Sepakai (GXG) (GIRLXGIRL) (GL)

151

Chapter 15
Section 1: On My Own
It was still early in the morning, yet a large crowd had gathered on the school grounds that day.

There were even adults I’ve never seen before who were obviously not students mixed in.

I heard from Lou-chan that graduates and parents of current students heard word about my duel with Earl Montifi and decided to stop by.

The fact that Grides-san is dueling someone who has had rumors abound inside the capital seems to have piqued their curiosity.

[Lou]: “……Airi-chan…..um…..hold on. I…..after all…..”

Lou-chan alone stood by me on the sports field.

Her eyes were red and puffy. She probably cried by herself all last night, and now here she was, trying to figure out what she should say.

[Iris]: “The duel has already been accepted. There’s no way to stop it now.”

She feels responsible for everything that’s happening, but there’s no need for her to beat herself up about it.

Rather, she got angry for my sake, so all I have for her is gratitude.

[Lou]: “But, But……Airi-chan could get hurt…….and……I don’t want to see……..”

Lou-chan used her cuffs to try and wipe away the newly shed tears leaking down her cheeks. It got to the point she was completely messing up her beautifully trimmed hair.

[Iris]: “It’s okay. I meant what I said yesterday. I won’t lose.”

I pulled out my handkerchief and used it to wipe away the tears staining her cheeks.

[Iris]: “That’s why………right? Be at ease.”

I wonder if I should be thinking about this right now, but it feels like I’m cradling a younger sister.

[Lou]: “But, But…….”

[Rose]: “There is nothing to worry about Konfiks-san.”

Lou-chan wouldn’t stop crying, and I was doing my best to comfort her when Rose-san came over and began patting Lou-chan’s back.

[Rose]: “Iris-san will not lose.”

Rose-san was looking towards Grides-san who was standing a little ways away from us as she spoke.

[Rose]: “She is unmistakably a hero. The one who ran towards a rampaging dragon, who refused to back down, and who kept thinking up new solutions until the battle was won.”

Rose-san’s usual warmth was nowhere to be found in her voice or expression.

[Rose]: “…….Montifi-san”

She was speaking plainly, as if she were simply stating facts, before calling out to my duel partner Grides-san.

[Grides]: “What can I do for you Auroll-sama?”

[Rose]: “You are a high minded lady. The picture of what the noble world expects. With that being said, perhaps you are a tad too strong.”

[Grides]: “…….I am not sure I understand.”

[Rose]: “Then you should take this opportunity to learn. The world of nobles is but one of the many worlds that exist. If you wish to become a truly wonderful lady, you will have to learn this fact and broaden your horizons.”

[Grides]: “…….I will take your advice to heart.”

Grides-san pinched the ends of her skirt and bowed. Graceful and composed as ever.