Side Story 5. In the Distant Future

[Dear Mr. E,

Hello, it seems like quite a while since I last greeted you.

As I mentioned in my previous letter, I’ve been incredibly busy with Magic Department exams lately.

I was so eager to write to you that I ran straight to the dormitory as soon as my last exam finished. When I jumped up right as the bell rang at the exam hall, everyone stared at me. But I hurried here without time to feel embarrassed.

Am I showing too much excitement?

Though finishing exams is certainly good, I only thought about what to write in my letter to you until the ending bell rang after completing the exam questions. So you must understand why I’m excited now!

My final semester at the Magic Department is already coming to an end. After graduation, I’ll become a scholar at the Magic Department with Belle, right?

Having my own research lab has been my dream since before. I heard that Magic Department scholars get their own research lab after accumulating years of service.

Belle and I are already talking about how we’ll decorate our labs when that time comes.

I’d like my lab to have large windows with good ventilation and natural light. I’ll hang beige curtains there… and I hope to have lots of storage cabinets and bookshelves for magical tools.

Is it too much to wish for a rest area inside the lab…? Considering the Magic Department’s old building, they’ll probably just give out one worn-down lab…

While imagining various things with Belle, I find myself thinking of the spacious labs that only famous honorary scholars have.

Will there ever come a time when I become such an honorary scholar?

If so, when will that be?

Though it’s a vague dream now, I’ll definitely become an honorary scholar. Only then can I repay your kindness.

Ah! I’ve filled up the letter paper again with useless words. The problem is that the letter set I always buy doesn’t include many sheets.

From here on, I’ll quickly write only what needs to be said.

Actually, there’s something I wanted to ask…

Could you possibly come to my graduation ceremony?

Even if you don’t show your face, couldn’t you just come to see me? Everyone else seems to have their parents coming to graduation…

Ah, please don’t feel pressured and decide as you wish!

I can guess that you’re a busy person, so any choice you make is fine. You’ll probably send congratulations by letter, and that would be enough for me.

But if, just if you happen to have time…]

[Seeing how the letter cuts off before the closing greetings, you must have had much to say, Miss Eldeiz.

Though it should have been a serious letter, I found myself laughing at the end without realizing. I apologize. As an apology, I’ve sent several letter sets this time — I hope you’ll like them.

This amount should prevent unfortunate interruptions like this time.

As for graduation… Though revealing my face would be difficult, I can attend. I actually wanted to go to your graduation ceremony too, so I’m overjoyed that you’ve invited me.

I’ll watch you from afar.

And don’t worry, you’ll surely become a proper honorary scholar. Even if you don’t, you’ll always be someone I’m proud of, so please don’t feel burdened.

I look forward to receiving your surprisingly lengthy reply once you get the new letter paper. You know you can’t back out later saying you can’t write that much.

Well then, I’ll be anticipating your return letter.

— From your friend, E —]

* * *

[Hello, Mr. E.

It’s been a while since I greeted you. Doesn’t it feel like so much time has passed already? It seems like just yesterday that I was childishly begging you to come to my graduation ceremony.

To be honest, I should say this now — there were times I felt depressed, suspecting you might have just said you’d come without actually attending.

Now I know you really did come and watched me from afar that day.

Have you been feeling neglected because I haven’t been in touch lately? With so many matters I was busy with, it hasn’t been easy to contact you.

Also, since my husband so loves being by my side, I haven’t had time to write letters even in my leisure time while spending time with him.

To think you’ve been pushed down in priority.

But please don’t feel too upset. You’re still one of my most precious people, Mr. E.

Yesterday I went on a picnic with Cherry, and guess who visited?

Sir Mishuan, who always used to escort me when I went to investigate rifts, came to visit. He even swept through the eastern bakery I like, bringing loads of cakes and cookies.

I was so happy to see Sir Mishuan. Ah, definitely not because of the sweets!

Anyway, I invited him to join the picnic I was having with Cherry the cat to properly host him since he made the effort to visit. It was so enjoyable to chat with a friend after so long.

Sir Mishuan has become an even more impressive and splendid knight than before. He’s now the commander of the emperor’s personal knight order, no less.

He kept chattering away about how life is good now without scary things like rifts and monsters. He’s always such an amusing friend to see.

Ah right, I should mention this since you might be curious at this point.

My husband is away on a trip to the capital on His Majesty’s summons. That’s why I can take time to send you this letter now.

When my husband is here… He’s more jealous than I expected, making it hard to do anything.

I didn’t know before marriage, but now he gets sulky at every chance.

Sometimes I find it ridiculous that he gets upset over such things. But he’s cute like a big puppy when he’s gloomy. Sometimes I even want to tease him more to make him sulk on purpose.

While I’m doing well like this, I’m sure you’re living comfortably somewhere too?

The fact that I’m living such a happy life now is all thanks to you.

I’ve always been grateful. And will continue to have many more reasons to be.

I’ll write again when the time comes.

Don’t forget you must stay healthy until then.

— From Aristena Eldeiz, whose heart is always with you —]

[I received your letter well, Miss Eldeiz.

It’s been a while since I greeted you too. I’m glad you seem to have been doing well.

I also remember the knight who used to escort you. To think you enjoyed a picnic alone with him… You must have had fun. Without your husband.

For some reason, I don’t feel very cheerful, but I’m glad you had an enjoyable time.

One always gets excited when meeting old friends. Just as I feel happy receiving your letter now.

However, how about meeting friends together with your husband next time? Having a picnic alone without your husband — it seems that jealous husband of yours will get sulky again.

Still, seeing how he reacts sensitively to your actions and throws tantrums, it seems that person loves you very much.

This is just my intuition speaking, but… It seems that person will cherish you forever. If I were to guess the duration, probably a lifetime?

This is also my intuition speaking, but… Your husband who left on the trip must be missing you terribly right now.

You should kiss him right away when he returns.

Well then, may this letter bring you happiness again this time too.

— From E, who wishes for your happiness more than anyone —]

* * *

Aris smiled as she looked through the letters she had received from Kalaian in the past once again.

When he was away for long periods like now, they playfully exchanged letters like in the old days.

Since it brought back old memories, Aris didn’t mind this time without Kalaian by her side. Even without him present, her daily life was full of him.

‘He said he’s coming back today? I wonder when he’ll arrive.’

While waiting for him, alternating between looking at the clock and letters. Aris, who had glanced out the window, rose from her seat with a bright expression.

Having prepared in advance, she rushed out of the mansion in one breath to greet Kalaian.

As she waited quietly for him outside the mansion, Kalaian who had gotten off the carriage strode toward where Aris was. The sunlight illuminating the two was more radiant than ever.

Aris greeted him cheerfully.

“Welcome back, my patron?”

When she gave a playful smile, Kalaian smirked. Soon he reached out his arms and lifted her up. A soft rose scent drifted in with the wind.

Willing to play along with her joke, Kalaian answered.

“Didn’t he say you should kiss your husband right away when he returns?”

“Though I respect Mr. E’s opinion, I wanted to add something else for my sulky husband.”

“What might that be?”

Aris smiled softly while wrapping her arms around his neck.

“The words ‘I love you.'”

At her gentle words, Kalaian’s lips quickly curved into a smile. Meeting his satisfied eyes, Aris continued her confession.

“I love you, Kalaian.”

“Me too. I love you, Aristena.”

Warm affection overlapped with deep tenderness. Aris gently closed her eyes and hugged his neck.

The sky was clear, the wind was soft, and the flower scent was abundant at that moment.

The thought that it was more beautiful than ever was probably because they were together.

They, the Grand Duke and Duchess of Baveloire, remained long in people’s memories as a romantic couple who loved and respected each other more than anyone.

To the extent that even in the distant future, everyone would say in unison that they must have been happier than any other people until their final moments.

“Your Majesty, The Empress Has Had Enough” – The End