NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32.2
Stage 2-1. A Gift Just For You
“Good morning, Mashiro. I’m glad to be with you, shining as bright as the sun today.”
“…Good morning.”
Ever since the day my engagement to Karen was decided, Mashiro, who had been my source of comfort, changed.
She used to be so cheerful, always smiling, but lately, she’s been cold and distant.
I’ve tried to lift her spirits by giving her accessories or spending entire holidays with her, but it’s had little effect.
Speaking in the ‘prince mode’ she once said she liked is another part of my attempts.
“Actually, I have something I ordered just for you, Mashiro. Will you accept it?”
“…Ouga-kun, do you think I’m the kind of girl who’ll be happy with expensive gifts?”
“N-no, of course not! It’s something I put real thought into.”
“Hmph… Ouga-kun, who doesn’t understand a girl’s heart…”
Her sharp words pierced me so hard that I found myself clutching my chest.
Damn…! My lack of experience with romance is becoming a hindrance on my path to building a harem…!
I know Mashiro isn’t someone who can be swayed by expensive things, and I realize this probably isn’t the right approach.
But, I’ve already said it.
It’s too late to take it back now!
The point is, as long as there’s genuine feeling behind the gift, it’s fine.
I’ll decorate my words with all the charm I can muster and push through!
Steeling myself, I open the box Alice handed me and show her its contents.
“O-Ouga-kun…!? T-this is…”
“This represents my feelings for you, Mashiro. Please accept it.”
As I said that, Mashiro hesitantly reached out and took the ring that had been sitting in the box.
This ring is a magic tool, embedded with a mana stone—a special stone imbued with magical power, just as its name suggests.
Mana stones themselves are rare, and magic tools made from them almost never circulate in the market. But I managed to get one by chance.
It was expensive, but Mashiro is far more precious to me than money.
Someone as wonderful as her is irreplaceable. True friends can’t be bought with gold.
“Is… is it really okay? I mean… I’m a commoner.”
“A commoner? That doesn’t matter. I’m doing this because it’s you, Mashiro.”
She doesn’t need to worry about that in our relationship.
With this magic ring, Mashiro’s abilities will grow even further.
I’ll be happy. Mashiro will be happy. It’s a perfect choice for both of us, right?
“It’s so beautiful…”
“It’s the same shade of blue as your eyes. When I saw it, I knew it had to be yours.”
I’m incredibly grateful to Mashiro.
Being with her has made my everyday life so much more enjoyable.
Compared to the days when I was labeled a ‘failure’ and stayed hidden away, it’s a world of difference.
I hope my gratitude has been conveyed to her properly…!
“M-Mashiro!? Why are you crying!?”
“…Hic… I-I’m just so happy… because you’ve been thinking seriously about our future together, Ouga-kun…”
“Of course I have. I’m the kind of man who takes responsibility for his actions.”
“Yeah… You’re right. You’ve always been like that. Even with the situation with Lebetzenka-san, I knew in my head… but when it became real, I couldn’t help but feel jealous…”
Huh? Why is she bringing up Karen now?
I don’t quite follow where this conversation is going, but I can sense the atmosphere, so I keep my mouth shut.
“I’ll treasure this forever… I’ll keep it safe… and on our wedding day, I want you to put it on me, okay?”
“Actually, I was hoping you could put it on right now…”
“W-What!?”
“Whoa, that was quite a jump…”
Startled, Mashiro jumps backward.
I mean, you won’t get any benefit unless you wear it…
“N-no, that’s not okay! I-I’m still a student… it’s too soon to be… a married woman…!”
I can’t quite hear what she’s saying because of the distance, but I can tell from her flushed face and the way she’s covering it with her hands that she’s flustered.
“…Alice. What’s the right thing to say here?”
“It might be best to give her some space for a while.”
“I see. Well, we still have time. I’ll wait until she calms down.”
“…Concerning this particular matter, I’m starting to worry about your future, Ouga-sama.”
What on earth is Alice talking about?
I’ve clearly resolved the issue, haven’t I?
To be honest, I still don’t fully understand why Mashiro was upset in the first place.
“Ouga-kun! Why are you laughing!?”
Haha, of course I’m laughing. She’s back to being the Mashiro I know.
Ahh, now that things with Mashiro are settled, I can relax.
Today’s going to be a great day.