A Weak Subject
Siana’s Side
“Master, will you be going out anywhere today?”
It was the morning after she had gone with Lux to the Florence ducal estate.
When Siana asked Lux that question, he answered in his usual gentle voice.
“I don’t have any particular reason to go out today, so I think I’ll just stay in the mansion.”
Upon hearing that, Siana responded in a slightly high-pitched voice.
“I see…! In that case, may I be allowed to remain by your side all day today, Master?”
“Sure, that’s fine… but I’m planning to focus on studying one of my weak subjects today, so you might see a less-than-impressive side of me…”
“There is no such thing as Master looking unimpressive! However… may I ask what your weak subject is?”
Lux is, by nature, quite intelligent.
He doesn’t seem very aware of it himself, or perhaps he sets his sights so high that he ends up underestimating his own abilities. Still, his academic skills are unquestionably among the top of his age group. In fact, in the academic examination previously held at the noble academy, he placed second.
Moreover, Lux isn’t just intelligent, his swordsmanship is also formidable.
That too had been proven when he overwhelmed three male students at once. And because Siana rarely ever saw Lux show signs of struggling with anything, she asked out of pure curiosity. After a brief pause, Lux answered.
“…It’s a subject called Tactical Theory.”
“…I see.”
Upon hearing that, everything clicked into place for Siana.
“In Tactical Theory, the main focus is on how to minimize the casualties among one’s own people when fighting other nations or territories. I agree with that principle, of course… but many of the strategies are based on the idea that sacrificing a few to save many is acceptable. I know, logically, that it’s not something one could actually do. And I understand it’s all just hypothetical, so there’s no point in getting emotional over it… but I can’t help it. I just keep thinking, I want there to be zero sacrifices. And that makes it hard to concentrate.”
What Lux had just said was exactly what Siana had expected when she asked about his weak subject.
Hearing that, Siana thought to herself, There’s no way someone as kind as Lux-kun could handle a subject that assumes people will die, whether they’re friend or foe. I’ll make absolutely sure that Lux-kun never ends up in a situation where tactical theory is even needed. That’s why Lux-kun can rest easy now. Even so, I really wonder just how kind Lux-kun can possibly be.
Feeling once again overwhelmed by Lux’s kindness, Siana opened her mouth and spoke.
“It is precisely because of Master’s kindness… in that case, let us begin by studying tactical theories that do not involve any sacrifices.”
“W-What? That kind of tactical theory exists?”
“Yes, I’ve studied a little of it before.”
“Tactical theory without sacrifices… Siana! Could you teach it to me?”
As Lux asked her that with shining eyes, Siana replied with a smile.
“Of course, I’d be happy to.”
After that, Siana began teaching Lux about tactical theory that avoids sacrifices. While she was doing so…
Lux listened to the topic with such serious focus that Siana found herself captivated by his expression. She nearly lost track of her own thoughts from gazing at him, but managed to keep herself grounded by reminding herself that this was for Lux’s sake, and somehow succeeded in teaching him the entire lesson.
Elizalina’s Side
Elizalina had come into town wearing a red hood, just as she had decided the night before.
She had decided that if she couldn’t meet Lux that day, she would take it as a sign that their connection wasn’t meant to be, and she would try to forget him. That was her resolve, but…
“I thought he’d be in town since it’s a holiday, but he’s nowhere to be found… Where are you, Lux… Lux…”
Before she realized it, Elizalina had been walking all over, searching for Lux, and the day had already begun to fade into twilight.
“I told myself that if I didn’t find him, I’d let him go, but I can’t do it… Just once more, one more time… I want to see Lux… I want to see him…? No, it’s not that I want to see Lux. I just want to bring this dream to an end… Is that really the truth? Maybe it doesn’t even matter. Right now, all I know is, I want to see Lux.”
Though she wished for it, Lux did not appear before her.
“Lux…”
As it was getting dark, she could no longer justify wandering alone through the streets looking for him. So, Elizalina returned to the royal castle.
And from that day on, Elizalina began going into town nearly every day, searching for Lux.