Now that I say it, it’s obvious.

This was a redo of the time I lived as Cecily. In other words, I knew everything that would happen in the future.

“That said, I never thought that I’d be the cause of my own frustration…”

“It really is suffering the consequences of your own mistakes.”

Eivind is exasperated and his shoulders are sagging, but shouldn’t he be praising me?

After all, if I hadn’t beaten up those thugs, those rumors wouldn’t have spread. In other words, history could have unfolded with me snatching the lead role during the drama club audition!

As my eyes sparkled at the history that could have been, Eivind, who sat on the same bed as me, sighed out, “Haa~
“Well, be extra careful at school. Don’t do anything flashy. Above all, avoid contact with the us of this time period as much as possible. Don’t run wild just because I’m not here.”

I was about to reply with a halfhearted “Ye—s,” when I suddenly realized something.

“Eivind isn’t going to enroll!?”

“Of course not. The me of this era is attending school.”

That was true. I had become “Hana,” so it wasn’t a problem for me… but Eivind was still Eivind. That meant two of him existed in this time frame.

Two sages of this generation with the exact same appearance, that would definitely become a major problem… Although I still think various tricks, like a disguise, could be used!

Before I could even suggest that, Eivind gave me a wry smile while running his fingers through my hair.

“I honestly don’t have any linger attachments to my school days. I had plenty of fun. A certain Withered Grass Lady made a racket every day, after all. Even if I’ve become young again, exhausting myself by cooling my stomach with ice cream everyday is still rough.”

“Do you dislike ice cream, Eivind…?”

“Fundamentally, I’m someone who prefers spicy food. That said, things like that always taste better with company, yeah?”

“Ah…”

I didn’t know that…

Whenever Eivind treated me to ice cream, he would eat some right beside me as well.

I see, I had been forcing him to eat ice cream without realizing it.

Although my gaze dropped, Eivind continued speaking unbothered.

“While you enjoy your school life, I’m going to take a relaxing solo journey. I’ve always admired that kind of thing, you see.”

“Eh, ah… I’m sorry?”

This time too, I forcibly rejuvenated Eivind and dragged him back to the past. Just as I managed to voice my apology, with all those feelings packed inside—

Eivind burst out laughing, holding his stomach.

“A—h, that’s hilarious… I’m not actually bothered by it.”

“Yo-You were teasing me!?  Eivind of all people?”

I leaned closer in protest, and he caressed my cheek.

“I’m already an 80-year-old man on the inside. I’ve gathered my fair share of wisdom and life experience.”

“Yes, but about 70% of that was spent on research!”

“Isn’t that the same for you?”

What’s this!? Why am I being messed with on top of the palm of someone like Eivind?

Yet, because what he said was so perfectly reasonable, I couldn’t even squeak out a peep of an objection.

That was when, while chuckling, Eivind produced a familiar pair of glasses.

Ah, the pair Hana always wore. According to explanation, they were enchanted with a recognition-inhibition spell.

Even though I had obtained a doll’s body, Eivind had very carefully recreated the face of Nora Noz from her youth. He called it a precaution. If the “Cecily-me” of this era were to see through my identity, history could change.

Yeah… I see, that’s true.

If the youth I had as “Cecily” were to change, then our plan to safely enjoy a second youth might go kaput.

Then he laid out the academy uniform and what not. Sure enough, the skirt is long enough to prevent any bare skin from showing, and he even prepared some tights. I know, I know, they are measures to prevent anyone from discovering I’m a doll. Seriously, he was being quite thorough.

Eivind gently stroked my head as I became dejected.

“Well, it’s true that I’ve always admired the idea of traveling alone. You go and enjoy your youth without worrying about me. I’ll be back before the graduation ceremony… After that, our days will inevitably become hectic whether we like it or not, right?”

“Are you saying it’s my fault?”

By the time I looked up, he had already started floating.

He seemed like he would be leaving soon.

“Are you really going?”

“What’s this? Will you miss me?”

“…Just a bit.”

When I gave him a small smile, he seemed like he was about to cry for some reason.

“Aah, I almost feel like disappearing from before your eyes forever.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m no—t telling.”

However, that lasted only a brief moment.

Eivind immediately showed his usual endearing smile, said, “Well then, see you later,” and disappeared.

Seriously…who would have thought a day would come when I’d be so easily swayed by a man.

The flow of time sure is terrifying.

With a wry smile, I muttered into the empty air.

“Even though you said you loved me.”

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