After a week since my conversation with Albert and Emi, the time has finally come to return to the academy. As I sat inside the carriage, anxiety took over me. I wondered how to tell Flora and Eric that Emi and I are not only dating but also decided to get married.
I knew that no matter how I delivered the news, they would surely doubt or maybe even think I've completely lost it. These unsettling thoughts lingered in my mind as the carriage continued at a steady pace toward the academy.
Feeling the carriage slowing down, I prepared to get off. Through the window, I already caught sight of the familiar grounds of the academy. As soon as the door opened, I left the carriage and walked toward the building. The place was bustling with students coming and going.
As I walked the familiar path, Edward's name came to my mind. It had been a long time since I last saw him, and the last news I heard was that he was detained in Storne.
Though I don't care about Edward, I admit I thought he had finally given up. However, recently, I went through a moment of extreme tension as I was attacked by unknown individuals. This situation left me anxious and worried, especially considering that the three hooded assailants are still at large. This also raised an important question; apparently, they have no affiliation with any country, or at least that's what Storne, Belfri, Arcolia, and Crystal are saying.
I understand that there's a possibility that Storne, Belfri, Arcolia, and Crystal might be lying, but honestly, I see no reason for that. Not to brag, but ever since I revealed my identity in Solaris during the inauguration of my shopping mall, the news spread to neighboring kingdoms.
Now, practically everyone knows who Ren is. As a result, I have been constantly receiving letters from other countries inviting me to join them and even offering the possibility of marrying someone from their families if I prefer.
Given all this, I think they have no reason to try to kill me, or at least that's what I hope. I believe my influence and popularity offer me some protection, which decreases the chances of being targeted by violent acts.
With these thoughts in mind, I enter the academy's premises and walk through the hallways toward my classroom. The day goes by smoothly, and as I'm noticed by my classmates, they gather around me, asking if I'm fully recovered and can walk normally.
I had a long conversation with them, reassuring them that they no longer need to worry. I also took the opportunity to greet Sensei Susy, who was visibly happy to see me in the classroom.
Overall, these were the events that led me to the current moment. As we walked down the hallway, Emi and I headed to the cafeteria, where we would meet Flora and Eric. As we approached the area, we could already hear the characteristic buzz, and, as I expected, the cafeteria was completely packed. Several people were waiting in line to get their lunches while others were already enjoying their meals. Emi and I also joined the line to get our food.
After getting our lunches, we walked to the usual table where we usually sit. As expected, Eric and Flora were already there, chatting animatedly. Their lunches were still untouched, and it was evident that they were waiting for our arrival to start eating together.
"Oh, Ren, Emi, we were waiting for you two"
Flora just waved her arm in our direction with a gentle smile on her face. In response, Emi walked over and sat next to her, while I settled down beside Eric.
"Sorry for the delay, I ended up running a bit late. My colleagues were curious about my condition"
I explained as soon as I sat down. Eric and Flora showed understanding expressions on their faces.
"I understand, it's understandable. But I'm glad you're here now"
Eric replied next to me, while Flora nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, good as new, I can do all activities normally now"
I said with a smile. Upon hearing my words, Eric and Flora also smiled, relieved by my recovery. After that, we started eating and talking about various things. Eric and Flora were very interested in learning more about Crystal, as they had never been outside of Solaris before.
Emi seemed happy to share her experiences and stories from the places we visited. Though her expression was always a bit indifferent, somehow, I could feel the warmth emanating from each of her words.
Amidst the conversation, we fell silent again. Somehow, all the topics had been exhausted, and now we were getting ready to finish and leave. During that time, Emi and I looked at each other and nodded.
"Eric, Flora, we have something important to tell you"
I drew both of their attention, and as soon as they noticed that Emi and I were looking at them, they glanced at each other for a few seconds before turning their gaze back to us.
"A certain event will happen soon, and Emi and I would love for both of you to participate"
I said, looking directly at Eric and Flora. Anxiety consumed me as I waited for their responses. Eric was the first to reply, with a genuine smile on his face.
"Sure, man! You can count me in"
Eric said. His words were a relief to me.
"I'm here to help too. If you need both of us, just let us know"
Flora said, with a warm smile on her face. Eric just nodded, expressing his readiness to support us. Curious, Eric asked.
"But, what is it about?"
In response, I looked at Emi, and both of us nodded in silent agreement. Carefully, I pulled a letter from my uniform, while Emi did the same, taking out another letter. With determination, we handed the letters to Eric and Flora, anxiously waiting for them to read them. Eric opened the letter with curiosity, and his eyes fixated on the written words. Flora, on the other hand, read the letter she received attentively.