"I can't believe it! Did she really pour an entire bucket of water on you? How on earth did she even have a bucket of water in the first place?"
I was taken aback and could not contain my surprise, causing me to utter a statement in a state of astonishment.
Lena nonchalantly lifted her shoulders as she used a coarse, white towel to dry her lustrous, velvety locks.
"I am unsure of the situation as I do not know the whole story. However, it seems that she had already taken it upon herself to transport a container filled with water prior to her departure from the area."
I can't believe this... Is she trying to say that it was initially intended for me?
As she ceased the motion of vigorously drying her hair with the towel, she gracefully approached her solitary bed, where I happened to be seated. With an air of elegance, she positioned herself beside me.
The resemblance between her room and mine was uncanny. It seemed as though all rooms shared the same layout and design choices, with identical furniture pieces and matching sheets.
"It's absolutely astonishing to me that you're being singled out and victimized solely due to such a trivial and nonsensical justification."
She slowly moved her head from side to side, expressing her disapproval, and let out a deep breath filled with frustration.
"Well, you see, the reason for that is..."
My words came to a halt, as if frozen in my mouth. I found myself pondering the reason behind my inability to speak those words directly to her face. It left me questioning why I couldn't find a more eloquent and thoughtful way to convey my message.
It is necessary for us to cease communication with one another.
However, her hands gently rested upon mine, causing me to instinctively flinch and withdraw. It reminded me of the familiar sensation that washed over me when she tenderly stroked my cheeks.
I found myself at a loss for words as I tried to articulate the indescribable feeling that consumed me. It was far from pleasant; rather, it felt like an electrifying sensation was slowly making its way through the depths of my mind.
Her hands remained motionless, just as I had left them. There was a certain stillness in her gaze as she turned her eyes towards me, almost as if she possessed an uncanny awareness of the words that were about to escape my lips.
She slightly tilted her head downwards, her expression indicating that she had expectations of me.
She was feeling a bit low in spirits.
"What did you do... do to me...?"
Feeling somewhat unsure, I asked.
She withdrew her hands and positioned them firmly on her hips.
She didn't answer right away. "...I...uh...please promise me you won't hate me...?"
"Did you just...use your ability on me...?"
I wasn't angry, but rather intrigued. It seemed evident that there had to be a deeper significance behind it. An unmistakable change in her mana levels caught my attention, indicating that something had indeed shifted.
Additionally, there is Rule Number Two that mandates not utilizing your skill unless explicitly instructed to do so.
The response she gave me when I inquired about her intention to comply with the regulations came rushing back to my memory.
Lena nonchalantly raised her shoulders and replied, "Hmm, it's hard to say. It really depends on the situation." After a moment, a mischievous grin slowly spread across her face, revealing her playful nature.
Did she mean that is what she was referring to?
With a pouting expression on her face, she demanded, "You need to answer my question right now!" Her impatience and frustration were evident as she awaited a response.
My mind was abruptly snapped back to the present moment. I responded by giving a nod accompanied by a forced half-smile on my face.
She started to speak but couldn't find the words to continue. After a brief pause, she fixed me with a piercing gaze and asked if I truly meant what I had promised.
Her face was adorned with an expression of anxiety, which left me feeling utterly helpless.
"Yes. I really promise."
Feeling a sense of unease, she nervously tucked her hands in between her hips, causing her shoulders to sway back and forth.
"I can...read your memory-"
As she observed my reaction, her words slowly faded away.
I let out a brief and sudden gasp, feeling my eyes widen and my heart become restless.
Simultaneously, I scanned the room with my eyes, observing every corner and detail. The calm and soft tone of my voice transformed into sudden intakes of breath, audibly escaping through my parted lips.
"Well, you see, the reason why I communicate through touch is because it allows for a more intimate and meaningful connection. However, I don't constantly utilize this ability whenever I come into contact with someone."
In a rush, she quickly provided an explanation, followed by a nervous laugh escaping her lips.
I closed my eyes tightly, engrossed in a profound and introspective dialogue with the innermost recesses of my being.
The concept of someone having the ability to read memories was something that had never crossed my mind before. It was never something that I had considered or included in my mental list of possibilities.
Someone who is even closer to me, to be more precise.
Was that the reason for my uneasiness? Does this imply that Lena was aware of my true identity?
"I... will understand if you hate me. I did this without your permission and..."
"How far did you see in my memories?"
As anxiety coursed through my veins, I hastily interrupted her sentence.
"I knew you died--"
I found myself unable to move or take any action.
I took my last breath and embraced death, surrendering myself to the realms of darkness as I yearned to be transported to the fiery depths of hell.
"A-Astria?!--I knew it! I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."
She lowered her head towards me, causing me to nervously bite my bottom lip. Feeling overwhelmed, I took a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh, desperately attempting to regain my composure and compose myself.
I find myself in a state of despair and hopelessness, as if there is no way out of the predicament I am currently facing.
"Hey, look up. This is embarrassing..."
"But I did something terrible! Even when I was a kid - kids my own age would tell me I was weird for having this ability. I wasn't happy to have this ability. But, for the first time in my life, I'm grateful that I have this."
She spoke with a quivering voice, her words trembling with emotion.
As her head gradually descended towards me, I inexplicably felt a sense of relief wash over me, causing a slight easing of the tension in my heart.
I deeply regret my reaction and the way I behaved in that moment. The suddenness of the situation caught me completely off guard. As I cast my gaze upward towards the ceiling, I mustered a forced chuckle in an attempt to alleviate the tension. It's undeniable that you possess an incredible ability, but I implore you to consider seeking permission from the individuals involved before delving into their personal lives. Respecting others' privacy is of utmost importance in such situations.
I would like to express my sincere apologies for the actions or words that have caused harm or distress. I truly regret my behavior and understand the impact it may have had on you. I want to assure you that I am genuinely remorseful and genuinely want to make amends for any pain or discomfort caused.
I smiled, "Come on! Lift your head."
I gently rested my hands on her cheeks, applying a slight pressure to guide her head towards me, ensuring her gaze was fully directed at mine.
After revealing my true identity, I pleaded with her to keep it confidential, emphasizing the importance of not sharing this knowledge with anyone else. My voice trailed off, leaving a lingering silence in the air. As she met my gaze, a sense of guilt washed over her, evident in her eyes. With a hushed tone, barely audible, I reassured her that this information must remain between us, emphasizing the intimacy of our secret.
After gazing at me for a brief moment, she suddenly erupted into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
"Ah, I understand. I'll do as you say...we'll have to stop talking to each other for a while, okay?"
A warm and radiant smile spread across her face, illuminating the room with its infectious joy and creating an atmosphere of happiness and comfort.
I was taken by surprise, causing my eyes to momentarily widen before gradually softening.
I presented her with a smile that was sincere, yet tinged with a hint of sadness.
"Indeed, I sincerely hope that you are able to understand and empathize with my perspective on this matter."
She raised her eyebrows and gave me an encouraging smile. "Certainly! After all, you are my first friend."
Oh, how absolutely endearing this young lady is with her delightful and charming demeanor.
There were certain aspects in which she bore a resemblance to me...
My face lost its smile.
"Wait, is it possible that when you read another person's memory, you also adapt their memory? For example, your memory and this person's memory will be mixed together?"
I inquired with the rhythm and flow of a skilled rapper, spitting out my words with confidence and style, as if I were composing a lyrical masterpiece.
She looked at me with a perplexed expression, her eyes growing wider as she tried to comprehend my words.
She let out a brief and shallow gasp.
"Umm..."
She spoke in a low and indistinct manner, barely audible to those around her.
"Mmm..."
I also muttered under my breath.
"Does this mean...I'm slowly turning into you...?"
In a hushed and deliberate manner, she posed her question, her voice barely audible as she carefully enunciated each word, drawing out the syllables to emphasize her curiosity.
I experienced a sense of discomfort and uneasiness when confronted with the task of responding to this particular inquiry, yet I comprehended the necessity of providing an answer.
"Uhm.. Honestly, it's possible that experiencing that kind of reaction is a consequence of possessing that particular ability. Therefore, I strongly suggest that you avoid using it any further to prevent any potential negative effects it may have on you."
After that, I responded to the situation by pressing my lips firmly together.
As I shifted my gaze towards Lena, I couldn't help but notice the unmistakable expression of melancholy etched across her face, casting a shadow upon her features.
Lena's transformation into me is quite perplexing. As time goes on, her memory seems to become increasingly muddled and disoriented. It saddens me greatly to witness this, even though I am not to blame for her current state of confusion.
"In any case, it is better that you establish friendly connections during my absence."
I made the conscious decision to divert the topic at hand, aiming to inject a lighthearted tone into the conversation. With a playful gesture, I gently brushed my arm against hers, exerting a slight amount of pressure. However, to my surprise, her response indicated a clear distaste for my innocuous comment.
"I have no desire for anyone else in my life; it is only you that I long for and want to be with."
"...Huh?"
"In today's society, it's become apparent that girls display some peculiar behaviors. Despite the academy's explicit declaration that titles hold no significance within the school, they persist in acting as if they are superior to one another. Personally, I find it hard to establish any sort of connection or camaraderie with individuals who exhibit such attitudes."
A look of displeasure settled on her face as she furrowed her brows and formed a deep frown, displaying her dissatisfaction with the current situation.
Well, it is indeed a valid point. However, I was under the impression that having a title would hold more significance in this particular setting. I assumed that being of royal lineage would grant one a greater level of influence and access to luxurious amenities. But apparently, that is not the case...
I was pleasantly surprised as it went above and beyond what I had anticipated.
I could tell that she had begun to unleash a tirade, and it was evident that her fervent ramblings would continue on for an extended period of time.
I will choose to overlook this instance because I have decided that it will be the final occurrence and I will not bring it up again.
It shall not merely be a temporary interval...
I am uncertain about the direction my future will take, but honestly...
I am eager to depart from the academy as swiftly as I can.