(Something I think I forgot to mention a while back, Oscar cut his long hair once he became a cadet.)
(Oscar)
"It's not your fault, Oscar."
Lio's soft-spoken voice was helpful at a time like this. Even Leah quieted down. Kai was as blank as usual. But I could tell that even he felt a bit of sorrow.
But, there was no point in lying. It was my fault that General Yesynore died.
If I was just any faster. Any stronger. I could've stopped his death. For sure. I'm sure of it.
. . .
. .
.
I stood in the training fields, alone. It was nighttime, and since it was December, it was snowing pretty hard.
That... power I activated. It felt like I was the strongest person in the world.
But... my memory feels hazy.
"Oscar?" a voice called out to me.
I turned around.
Alize von Meino.
She's a nice woman. A beautiful one. I think she's the prettiest noble I've ever seen, appearance-wise and personality-wise.
She's so pretty. Looking at her is like... a reward.
Damn it.
"Oscar?" she waved her hand in front of me.
I flinched. My cheeks began to redden.
"Hm?"
"I was asking if you're alright. You're looking a little red. Are you sick?" she asked, worried.
I managed to keep a straight face, like usual.
"I'm fine. It's just a little cold, that's all."
I sniffled.
Alize is 9 years older than me, or so. She probably just thinks I'm a kid. I guess I am. But once I'm older, I'll find out some way to acknowledge me.
She flicked my forehead.
"Ow!"
She then held an umbrella over my head.,
"Are you okay, Oscar? After the whole..."
"I'm fine. I have to get over it eventually."
I began walking with her. I don't even know where we're going, but that doesn't really matter to me.
"You don't have to act so strong."
"I'm not acting strong."
She flicked my forehead again. I rubbed my forehead.
"Yes, you are. Don't try to bottle up your emotions. Don't try to blame yourself."
She stopped walking, all of a sudden.
"This is my stop, Oscar. I'll see you later."
I didn't even realize that we reached her house. Or rather, the pathway to her house. It was large. Fitting for a noble.