I once asked Ira if something bad had happened to her in her childhood.
After hearing my question, Ira looked confused and said,
"I don't understand what you're trying to say.
"
But I couldn't stop myself.
I asked again softly, "Will you tell me?"
She stayed silent for a moment… then finally nodded.
"Alright. I'll tell you."
"There is a clan called
Reinhard.
For thousands of years, they have served as guardians chosen by the gods."
"But the Reinhard clan is different."
"In that clan, everyone must fight.
They are sent to harsh places to grow stronger."
"You probably think Reinhard is powerful, don't you?"
I nodded slowly.
"But his strength wasn't something he was born with," Ira said quietly.
"When he was young, he was weak.
So weak that his own family didn't want to accept him."
"Then one day… something happened."
"Something that changed everything."
My curiosity burned.
"What happened?" I asked.
Ira shook her head.
"I don't know."
"But there's one thing I do know."
"Reinhard is a good person."
Hearing that, I smiled slightly.
So he really is kind…
Before I could think further, someone suddenly called our names.
We turned around and saw our teacher standing there.
"Class is about to begin."
I quickly told Ira, "Let's go. We'll be late."
She nodded.
"Today is Fire Magic training," she said.
"Oh… your father's lesson again?" I asked.
"Yes."
During class, I felt something strange.
Like someone was watching us.
When I turned around—It was Lenfan.
Staring straight at us.
I was about to say something, but Ira whispered calmly,
"Don't look at him. It's useless."
I realized… she understood exactly what I was thinking.
Just like that, the class ended.
As we were walking away, I noticed Hinata working busily.
She looked overwhelmed.
I stepped closer and asked gently,
"Do you need help?"
The moment she heard that—
Her face turned bright red.
"N-no! I'm fine!" she said quickly.
But it was obvious she wasn't.
I smiled warmly.
"Come on. We're friends, right?
Let me help."
She hesitated.
"I just don't want you to get into trouble…"
I softly laughed.
"It's okay. Give me the books."Reluctantly, she handed them over.
While I helped her, I noticed Ira turn her face away.That felt strange.
"Ira, are you okay?" I asked.
She replied quickly,
"I'm fine."
But…
She didn't look happy.
After finishing, I said to Hinata,"If you ever need help, just tell me."
She smiled gently.
And for some reason…
That smile made my heart feelI don't know why.
But seeing her smile made me happy.