The setting sun darkened the sky. Clouds began to cover the once clear sky.
However, Eustave’s shadow loomed in the dark corridor even after the sun had set. From the end of the hallway, he could see someone was approaching. It was Idris.
“Master. You’re here.”
“Is she still the same?”
“She doesn’t even budge.”
“…”
Idris made his way past Eustave and moved towards the room where Vianne was. Eustave followed him and said, “Just leave her be.” Even if they meet now, he wouldn’t receive a favorable response from Vianne. It was better to give her some time alone.
Despite Eustave’s advice, Idris did not stop. “I can’t stand it.”
“…Do whatever you want then. I definitely tried to stop you.” Eustave added as if he was joking.
Idris stood in front of the room. He held the doorknob, silently broke the lock and opened it. As soon as he entered the room and closed the door, a small magic arrow flew towards him. It was an offensive variant of defense magic. The power was not strong.
“I told you not to come in!”
Idris intercepted the sky blue arrow gingerly with one hand. Turning his wrist, he changed the magic color to white. Then, he stretched his fingers and the magic shattered.
“… Idris? …Why are you here?” Vianne was surprised. She was crouching on the floor, curling herself into a ball. The hem of the translucent curtain swayed around her. Idris sighed at the pitiful sight.
“Don’t stay here. Let’s go to my room.”
“No, I told you to leave me alone.”
“The sun has already set. No one is here anymore. It’s been a while.”
“… Then let me be here a bit more.”
“Vianne.” Idris quietly called her name. With one knee bent, he kneeled on the ground in front of her. He reached out towards her, but Vianne didn’t take his hand.
“Should I go back to the empire?” she said, her voice hoarse.
“Why?” Idris was worried, he couldn’t stand the thought of her leaving.
“Even though you’re the archmage and mages vie for your place.” Vianne had a calm expression on her face. “I think you won’t get hurt without me.”
“…” Idris remained silent. “Is that what you’re afraid of?”
“I’ve received a lot of your help so far. Thank you, but don’t do this to me for no reason.”
There was nothing clearly gained from the question. Idris had intended for it to be that way. Her response, however, came unexpectedly. Idris began to feel nervous.
“I’m a human being, so I have a sense of guilt. It’s scary when you get hurt because of me. I don’t know why you’re so nice to me,” said Vianne, her voice monotonous. Idris’s heart sank.”… Now that I can use defense magic. It means that I can return to the empire. That’s what I meant …”
“Vianne Astahilt.” Idris had never called her name before, effectively cutting off Vianne. .
“Don’t go.”
Vianne’s calmness also fell apart.
“If you’re going back to the empire to stay away from me … You … Just don’t go, stay here. Please”He whispered and begged.
“What’s wrong with you, really …” Vianne asked, she looked like she was about to cry.
Idris realized that he could no longer hide anything. “Two months ago, I didn’t care about the wound you gave me because I was focusing on you. During the last incident, I was very angry at the people who hurt you. I didn’t want to see you like this too.” Idris confessed slowly and clearly.
“… Since a long time ago, I’ve been fond of the way you smile. For that reason, I’ve also learned to smile. Even now, if you look closely, our smile may look similar.” He smiled affectionately as if he wanted to prove it. As always, his smile had a tinge of sadness; Vianne had pointed it out before.
“For a decade, I really wanted to know how you’re doing. But I couldn’t do it because of my position.” Those words were the only ones he could utter.
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In the end, he regretted his choice. His every regret had always been about Vianne.
“I looked for the cause of all this. I was curious about it too. And I found the answer quickly. It was easy.”
The translucent curtains fluttered slowly with the remains of the sunset.
Idris continued, even gentler than before. “It was love.”
He had finally gathered the courage to confess to her.