"…It feels like a dream. Spending time like this, in a place like this. When tomorrow comes, it feels like someone will tell me it was all an illusion."
The voice was small, like a whisper, yet it reached Rigel's chest clearly. He answered in a gentle tone, as if wrapping up her unease.
"It isn't an illusion. Even someone like me, who is only the son of a knight family, can manage this much luxury if I work for it. I'll keep winning in the Academy Martial Arts Tournament, earn honor that does not lose to mid-ranking nobles… and someday I'll be able to bring you here whenever I want."
There was a vow-like ring in the words, and the feeling packed into them was too earnest to hide. Rigel's hand touched Char's fingertips, carefully, yet with definite will. Her hand trembled for an instant, then quietly overlapped his as if accepting that warmth.
"Talking like this, eating together, laughing. I… we are here."
