“How did the surprise test go?”

At the following day’s lunch break…

While Lithia was on her way to return the book to the library, she met Geo at the library entrance. He seemed to be returning a book, as well.

“There was none. The class concluded just like that.”

“…? Then, what really happened?”

Even after practicing until late into the night, she still wasn’t able wield wind magic, so Geo was naturally concerned.

However, as the teacher mentioned something about a “last chance”, they thought there’d be a surprise test today, but the morning class ended without a hitch.

Hence the book was no longer necessary. Feeling somewhat at a loss, Lithia went to return the book.

“Well, if there wasn’t one, then there’s no need to concern yourself about it. More importantly, Lithia, if you want to return the book, let me do it in your stead.”

“Huh?”

Geo suddenly took her book even though they were right in front of the library.

Just when Lithia was about to refuse the offer, Geo bent down and whispered into her ear.

“…Prince Lafizard has been spending a lot of his time in the library recently. If he were to meet you, there’s no saying he wouldn’t berate you again. I don’t want the two of you to meet.”

“!”

Exactly, that entire time, Lithia had been mulling over that situation.

According to the teacher, the prince had been studying wind magic in the library lately, so she refrained from visiting the library as much as possible.

However, she still had to return the book she borrowed. As such, she opted to just go there during lunch break, hoping the prince wouldn’t be there.

“Wait a little further away. I’ll escort you back to the classroom.”

“…Alright.”

For him to concern himself with such trivial matters… and even step forward to protect her…

“Thank you…”

As she watched him leave, Lithia muttered while clasping her hands to her chest.

◆◆◆

“…Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Huh? What are you talking about all of the sudden?”

After returning from the library to Lithia’s class together…

Lithia stopped Geo just as he was about to return to his own classroom.

“Ever since we met, Geo has done a lot for me… Uhm, I’d like to repay you.”

“I’m just doing it because I want to. In addition, there’s nothing remarkable about what I’ve done, so I don’t need a reward.”

“But that simply won’t do—! As long as it’s within my capability, I’ll do anything—! Is there anything you’d like me to do—!?”

Even though it had only been half a month since their first meeting, Geo had become an irreplaceable existence to Lithia.

To not be able to do anything in return despite how much he’d done for her.

“What I want Lithia to do…”

Geo covered his mouth and tilted his head, deep in thought.

“Oh, right. I’ve been thinking about it ever since we first met.”

“Is that so? Then…”

After a while, he seemed to have come up with something, so Lithia rushed to ask.

“…I want you to smile.”

“…Eh?”

“I want you to smile. If possible, I don’t want you to cry. I’ll do anything to prevent that. …I probably thought that the moment I saw you crying that night.”

“…!”

As he leaned closer, Geo’s palm caressed Lithia’s cheek—

—as if he were erasing her tears.

Being so close in proximity, she was made to look into his deep indigo eyes which could be mistaken as black from a distance.

“T-that night!? I-I just had dust in my eyes! I wasn’t crying!”

“…Is that so? That’s great, then. Still, you seemed sad. I don’t want you to make such an expression anymore.”

He had asked her to smile—

—as if she could do that when her heart was about to burst…

Surely, her face was a deep scarlet.

“…I, I understand. From now on, I’ll try to smile more…”

“I’m happy hearing that, but don’t force yourself. It’d be better if Lithia smiles when she’s truly happy or having fun.”

…If such was the case, then now would be one of those times. Unfortunately, her overflowing emotions prevented her from doing exactly that.

Even though she intended to thank him, she ended up being at the receiving end of his kindness once again…

“Then, I shall head back to my classroom. Let’s do our best in the afternoon classes.”

“Uh, right, have a nice day.”

After saying that, Lithia realized that what she said wasn’t a farewell greeting at all. If anything, it was as if she was expecting him to come see her again?

“I’ll be back. See you.”

Without as much as a doubt, Geo said that, not giving Lithia any opportunity to correct her wording.

Does he not find it strange?

Does he feel burdened…?

No, Geo wasn’t the kind of person that’d just blurt out such words without thinking.

…Thus, she wondered how he’d respond if she were to say, “Welcome back.” the next time they met.

---

***T/N: Geo is the rescue boat Author sent from Heaven to combat all that bullsh*t this entire kingdom imposes on our pure Lithia using straightforwardness, honesty, fast-paced, multi-linear, killer lines.

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