In the back gardens, standing in front of a rose bush, Alex and Evelyn embraced, sharing a deep and passionate kiss.

  Roland's blue eyes widened in shock at the sight and he quietly muttered, "I'll be damned."

  Considering how cautious Alex was and how he acted at the start of classes towards Evelyn, this was out of the blue.

  Well, Roland knew that Alex had been a bit more affectionate towards Evelyn recently, but for him to go all the way like this... it seemed that Roland had severely misread his friend.

  This... it went beyond throwing caution to the wind. It was running headlong into a storm and daring the gods to smite him down.

  Roland couldn't help but be impressed, even as worry started to gnaw at him.

  Marisa let out an awed whisper beside Roland and said, "It's beautiful."

  Roland couldn't help but agree. "True love is incredible..."

  Evelyn was beautiful, so everything she did was worthy of a painting. But Alex wasn't on her level. And yet, when the two were like that, it was like it was meant to be. An irrefutable fact that just... was.

  Roland sighed.

  What the two felt for each other... the emotions between Alex and Evelyn were more than just passing affection.

  Roland had seen couples around the academy already. But the way they reacted with giggly expressions and kisses, the heady and giddy gazes they shared... Roland could tell they wouldn't last.

  But the tender affection and warmth in both Alex and Evelyn's gaze... moreover, the words Alex had said to Evelyn...

  "I'm not in love with you, but that doesn't mean I won't love you..." Roland repeated Alex's words with a soft sigh and said, "As always, our friend is incredible."

  Marisa nodded. "He is. To say that he's choosing to love Evelyn instead of just being in love with her and being pulled by his emotions..." She let out a wistful sigh and said, "He's such a man of character. If only his face was a bit better, I'd be swept off my feet..."

  For some reason, Roland felt a surge of irritation at hearing those words from Marisa. He bristled and looked at her. "Excuse me?"

  Marisa blinked, taken aback at Roland's reaction. But then she smiled and said, "What? Jealous, Roland?"

  Roland paused to consider it. But since he couldn't tell what he was feeling, he just shook his head. Instead, he said, "No. But I thought you better than to fall for simple appearances, Mari."

  Marisa blushed. "T-That's not what I meant! It's just... I mean, Alex's face isn't my type! I like people like you more-" She froze.

  Roland froze as well, processing Marisa's words. "W-What?"

  "Idiot!" Marisa swung her arm. A blast of wind erupted when she did, sending Roland flying through the air.

  "W-What?! Mariii-!" Roland screamed, but quickly stopped, putting his focus on not dying when he landed. But wow, he was pretty high up right now...

  "Dummy! Idiot! Stupid!" Marisa kept shouting as she glared at Roland flying through the air.

  ===

  I caught a glimpse of Roland's red hair as he flew through the air and then laughed. Taking a step back from Evelyn, but still holding her in my arms, I said, "It seems like you were followed, Eve."

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  Evelyn followed my gaze and noticed Marisa. Then she saw Roland, still rising through the air. Her face turned a bright red and she quickly covered it against my chest. "Oh gods... Did they see?"

  I leaned down and kissed her cheek. "It's fine. It's just Roland and Mari. You know they won't mind."

  Evelyn took a deep breath to calm herself. Then she slowly leaned back and nodded. "I know. It is just..." She lowered her gaze and said, "I'm embarrassed..."

  I smile and rub her back.

  At that time, Marisa finally turned towards us. Smiling, she walked over and waved. "Congratulations, Evelyn, Alex!"

  I smiled. "Thanks, Mari."

  Evelyn quickly hid behind me, pressing her face against my back.

  Marisa's green eyes sparkled at that.

  I laughed and then pointed at Roland, who was finally falling now after a long ascent. "Instead of us, you should focus on Roland, Mari. Even if that guy can heal up, landing from that height is gonna hurt."

  "Hm?" Marisa looked towards where I was pointing and then gasped. "Oh gods! Roland!" She quickly dashed off, launching herself into the air with a gust of wind.

  I chuckled.

  Evelyn giggled too.

  I smiled, my heart feeling warm as I listened to Evelyn.

  Evelyn stepped out from behind me when Marisa left. Then, wrapping her arms around my right arm, she leaned against me and said, "Thank you, Alex."

  I looked at her and said, "What are you thanking me for?"

  Evelyn smiled and said, "Thank you for loving me. It... means the world." She gently rested her head against my shoulder and said, "I love you. So, so much, Alex."

  I froze. And all of a sudden, my vision started blurring. Ah, dammit. Those were tears. I coughed and tried to turn my head to look away.

  But before I could, Evelyn gently cupped my face with her hands, brushing the tears away. She smiled and said, "There is no need for tears, Love."

  I laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed, but also overwhelmed at the sheer affection and warmth in Evelyn's silver eyes. "Your love is intense, Eve."

  Evelyn smiled and pressed her forehead against mine. "Because I love you so, Alex." She gave me a tender kiss and then said, "You care for me. Not just as the Imperial Princess, but as myself. And that... is a gift more than any I could hope to treasure."

  Listening to those words, I found myself tongue-tied, even with

  .

  Evelyn giggled and kissed me again before letting a soft and content sigh. She leaned against me and said, "I will never tire of your love, Alex." She smiled and said, "It makes me feel so warm."

  I smiled back at her and said, "I'm glad it does."

  And I *was* glad. Really.

  I didn't expect that seeing her so happy would make me feel this warm.

  Evelyn kept smiling, gazing into my eyes. But after a bit, she hesitated.

  I noticed and frowned. "What is it, Eve?"

  Evelyn nodded, as if deciding something. And then she said, "Can I ask you something, my love?"

  I felt my ears heat up at the pet name, but I nodded. "Of course, Eve. Anything."

  "What has gotten you so desperate recently? This past week alone, I have barely seen you. And while I appreciate..." Evelyn blushed and said, "While I appreciate the affection you have shown me. It is... almost like you are running away from something. Something terrible." She looked up, concern and loving warmth in her eyes. "Will you tell me?"

  I froze. Dammit. This...

  Evelyn noticed my hesitation and lowered her gaze. "Is it... no good?" She whispered.

  I sighed and held her tight. "No. It's fine. I'm just... worried, Eve." Faced with her expression, I couldn't help but tell the truth, even if it was only part of it.

  Evelyn's eyes widened. "Why? Is something going to happen to me?"

  Ah, of course her intuition would piece what I left out. Instead of thinking it was something dangerous in general, she honed in on the fact that it was something dangerous for her.

  I sighed and caressed her cheek. "I can't tell you now. There's nothing either of us can do. But... when the time comes to pass." I held her tight and whispered into her ear. "Trust me, okay? No matter what I do."

  Evelyn tensed. But then she slowly nodded and whispered back into my ear. "Okay, my love. I will trust you. I will always trust you." She rubbed my back and said, "You are the one and only person who has loved me. So... I will give you all I am. Even in death."

  > Evelyn vi Eternia's affection towards you has reached the maximum!

  > Evelyn vi Eternia will not hesitate to throw her life away for your sake.

  System messages popped up, affirming what I already knew. I ignored them and kissed Evelyn's cheek. "Let's hope it never comes to that, Eve."

  Evelyn broke the embrace and smiled at me. "Let us lighten the mood a bit." She laughed, bright and carefree. Gently lacing her hand in mind, she started leading me around the garden and said, "You have been quite busy recently, so we have not had much chance to simply talk. What have you been up to, my love?"

  I chuckled and decided to tease her a bit. "Careful now. If you call me your love in public, I might just have to duel my way through half the school."

  Evelyn giggled. "Well." She gave a teasing smile in return and said, "The man who has my heart is at least that capable, is he not?"

  "Damned straight I am."

  Evelyn laughed more and leaned against me as we walked.

  I smiled, enjoying the sound of her laugh and her warmth.

  Just for now.

  At least just for tonight... let's forget about what comes next.

  Let's not imagine it.

  ...The life where I have to cut this pure love short with my own two hands.