Side Story.2

‘That went well.’  

After his meeting with the Count, Sylvester gained a bit of confidence. He found himself wanting to see Marianne. He was eager to tell her how the day had gone, how much effort he had put in, and how well he had done.  

A smile, often compared to a winter-blooming flower, spread across Sylvester’s face. With that beautiful smile, he opened the door to the research lab.  

Today was the day of a small research presentation in Research Division 3. However, it wasn’t an event significant enough for the Commander, Sylvester, to attend. The presentation was more akin to a regular study session at the academy. But Sylvester’s goal wasn’t to listen to their presentations.  

“Commander…”  

The mages, upon seeing Sylvester enter the lab, instinctively clasped their hands together respectfully.  

“It’s nice to see you all.”  

Sylvester greeted them with a bright smile. The mages reacted similarly to the Count. Sylvester’s smile, though pleasant to look at, was so impactful that it left the mages with their mouths agape.  

“What brings you here, Commander?”  

“Regarding the research papers submitted by the department this quarter, I wanted to share some thoughts. …Would now be a good time?”  

Hearing Sylvester’s words, the mages’ faces turned into a mix of confusion and disbelief.  

Unknown to the mages, Sylvester had been reading the quarterly research papers submitted by the department.  

“Why don’t you share your feedback directly with them? I think it would be a good idea.”  

Marianne had once suggested this to Sylvester, who used to jot down notes on the last page of each paper, listing both strengths and areas for improvement.  

“…Wouldn’t that be unnecessary interference?”  

“Why do you think so?”  

“Well, they didn’t personally bring the papers to me asking for feedback. They might feel burdened knowing I’ve read them.”  

After pondering Sylvester’s words, Marianne eventually replied.  

“No, I think they’d be happy if you visited them, gave feedback, and even praised them.”  

“……”  

“When I was in school, a teacher once praised an assignment I submitted and gave me a short piece of advice about writing. It wasn’t anything grand, but… it made me happy. I never imagined the teacher would take such a detailed look at my work.”  

Marianne’s face lit up as she reminisced, her expression as bright as a child’s. It was clear that the memory of her teacher’s words had left a lasting, happy impression on her.  

Recalling Marianne’s radiant face, Sylvester spoke again.  

“I’ve read all the research papers submitted this quarter.”  

Looking around at the mages in the lab, Sylvester continued.  

“Is there anyone who would like feedback on their work? If so, I’d like to discuss it with you.”  

A peculiar silence filled the lab. After a moment, someone broke the silence by raising their hand.  

“…I’m Allemang from Research Division 2. If possible, I’d like to hear your comments.”  

A middle-aged female mage with red hair spoke nervously. Though she belonged to Research Division 2, she often frequented Division 3.  

“Mage Allemang. I read your paper on climate change magic with great interest.”  

Hearing Sylvester’s response, the woman’s eyes filled with emotion. Allemang, a seasoned mage, had written and presented countless papers over the years. She had received plenty of compliments and praise. One of her research projects had even won first place at an academic festival. But this was the first time a Commander had taken the time to read her quarterly report—a report she had written merely to justify her paycheck.

Allemang was soon followed by several other mages raising their hands. In the end, everyone in the lab ended up raising their hands. Every mage in the room sought Sylvester’s feedback on their submitted papers. His feedback was a mix of appropriate praise and advice. Unlike usual, there were no harsh reprimands.

Just like Marianne, who had reminisced about her childhood teacher, the mages’ eyes sparkled with joy. Watching the mages eagerly ask him questions, Sylvester found a small smile unknowingly forming on his lips.

The small academic session concluded after about three hours. Leaving behind a simple farewell, Sylvester exited the research lab. There was someone he wanted to meet.

Before that, however, he encountered others along the way.

“Ah, Com-Commander. Hello.”

A nervous voice, still tinged with youth, greeted him. Sylvester recognized the voice as belonging to a young man who bowed his head in greeting. The woman standing beside him also followed suit, bowing her head. It was Peter and Erina from Research Division 3. It seemed they had been busy elsewhere, as they hadn’t been present in the lab.

After briefly returning their greetings, Sylvester exchanged a few unremarkable words with them before it was time for them to part ways.

However… he couldn’t just leave out these two. Recalling Marianne’s advice to treat everyone kindly, Sylvester opened his mouth to speak once more.

“I read the paper you two co-authored this quarter. While assessing its feasibility might be a secondary concern, the concept itself was brilliant.”

A peculiar silence settled in the hallway, much like what had happened in the lab earlier.

“You… you actually read our absurd paper…?”  

Even the usually composed Erina stammered. Both Erina and Peter’s faces were flushed with embarrassment.

“There’s much I’d like to discuss, but unfortunately, I’m short on time right now. Stop by my office sometime. I’d like to have a longer conversation.”

Sylvester smiled gently at Peter and Erina. Regardless of his initial intentions, these two had played a role in bringing him and Marianne closer together, so he figured he could afford to treat them a bit more specially.

Having said his piece, Sylvester turned and walked out of the lab’s hallway. Standing in the middle of the now-empty corridor, Erina and Peter hugged each other and silently cheered.

Sylvester’s final destination was the training hall located underground. Unlike the knights of the First Knight Order, the mages of the Second Knight Order trained underground, where special barriers were in place. This was because the combat magic they practiced could cause damage above ground.

Under the guidance of Deputy Commander Hugh, the mages were each training and honing their skills in their own ways. Watching them silently, Sylvester sent a small breeze toward Hugh.

Feeling the breeze gently tap his back, Hugh turned around. Startled to see Sylvester, Hugh let out an involuntary gasp and quickly walked over to him.

Standing as straight as the knights of the First Knight Order, Hugh greeted Sylvester politely. Although not as tense as during his appointment ceremony, he still appeared noticeably nervous.

“It seems the mages have grown much stronger since I last saw them. Your training methods seem to be showing results already.”

“It’s not so much my training as… simply the result of their hard work.” 

Hugh replied, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He wasn’t the type to take credit for himself.

“It’s something your predecessor couldn’t accomplish.” 

Sylvester said, referring to the previous deputy commander—a mage who had been caught taking bribes and sent off to a distant frontier.

“I trust you, Vice Commander.”

“…Pardon?”

“I believe you’re someone who can bring out the knights’ full potential, someone with the capacity to guide them and keep them from straying.”

“……”

“Someone who not only works hard but also excels at what they do. Someone who can share what they’re good at with others, helping everyone improve. That’s who you are, Deputy Commander.”

Sylvester continued, 

“I know and trust that you can do the things I cannot. And I’ll learn much from you moving forward.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

A long silence fell between Sylvester and Hugh.

“…Thank you so much for your kind words, Commander!” 

Hugh broke the silence with a voice trembling with emotion. He seemed deeply moved.

“It’s nothing.”

Sylvester replied, shaking his head as if it were no big deal.

“I heard that some important individuals opposed my appointment. But I also heard that you stood by me until the end…”

Trailing off, Hugh fell silent, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

‘Word travels fast.’ 

Sylvester mused, nodding lightly. After all, it was true that he had recommended Hugh—a mage with neither title nor connections—for the position of Deputy Commander. He had even half-threatened others into quietly approving the appointment.

“Thank you so much for giving me this golden opportunity, Commander.”

Hugh spoke clearly, looking at Sylvester with a genuine smile. It was an honest smile filled with sincerity, though he still seemed somewhat nervous. That smile reminded Sylvester of the smiles he had seen from the mages in the research lab. It gave him an inexplicable, peculiar feeling.

‘…Am I feeling good?’ 

Sylvester thought, as if diagnosing his own emotions like a physician. And then, he thought again. He might never become someone as kind as Marianne. But at the very least, he could try to emulate her.

Sylvester rubbed his hand against his lips. Hidden behind his elegant fingers, the corners of his mouth lifted into a smile.

* * *

The dark night, dusted with sleet, was illuminated by the moonlight and streetlamps. In the small plaza in front of the library, beneath the Statue of the God of Love, stood a handsome man whose beauty remained undiminished even in the darkness.

He was praying to the God of Love for eternal love with Marianne—or rather, threatening the deity not to interfere with their love. This man, of course, was Sylvester, Marianne’s one and only love, waiting for her.

Having finished her scheduled overtime work, Marianne exited the library and quickly approached Sylvester.

“I’m here!” 

Marianne called out as she stood before him.

“Marianne.” 

Sylvester greeted her, a flower-like smile blooming on his handsome face. Seeing him smile, Marianne’s cheeks turned a rosy red.

Though she had seen his smile countless times, she couldn’t help but be amazed by its beauty every time. It evoked a sense of reverence, like watching a flower bloom in spring right before her eyes.

“Did you have a good day?” 

Marianne asked.

“Yes. It was a very good day.” 

Sylvester replied immediately.

“Then, shall we walk home today? I’m sure there’s much to talk about.”

“Won’t it be too cold?”

“After bundling me up in such thick clothes, you can’t say that. I’m more worried about you catching a cold.”

“Well… very well.”

Naturally, Marianne and Sylvester held hands. Whenever they had much to say to each other, they would send away the waiting carriage and walk hand in hand, just like this.

The two began walking forward, their voices weaving stories that followed their every step.

“…For these reasons, I believe I completed today’s assignment quite well.” 

Sylvester said, recounting the events of his day to Marianne in detail.

“You did wonderfully.” 

Marianne replied earnestly, her words filled with sincerity. Hearing her praise, Sylvester smiled sheepishly.

“The words you spoke today will linger in someone’s heart for a long time. And in yours as well.”

A warm breeze, unbefitting the winter weather, playfully ruffled Sylvester’s platinum hair, which shimmered under the moonlight. It was as if a child were teasing a friend.

“I think I’ll remember today for a long time, too.”

“Is that so?”  

“I want to… keep doing well moving forward.”  

The light from the streetlamps lined in a row illuminated Sylvester’s face. He continued speaking.  

“I want to become someone worthy of standing beside someone as kind and warm as you, Marianne.”  

Marianne, who had stopped in her tracks, looked up at Sylvester. Their eyes met, carrying a shared warmth.  

“Still… you can’t be too kind to others besides me.”  

Marianne’s voice carried a hint of laughter as she spoke.  

“Of course.”  

Sylvester whispered softly into Marianne’s ear. Soon, without either of them knowing who moved first, the two embraced each other.  

The sleet of late winter began to fall gently over the warmth of the two, like spring flowers.  

Under the flickering streetlamp that tenderly illuminated the lovers sharing a kiss, it was a late night.