Chapter 17 (1/2)

Fireflies

Time swiftly pa.s.ses by.

The forest expedition lasted for one week and tomorrow is the last day.

I think back on the events that have happened so far as I got into bed.

During this expedition I've fought against monsters that can use multiple types of magic and even Luluna. I think this trip was good for my growth.

”….I can't sleep.”

For some reason I just can't sleep.

I continued to toss and turn in bed.

The rustling of the sheets is the only sound that could be heard in the room.

I'm the only one in the room.

It's not like I'm being treated special because I'm in the advanced cla.s.s. Each of the students in the general cla.s.s has their own room as well.

That's simply because this building is huge.

”Lute…are you awake….?”

As I was thinking about this, I could hear a voice from outside my door.

That voice…..Luluna?

”I'm awake. Just a minute.”

I turn on the light in my room and open the door.

After opening it I saw Luluna, Tsurugi, and Patricia. The full force of Cla.s.s A a.s.sembled outside my room.

”What's wrong? At this time of night.”

”If you're feeling better Lute-dono, we wanted to invite you to see the fireflies with us.”

”Fireflies? Are there fireflies around here?”

”Geroppa!”

I”m not sure if that's a yes or no, but I'm guessing it's a yes because of the smile Patricia is showing.

”We heard about it in the bath today and wanted to go together. Ah, of course, if you're too tired you don't have to come.”

”I'll go!”

I answered right away.

Are three beautiful girls inviting me to see the fireflies with them in the middle of the night? What kind of amazing dream is this?

As might be expected, I'm really having trouble keeping a clear head in this situation.

Maybe that's just because I have trouble saying no to a friend.

Considering I never had any friends, I doubt that's the reason.

***

I went outside, following behind these three people.

There is chance of encountering demons here, but it seems the teachers were thorough with their search the other day. If we encounter any demons they will just be ordinary types.

And if it's the four of us, ordinary demons don't stand a chance.

This isn't me being proud. Rather, these are just the facts.

”This is the place!”

Luluna stops.

”Waa….!”

Before my eyes, there were many yellow-green lights dancing in the sky.

The natural lights dancing around are amazing and impossible to describe their beauty. I can't take my eyes off of them.

The four of us just silently stood there at the amazing sight of the fireflies.

— And that's why, none of us noticed.

There was something else there besides us and the fireflies.

There was a sudden rustling sound that caused me to return to my senses.

From the place that the sound came from, I could see a shadow.

”Wh-Who's there!?”

I yell out toward the shadow.

Though the shadow appears to be human; there is still a chance it is a demon.

If that's the case, battle is unavoidable—

”h.e.l.lo, Cla.s.s A. It is I”

I heard a clear voice that was very strange for a man.

As far as I know, there's only one man with a voice like that.

In other words…

”Elgil? Is that you?”

”Yes, it's me.”

Elgil was standing there.

This guy….I was worried it was a demon and my body went cold.

”It's rather dark, I doubt you can see my face. Do you need me to introduce myself?”

”No, why would that be necessary? We already know you're Elgil, right?”

Elgil nods after hearing Luluna's words.

Ah, it seems like we don't have to worry about his long self-introduction this time.

”That's right. It must be an honor to know my name. That's why I'll say it once more. I am Elgil, Elgil von Istria — a man that stands atop all other adventurers.”

This guy can't help but introduce himself. I feel like he has some kind of disease.

In front of Elgil, as his cloak flapped in the wind, three girls stood there in confusion.

”Kerokero–”

No, maybe Patricia is just her usual self. This girl really does things at her own pace.

***

”Elgil-dono, did you come to see the fireflies?”

”Yes. It's the obligation of a n.o.ble.”

”I've never heard of such an obligation.”

That's definitely a lie! Rather than it being an obligation, he just really wanted to see them!

Of course I didn't say this out loud when I responded to Elgil.

In response to me, Elgil just laughs and waves his hands at me.

”I'm joking, that's all. It was a joke. Look at me, Lute-kun.”

Elgil said this and stood right in front of me.

He just looked like his normal, good-looking self.

In fact, due to the light of the fireflies, he looks even more handsome than usual.

”Well, I think I saw it?”

To my answer, Elgil opened both his arms out wide.

”Well, aren't I s.h.i.+ning brilliantly?”

”….Haa?”

Is that really his reason for being here?

”Between the fireflies and I, which one is s.h.i.+ning more? That's why I came here today.”

This guy's way of thinking is ridiculous.

”Hmm, where is the rest of Cla.s.s B?”

”They declined to come with. I'm sorry, I thought they'd like to come here as well.”

…..Maybe Elgil isn't that close to the other members of Cla.s.s B?

If that's the case, I'm sorry. At first, I thought he was a bad guy, but now I don't think so….

I looked at Elgil, feeling a little sad for him.

”Hmm? Why do I feel like you're looking at me like you pity me?”

”I bet it was painful, Elgil. It's okay though, I'm here now.”

I clapped my hand on Elgil's shoulder.

I understand the feeling of not having any friends.

I had my grandpa when I was growing up, but it's possible Elgil didn't have anyone like that.

Aah, he's so pitiful….

”What is this misunderstanding? I'm popular everywhere I go!”

”Eh, is that so? For some reason, I can't believe that.”

”Lute, you can say some unexpectedly cruel things….There's no way I wouldn't be popular. What about you guys? What do you think about me?”