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Long Day (3): Seven Mysteries and I

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“We’re doing the same thing as you.” (Rita)

In the room with no light, Rita-san, sitting next to me on my bed, indeed said that.

“What do you mean by that?” (Lux)

“It means exactly what I said. I, we, have been moving in various ways to end the war. And you created the perfect situation for us. That’s why we took advantage of it. Lux, didn’t you find it strange? The movements from when you found the journal until now have been too quick.” (Rita)

I did think that. Especially Heinz, who was tilting his head, but so this was what was behind it.

“Rita-san’s allies?” (Lux)

“I can’t tell you the details, but, well… you also know the princess’s younger brother, right? He is our ally. We are planning to support him. It’s a card we don’t want to use, but if it comes to it, rely on him.” (Rita)

“Follet-san? If that’s the case, shouldn’t Rita-san’s group have secured the journal themselves…?” (Lux)

“Things are not so simple. The royal family has to be convinced, and a third party must try to use it for good purposes. There are also various other conditions that must be met. Only under such circumstances can we act. The journal was such a volatile thing. Therefore, the fact that you got your hands on it… is like a miracle.” (Rita)

“I see…” (Lux)

At that, Rita-san exhaled softly.

“I thought it would work, but as expected, an obstruction came in.” (Rita)

“The Deran Household… they’re making Rita-san their target…” (Lux)

“Yes. To be precise, it’s the military nobles. They are in a situation that benefits them right now. Under the incompetent princess, who dislikes conflicts and turns a blind eye, they are increasing their power by relying on military nobles who act on their behalf. That’s why they came to crush us.” (Rita)

“But didn’t the ceasefire declaration just come out?” (Lux)

“If we break off negotiations, they won’t push too hard. The military nobles are probably trying to disrupt the talks between the two countries before the academy’s competition. Lux, promise me. Don’t get any further involved.” (Rita)

“That… I can’t promise.” (Lux)

“I see… but if you feel you should pull back, then retreat immediately. This is not something you should bear.” (Rita)

In the darkness, Rita-san and I glared at each other for a while. It was Rita-san who broke the gaze first.

“I’ve stayed too long. I just wanted to tell you how to handle things if Noris gets caught. I’ll leave now.” (Rita)

“Leave…? How? All the exits are sealed.” (Lux)

“Well, let’s see. I’ll think of something.” (Rita-san)

“Well then.” (Rita)

Rita-san said, standing up without a sound, and I reflexively grabbed her wrist. She looked at me with a puzzled expression. I mustered up my courage and looked at Rita-san.

“I know a safe way to escape.” (Lux)

“Could it be the underground passage of the western mansion? That one won’t work. The mansion is probably locked down as well.” (Rita-san)

I shook my head.

“Probably a route you wouldn’t expect.” (Lux)

I smiled a little.

 

—

 

Without turning on the room light, Rita-san and I spoke bit by bit until late into the night. Rita-san shared amusing stories from the battlefield. I, on the other hand, whispered stories from my life in the southern village. Somehow, we both avoided discussing the ceasefire.

In the dead of night, after the students had fallen asleep, we cautiously exited through the back door of the dormitory. Fortunately, there were no signs of soldiers from the Deran Household nearby. However, without even needing to check, it was obvious that the area was brightly lit, clearly under a state of alert.

“This way.” (Lux)

Rita-san and I moved as quietly as possible, heading towards the thicket at the back of the dorm. Both Rita-san and I had a bit of confidence in moving undetected. After passing through the thicket, we cleared away the ivy that usually conceals the wall. We opened the door that led to the castle wall.

“!?!” (Rita)

I could feel Rita-san’s surprise. I beckoned her to enter. We cautiously climbed the dark passage and reached the top of the castle wall. We slowly opened the top, being careful to make no noise. When we poked our heads out, the wind was strong. With this, it seemed that footfalls wouldn’t be easily noticed.

“This is…?” (Rita-san)

Rita-san seemed to judge that it was safe enough from the sound of the wind. She spoke while looking around in surprise.

“This is our secret place. Come on, this way.” (Lux)

I briefly explained and led her south along the top of the castle wall, crouching as we went.

When we reached the south gate and peeked down, we saw more than 10 soldiers gathered. This area required us to hold our breath and move cautiously.

Outside of the castle gates, torches blazed brightly, and many soldiers wandered about. On the other hand, inside the academy, the security seemed to be centered around the main streets. It seemed that they thought the only way to leave the academy was through the gates, which is why the guards were placed there.

We passed through the south gate and headed toward the west gate, which had a similar situation. Fortunately, neither gate had soldiers patrolling the walls. After passing through both gates from the top of the castle walls, we arrived at the opposite side by climbing down the stairs from the castle walls. Below the castle walls was the practical training area.

The practical training area in the dead of night was silent, in stark contrast to the noise outside. Particularly in the wilderness area, there were no people.

“From there, we can drop down to the practical training area. Be careful, as the footing is hard to see in the dark.” (Lux)

Rita-san nodded in response. I confirmed it, and we cautiously descended the wall to the practical training area. From there, I guided her with hand signals. Clinging to the wall to avoid being noticed, we aimed for the northern hill.

As we neared the hill, we once again crouched and headed toward the river that flows into the artificial lake.

I remember… somewhere around here…

“Rita-san, can you help me for a moment? I want to open this without making too much noise.” (Lux)

Saying that, I approached a door on the ground.

It was the entrance to the culvert that Burke-sensei had shown us when we were investigating the mystery of the artificial lake as part of the Seven Mysteries. The door opened, and we slipped inside.

“This is as far as I go. I need to close the door.” (Lux)

“To think… you knew this place so well, Lux.” (Rita)

“It was just by chance. This leads to the town’s river. The river eventually flows into the Beat River.” (Lux)

The Beat River flows through the town of Rodon. There was about a person’s height difference between the street and the river, and although it’s narrow, there was a walkway along the edge. Rita-san should be able to escape using this route.

“Thank you for everything.” (Rita)

“No problem.” (Lux)

Then, as Rita-san turned her back, I called out to her.

“We’ll meet again. For sure!” (Lux)

Hearing my words, Rita-san turned slightly and replied.

“Yeah, for sure.” (Rita)

And with those words, she melted into the darkness of the culvert, never to be seen again.

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