CH 29

I have come to terms with my worries.

Or maybe not completely, but I have found a reason to move forward.

There are limits to what I can do.

Within those limits, I have no choice but to do my best.

Instead of giving up, I feel like I can switch gears.

“Yuren-kun.”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Thank you very much.

Just after expressing my gratitude, light shines through the cloudy sky.

The faint blue sky gradually opens up to reveal more.

The cloudy sky had persisted for a long time, enduring without rainfall.

Finally, a ray of sunshine appears.

The light shines down on us, and then continues to illuminate the city of the royal capital.

“It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah, it is. That’s why I want to make it even more beautiful. I want to polish this city and this country as a prince. And Aria, you should pursue what you want to do.”

“Then I will help as a Transmutation Master.”

“I see. Then I’m counting on you.”

We make a promise.

The next time we visit this place together, let’s go further ahead.

Let’s become a better version of ourselves than we are now.

❂❂❂❂❂❂

Walking down the hill and through the forest.

My steps feel lighter on the way back.

“You had a little breather, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, thanks to that, I feel like I can work hard again from tomorrow.”

“That’s good. Everyone was worried, you know? Irina was sad and said, ‘Onee-sama is not feeling well!'”

“Uh…sorry, I tried to be careful.”

I intended to act like normal so as not to worry those around me.

However, this time I couldn’t focus on my work as much as I thought, and not just Irina-chan but others were probably worried about me.

I’ll have to apologize when I get back.

“I’ll be more careful from now on.”

“Yeah. But be careful not to take the wrong approach. Aria, how should I put it…you might end up fretting alone and keeping everything to yourself. If you’re worried, you can always talk to someone. If it’s me, I’ll be there for you anytime.”

“Thank you. Yuren-kun is so kind.”

“…It’s not like I’m kind to everyone.”

He muttered in a low voice.

It was a small voice, but I heard everything he said clearly because we were talking right next to each other.

However, as soon as I thought about the meaning of the words, I became embarrassed and couldn’t say anything in response.

He is kind to everyone.

Is that… Is that what this is about?

Or is it different?

If I ask, will he answer?

I was curious, but I remained silent and walked next to him for a while.

I caught a glimpse of Yuren-kun’s cheeks, which seemed to have turned slightly red.

❂❂❂❂❂❂

“I’m sorry for worrying you!”

The next day.

I gathered in Head Department Laura’s laboratory and apologized to everyone.

Yuren-kun, Hisui-san, and Irina-chan were also in the room.

When I apologized, Laura-san was the first to respond with a light smile.

“You don’t need to apologize. Everyone goes through tough times and feels unwell sometimes, right? You did your job properly, and if you’re feeling better now, that’s good!”

“I’m also happy if Onee-sama is feeling better!”

“If it gets tough again, let me know anytime. I’ll lend you my Yuren then.”

“Hey Hisui, don’t talk about me like I’m a thing.”

To Yuren-kun sulking, Hisui-san said with a mischievous smile.

“You say that, but you’ll be the first one to rush to Aria’s side if she looks like she’s in trouble.”

“Well, yes. She’s an important friend I’ve known for a long time.”

“Is that really all?”

“You’re so annoying! Let’s get back to work soon.”

Yuren-kun seemed busy too.

He still makes time to come to the laboratory.

He touches the door of the room and turns around, opening it halfway.

“Aria.”

And he called my name.

As our eyes met, he spoke in a warm tone.

“Good to see you again. Keep up the good work.”

“Sure.”

He said this and then left.

Just one word gives me courage.

It makes me want to do my best.

“Shall we go too?”

“Yes! To Onee-sama’s workshop!”

We leave the laboratory and walk through the corridors of the palace.

The destination is my workshop.

The place where everything I have to do in this country is.

I stop in front of the door and slowly touch it, thinking.

The me from yesterday and before that.

Am I making progress compared to back then?

If not, let’s take a step forward today.

“I’ll do my best.”

I mutter those words and open the door.

I remember what he said to me on that hill.

I want to be Yuren-kun’s support.

Just as he supported me, now it’s my turn to support him.

For that reason… starting today, it’s a new day for me.

I have decided to make it the new start of Transmutation Master Aria.

So that I won’t regret anything that happens from now on.

Let’s try to live every day to the fullest.

Even if there are tough times, I’m sure I’ll be okay.

Unlike in the past, I have Yuren-kun and the others with me now.

Let’s face forward and move ahead.

When I stop and look back next time, I hope the road that continues behind me is beautiful.