Rigarden Academy:
"Doo da doo ♫… doo da doo ♫"
In her dorm room, wearing a plain white undershirt and black dress shorts, Colette hummed a tune to herself as she moved with purpose. She laid out several cardboard boxes, shifting through drawers, cupboards, and closets, occasionally placing an item into the boxes.
It had been a long day.
After their graduation ceremony, Team Lihanna headed to a café of their nominal leader's choosing to celebrate their collective promotion to the tower.
Though Sion and Julius tried to act cool and avoid the small party—especially the latter, who had a few choice words for the former—ready to butt heads over who knows what—Wignall expertly goaded Julius along until they both gave in.
The fire-and-ice pair left the moment they finished eating, skipping all small talk. In the end, the only ones really celebrating were herself, Lihanna, Wignall, and Will.
It had been meant to be just a simple lunch. They should've been done well before evening, but their leader seemed to have a bottomless stomach.
They practically had to pry her away from the café. Even then, she dragged them out for stall snacks and another buffet at a spazzy restaurant for dinner.
Thankfully, the little glutton at least had the decency to pay for herself. She and Will really couldn't afford it.
Now, late at night, Colette had returned to her dorm room and begun packing.
They would leave for the tower in five days, which meant they had to be out of their dorms—and the academy—within four nights.
The upcoming batch of first-years needed the space, after all.
Not wanting to procrastinate until the last minute, she had pulled out a few cardboard boxes and began selecting essentials and keepsakes to ship to the tower.
Everything else would be sent back home.
…Or rather, whatever's left of it…
She thought sadly, then shook her head and resumed her soft melody. It was better to distract herself, pull away from that topic before it dragged her down again.
The fallen noble had spent too many years crying and hating the world for what it took from her.
She wouldn't fall back into that state—not after he pulled her out of it.
Just as she began to separate her valuables, keepsakes, and essentials, the door behind her swung open.
Creak.
And there she was—her roommate, Rose Prehnite. A girl with medium-length brown hair and chestnut eyes, dressed in a two-piece white pajama set, holding two mugs of hot chocolate.
Just like every night, Rose handed her one with a smile and a soft chuckle.
"You seem to be in a chipper mood, Colette."
Colette shyly accepted the mug, trying to act natural.
"W-why, of course I am. I-I just graduated today. What's not to be happy about?"
Fwoo.
Colette lightly blew over her mug, then took a cautious sip, careful not to burn her lips. Her eyes never left her roommate.
Rose looked at her slyly, leaning forward.
"Oh? Is that really the only reason?"
The fallen noble blushed and turned her head away, stuttering.
"W-well, Will's dream f-finally came true… so I guess there's also that…"
Rose chuckled and sat on the edge of her bed. "Glad to see you're being a bit more transparent."
Colette's blush deepened. She sat down across from her, pouting.
"S-stop teasing me. I've never been particularly reserved about my feelings… it's just that Will is too pure to notice them… and he only…"
"Only sees Albis Vina that way?" Rose finished for her.
Colette paused, then sighed and took another sip. Her voice lowered to a soft mumble.
"Yeah… but sometimes I feel like the kind of love he has for her and the one she feels for him… if she even feels the same way after all these years… is totally different."
Rose cocked her head, but understanding filled her eyes swiftly.
Elfaria had only been at the academy for about two months before she was taken to the tower six years ago.
She had been notoriously clingy toward Will, never shying away from loudly expressing her affection for him.
He, on the other hand, seemed to treat her like some mischievous child—or a little sister he had to keep an eye on (which she technically was).
Every now and then, he'd say or do something that seemed like it hinted at deeper feelings for the Hallowed Ice Maiden. But other times, his words and actions left everything up in the air.
Rose slowly beamed.
"A bit frustrating… but at least that means you still have a chance."
Colette felt steam pouring from her ears and nostrils, but said nothing. She only gave a meek nod and kept sipping her hot chocolate.
Unfortunately, Rose didn't seem ready to let the conversation end.
"So you should strike while the iron's hot—and confess now."
"Bwah?!"
Colette nearly choked on her drink. She quickly set the mug down on her bedrest, shooting Rose an utterly scandalized look.
"R-Rose?! What're you talking about?!"
Rose Prehnite casually placed her mug down too, spreading a hand lazily as she gave Colette an exasperated grin.
"The truth. You had Will practically all to yourself for what, six years now?"
Colette blinked, then slowly nodded.
Rose frowned and poked her in the chest.
"And that right there is the problem. Soon, he'll enter the tower, reunite with his beloved Ice Maiden, and maybe finally realize how he feels about her."
"You've let six years of a golden opportunity almost slip through your fingers. Before it's too late… you need to make his heart beat for only you."
Colette blanked.
Then frowned.
"B-but isn't that kind of wrong… like, manipulative?"
Rose shrugged.
"Hey, love is war."
"The Ice Maiden isn't so pure for forcing him along on that suicidal journey of his—almost getting himself killed countless times—just to reach her. Always thinking about her. And only her."
"So you've got nothing to feel ashamed about."
Colette bit her lip.
"I-I don't care much for her, besides respecting her as a Vander," she admitted truthfully, before hesitating.
"B-but this isn't about her… it's about Will. I don't ever want to play with his feelings or exploit him like that… T-that's just not what friends do!"
Rose froze.
Then her expression softened, and she whispered gently.
"This is why I really love you, Colette."
The Earth Princess flushed all over again, letting out a high-pitched squeak.
"R-Rose?!"
The fellow earth mage chuckled and shook her head.
"Relax. Not in the romantic sense… but never mind that." She looked at Colette seriously.
"Then why don't you ask him out on a date?"
"ROSE—"
"Just hear me out," Rose cut her off, holding up a hand.
Colette paused, sighed, and nodded reluctantly.
"Good. Now ask him out on a date. And this time, make it clear it's a date. Not that shopping excuse you used last time before the all-student Praxis."
Colette groaned, covering her face in embarrassment, but kept listening.
"Use it as a chance to feel out his feelings—for both you and maybe Albis Vina. Settle your doubts."
"And then, if it feels right, confess. If it doesn't… just let fate carry you both forward into whatever the tower has in store."
Rose tilted her head.
"What do you think?"
Colette parted her lips speechlessly.
That was actually a fairly good plan, but…
She lowered her gaze and shook her head.
"I-I'm sorry. I just can't."
Rose sighed.
"Why not?"
"B-because just yesterday we were invaded… so many friends died. Will's roommate was one of them! Confessing now, right after such a tragedy, is all kinds of insensitive!"
"Didn't you hear the Headmistress' speech—"
"This and that are completely different. You know that, Rose."
Rose went silent.
Colette lowered her head further, chewing her lip before speaking again.
"Besides… even if Rosti was still alive… I still don't think I could ever tell Will how I feel."
"And why's that?"
"…"
"Colette? Why is that?"
"...Because I'm not worthy… of Will…"
Rose blinked, then immediately hopped off her bed and dropped to her knees, right in front of her roommate, forcing Colette to look at her.
She was more than a little surprised.
"R-Rose—"
"Colette." She cut her off, voice low and serious, wearing a deep frown.
"Explain it to me. What do you mean by that?"
Colette's jaw clenched. Her fingernails dug into her bedsheets, and her eyes stung—but eventually, she parted her lips again.
"Just look at what Will was capable of… with that kind of strength only Albis Vina is worthy of standing by his side—"
"Colette. I'm going to stop you right there. If you think such a weak excuse is going to work here, you're wrong. Now be honest with me."
"...While Will was fighting the Devander… when his sword broke… I hesitated to make him a new one."
"I thought it would fail him, or he'd do something reckless with it, so I held back…"
"But then… Albis Vina sent one down from the tower. Gave him the strength to win. And I felt jealous."
Rose blinked. "Okay? And what of it?"
"I-I wanted to be the one to help Will. To support him—"
"There's nothing wrong with feeling that way—"
"It's more than that!" Colette snapped lightly, her voice breaking as her eyes filled. "At that moment, I was jealous of Albis Vina… because she had utter faith in Will's abilities!"
"She never doubted him. Not then, not six years ago when she told him they'd meet in the tower again. Not now."
"W-whereas I… who stood by his side for six long years… watched him grow, mature… didn't trust him when it mattered most!"
"I claimed to be his closest friend here at the academy… yet I doubted him! Just think—if Albis Vina's sword had arrived a moment too late, he could've died, all because I, who was meters away from him, refused to act!"
"Colette. You were tired—after an hour of nonstop fighting. Practically out of magic. It's not your fault—"
"Like I said, it's more than that! This isn't the first time."
She trembled as her voice cracked, face damp with tears.
"Deep down… deep down I hated Albis Vina… because I never had faith in Will. I didn't understand it until now…"
"But I've never truly trusted him! I thought his dream would never come true. That she was sending him on a suicide mission. That's why I hated her!"
"I thought she'd just leave him heartbroken again, and I'd be there to pick up the pieces. I thought I didn't have to confess yet. That I'd have plenty of chances when he failed, when he was barred from the tower."
"I imagined I'd stay behind with him. That I'd take advantage of his vulnerable state. And we'd live whatever happy life we could under a false sky… while the rest of the world fought for our survival."
Her voice dropped into a whisper, wrung dry with shame.
"But they proved me wrong…"
"He's headed for the tower. She never stopped believing in him—not after all those years apart—while I just sat here, secretly harboring those awful thoughts…"
Her chest trembled as she clutched her sheets, trembling.
"And I even had the audacity to call you out for your suggestion…"
"I was sad for him when he failed Professor Edward's exam… but when I heard the news, I wasn't surprised."
"Because I thought… that's just how things are. How things were meant to be."
"Maybe I cheered louder than anyone when he succeeded, because I—I had no expectations for him in the first place. So any victory of his, no matter how small, came as a pleasant surprise to me."
"I never denied his strength. I acknowledged it, honestly. But this is a world of magic… and I also accepted that it's not a place where he could ever see much success…"
"The only reason I never told him that out loud… was because I didn't want to risk lowering my place in his heart."
"Deep down, I held on to a sliver of hope… that eventually, Professor Edward's ridicule, Sion's bullying, even Julius' disgust—they'd convince him. Get through to him."
"That they'd make him see reason… so I wouldn't have to. And I could stay by his side…"
"As a girl who was always on his side."
"God, I'm horrible!"
Her sobs burst free—laced with self-loathing, disgust, and shame—as the dam finally broke.
Rose watched her break down, startled and shocked beyond measure.
Slowly, she rose to her feet, sat down beside her, and wrapped her arms around Colette.
The girl tensed, but didn't pull away. She hurriedly wiped her tears, desperate not to let this ugly moment drag on longer than it had to.
"Here."
Rose handed her a tissue from the nightstand. Colette took it, dabbing her eyes, too ashamed to meet her roommate's gaze.
Eyes fixed on the floorboards, she mumbled a barely coherent line of gratitude.
"Th…a…nk yo…u…"
Rose looked at her, then gently cupped her chin, guiding her gaze upward.
Colette didn't have it in her to resist.
Rose chuckled softly.
"Probably not the best time to say this… but I'm glad you said that."
Colette looked at her through puffy eyes, brows scrunched in confusion.
Rose let go of her chin and clicked her tongue wryly.
"Not really about what you said. More that you did. And to me, of all people."
"I'm glad you trust me enough to open up like that…"
"I'm happy you really see me as a real friend… not just a roommate."
Colette hiccupped and let out a bitter laugh.
"Of… all the ways we could've made that clear… I wish it wasn't this one…"
Rose laughed too and flopped down beside her on the bed.
Plop.
Colette followed.
Their legs dangled off the edge as they stared up at the ceiling.
"So…?" Rose asked after a moment. "Are you just going to lock those feelings of yours away forever?"
"…"
Colette stayed quiet for a few seconds before answering, voice hoarse.
"I think… I think I-I'm going to take you up on your earlier recommendation…"
Rose sat up immediately, eyes fixed on her, waiting.
And Colette continued.
"I-if the secret's already out… even to just you… then there's no point pretending I'm just the good girl who hangs out with him with no other intentions…"
"I need to tell him. How I really feel. Why I've really stood by him all this time…"
"Because keeping up a lie… it's not healthy. For either of us."
Rose's expression softened.
"Aren't you scared it'll ruin how he sees you? Maybe even end the friendship?"
Colette choked up and nodded.
"Y-yeah… but he's spent so much of his life being strung along. Manipulated. Lied to…"
"I don't want to be part of that anymore."
"If I can't come clean here… then forget being his lover… I wouldn't even deserve to be his friend."
Rose studied her closely for a moment, then sighed.
"I'll get you a pen and some paper."
Colette nodded and slowly sat up.
"Thank you, Rose…"
Her friend offered a broken, apologetic smile.
"Don't mention it."
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
The next day, around 10 in the morning, Colette stood in the town square, blushing slightly and continuously fussing over her reflection in the fountain.
She had tied her hair into a low bun—just like she had during their first "date"… the one Rosti sabotaged.
She wore a daffodil-colored dress that fell just above her kneecaps, fading to white from the waist down.
Along with it, she wore plain ankle boots.
Checking her wristwatch, she waited anxiously, still nervous… still shaken up.
Last night, she had a letter swiftly delivered to Will via a Strix—borrowed from Professor Wokner, courtesy of Rose. The message was blunt and simple:
Would you like to go on a date with me sometime?
She left no room for confusion.
And color her surprised when the owl-like familiar returned moments later, carrying a response that read:
I'd love to! Does tomorrow work?
There hadn't been the slightest hesitation in those words. She could practically see his smile as she read them.
At that moment, her mind spiraled—D-does he actually like me?!
Because why else would someone—even someone as kind as Will—sound so eager in just a few words?
The thought had left her dizzy and flushed. So much so that Rose had to write her reply for her.
She only hoped he wasn't just being polite. Friendly. with a gratitude she secretly didn't think she deserved.
That would be so like Will.
And it would be a different kind of heartbreaking.
And now, after riding a rollercoaster of emotions the entire night, here she was—dolled up, standing under the sun, waiting for her date to arrive.
Hopefully… this time, he'd be alone.
Soon enough, he came into view—wearing the same plain white shirt and black dress pants he'd worn during their last outing.
Colette didn't mind.
Neither of them could afford many outfits, especially Will, who didn't have a scholarship. And she wasn't particularly big on fashion anyway.
She just wanted to look good for him.
Will stopped in front of her, beaming.
"I hope you didn't wait long, Colette. You look gorgeous!"
It wasn't the first time Will had called her cute, beautiful, or even gorgeous, for that matter—but every single time, it still turned her bright as a tomato.
Meekly lowering her head, she stuttered.
"N-not at all… th-thank you…"
She forced herself to raise her head and meet his gaze—those handsome magenta pearls—
BAD COLETTE!
She shook her head quickly and forced a smile.
"I-I'm surprised you accepted my offer… with, you know… everything that happened…"
She trailed off, wincing at her own words, already cringing inside for possibly stepping on an emotional landmine.
But Will's smile only softened.
"Headmistress Caldron said we need to move on… besides, Rosti would approve of this. So there's no need to worry."
Colette blanked.
"Rosti? Approve?"
How could he say that?
I-I know last time I didn't call it a date, but didn't he notice how Rosti and I got along?
Did he really have no clue about Rosti's feelings?!
Should I spell it out for him?
…Why did I fall for such an oblivious man?
Will sensed her confusion—clear as day in her ki.
He nodded with confidence.
"Definitely!"
Colette blinked, parting her lips weakly.
"...How can you be so sure?"
Will scratched his cheek sheepishly.
"Just a gut feeling?" he replied, a little too mysteriously.
Elfaria had always told him when they were young—if a girl ever worked up the courage to ask him on a date, he had to drop everything and make time for her.
She also told him she was always right about girls.
So if Rosti really was Elfie, then…
Colette, of course, couldn't read any of that. All she saw was the most confusing man in the world, looking back at her with a soft smile.
She stared at him dully.
Will chuckled sheepishly and held out his hand, reaching for hers.
"Shall we get going?"
Colette went red all over again as he casually took her hand and intertwined their fingers.
Elfaria had also said that, on a date, they should hold hands as much as possible…
And that the guy should take the initiative.
To do… so many things.
Colette went stiff as a statue, nodding mechanically.
"O-okay, l-let's go g-get b-breakfast first."
Will led her toward a line of cafés and bistros.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Mercedes Caulis – 3rd Stratum: Albis Vina's Office
"AUGHHHHH!!!!"
Elfaria Albis Serfort clutched her hair, screaming like a banshee as she pulled it in wild fury.
She kept watching the magical projection in front of her—spying on her childhood friend's date—as her expression darkened by the second.
"Th-the audacity of t-that bitch… that thieving bimbo!!! I—I'll kill her… AUGHHH!!!"
Her adjutant, Sarissa, sighed quietly as she adjusted her glasses.
"Lady Elfaria… please compose yourself."
Elfaria snapped her head back toward her, eyes icy with indignation.
"S-Sarissa, how can you say that?! Do you not see what that carrot-top is doing with my Will?!"
Sarissa remained completely unbothered.
Instead, she repeated herself—firmly, flatly, and very unamused.
"Elfaria-sama. Compose yourself."
This time, it wasn't a suggestion. It was an order—punctuated with a withering glare.
"Grr…" Elfaria hissed, grinding her teeth like a cornered cat, before pouting and flopping onto her seat.
Or rather—her couch. She'd discarded her faction's prized heirloom chair, passed down through generations, because she preferred something she could stretch out on.
Something she could laze on.
She rubbed her forehead, whining through comedic tears.
"Will… I didn't mean any girl…"
"I meant me. Me and only me!!!"
Ever since Elfaria first became literate—and began to understand her feelings for Will—she'd started to, well… indoctrinate him, to put it mildly.
She taught him, through a mix of lessons and diagrams, that he should always compliment a girl (read: her) on their (her) looks.
That he should praise girls (her), respect every girl (especially her), hug girls (her), satisfy all their whims (hers alone), spoil them (her), and accept date invitations—or better yet, ask girls out on dates (again, just her!).
And for a while, it worked splendidly.
Until they left the countryside and arrived at Rigarden Academy.
Suddenly, Will was surrounded by girls his age. And now, he could unleash the "charm" she had trained into him at any time.
For the first two months of their academic tenure, she made sure he was never alone—always keeping him close, or sending a clone to tail him, just to keep that praise strictly hers.
But after she was taken to the tower, the best she could manage was sneaking out with a clone disguised as a boy.
Rosti.
Which meant the closest girl to him was now… Colette.
And she became the recipient of all his compliments. His flattery. His attention.
It almost became exclusively reserved for her, giving Colette some "bright" ideas Elfaria had to consistently, subtly sabotage.
Even though it made her jealous beyond reason, she could barely tolerate him praising the earth mage.
But a date? That crossed a red line.
Still, in a twisted way, it was lucky she'd been separated from him so early.
Because next on her list was gently introducing the idea that boys could kiss girls (her), and eventually propose to them once they came of age.
Fortunately—mercifully—even Will, who she had all but wrapped around her finger, was a little resistant to that part.
He was too embarrassed to try kissing, and she never got the chance to even bring up proposing.
Or else, she thought darkly, I might be seeing red… or worse… sporting a green hat soon. [1]
She clenched her fists, eyes ice-blue and burning red with fury.
"Count your days, Loire… I'll teach you a lesson soon enough…"
"And Will… my dearest Will… I'll make you regret ever cheating on me."
"I'll make sure you understand that I'm the only woman for you. You belong to me, and only me!"
Sarissa Alfeld sighed and shook her head.
I'm starting to grow tired of this…
Maybe the one who really needed to watch her back… was Elfaria herself.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Elsewhere:
At the grassy plain near their cottage, Noelle sat on a boulder with Nigel in her lap, both of them watching the battle unfolding ahead.
She looked bored and indifferent.
The baby, meanwhile, was wide-eyed and curious.
Twack!
Twack!
Twack!
All Nigel could see were blurs—one after another—accompanied by the sharp thwack of wood striking wood and gusts of wind stirred by their speed.
Eventually, the clashing silhouettes separated.
The dust cleared, revealing Asta—just as cold and unreadable as his wife—facing off against Finn, who stood grinning ear to ear.
The dwarven guide casually twirled his wooden training sword, identical to Asta's, admiring it with a low whistle.
"This is very nice. Not even a chip. What's it made of?"
"The Kingswood," Asta replied dully.
Finn chuckled. "That's funny. Fine then—keep your secrets."
He pointed his sword forward.
"Show me that black power of yours."
Asta shrugged lazily, tone flat with mock innocence.
"I have no clue what you're talking about… I'm just an ordinary No-Talent."
Finn's grin widened as he carried on.
"Maybe if you show me that magic blood of yours… it might jog my memory."
He beamed, eyes wide and innocent.
"I'm just an ordinary dwarf. There's nothing magical about me."
"Oh? Is that so?" Asta raised a brow, clearly losing patience.
"Yes, it is." Finn met his stare without blinking.
Vroom.
A light breeze stirred the grass between them.
That was their signal.
Fine then… I'll beat it out of you!
In a blink, they vanished—crashing into each other again and again in a flurry of raw speed and inhuman strength.
No powers.
Just muscle.
Twack!
Twack!
Twack.
Nigel pointed toward the fight with a puzzled look.
"Babah?"
Noelle smiled softly and pinched his cheeks.
"Your Baba disappeared, didn't he?"
Nigel nodded, worried.
"Um!"
Chuckling, Noelle scooped him up and began walking away, unbothered.
"He'll be busy for a while, so let's go make Daddy's lunch, alright?"
"Um!"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Colette was having a rather good time.
The date had started off a bit rough—at least for her—as they ate eggs and toast at a quiet bistro for breakfast.
She had tried, as casually as she could, to probe Will about why he had accepted her invitation so quickly… and what exactly he had planned for today.
"So," she'd said, cutting into her toast with forced ease, "what made you say yes so fast? I didn't even think you saw me that way."
Will had blinked, chewing with all the serenity of a monk. "A date's a date, right? You asked, so I said yes."
That was when she learned something curious about Will Serfort.
After a bit more subtle nudging—and watching how he tilted his head in that earnest, I'm trying to understand you but I'm not sure I do way—she uncovered a fact that made her quietly sweat.
He had been taught from a young age that a date was something you went on with your girlfriend.
That would've normally launched her into orbit, left her a blushing, squealing mess.
But something in his tone hadn't quite added up.
"…And just to be clear," she'd asked, carefully, "what do you mean by girlfriend?"
He shrugged. "Like… you know, a girl who's close to you. Talks with you. Spends time with. Like Eflie."
Colette's fork stopped mid-air.
"In that case," he went on without missing a beat, "you've got boyfriends too. Like Sion. Maybe even Wignall and Julius now."
Sion?! Her brain short-circuited.
In that instant, Colette Loire felt like she'd been yanked from heaven and dumped face-first into hell.
But instead of falling into a mopey slump right then and there, she inhaled deeply, smiled at him across the table, and made a decision.
Alright then. If that's what he thinks a girlfriend is… I'll show him the difference. I'll make him see me the way he sees Albis Vina—if not more.
So she resolved to take the initiative.
But then Will surprised her again.
Even though he only saw her as a friend who happened to be a girl… Will treated her like a lover.
He kept holding her hand—sometimes lacing their fingers without a second thought—and even wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked.
He paid for everything, despite his obvious lack of funds.
"Will, you really don't have to—"
"It's fine," he interrupted, smiling like it was the most natural thing in the world. "This is a date, right?"
He bought one meal for the both of them, and they shared it in turns. He even fed her a bite without asking, holding a piece of grilled skewer up to her mouth.
"Here. Say 'ah.'"
Colette had nearly combusted on the spot, steam practically pouring out of her ears.
When she timidly fed him a piece in return, she swore her soul briefly left her body.
How is he so casual about this?!
No, wait… how was she supposed to feel guilty about 'stealing' him when he was doing things like this?
As Will grew more intimate—completely unaware of how loaded his gestures were—Colette found her guilt over Albis Vina fading fast.
It became easier to believe Will had been emotionally manipulated… that he was under some disturbing spell that blurred his understanding of love.
I'm saving him, she told herself, brushing a hand across her burning cheek. This is practically a rescue mission.
And from there, the date only got better.
Since the Terminalia Festival had been cut short due to the invasion, the townspeople of Rigarden had rebuilt and revived the celebration.
Now, the streets bustled with colorful stalls and pop-up carnival games, all meant to lift spirits and reclaim joy.
Naturally, they joined in.
At one booth, they played magic darts—where the targets zipped through the air at different speeds.
Will of course didn't even bother using the wand provided. He just flicked the darts by hand, curving them midair as if guided by willpower alone.
The crowd gasped.
The booth operator stared.
Then came the fwip, fwip, fwip! of three bullseyes in a row.
Will grinned and handed her the top prize: a soft white bunny plushie with a pink ribbon.
"I thought it looked like you," he said.
Colette clutched it to her chest, lips trembling.
Don't faint. Don't faint. Play it cool, girl.
They strolled the streets, sampling everything—chocolate-dipped apples, sparkling lemonade, fluffy cotton candy, salted pretzels, towering cones of ice cream.
They tried very hard to ignore a certain gluttonous lightning maiden stuffing her face at every stall in sight, while the green-haired elf beside her looked more and more miserable as their money pouches steadily deflated.
"Should we… stop them?" Colette whispered.
Will shook his head. "If Wignall hasn't learned how to say no by now, it's his own fault."
They both laughed. And for a little while, everything felt perfect.
They continued on, doing some light shopping for the tower.
This time, Will allowed her to pay—not just for herself, but for him as well—though he looked incredibly guilty about it.
"You really don't have to," he muttered, glancing away as she handed over coin.
"I want to," Colette said firmly, nudging his arm. "You paid for breakfast. Let me spoil you a little."
She bought a few elixirs, then stopped by a smith-enchanter's to have her wand re-examined for cracks and residual damage.
Will kept it simple. Just a change of clothes and a sturdy new pair of battle gloves.
Afterward, they wandered into a quiet eatery for a light lunch—a humble bowl of steamed rice and pickled vegetables, perfect for how late in the day it was.
Then came the ferris wheel.
It was a little rickety, a little too old, and painted in fading pastel colors—but as the sun dipped below the city's skyline, casting gold and rose across the rooftops, it felt like the world stood still.
Colette sat beside him in the narrow cabin, clutching her plush bunny while pretending her heart wasn't trying to escape her chest.
He stared out over the view, quiet and thoughtful.
"This is nice," he said softly.
She smiled. "Yeah… it really is."
Later, they treated themselves to dinner at a proper restaurant—ribeye steak from dungeon beasts, marinated in spicewine and cooked to a perfect medium rare.
It would've been expensive, borderline unaffordable for both of them, but the staff recognized Will immediately.
"Our hero eats for free tonight," said the owner, beaming. "You saved our home."
Will looked like he wanted to vanish into the floor.
Colette, however, raised her glass with pride.
By the time night fully settled over Rigarden, Will was walking her back to her dorm room at the academy.
The city had gone quiet, lanterns glowing like stars below the rooftops.
Once they reached her door, she didn't open it right away.
Instead, Colette turned to face him, fingers tightening around her bunny plush.
There were things she needed to say.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
"…Will?"
He smiled at her softly.
"Yeah, Colette?"
Thump.
Thump.
Her heartbeat quickened, loud enough she was sure he could hear it. Her throat went dry.
She swallowed, trying to steady her voice.
"I-I don't think you really know what a girlfriend… or boyfriend is, for that matter…"
He tilted his head, puzzled.
"Huh?"
Forcing herself to meet his enchanting magenta eyes, she nodded slowly.
"A girlfriend is a girl you love—"
"I do love you," he said quickly, crossing his arms with a small frown.
Her breath caught. She bit her lip, cheeks warming.
"I mean… in the romantic way."
Will froze.
Then, all at once, his face went scarlet.
"O-Oh…" he stammered. "S-so y-you…?"
Colette gave a shy nod.
"You were right when you said dates are for people of opposite genders who are very close… but I asked you out because you're a boy I'm in love with."
Will blanked, fingers trembling as he adjusted his glasses.
"F-For how long?"
It was the only thing he could manage, barely holding himself together.
Colette clutched her bunny plush tighter to her chest.
"F-From when you saved me… around that time?"
Will blinked, visibly confused. There was no trace of deceit in her ki—nothing but earnestness.
"Saved you…?"
She nodded again, as if it were obvious.
"Y-Yeah… ever since that day."
Before he could say anything, she pressed on, her voice cracking with nerves.
"T-The reason I've stood up for you these past six years… it's not because I'm the 'good friend' you think I am…"
Her gaze dropped, her voice quieter now, edged with shame.
"...It's because I'm hopelessly in love with you. And I just wanted to make a good impression… hoping maybe one day you'd feel the same."
Her grip on the plush tightened, knuckles white.
"I'm sorry for lying to you all these years. I just… I had to come clean. I-It's okay if you hate me…"
Slowly, she lifted her head, bracing herself for rejection—for a look of disgust or disappointment.
But instead…
Will's face had somehow turned even redder.
He was trembling slightly.
"Y-You like me that much?!"
Colette squeaked, face matching his shade in an instant.
She nodded stiffly, voice barely a whisper.
"Y-Yeah!"
Will brought a hand to his mouth, nearly choking.
"I-I don't know what to say… I've never been confessed to before… this is a confession right…?"
Colette squaked again.
"Y-yeah!"
But then she shook her head quickly, voice trembling.
"Y-You don't have to say anything. I-I was the one who sprung it on you… I just needed to get my feelings off my chest, so I could face you more easily."
She glanced down, forcing a wobbly smile.
"Y-You don't have to give me a response. N-Not now, not soon…"
Not ever.
That last part, she kept buried in her heart.
Will didn't like the sound of that. He opened his mouth, trying to form a reply—but in that instant, a beautiful face flashed through his mind.
W-Wait… does Elfie love me like that? Did she always? Do I—?
Thump.
Thump.
A dull ache spread through his chest, too much all at once.
Still, he forced a smile and nodded.
"O-Okay. But I won't keep you waiting too long. I-I promise, Colette!"
Her eyes widened, color blooming across her cheeks.
Feeling a sudden boldness rise, she leaned in.
Mwah.
Will's hand flew up to his cheek, grazing the corner of his lips.
It was warm. Soft.
The sensation sent a full-bodied shiver up his spine.
He turned to her, stunned—just in time to see her whip around, avoiding his gaze as she fumbled open her dorm door.
"T-Thanks for the date. S-See you around!"
Bang!
The door slammed shut behind her.
Will stood there frozen, blinking in the hallway light.
He raised a shaky hand in return and swallowed.
"G-Good night…"
Then he spun on his heel and bolted down the hallway.
Doors blurred past as he dashed through corridor after corridor, practically flying down the staircase.
He burst out the tower's exit, through the courtyard, across the hills—racing straight toward his cabin.
Will was a blushing mess.
But also a frustrated one, muttering under his breath as he ran.
"S-Saved her…?"
I saved Colette?
W-When?
H-How?!
And right then, another scene flashed in his mind.
Flaming chunks of rock raining down on Rigarden…
The heat… the screaming… and one specific voice crying out—clear and terrified.
His pace faltered.
Clutching his head in pain, Will stumbled into his dorm and pushed past a confused Kiki without a word.
He collapsed face-first onto his mattress, burying himself in pillow and sheets.
His voice came out bitter, muffled.
"J-Just how many things have I forgotten?!"
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Author's Notes:
[1] In Chinese, the expression "wearing a green hat" refers to being cheated on by one's partner—essentially, being cuckolded. This stems from a linguistic pun, as the word for "cuckold" sounds similar to "green hat" in Chinese.
[2] I'll be using Rhizanth instead of Lyzance going forward. Since Wistoria (Wisteria) plays heavily on flower-related wordplay, this change fits the thematic tone better. The people of Paradise are even described as flowers destined to bloom.
Rhizanth comes from an obsolete classification of parasitic flowering plants, and translates literally to "root flower," from the Greek words rhiza (ρίζα) meaning "root," and anthos (άνθος) meaning "flower."
So in this sense, humanity becomes the root of the flower—grounded, yet meant to bloom.
[3] If you'd like to chat, discuss the story, or hang out, feel free to join the Discord: https://discord.gg/s3MME8X8ar