NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49.2
Stage 2-18. Secrets
…What does she mean by that?
She probably thought she was whispering, but in the quiet room, I couldn’t miss a word.
“We’re going to the practical training building today, right? Everyone seems to be waiting for us, so let’s go.”
Before I could ask her what she meant, Reina walked past me.
For some reason, her retreating figure looked so fragile, as if she might disappear at any moment. Without thinking, I grabbed her hand.
“…Ouga-kun?”
Her voice brought me back to my senses.
Damn it…! She reminded me too much of my former colleagues who left the workplace, and I grabbed her without thinking!
I need an excuse…a good one…
While my brain whirled in search of one, I realized the meaning behind Reina’s earlier words.
I see… So that’s what she meant! If that’s the case, I can turn this situation to my advantage and justify grabbing her hand!
“You’re not going anywhere. I expect you to come back here as the student council president.”
She’s planning to leave the academy if we lose the magic competition.
If we lose the championship two years in a row, she wouldn’t feel right staying in her position. Though the students won’t blame her, instead pointing fingers at me and Mashiro, Reina would still feel responsible.
Last year, she deeply regretted letting her seniors get expelled under similar circumstances.
It’s easy to conclude that Reina intends to shield us from the consequences.
But I won’t let that happen. I joined the student council because Reina is here. Without her, this place would be hell. Frohne would no doubt gleefully make me her puppet leader.
And knowing Reina’s personality, she’d reject any offer I made to employ her at the Vellet household after her expulsion.
If that happens, all my plans will crumble. I can’t let my academy life turn into a nightmare of endless work.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us together as the student council. No matter what obstacles we face, I’ll overcome them.”
Reina didn’t respond, so I continued.
This was my chance. My only chance to make her understand my resolve.
I needed to address the core of her situation.
“Even if our opponent is Frone Milfonty, the principal.”
“…………”
It was the first time I saw her make that kind of expression.
She probably thought she was hiding it well.
But I could tell.
Her eyes wavered, just for a moment.
They spoke of resignation, suffering, and a glimmer of hope.
She even hopes to be freed from that tyrant, Frohne.
“So don’t say things like that again. Promise me.”
“…Heh, you’re strange, Ouga-kun. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. Now, let’s go.”
She gently pulled her hand from mine and began walking again.
This won’t do. I can’t let this day end without uncovering her true feelings.
…I know she’s starting to trust me. That flicker of hope in her eyes proved it.
Just a little more. Just a bit more, and my feelings will reach her heart.
If that’s the case, I’ll play my trump card. I didn’t want to resort to this, but it was the best way to earn her trust.
“Reina, I’ll show you something interesting today.”
“Something interesting?”
“Yeah. You’re special to me, so I won’t keep any more secrets.”
“…………”
I’ll go all in. No risk, no reward.
If I expect her to open her heart, I must open mine first.
It’s risky, but I want Reina.
“Look forward to it.”
—And thus, the day of the Academy Magic Competition arrived.