my dislike when you must have had your reasons for living that way."
I quietly watched Leo as he rambled on.
In fact, this moment should have come ten years later, during the process of dealing with his brother.
Thanks to changing the flow, Luca could hear a sincere apology while he was still alive.
Right now, there might be a whirlwind of emotions, but it's better for Leo to get it off his chest while his friend is alive rather than apologizing to a grave.
More importantly, it was clear that Leo wasn't a bad seed since he felt guilty for his actions despite going along with the school's sentiment.
I carefully scrutinized Leo's face.
He seemed to be stuck in a slump for a long time.
Should I lighten the mood now?
"Alright. How could you have known if I didn't tell you?"
"I mean, even without telling me, there must be a reason someone lives like that, but I put my emotions first…."
"…I get it, man. I'm telling you to stop thinking about it."
Ever since he started throwing out words without thinking yesterday, I realized that this guy often doesn't know what he's saying.
Suppressing the urge to hit him, I nodded.
Even after giving him some time to think, Leo's face remained ashen.
'This won't do.'
If he keeps dwelling on it like this, it's not just him; even I'll be in trouble.
I didn't want to bring this up, but I had no choice.
"Don't blame yourself too much for this. Honestly, you just wanted to see me use proper magic, didn't you? Right?"
Leo looked slightly puzzled at my words but nodded.
"…To some extent. It annoyed me to see you just accept others' disdain when you could use magic. I saw your magic when you were young. I thought that kind of magic could solve everything…."
"That's not what I remember."
"Huh?"
"I remember you saying, 'I've been looking forward to this day, to see it again…'"
"Did I?"
His eyes widened in disbelief.
'He really wasn't in his right mind then.'
"Maybe I misspoke. It wasn't to that extent…."
"No, you said you started magic because of me."
"What?"
Only silence followed.
Leo, who couldn't close his mouth, spoke in a flustered tone.
"Wait. Who… who told you that…?"
"…If you're that shocked, you could've just denied it right away."
Seeing his shocking reaction made me laugh and feel pity at the same time.
Denying it would have been meaningless anyway.
I couldn't say I read it in a book, so I spoke calmly.
"You told me right before you passed out yesterday. Was I not supposed to know?"
At those words, all the color drained from Leo's face.
He tried to respond as normally as possible, shaking his head.
"No, it's fine. You can know. Just don't tell anyone else."
"I won't. By the way, I'm honored. You started magic because of me."
Luca should know about this.
I wondered how the real Luca would have reacted to this.
As I chuckled at the thought, Leo, misunderstanding my laughter, snapped back, his face red with anger.
"Aren't you going to class? And to be precise, it wasn't because of you but because of your magic. I didn't even remember your face. I just remembered your name."
I wanted to ask where my magic came from if not from me, but I let it go.
"Alright, got it. Let's put that aside for now. I have two favors to ask. I need your help."
"What's with the number? Just tell me."
Leo answered gruffly.
I ignored his tone, focusing on the fact that he was willing to help me actively.
"I need a specific medicine. Can you get it for me?"
"Is it available in the Empire?"
"Yes."
I took a note out of my pocket and handed it to him.
I couldn't remember the exact name of the medicine from the novel, so I had searched through books whenever I had the chance. I finally found a familiar name in a herbal medicine book.
Leo nodded after reading the note.
"It's common, so I can get it within a week. I'll inform my family. What's the second thing?"
"Spar with me daily."
"What?"
Leo's face lit up instantly.
He quickly composed himself, but it was too late.
I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"…Haha…."
"…Are you mocking me? I just never found a suitable partner. Got it?"
"Do you think we're on the same level? Don't make excuses. So, will you do it?"
Leo averted his eyes and shut his mouth.
Honestly, even as a compliment, we weren't on the same level. I had extraordinary magical power but not exceptional skills.
Leo recalled his memories from the previous year.
Training with the person who set him on this path.
It was something he had been hoping for since he heard the rumors about me entering this academy.
'Or perhaps, I had hoped for this ever since I saw Luca's magic ten years ago.'
From that day, I had worked hard to become someone who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
So, this wasn't really a favor from me but one I wanted to ask of him.
Leo nodded.
"Of course."
Ding—!
At Leo's answer, white text flashed before my eyes.
Congratulations!
'Proposal: Make 'Leonard Wittelsbach' your ally.' Successful!
'Chapter 2. Help yourself, God will help you (2)' completed!
'Route 1 — Confirmed for 〈Chapter 3. Constant dripping wears away a stone (1)〉.'
「Chapter 3. Constant dripping wears away a stone (1)」
'Hmm.'
Good, I'm satisfied.
It seems the foundation has been laid.
This proposal seemed quite important. I wonder if anything has changed.
I called up the status window.