“Oh~ I'm still relieved~.”

Raphne, who was preparing dinner, hummed a tune and seemed to be in a good mood.

Delicious smells wafted through the room in the Tower.

Normally, such an aroma would excite me, but today, it didn’t bring me the same joy.

“But Siegfried Senior is amazing, isn't he?”

“Uh, uh-huh…”

Raphne also took the exam.

Although she completed it in the Tower, it was properly conducted under the supervision of a professor who visited specifically for the exam.

Initially, when Raphne saw her rank, she emitted a dark aura for a moment.

However, upon seeing who ranked first, her mood lifted.

It seemed she was relieved it wasn’t a girl who took the top spot.

“I originally wanted to get first place and have Ken's Wish Ticket…”

Delicious dishes were being set up on the dining table.

Although dinner is always full of delicious meals, today there seemed to be even more variety.

“It's disappointing but it can't be helped! Hehe.”

Raphne smiled innocently.

She seemed okay with Siegfried taking first place rather than someone else.

Thanks to that, she seemed to be in high spirits…

“So….if someone other than Siegfried Senior had taken the top spot… haha, I wonder how it would’ve been?”

I casually asked out of curiosity, as if we were discussing a hypothetical situation.

If someone else had taken the top spot.

To interpret, if someone else had claimed the top spot and secured the Wish Ticket.

And asked me out on a date.

That was the hypothesis.

“Hahahaha…”

A dark aura that seemed like it shouldn't appear started to emanate from Raphne.

...Huh?

Is that the Demon King?

"Well... but I shouldn’t make things difficult for Ken. Wouldn't it have been handled?"

"H-handled?! What do you mean handled?!"

With a frightening look, Raphne smiled prettily.

And she didn't answer further.

'...I shouldn't mention anything about Mary, after all....'

Although I considered that not telling Raphne might not be a good idea, I debated mentioning it casually.

It's a 'date' that Mary declared was free from any misunderstanding, after all.

'If Raphne finds out about this... it’s going to be a mess.'

Given my countless experiences, I can anticipate the possible outcomes.

Lying is certainly a bad thing.

Especially a lie to someone you cherish is worse than anything.

...But maybe not saying anything is okay?

I decided to keep my mouth shut.

For the sake of everyone's peace.

All of a sudden, I think it was really a good decision to confine Raphne back in the tower.

As time passed, on the afternoon of the weekend that Mary informed me about, I was standing in the familiar city plaza, waiting for Mary.

'Come to think of it, something similar happened before.'

Wasn't it to watch Siegfried's competition?

I gave Mary a ticket, and we decided to watch the competition together.

We also took the time to check out the festival that was happening then.

'Now that I think about it...'

Wasn't that a date?

Thinking about it up to that point, I shook my head to dispel the distracting thoughts.

What date?

I was just a fat, unattractive guy back then.

Mary just came with me because I had no friends to watch the competition with.

And we simply looked around the festival, bought the revival items, and wandered around.

'Mary couldn't have had such feelings for me back then.'

I was a pathetic guy who always hid behind Mary whenever I got bullied.

Even if things are different now, there's no way Mary saw me as a man back then....

"Ken?"

"...Ah, Mary."

"What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing, just some idle thoughts."

There was no way I could tell Mary what I was just thinking, so I casually deflected her question.

Today, Mary wore a light, flowing dress.

And with a cardigan on top, she seemed much softer than her usual cool demeanor.

She looked cute.

‘I keep being conscious of it.’

My face heated up, and I turned away from Mary.

"So, where shall we go?"

Seeing Mary all dressed up reminded me of her asking me out on the rooftop not too long ago.

Recalling that shy and tender moment made my face flush with warmth.

"They say there's a fun play today. Are you interested?"

"A play?"

"Yes, it's the most famous script in Lillias recently."

Mary took out a small booklet from her tiny bag, and the cover was adorned with an illustration, probably depicting the play's theme.

"Moreover, the most renowned theater company is performing it in Dedris, so I really want to watch it with you, Ken."

Mary, looking genuinely excited, gently smiled as she held up the booklet.

I found myself absent-mindedly staring at her joyful expression.

"…Do you not like it?"

"Huh, what?"

"You didn't answer..."

"Oh! No! It's fine! I mean, I like it! I really enjoy plays!"

I was so captivated by Mary's smile that I momentarily lost my train of thought, making her assume I disliked the idea of the play.

I quickly waved my hands to correct her misconception.

'I'm acting really strange today.'

I keep getting distracted.

I never used to be like this when dealing with Mary.

Ever since she asked me out on a date, I've been distracted by thoughts of her sincere expression, and my mind keeps getting confused.

"Hehe, I'm sure you'll love it too, Ken. Shall we go?"

Mary smiled softly at my affirmative response.

Then she turned and began to move, as if preparing to head to the theater.

—Swish.

Naturally, a warm hand smoothly overlapped with mine.

"……."

"……."

Of course, the hand was Mary's.

When we started to walk, Mary, standing beside me, gently held my hand.

'…Hmm.'

—Tightly.

Although she shyly took my hand, she gripped it firmly, as if she didn't want to let go.

Perhaps because of this, I could feel Mary's soft and warm hand even more.

'Mary is exceptionally bold today.'

I wondered how she could hold my hand so casually, feeling nervous as I secretly glanced at her.

But she was not as unperturbed as I had thought.

"……."

Mary's rosy cheeks were evident even from the side.

Clearly nervous, she was gripping my hand tightly and looking down.

Through her gently swaying hair, I could glimpse her moist eyes trembling with nervousness.

Seeing her like this brought back memories of what happened on the rooftop.

Even though she didn't secure the promised first place, she had courageously asked me out on a date, risking the possibility of rejection.

Her sincerity came to mind.

Tightly.

I held her hand in return.

"……."

Mary looked at me cautiously, surprised.

Her face had turned red, and she seemed a bit nervous with a slight sheen of sweat.

When our eyes met, Mary, flustered, averted her gaze here and there.

Then she looked back at me.

“…I’m looking forward to it.”

She gave a gentle smile.

The play’s plot was simple.

There was an unfortunate man and woman who met and became each other’s strength.

Even though it seemed like fate was against them, causing bad things to continually happen.

The couple, who truly loved each other, comforted and relied on one another, overcoming their fates.

Eventually, the two part ways to pursue their individual goals.

It was a simple yet moving story.

They choose to part ways, knowing what the other truly needs because they love each other genuinely.

It’s painful, but for the other’s happy future.

As the ending unfolded, I briefly glanced at Mary’s face beside me.

"…Sniff."

She was deeply engrossed in the play, tears welling up in her eyes.

I almost laughed at the sight.

Her face was quite cute, filled with emotion as she immersed herself in the play.

She often showed a neutral expression, so the difference made it stand out even more.

“…It was fun.”

After we left the theater, Mary discreetly wiped her slightly wet eyes and said that.

"Indeed. Plus, the acting skills of the performers were amazing."

I had underestimated the quality of the play due to being accustomed to modern movies or dramas.

Especially since the era here is different from the modern one I lived in.

But they were professional actors, beyond my expectations.

I don't have extensive knowledge in that area, but—

Even from a modern person's perspective, their acting was not inferior to that of film or drama actors.

In fact, being right there watching a live play made it even more engaging in some aspects.

"Ken, which part stands out the most for you?"

After the play, we wandered the streets for a while.

Although it wasn't like the festivals of old, the city's streets were packed with interesting sights, making it enjoyable just to walk around.

As we strolled, we reveled in the lingering emotions from the play, chatting enthusiastically about it.

"I suppose it's the scene where the male protagonist realizes the female protagonist's feelings and lets her go."

“…That, me too!”

When she asked me for the most memorable part and I shared it, Mary moved closer to me.

"I found that part the best too! It was so touching, like it struck my heart…"

We found it fascinating that we had watched the same part and felt similar emotions.

And the process of sharing and empathizing with each other's impressions was incredibly enjoyable.

It felt warm and exciting somehow.

Watching Mary talk joyfully about the play made me feel like I was getting drawn into her.

We sat on an appropriate bench and talked about the play for a long time.

We were so engrossed that we didn't even notice the time passing.

"Oh, it's already this late."

Suddenly realizing the time, we noticed that the sun was setting, and the surroundings were bathed in the colors of dusk.

It was already time for the sun to set.

Soon, we would need to return to the dormitory.

"…Oh."

When Mary checked the time on her watch, she lowered her head as if she felt uneasy.

Then, after a short moment, she looked at me.

"Ken, would it be okay if we spend a little more time together?"

Her gaze was trembling.

Was there something else she wanted to do on this date?

I happily nodded.

"Of course."

With my positive response, Mary's worried expression brightened as she stood up.

"Shall we walk a bit more then?"

Mary smiled and extended her hand to me.

I hesitated for a moment but then grasped her hand.

And so, we held hands again and started walking down the street.

‘There are a lot fewer people around.’

The once bustling streets began to clear as the sun set.

The lively shops were closing, and the noisy street grew quiet, making it feel like just the two of us were left.

Soon, the lamp posts made out of magic stones lit up, slightly brightening the dim street.

"It looks so beautiful, like starlight."

Just as Mary said, the light from the streetlamps glowing with Magic Stones seemed to stretch out like the Milky Way.

Normally, they would just be ordinary streetlamps.

But being with someone can make everything feel different.

Then Mary, without looking back, spoke to me.

"Aren't you curious, Ken?"

"Huh? Curious about what?"

She glanced back at me as if to gauge my reaction.

"The reason I asked you out on a date."

"..."

Her question wasn't because she thought I didn't know.

Her eyes, full of hope that I'd understand, made my heart begin to race.

Perhaps sensing my state, Mary gripped my hand tighter.

I understand.

I know what it means.

And that Mary's feelings are completely different from the other girls who mention dates out of mere curiosity.

"I like you, Ken."

Mary spoke as if confirming my thoughts were correct.

"Not just as a friend, but... I really like you as someone special."

I could feel the warmth of Mary's hand trembling slightly.

Even as she spoke calmly, as if nothing was out of the ordinary, it was clear to me.

Mary's tension.

Her fears.

Perhaps we were so close that we could even sense each other's heartbeats.

Even amidst the tension, Mary faced me directly, expressing her feelings.

"Is it because my appearance changed?"

I had wondered if Mary's feelings had shifted since she asked me out on a date. The thing I was curious about was when it started.

Before she asked me out, her attitude towards me hadn’t changed at all from before.

So, I thought it must have been my appearance.

My looks had changed enough to cause feelings where none existed before.

"Embarrassingly... it's been quite a while."

But her answer was completely different from what I thought.

“That day when I was trembling with fear and couldn’t leave the dormitory, the day you helped me.”

Mary smiled softly, as if she were reliving a memory.

“From that day on, I’ve liked you every single day without fail.”

With her hand clasped tightly over her chest, she looked at me sincerely.

Her blushing cheeks and smiling face.

Love emanated from her gaze.

And it was so obvious to anyone who it was directed at, even a fool.

Her true feelings were focused on me.

"Mary, I..."

I felt confused about what I should say to a girl who confessed to me with such honesty.

“Please, don’t say anything yet.”

As if she understood my feelings, Mary spoke up.

“What do you mean?”

"Well, this is my strategy."

Then, shyly avoiding my eyes, she interlaced her fingers with mine and leaned closer.

"My strategy is to make you fall completely in love with me from now on and... then get your answer."

As Mary drew closer, I could feel her warmth.

She was blushing, and her warmth was conveyed to me.

Her smile was as thrilling as the warmth she shared, looking at me.

"So later, when you come to like me as much as I like Ken..."

Hearing that smile, I feared it might be too loud.

My heart raced uncontrollably.

"Please give me your answer then."

Her face was so beautiful as she looked at me.

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