“What happened?”

“Um, because of the recent accident at the magic training ground…”

Riche’s cheeks were flushed. Whether it was from running or from embarrassment about the accident, he didn’t know.

The magic training ground accident, a topic Ian was well aware of. For a while, it had been the subject of the students’ conversations. It was impossible not to know.

Could it be because of that incident that Riche was being swarmed?

“Did they try to harass you like last time?”

The previous time, in the corridor, wasn’t Philip told to kneel?

He couldn’t stand by and let Riche be the victim again.

As Ian turned as if to lodge a protest right away, Riche hastily grabbed his arm.

“No. They didn’t. Just—”

“Just?”

“…they asked me to make another one.”
Riche lowered his head, unable to lift his face.

It was already an embarrassing event. Pythons had suggested practicing controlling the power of the stars.

It seemed to be a similar issue this time. An incident caused by poor control of magical power.

If Pythons had seen it, he would have clicked his tongue, saying it was far from good.

‘Ugh. How embarrassing.’

But the surprising issue was that it was popular among the students.

A large ice rink created in the training ground.

Robenhaf had frozen it, but since Robenhaf had been going around saying that it was Riche’s magic, Riche had become a hero among the academy students.

The upperclassmen considered it childish, but up to the fourth graders, definitely.

“So students come looking for me every break, and today, they especially flocked…”
Riche hesitated. Normally, she’d easily get out of situations like this on her own, but today was unusually difficult.

“Thanks for the help, Ian.”

After letting out a short sigh and shaking off her worries, Riche greeted Ian with a refreshed face. Thanks to him, she was saved.

“I almost missed the dinner appointment with my brother.”

“With Derkedion, your senior?”

“Yes, in the student cafeteria. Want to come along?”

They had arranged to meet Dion near the student cafeteria. Since Robenhalf would also be heading to the cafeteria, the atmosphere wouldn’t be too awkward if Ian joined them.

“I’d like to, but I have to return to the professor. I have to turn in my exit pass.”

“Should I wait? There’s still some time left.”

“No, it’s uncertain how long it will take. Go ahead and eat, Riche.”

It was disappointing. She had secretly hoped that Dion and Ian would get along.

Still, she couldn’t forcibly detain Ian who had somewhere else to go.

Riche nodded and asked,

“So, you went out? Were you outside?”

Riche inquired with curiosity.

Ian whispered to Riche.

“I went to see Duke Ludwig.”

“Huh?”

Surprised, Riche opened her eyes wide and stared at Ian.

My goodness. Ian saw my dad.

“Why? Why? How’s my dad? Is he okay?”

Thrilled and amazed, Riche energetically questioned Ian as she hopped around.

This was the first time Ian had seen Riche so excited. Her twinkling silver eyes made his lips twitch.

He had intended to tell her quietly later on.

‘I want to tell her quickly.’

Ian whispered again in Riche’s ear.

“Duke Ludwig found a way to prevent sleep sickness.”

“Really?!”

At that, Riche was elated beyond measure.

She said how fortunate it was that her dad could help, and how relieved she was. Then, her expression gradually turned teary, and she ultimately broke into tears.

“I’m relieved……”

She had been so worried that Ian might die.

Even though she knew Dion would disapprove, she had asked for Ian to be watched at night. That’s how concerned she had been.

And now, Blake had found a solution.

Riche wanted to leave the academy immediately to hug Blake tightly and shout her thanks.

“Thank you, Riche.”

“I… I didn’t do anything……?”

Confused by Ian’s sudden gratitude, Riche asked.

Ian should be thanking Blake, not her.

Tears briefly appeared in Ian’s eyes at Riche’s words.

‘You don’t know.’

What you mean to me, what you’ve done for me.

“Thank you, really.”

Neither Blake nor Dion knew why they asked about Ian’s relationship with Riche, but Ian himself wasn’t unaware of it.

Eleven years old isn’t as young as you think. It’s the time when words like ‘liking someone’ and ‘dating’ start to come up.

But if what his peers felt was ‘liking someone,’ then what he felt was different.

‘Riche is more precious than that.’

It was a feeling Ian couldn’t define.

He thought the emotion he felt for Riche was the most massive and weighty sentiment one could find in any kind of relationship.

“Riche.”

Handing a handkerchief to Riche, whose cheeks were stained with tears, Ian smiled.

“I’ll live on.”

“…?”

“For you.”

“You.”

Riche rushed over to intercept Dion, who was waiting for her near the cafeteria.

“Ah. Brother, did you wait long? Huh? I’m starving! Let’s go eat quickly!”

Despite tugging at his hand, he remained as immovable as a rock. Normally, he would have followed her with some grumbling.

Riche took a few steps backward and hoisted Dion’s arms over her shoulders. Then, she tried to pull him forward, grabbing both of his hands.

“Let’s go!”

Not a chance.

Standing behind her, Dion, who hadn’t budged an inch, was asked by Riche,

“Not going……?”

Dion’s hands lifted Riche’s face towards him.

Eeuh, Riche made a strange noise. She found herself staring into Dion’s deeply serious red eyes.

“Did you cry?”

“……No.”