And so, my first day at the Royal Academy finally arrived.
After I finished getting ready and as I made my way to the carriage, something surprising happened.
"Eh...? Ash-sama!?"
What in the world. Ash-sama, who was supposed to be in Baltzrein, was here.
"It's been a while, Angelina."
"Y-yes. It's been a wh— no, it hasn't been that long since we parted, has it? It hasn't been a while, Ash-sama."
"Hahaha. You're absolutely right."
Why in the world was he here?
After all, he's supposed to be at the frontier, a two-week carriage ride from the capital.
"Don't worry. I only came after receiving everyone's approval and making sure everything was fine. Baltzrein will not fall to magical beasts."
"N-no. I wasn't doubting that..."
Magical beasts emerge from the Great Forest beyond the wall in the northern frontier, but it happens in cycles.
There are days when the attacks are relentless, and there are periods when things are relatively calm and peaceful.
So it wasn't that Ash-sama could never leave at all.
Above all, the knights in that region are all highly skilled and their loyalty to their lord ran deep.
They should be able to fill the void left by Ash-sama for a while.
That said, I had not expected we would meet again at such an unexpected time.
"... Actually, to be honest, everyone pushed me to come after you."
"Pardon?"
"We'll be living apart for a long time. Even if we've decided to marry in the future, we can't ignore the time leading up to that... That's something I fully agree with as well. The, that is to say, please forgive me, Angelina."
"E-eh? Ash-sama?"
"I cannot hand you over to anyone else. So, I want to walk with you to the Academy... and show the other students that you and I are in a relationship. They told me to show them how it is. Everyone brought out my true feelings."
"Aah..."
A-ah, I see. Everyone in the frontier really loves Ash-sama.
And their relationships were very close-knit.
Everyone was quite eager and a bit of a handful when it comes to Ash-sama's marriage prospects.
A prime example was his younger sister Aria-san, whose self-interest was slightly evident.
Of course, her selfish motive was, "I want to call her Angelina Onee-sama!"
Ash-sama must have been pushed by them all to come this far.
Going with the flow and separately, "I want to do this too. Right then, let's do it."
He must have come to the capital with his head held high and full of confidence.
We've only known each other for half a year, but I've gotten a pretty good grasp of their characters.
"In other words, Ash-sama, you intend to walk me to the Academy?"
"Yes. Will you allow me to, Angelina? As your fiancé, I cannot be by your side at the Academy, but..."
Right. Ash-sama is five years older than me. He graduated from the Academy long ago.
With permission, he could probably enter the grounds...
I couldn't very well drag a Margrave around for the sake of my school life on an ordinary day.
Instead, he wanted to make it known that he is my fiancé; that he cares for me.
Yes, he'll make that clear to the other students.
I've already shared my concerns regarding my engagement to him.
So that I would not be made light of at the Academy as a lonely woman.
"Hehe. Was this Elk-kun's idea?"
"In fact, it is. 'The first impression is everything, Ash-sama,' he said. But after hearing that, I really wanted to do it."
"Yes. I understand. Thank you, Ash-sama."
"... Then, may I escort you to the Academy, Angelina?"
"Yes. Gladly. Ash-sama."
I extended my hand to him, and he took it.
And he escorted me to the Margrave's carriage that had been brought all the way here just for this.
"How long do you plan to stay here, Ash-sama?"
"Since I have come to the capital. I'm thinking of taking the opportunity to pay my respects to His Majesty. I have already booked a room at an inn."
Calling meeting His Majesty as "taking the opportunity"... Hmph, how disrespectful...
But, what that meant was that meeting me was his main purpose.
I was a little embarrassed. Though I'm also happy about it.
"Then, you'll be staying for several days?"
"Yes. That's the plan. I can't exactly stay here for months on end..."
"I suppose not."
What should I do? I'd love to show him around the capital while he's here.
If I asked him, he seemed the type who would adjust his schedule around it.
But then, that might put a strain on his schedule. After all, the frontier is far and it takes several days to get there.
I wanted him to spend his time as planned, get proper rest, and then make the trip back.
"Angelina."
"Yes, Ash-sama."
"... If it would be all right with you, that is."
"Yes."
"After I've paid my respects to His Majesty. While I am here... would you like to walk through the capital with me?"
Ash-sama proposed what I was thinking. Is it all right?
Of course, I would like to spend time with him if it's allowed.
"This can be before you go to the Academy, or after. I think you'll need some time to get used to things, so I won't force you."
"N-no! I'll go with you!"
"Good!"
A bright smile blossomed on Ash-sama's face. He seemed pleased.
But, surely the happier one between us was me.
On top of giving me a ride this morning, he even agreed to meet up with me.
We spent the last six months... in an awkward situation where we both... were embarrassed.
It's not that I'm attracted to him. Maybe we're attracted to each other...? But? Still...?
... We've been enjoying our time together like this, enjoying the uncertainty of whether we'll become lovers or not.
It was the first day of the Academy, but I was so giddy that I almost lost my footing.
Truly, I'm so glad we were able to finalise this match.
And so, the carriage entered the Academy grounds and pulled up at the carriage stop.
Ash-sama stepped down first, and offered his hand toward me.
"Thank you, Ash-sama."
"Yes."
I stepped down from the carriage with his help.
The unfamiliar carriage of the Margrave house must have stood out, for we'd already drawn a fair share of attention.
I had Ash-sama take my hand, making sure everyone saw us as a loving couple.
I didn't know whether to feel happy or embarrassed.
But time passed in the blink of an eye. Outside the school gates, this time was over.
Ash-sama was already an adult, so he couldn't very well take my hand and walk around the school grounds.
That would come across as him being unable to read the room instead of him looking cool.
"Ash-sama. Well then, see you later."
"Yes. I'll come pick you up after school. I'll have someone else come pick you up if I can't come."
"Understood. Thank you, Ash-sama."
"Angelina."
"Yes."
There. Ash-sama hesitated, just slightly, but...
He gently pressed his lips against my forehead. Very lightly. Barely a touch's worth of a kiss.
It wasn't on my lips. But, in such a place of all places!?
"A, Ash-sama...! Uh, um!"
"No, that. 'Show at least this much,' ... Aria, said..."
Aria-san! What are you having him do!? Wait, hasn't this gone beyond making a show of things!?
I was so embarrassed it felt as if my face was on fire.
"Angelina. That. D-do your best..."
"Y-yes. Ash-sama, thank you, very much..."
We managed to give our farewells with both our faces flushed red.
I must admit, it was quite a turbulent start right from day one.
Even if we are engaged, it has still only been about half a year since we've met. Marriage is still a long way off.
There's no need to rush things. So there's really no need for passionate things just yet.
"Haa..."
If anything, won't this only make me a target for endless teasing?
I'm fifteen, no, I'm actually sixteen now.
My partner is a man who is no longer a student; an adult who properly defends his own territory.
... A man five years my senior somehow shines brighter than those of my age.
"Haa, honestly."
I lightly slapped my cheeks to cool them down. I'll pull myself together and do my best.
I am only standing at the starting line.
... And so.
I had no idea that there was a female student watching this exchange from a distance.