Along with the Calculations
Because Elizalina-sama is calculating, it’d be better if she weren’t by my side…?
And that would make me happier…?
“…”
The atmosphere around Elizalina-sama completely changed, becoming heavy in a way it hadn’t been before.
There was clearly something weighing on her mind behind those words, and if I could, I wanted to say something that showed concern for her.
But since I didn’t understand what she was truly thinking, there was no way I could offer that kind of careful response.
If that was the case… then all I could do was honestly say how I felt about what she’d just asked.
“I don’t think I’d be happier if Elizalina-sama weren’t by my side.”
“…!”
“Actually, I enjoy talking with you, Elizalina-sama. And since you’re usually so busy, I haven’t had many chances to speak with you before. If I had the opportunity, I’d like to talk with you even more.”
“But I’m a very calculating person, you know? Like I was about to say earlier, even teaching you like this just now wasn’t because I’m kind, or anything like that…”
Then, even though it clearly wasn’t easy for her to say, Elizalina-sama continued what she’d hesitated over before.
“It might be because I wanted to spend more time with you, Lux… Of course, there was also a part of me that genuinely wanted to help you, but most of all…”
“The fact that you wanted to spend time with me and taught me like this isn’t a bad thing at all!”
“…! L-Lux?”
As Elizalina-sama spoke with a hint of guilt in her voice, I leaned forward and told her firmly.
Our shoulders had already been close enough to almost touch, so when I leaned in, our bodies ended up fully pressed together. But that didn’t matter right now, so I continued.
“Both you wanting to spend time with me and you teaching me are things that just make me happy!”
“…Even if everything else was also a calculation meant to deepen your relationship with me, would you still say the same?”
“Of course. Like I’ve said again and again, I’m happy. If that’s what Elizalina-sama’s calculations are, then I want to accept all of them and keep spending time together with you from now on.”
When I said that, Elizalina-sama’s eyes widened, and then.
She hugged me again.
“E-Elizalina-sama!?”
To my surprise, Elizalina-sama spoke in a cheerful, almost relieved tone.
“You really always say things I never expect, Lux… and someone like you, I…”
She tightened her arms around me, but didn’t say the rest of what she’d started.
Then, in a calmer voice, she continued.
“I’m sorry, Lux, for suddenly saying something strange like that. When you actually get close, I can’t help but feel anxious.”
Getting close… what did she mean by that…?
As I was wondering, Elizalina-sama suddenly returned to her usual demeanor, enough to blow away those doubts, and said,
“But really! Lux! After you said something like that to me… I’m really not going to hold back anymore, okay!”
Not hold back…?
I still didn’t understand what she meant, but after that, I stayed wrapped in Elizalina-sama’s arms for a while longer as she looked genuinely happy.
Partway through, Elizalina-sama muttered something in a voice I couldn’t hear.
“Just a little longer, and I’ll pour everything I have into you… so wait for me, Lux…”
After that, as Elizalina-sama continued teaching me about negotiation techniques, it gradually grew late.
So the two of us left the library together, said our goodbyes in front of it for the day, and returned home in our respective carriages.
…The commerce practicum, and the time Elizalina-sama had mentioned, were already drawing closer, to a day not far off.