Extra in a Romance Fantasy

24 – The End of the Festival

After that, Estelle and I wandered around here and there.

We ate simple desserts, watched the performances prepared by students, and even attended a performance by an invited poet from outside.

Before preparing the plan, all I had was worry, but fortunately, Estelle’s reaction was not as bad as I had imagined.

At least it didn’t seem boring. I quietly felt a sense of relief in that fact.

However, not everything went according to my plan.

Estelle, being the type whose conscience unraveled when she confirmed something interesting, often moved as she pleased. Thanks to that, my plan completely fell apart from the middle and became utterly futile.

“….”

Now was precisely such a case.

Estelle’s gaze was fixed on a certain booth.

Upon a quick glance, it seemed to be a place selling accessories.

Based on my experience so far, it was as obvious as looking at a flame what would happen in a few seconds.

Sure enough, Estelle started moving towards that booth, step by step.

Since there was no choice but to follow, I immediately followed her.

“Uh, welcome…!”

Now showing the familiar response, students operating the booth welcomed us.

“….”

Estelle didn’t even glance at them and directed her gaze to the accessories lined up on the shelves.

I, too, began to examine the items following her.

Perhaps this booth was run by a club related to metalworking or accessory crafting.

Upon a closer look, the craftsmanship was not bad, considering.

The finishing was clean, and the designs had their own uniqueness.

I might not be crazy about expert items, but at this level, it was definitely of higher quality than the things sold at roadside stalls.

However, that was only speaking from a general standpoint.

Seeing all these rare treasures, from Estelle’s perspective, who had grown up surrounded by them, these might feel like mere pebbles on the roadside. Yet, the person in question was examining them with a rather interesting gaze.

“Aren’t these interesting enough for the Lady to take an interest?”

“Yes. That’s why my interest is piqued.”

Well, for someone who had been living off gold every day, pebbles on the roadside might seem more fascinating.

“How about trying one?”

Although it was a casually uttered remark, Estelle immediately raised her head, as if she had been waiting for those words.

“There’s not much value in accessories bought with my money.”

Saying that, Estelle looked at me with her sparkling eyes.

Her intention was so transparent that I let out a small sigh inwardly and stepped forward.

“What do you like?”

“Well, that’s for you to decide.”

“…”

The most challenging incantation was cast upon me.

It would be comforting to just pick one without hesitation.

Though the complaint crossed my mind, I knew that no matter how much I grumbled or sighed, there was no way I could escape Estelle’s words, so I gracefully surrendered and focused on selecting jewelry.

What would be good?

Here, it would be better to lean towards simplicity rather than choosing something flashy for no reason.

Haphazard brilliance would only appear tacky.

And overly conspicuous items wouldn’t be ideal either.

It’s better to choose something light, small, and inconspicuous.

Setting my own criteria, as I sifted through the display, one ring caught my eye.

The material… I wasn’t sure. Perhaps a kind of alloy crafted with magic.

The ring, simple yet seemingly made with effort to add a touch of elegance, met my criteria quite well.

This should be adequate, I suppose.

“How about this one?”

“Hmm.”

Estelle silently gazed at the ring I pointed to.

After a moment, her lips parted.

“It’s subtle.”

“…”

…After all the trouble I went through to choose.

“Then maybe something else—”

“No. Let’s go with this. There’s still sincerity in your choice.”

Should I be grateful for this, or should I not?

I was truly caught in a subtle emotion.

However, unlike such complicated feelings, my body moved naturally.

I purchased the ring and extended it toward Estelle.

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Estelle, holding the ring in my hand, looked at it intently and soon flashed a mischievous smile.

“Aren’t you going to put it on yourself?”

“How dare I lay a hand on the body of a lady.”

“Only in times like this do you become so eloquent.”

Estelle chuckled as she accepted the ring.

Then, she slipped it onto her own left index finger.

“Not bad, considering.”

It might be hard to tell, but from Estelle’s perspective, it was a compliment.

With the thought of safely overcoming the trial, I inwardly sighed with relief.

“It’s not proper to only receive without giving in return.”

At that moment, Estelle spoke again.

Then, taking out another ring that was stuck on her finger, she offered it to me.

“Take it.”

“…Is this for me?”

“Who else would it be for?”

Though Estelle said that, I couldn’t readily accept the ring.

Because, at a glance, I could tell that the value of that ring was extraordinary.

No, regardless of how it looked to me, it was the ring Estelle had been wearing.

There was no possibility that its value was low.

Exactly, I didn’t know, but it probably held immense value.

It was too expensive a item as compensation for the ring I had given.

So, I tried to refuse.

However.

“Are you disrespecting my sincerity?”

I reluctantly closed my eyes.

If she put it that way, I couldn’t reject her.

In the end, I had no choice but to accept the ring.

“…Thank you.”

“For what? It’s just a return gift for the present.”

Despite having engaged in a completely mismatched transaction, Estelle showed no signs of concern. Instead, a rather satisfied smile adorned her lips.

Time flowed swiftly, and finally, the orange sky rose above.

“It seems like it’s coming to an end now.”

Looking at the vividly colored sky, Estelle remarked.

“Yes.”

I too responded calmly, gazing at the sky.

Soon, night would fall.

And when that happened, this year’s festival would come to a complete end.

Yet, as I found myself immersed in contemplation, gazing at the sunset without providing a straightforward answer.

“Did you enjoy it?”

Suddenly, Estelle threw that question at me.

Did I enjoy it…

The carefully made plans lost their meaning midway, and the entire day was spent being dragged around by Estelle. It was that chaotic, and my mind was equally scattered.

However,

Even though it was a day filled with such a storm.

It wasn’t bad… I think.

At least not to the extent that I felt regret as the festival came to a close.

“…Yes, well.”

But expressing that thought directly didn’t appeal to me, so I mumbled in response.

“You’re still the same cheeky guy.”

Estelle chuckled softly.

“How was your impression?”

Against my usual nature, it was a question I wouldn’t normally ask.

But unknowingly, unintentionally, those words slipped out.

Perhaps the magic of the festival or the dilemma hidden in my mind, which I was forcefully turning away from, might be the cause.

Regardless of the reason, once spoken, words cannot be retrieved.

I could only wait for Estelle’s response.

But I didn’t expect a normal answer.

Because the person in question was Estelle.

“Why are you demanding an answer with such confidence? You’ll probably criticize me for being arrogant.

However, her response was different from what I expected.

“Well, it wasn’t bad.”

With those unexpected words, my gaze naturally turned back to her.

“I should be going now.”

Estelle’s tone changed.

As if announcing the end of a festival, calmly.

“I have to participate in the closing ceremony.”

Estelle is one of the student council members.

It’s usual for student council members to participate in the closing ceremony of big events like festivals.

“So, you go and enjoy the fireworks too.”

Ferdinand Academy’s festival.

The grand finale of this massive event is a magnificent fireworks display created using magic.

“Have you decided who to choose?”

With a mischievous smile, she asked.

“Choose? What am I choosing?”

“That’s obvious. Choose a partner to enjoy the fireworks with.”

“I won’t choose. I’ll watch alone.”

“Hmm. Are you just going to let this golden opportunity slip away?”

As if hearing an unbelievable story, Estelle widened her eyes in a playful manner.

Seeing her intent in the rather expressive expression, I lightly clicked my tongue inwardly.

The fireworks announcing the end of the festival.

It’s said that the heat generated by the festival reaches its peak at that moment.

Well, to put it simply, it’s often watched by lovers or those with feelings for each other.

I’ve heard there are quite a few confessions during that time.

Of course, it was a story that had nothing to do with me.

“Tsk, tsk. How did those two fall for a guy like him?”

Estelle clicked her tongue while shaking her head.

What is this person suddenly talking about?

“What are you talking about?”

“Alright. Don’t worry about it.”

Estelle seemed to have no intention of answering my questions.

Instead, she murmured to herself, “I wonder if I’ll be able to see the conclusion before I graduate.”

“Well, I suppose there’s a certain satisfaction in watching such frustrating stories unfold in their own way. Anyway, it’s done. You can go now.”

“Yes. I’ll be on my way, then.”

Despite feeling a sense of unease from the abrupt departure of the festival crowd, I got up from my seat.

This marks the end of the festival.

The farewell fireworks will begin in a while.

***

Watching Wade’s figure recede into the distance, Estelle felt a subtle sense of regret.

The diminishing figure truly reminded her that the festival had indeed come to an end.

Regret.

Yes, it was regret.

For the first time in years, perhaps even feeling unfamiliar, she was experiencing this emotion.

She only realized now.

That she had genuinely enjoyed today, the festival.

…No, maybe she had known all along.

She had just averted her gaze.

To avoid feeling more regret. And… to avoid being greedy.

Her position itself was not one where she could wholeheartedly enjoy something like a festival, but in reality, she had experienced a festival last year as well.

There might be subtle differences, but the content itself was not significantly different between last year’s festival and this year’s.

However, what remained in her heart was a big difference.

Last year’s festival had left no impression, but this year was different.

To the point where it brought back the regret she had forgotten.

Where this difference originated, she didn’t need to ponder.

She looked down at the ring on her left index finger.

Originally, it was a ring so cheap that she wouldn’t even bother putting it on.

Estelle gently touched the ring with cautious fingers.

A bitter smile crossed her face.

She never imagined that the time spent with that man would stir her emotions like this.

The time she spent with him was enjoyable.

Because of that, because she knew that fact, she deliberately distanced herself from him.

She thought it would be best not to indulge in that desire if she wanted to remain as she was.

That was not an option.

That desire would undoubtedly become her weakness, and it would undoubtedly ruin his life as well.

Such a thing should not happen.

Estelle broke up with him because she believed that.

She even made excuses in person.

She never had any intention of attending the closing ceremony.

She only used it as an excuse.

Technically, the student council president should have attended, but a delegate could have been sent.

Not participating in official events was not a big deal to her.

Unless it was an unavoidable situation, using a delegate was not allowed, but even such rules couldn’t confine Estelle.

No one could say anything to her just because she slightly broke the regulations.

Feeling bitter, Estelle finally took off the ring.

The dream was over.

It was time to return to reality.

“…I should watch the fireworks in a quiet place.”

If she entered the room in her current state of mind, she felt like she couldn’t stand the suffocation.

“I’ll guide you. I have a place prepared.”

At that moment, her escort knight, Estelle, stepped forward.

Estelle looked at Renee with a newly awakened gaze.

A woman who had always been by her side since she was young.

A woman who had maintained that position despite any threats or countless hardships.

And her only friend with whom she could open up her heart.

“…Yes. In the end, there is only you.”

Even after hearing about her reputation and rumors, there were quite a few who tried to get closer to her.

However, none of them had any ulterior motives.

They crawled before her, wearing masks, seeking wealth, power, and authority.

That was the case for everyone.

And the only exception was René.

Therefore, Estelle also trusted René alone and entrusted her own protection to him.

“…But I’m not truly alone.”

A lonely path.

A path that could only be lonely.

Just having a companion who could walk that path with you might be a blessing in itself, comforting oneself.

With that thought in mind, Estelle let out a sigh of regret and bitterness.

“…Yes. Lead the way.”

“Yes.”

The loyal bodyguard took the lead, and the princess followed behind.

The destination of René’s footsteps was the forest located at the center of the academy.

A forest where no one sought, and even in this moment when the academy was ablaze with the heat of the festival, only stillness descended upon the forest.

Although it was a place considered dangerous enough for no one to approach, Estelle paid it no mind.

Rather, she thought it was convenient that there were no people around.

They walked through the forest for some time.

They arrived at an open space within the forest.

A fairly spacious field inside the forest.

“It’s not a bad place to watch the fireworks for sure.”

Quiet, devoid of people, and with a clear view of the sky.

It was indeed a suitable place to watch the fireworks.

Estelle took a deep breath.

The distinct scent created by the forest settled on the bridge of her nose.

That freshness, in a way, seemed to improve her mood a bit.

And so, she looked up at the darkening night sky, waiting for the fireworks.

“…An uninvited guest has arrived.”

Suddenly, Estelle murmured.

Rustle—

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The gentle sound of grass that was heard a moment ago now resonated ominously.

And…

“You’re quick to notice.”

Several figures emerged from the shadows created by the forest.

Cloaked in black fabric that enveloped their entire bodies, wielding weapons in their hands.

Their intentions were clear.

“It seems even being soaked in arrogance doesn’t grant the freedom to act as one pleases. This situation is quite something,” Estelle murmured softly, lowering her head from gazing at the sky.

Uninvited guests who seemed to have set their sights on her.

However, Estelle didn’t display a hint of surprise.

Being in a life-threatening situation was practically her daily routine.

“Well then, who sent you?”

“Do you think we’ll tell you willingly?”

The apparent leader chuckled at Estelle’s question.

However, the leader’s expression soon changed abruptly.

“…Normally, we wouldn’t bother saying this, but since it’s a life-or-death situation anyway, might as well tell you. It was His Imperial Highness who sent us.”

“His Imperial Highness.”

Estelle.

Surprisingly, it was her half-brother.

In a way, they shared blood, but their interactions were minimal.

Moreover, he had never shown any ambition toward the throne.

He had lived quietly, almost like a mouse, and thanks to that, he managed to survive in his precarious position.

The fact that he sent assassins was quite unexpected, even for Estelle.

…Of course, assuming the intruders were telling the truth.

Estelle wasn’t a naive woman to believe their words outright.

Well, the truth could be confirmed slowly.

Estelle cleared her mind of distractions.

Not a hint of tension showed on her face.

She had confidence in herself.

Confidence that she would survive this time as well.

Sliiick—

The escort knight, René, unsheathed his sword and stepped forward.

—

With that, she blocked Estelle’s path and aimed her sword at the intruders.

Looking at their backs, Estelle felt an odd sense of appreciation, out of place.

How many times had she looked at those backs?

It must have been countless.

The tyrant.

Becoming a tyrant, she had faced innumerable assassination attempts.

Each time, René frequently stood in front of her, shielding her from the enemies.

Since she was young. Always.

And today, too, she found herself looking at their back.

Perhaps she would see this painting many more times in the future.

Such thoughts, ones she wouldn’t usually dwell on, Estelle pondered.

Was it because she, too, was influenced by the festival’s magic?

Or was it because she still longed for the remnants of a dream?

Feeling the bitterness she thought had disappeared, she tasted it again on her tongue and let go of unresolved thoughts.

It wasn’t an appropriate time to indulge in musings.

That could happen after dealing with the intruders; it wouldn’t be too late.

Estelle’s expression turned somber.

As if the expression she wore during the day’s festival was a lie, the current her was not human but a statue crafted from ice—cold and unyielding.

Yet.

That ice, which seemed firmer than steel, was soon penetrated.

By a woman, due to the actions of her faithful knight.

René, who had been aiming her sword at the intruders, abruptly turned her body.

Then, instead of aiming the sword at the enemy, she directed it towards her own master.

“I apologize, Your Highness.”

Words colder than her sharp sword pierced Estelle’s heart.