Establishment (1)
-I will prepare what you said you need.
-Do as you please.
Thus, I was able to receive Korn’s okay sign for the plan.
I was worried that she might refuse, but thankfully, Grandmaster nodded.
Now, she will be able to escape from that terribly lonely space.
Because she has to go back to being the Headmistress.
Thinking that what I had originally aimed for had been achieved, even if only in part, I felt relieved.
'...Of course, this is only the beginning.'
My shoulders felt strangely heavy.
It was as if I was harboring an ambition that was beyond my station.
I shook off the strangely complicated emotions and turned my gaze to the window.
Snowflakes were still fluttering against the heavily shadowed backdrop.
The snow that had started two days ago hadn't stopped yet.
Winter, clinging to its last breath, seemed to be struggling desperately as if not wanting to relinquish the season to spring.
-Wheeeeiii...
The sound of the wind brushing past the window.
Only the fierce song of winter filled my ears.
As I closed my eyelids for a moment, embracing the fleeting silence, a low voice suddenly called out.
"Young Master."
It was Rachel.
I lifted my head, overcoming the feeling of exhaustion.
"Yes... What is it?"
"It's cold. I thought you might like a cup of warm tea."
The girl said with a faint smile.
In her hands was a tray with a teapot and some sweets.
Rachel, who was slowly approaching me, placed a teacup on the table in front of me.
"It's weakly brewed black tea. I remembered you asking for it a few times before, so I prepared it."
"Thank you, Rachel."
I carefully lifted the teacup.
The pure warmth flowed into my fingertips.
As if intoxicated by the warmth, I brought the cup to my lips, and a subtle fragrance wafted around the tip of my nose.
The fatigue that had been bothering my head just a moment ago seemed to fade a little.
My stiff face naturally relaxed.
The corners of my lips curled up into a faint smile.
I muttered quietly.
"You're the only one for me after all."
"Those are rewarding words, but... I think the others would be upset if they heard."
"I'm just kidding. Of course, I like everyone."
"...It's a little disappointing that you would take back your words so quickly."
Rachel pouted, her beautiful eyes narrowed.
Seeing the girl's sulky expression, I had to let out a small laugh.
"Pfft..."
"Why are you laughing?"
"It's nothing."
If I told her I laughed because she was so cute, how would she react?
It was exciting and...
...frightening at the same time.
Therefore, I had no choice but to vaguely muddle through.
Rachel shot me a suspicious look.
Her brown eyes held a hint of displeasure.
Anyway, I patted the seat next to me on the sofa and said,
"Come sit next to me."
"I'm just a humble maid. I'm not someone who can casually plop down next to the Young Master."
"Please."
"No."
"Ray."
"...Only this once."
Only after I called her nickname did the girl reluctantly sit down on the sofa.
The faint warmth drew closer.
At the same time, a peach-like scent wafted over.
My heart, which had been heavy with worry, relaxed.
It was a strange feeling.
Whenever Rachel was by my side like this, I could breathe without any worries.
I leaned my shoulder against hers.
And then I quietly leaned against her body, being careful not to make her uncomfortable.
"...Young Master."
Rachel looked at me with complex eyes as I naturally clung to her.
She then gave a faint smile.
A playful voice, unsuited to her expression, reached my ears.
"You've become quite clingy lately, haven't you?"
"Have I?"
"I'm worried you'll really become a child again at this rate, Young Master."
"If that happens, Rachel will raise me, right?"
"Hehe... wouldn't that be nice?"
Would Rachel become my nanny then?
The scene that came to mind was so funny that I let out an empty laugh and asked in reverse,
"Or how about I raise Rachel?"
"That's not allowed!"
"Why not?"
"There's an age difference! My pride won't allow me to be treated like a child by the Young Master~!"
"You know we're only one year apart, right?"
A space filled with silly jokes.
We chatted amongst ourselves.
It was a truly comfortable scene.
The season reflected outside the window was clearly winter, but this moment was as cozy as spring.
A time when warmth rippled.
I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, even if it was just for a moment.
Because I knew that soon I would have to step back into the cold reality.
Perhaps that made it even more precious.
As we were spending a short time like that, Rachel asked a question.
"Ah, right... I heard there's a memorial service the day after tomorrow."
"It's already right around the corner."
"You said you had something important to do then. Are you all prepared?"
"Of course."
I answered that way, but I couldn't help but feel anxious.
It was a matter of moving people's hearts.
I had memorized the entire speech I was going to give on the podium, and I had packed everything I needed, but I still couldn't shake off the worry.
Feeling uneasy, I called out to Rachel.
"Rachel."
"Yes, Young Master."
"...Do you think I can do well?"
I had asked a similar question once before, on the day of a school trip, perhaps.
Even then, Rachel had given me encouragement with a bright smile.
"Of course you can. Who raised you, anyway?"
Just like now.
"Like I said before, it would be nice if you kept in mind that I'm only a year younger than you."
"Hehe... I raised you on my back since you were a toddler!"
"We met for the first time when you were eight."
"That's just a figure of speech!!"
Rachel responded with a bright shout.
There wasn't a single hint of doubt in her sparkling brown eyes.
I found solace in her words.
Right, with these people supporting me...
What was I hesitating for?
This was a life that had already gone through one death, overcome two misfortunes, and been given a third chance.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't afraid of despair.
But I didn't want to tremble in fear and do nothing like I did in the past.
I wanted to admire the stars of those who willingly illuminated my shadow.
I wanted to sprout stubbornly even in barren soil.
I wanted to endure the pouring trials and tribulations and stand tall as a living being.
-Hell is painful... but if you look closely, it might be an opportunity to find something precious.
-So, Raiden, try looking for it.
-In your hell, what is there?
Reaching the end of this hell.
That was the only wish I held in my heart.
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