(??? POV)
Dandelions.
A flower that can be found almost everywhere.
While not as rare as the Lycoris, known as the Red Spider Lily, both flowers carry a heavy meaning.
Death.
The red spider lily is often associated with "sad memories," signaling last goodbyes and the loss of loved ones. In contrast, dandelions resonate with themes of "letting go" and "moving on."
I used to love dandelions so much that I would take a basket to pick them from my family's garden, crafting cute crowns to wear on my head. The innocent child in me adored these simple joys, recalling the moments my late mother would play with me all day.
But everything changed when the Fifth Catalyst appeared in the world.
...
..
.
Before I realized it, I had lost everything I held dear.
I was now alone.
***
I still remember the first time I met him.
"I'll get straight to the point. I'm not your average teacher or any professor you'll find in schools across the continent."
At that time, he had a kind face. With his crimson-red hair and blue eyes, he awkwardly smiled as he spoke in front of us.
"Unlike most people, I was born TALENTLESS. I don't have magical powers or abilities like everyone else. My body is weak. Even the weapons everyone wields could potentially kill me."
"I'm just a powerless human... But that's not the main reason I say I'm different from other teachers and professors."
He adjusted his glasses and tilted his head with an innocent smile that only widened.
"Even though I'm Talentless, I'm capable of many things that normal people do.
I'm just your GUIDE."
What was my first impression of him?
Weak.
He truly seemed weak.
Even without using my power, I could easily take him down with my fist.
He looked so pitiful that I started to pity him.
But that perspective changed instantly when he saved me.
The weakest human in history... How?
I couldn't accept it. I didn't want to. How could a powerless human plan everything so perfectly? He had no strength, no magic, no abilities to defend himself. His only protection was a simple wristband created by the principal for his defense. Yet, how could he singlehandedly lead us to victory?
He was so smart it terrified me.
So, I decided to challenge him. I gathered other students who shared my thoughts and formed a group.
He needs to go, I thought. But why? I wasn't entirely sure. Was it just fear...? I hoped it was.
A few of the students he had saved joined him, but there were only ten in total... We numbered around fifty, so it was clear we outmatched them.
Yet, it felt miraculous.
Despite the odds, he emerged victorious. We couldn't even reach him.
"You're a good leader," he remarked, "managing to gather such a large group in a short time and rally them against me."
"However," he continued, "you failed to realize how predictable you are. You're like an open book—too easy to read. That is your weakness."
He didn't insult me or expel me, despite having the power to do so. His words were meant as a lesson, nothing more.
Afterward, I gradually opened up and apologized.
This led me to understand him better.
He may act degenerate and somewhat foolish at times, but his heart is in the right place; he genuinely cares for all his students.
...But there's one thing I hate about him for sure,
He's a pervert.
I came to realize that my own foolishness and misunderstandings had led to that situation.
Embarrassment washed over me, and I started avoiding him.
As time went on, our relationship gradually improved. I learned more about his story, and he got to know me better too.
A year later, the Sixth Catalyst emerged in the world.
Luckily, the Academy had him as the strategist.
His presence alone shifted the outcome significantly.
He managed to reduce casualties dramatically, a stark contrast to the Fifth Catalyst seven years earlier.
In the midst of this, witnessing his ability to handle the Sixth Catalyst with such ease stirred something in my chest.
As the days flew by, our interactions became increasingly awkward—primarily because of me.
Perhaps it was the way he said my name or how he played his game.
I couldn't pinpoint it, but I knew…
I had fallen for him.
At first, I tried to deny it, but as time passed, my feelings only intensified with every moment we spent together.
I found myself plagued by jealousy whenever I saw him with other students.
His popularity, especially among professors and peers, only made my feelings worse.
Why did I have to fall for him, anyway?
He's a complicated person—a degenerate at times, caught up in inappropriate antics like peeking into the female bathroom alongside male students. He collects figurines and even checks beneath them for absurd reasons like to see their panties... And yet, despite his flaws, he prioritizes his students' safety above all else... If anything goes awry in his plans, he personally ensures they are okay, often at the expense of his own well-being.
He embodies the essence of responsibility, taking it upon himself in every situation.
But...
"If we had never met you, we would have remained happy."
...
Why did I say that to him?
...
Why did I place the blame on him in the end?
...
He fought tirelessly to save everyone, yet I never considered his feelings. Instead, I insulted him and held him accountable for everything that went wrong.
I could still remember how his usual kind expression became forced as he looked at me with his facade.
It irritated me to the point that I ended up slapping him.
"I wish you to just die in a miserable death!"
By the time I realized what I said to him, it was already too late. I wanted to apologize, but my pride and ego didn't forced me not to.
...
In the end, I never got to apologize to him.
...
If only I hadn't spoken those harsh words.
If only I could go back in time and stop myself from saying it.
Would he still be alive today?
...I guess I'll never know.
But one thing for sure,
I killed him.
***
(Saber POV)
Two days had passed.
After what happened the other day, we gradually began to spend more time with each other. Although the time for me to leave is getting near, I tried to stop thinking about it.
Though our relationship right now was awkward, it wasn't strained unlike the first week I got here.
However, that wasn't the problem.
"This is..."
My senses were right.
Staring at the chess pieces before me, I swallowed hard as beads of sweat formed on my forehead.
I never made a blunder back then.
But instead,
I unconsciously fell into the trap she laid.
...
..
.
I never considered myself the best player in every game...
After all, there are hidden talents capable of outshining and defeating me. However, those individuals are rare. Essentially, only true geniuses in their respective fields can claim that victory.
I'm just a clone of perfection. I can never be flawless, just as no one can excel at everything. We can improve, but never reach near perfection.
One might call me a jack of all trades.
"Checkmate."
"...."
I slowly lifted my gaze to the girl before me, noticing the light that once illuminated her whole face had the lower part of her face faded. She... she was smiling.
"Now it's my turn to ask you for a favor~"
She stood up, rearranging her seat with a playful flair.
"Let's play hide and seek."