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Toward the New Year

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Somehow, I managed to return to the Rodon city before the end of the year.

I let out a sigh of relief as I returned to the empty dormitory, but before I knew it, it was already the last day of the year. In the village where I lived, we would quietly spend time at home, and when the new year arrived, everyone would gather in the square and eat a little something special together. However, it seems that things are quite different in this town.

Even before the year changes, many stalls are bustling along the streets, and even regular shops are open late just for this day. When the town’s bell rings to announce the new year, people nearby celebrate the arrival of the new year together.

On this day, the dormitory has no curfew. Except for those in charge of gate security, most of the staff are out in the town. In fact, the academy is even more deserted than during the summer vacation, and even though there is a curfew, it’s quite relaxed.

I, along with Heinz, Sonia, the ones staying in the dormitory, as well as Lev and Lites, and also Noris, and Mitia from the research building, were all walking through the town together.

It was a very varied and unusual combination, but there was a reason for this.

Actually, recently, Gellar and Mitia have been hanging out with Noris quite often. In fact, while we were on a mission heading north after the closing ceremony, it seems they were mostly spending their time at Rita-san’s house.

Rita-san was very busy and felt bad that she couldn’t spend time with Noris, so she welcomed them with open arms. By the way, Hana had made plans with local friends and was absent this time.

On a moonlit night, we were led through the streets by Noris, who has become quite accustomed to life in Rodon.

“Since we’re at it, let’s welcome the new year along the Pete River!” (Noris)

The Pete River was a large river that ran through the town of Rodon. The water flowing through the academy’s artificial pond eventually flow into this river. The riverside was a place of rest for the townspeople, especially lively during the summer. In contrast, it was peaceful in the winter, but today, it was bustling with people.

Though I thought it would be cold in the dead of night in mid-winter, the crowd was so large that it wasn’t as cold as I expected. Still, from time to time, a cold breeze would pass through, and I pulled my scarf closer to my neck. Seeing me, Sonia looked a little pleased. And for some reason, Noris, who was watching, looked quite satisfied.

“Oh, there’s something that looks delicious.” (Lites)

Lites, whose unyielding passion for food stalls never fades, was, even without his comrade Ratt-kun, eagerly checking out the food.

After buying skewers for everyone, he soon returned with soup as well. While the skewers were nice, the warm soup was especially welcome.

“By the way, Mitia, weren’t you going home for the holidays?” (Lux)

I asked Mitia, who was happily munching on a skewer right behind me. I didn’t ask about Gellar since I already knew the circumstances.

“Well, I don’t have any close friends back home, so…” (Mitia)

She answered, looking somewhat apologetic.

It seems there are some family circumstances, so it seems best not to pry any further. Everyone has their own situations.

“…It reminds me of the past.” (Lev)

Lev muttered softly.

“Lev, do you have any memories of a scene like this?” (Heinz)

He asked, and Lev made a slightly troubled face.

“I didn’t mean to say it, but it’s not really a good memory. Back when I hadn’t even entered the orphanage, I used to spend time by this river with Lites.” (Lev)

While we were unsure of what to say, Lites continued the conversation.

“Now, looking back, it’s a good memory. Thanks to that, sleeping in the old school building doesn’t feel hard at all.” (Lites)

He jokingly spoke of the times when he and Heinz would sneak around the academy at night, changing the atmosphere.

“Oh, the bell’s about to ring.” (Sonia)

Sonia pointed toward the bell. Before the bell rings loudly, it chimes a few times as a warning. The faint sound of these small chimes could be heard through the noise. People around us gradually became silent, facing the bell.

Karo-n, Karo-n, Karo-n

In the dry air, only the sound of the bell echoed.

Roooonnnnnn…

When the bells started to ring, Sonia, who was beside me, pulled on my coat sleeve. I turned to look in that direction.

“I look forward to working with you again this year.” (Sonia)

“Me too.” (Lux)

I replied.

 

—

 

*Today’s Diary*

The most eventful year of my life probably ended, and a new year began.

After exchanging greetings at midnight and returning to the dormitory, before writing this diary, I reread some of my past entries.

The more I read, the more I wonder if this really happened to me, but all of it is something I’ve definitely experienced. It’s strange. How did it come to this?

It’s not just about myself. Recently, I even got to hear about Grandfather, Tou-san, and Kaa-san’s past.

As for my parents, I wasn’t too surprised. I had a hunch that Grandfather was hiding something, and there were parts I had suspected. Honestly, I was more surprised to learn that Grandfather had been a colonel.

But, although I never really minded not having parents, it’s a different story when I hear they were betrayed and killed. I do have feelings about it. However, that doesn’t change anything for now. I have to shift my mindset and move forward.

What kind of sniper was Grandfather? How did he come to possess the serial number 0 of his beloved rifle, the Counter?

Someday, I want to meet General Isaiah and ask him many things. Once the ceasefire is in place, I wonder if I could visit him freely?

 

—

 

After the noisy first half of the year, it became really quiet after the new year started.

I enjoyed reading at the library, played with Heinz and the others, and spent time with Sonia, and before I knew it, six days had passed.

Today, as I was about to leave the dormitory to spend the morning at the library, I encountered someone at the entrance.

“Ah, just the person I was looking for.” (Lamie)

“Oh, Lamie-senpai. Happy New Year. You’re back early.” (Lux)

“Ah, Happy New Year. But let’s get to the point. Do you have time now?” (Lamie)

“Sure, what’s up?” (Lux)

“I want to go over some information. About Zel and your gun.” (Lamie)

…It looks like the new semester will be quite hectic.

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