Chapter 28: Reconciliation

A few days have passed since the end of the Grand Star Festival. The streets of the capital, Astravina, went back to normal as people finally returned to their daily work, while those who came specifically for the tournament returned home. Everything seemed normal—except for Aria.

She was sitting lazily in the royal garden, sighing from time to time and spacing out as she stared up at the sky.

Sigh...

“Hey, Rikka, do you think something happened to her?” Celestia asked as she and Rikka hid behind a pillar near the garden, peeking at Aria.

“I have the same question, Celestia-sama... For the past few days, Aria-sama has seemed troubled about something.”

“It’s not like her to worry about things... In fact, I’d say she usually makes other people worry rather than worrying about herself,” Celestia stated with annoyance.

“Celestia-sama...” Rikka sighed, adding, “I think she’s troubled by what Kaelen said. Even if it might be a lie, people have actually started doubting her.”

“Huh... Haa...”

Well, that might be the case. If I were in Aria's shoes back then, I don’t know what I would have done, Celestia thought to herself.

“Anyway... I think we should just ask her. Peeping at her like stalkers isn't going to accomplish anything,” Rikka said in a firm voice as she stepped forward.

“Wait—!” Celestia tried to stop her and took a step ahead, but her foot caught on her own dress and she fell face-first onto the ground.

“Aria-sama!” Rikka called out nervously.

“Huh? Rikka? What’s wrong? Do you need something from me?” Aria asked, turning her head toward her.

“No... Nothing like that. I was just worried... For the past few days, it seems like you’ve been in some kind of trouble.”

“Did I make you worry?” Aria asked.

“No... It just hurt to see you like that,” Rikka said, lowering her head and fidgeting with her fingers.

“I see...” Aria smiled warmly. “Thank you, Rikka... It’s just that I’ve been thinking about something that’s been bothering me.”

“Something...? Are you thinking about Kaelen’s words? If so, you don’t have to worry about that. People believe in you, and they’ve agreed to wait until you’re ready to speak—”

As Rikka was speaking, Aria interrupted her.

“Kaelen...?” She tilted her head in confusion.

“Huh? You’re not worried about what Kaelen said?” Rikka asked, equally confused.

“Ah... No... I’m not worried about that. As far as I know, that matter was postponed. What I’m more worried about is Shawn.”

“About Sir Shawn...?”

“Hmm... Ever since he found out that I withdrew his name from the tournament, he seems angry about it.”

“I understand, but when I talked to him last time, he seemed quite normal to me... Sorry for doubting you, but are you sure, Aria-sama?”

“Yup!” She nodded. “Just take yesterday as an example... When I was walking and bumped into a pillar, he was right there, but he didn't help me! And today as well... Whenever I sit down for breakfast or dinner, he usually adjusts my chair for me, but he’s been completely avoiding doing that.”

“Have you tried talking to him? If you tell him—”

As Rikka was making her suggestion, Aria interrupted again.

“I’ve tried many times, but no matter what I say, he just nods or responds with a simple yes or no.”

“I see... That is quite troubling.”

“Hehe...” Celestia chuckled as she walked over to them. She passed right by them and stood in front of a nearby tree. “So... The strongest person has a weakness after all. I feel pity for you.”

“Celestia-sama... That’s a tree. And... your head is bleeding,” Rikka said, narrowing her eyes.

“Huh... I know.” Celestia turned around, walked over, and sat beside Aria, crossing her legs and arms. “So, you’re worried that Shawn might quit his job due to your reckless decision, right?”

“Of course, Celestis!” Aria turned toward her, taking Celestia’s hands in both of hers and leaning her face in close. “Celestis... Do something! If he really quits, I’ll be doomed for sure!”

“First of all—!” Celestia pushed her back. “It’s Celestia, not Celestis! And second, why should I help you? It would actually be better if he quit being your attendant. I might even give him another chance to be my personal knight...”

“Huh? Celestis!! That’s so mean!” Aria puffed out her cheeks.

“Celestia-sama...” Rikka pleaded, looking at her.

Celestia let out a sigh. “Well... Before that, I suppose I could ask him to reconsider. I don’t want the Azure Temple to be doomed just because he quits his job.”

“Really?! I love you, Celestis!” Aria squeezed her in a tight hug, causing the bench to tip backward, and they both tumbled off the back.

“Aria-sama! Celestia-sama!” Rikka gasped, rushing over to save them.

A few moments later, Aria and Rikka were hiding at a safe distance in the training grounds, watching as Celestia walked toward Shawn, who was practicing with a wooden sword against a dummy.

Celestia took a few steps, paused, continued, and then stopped again to think.

I told them I’d handle it, but I have no idea what to say to him! ...Maybe I should start with a greeting? No, that’s too unusual. Maybe I should just be direct... Right! Direct is better...

“What are you doing here?” Shawn asked upon seeing her.

She flinched in surprise. “Well... Heheh... No... I was just... Wait, why am I feeling nervous?” she muttered under her breath, taking a deep breath.

“I should be the one asking that! You know... If you’re using the training grounds, you’re supposed to get permission first.”

“Permission? From whom?” he asked.

“From...” She paused, scrambling to make an excuse. “From me, of course!”

“Huh...? What kind of weird rules did you all create after I left? Anyway, then please grant me permission to train here, Celestia-sama.”

“No,” she denied.

“No? But—”

“No means no! And why aren’t you with your airheaded blindfold? Aren’t you worried about her?”

“Why do you care? Besides, if you’re so worried about her, why don’t you go take care of her yourself?”

“You can’t—!” Celestia’s voice rose.

He sighed.

“If you keep acting like this... then I’ll have to tell your parents that you skipped your lessons to come watch the tournament, even after they forbade it!”

“Wha...” She wanted to argue, but instead, she turned and walked away in silence.

Back in the bushes, Aria sighed while Rikka looked at her.

“It seems like... I really need to start looking for someone else to be my attendant... I’m fully convinced now that he’s going to quit... I really am a hopeless Sword Saint, aren’t I? Hehe,” Aria giggled in desperation.

“Don’t worry, Aria-sama. I will go this time and—”

Seeing Aria like that, Rikka stood up and walked toward Shawn, her expression deadly serious.

Hearing more footsteps, Shawn turned to see Rikka approaching. Assuming she was going to ask the same thing, he spoke up first.

“If you’re also here to tell me to talk to her, then—”

“Sir Shawn!” She raised her voice sharply.

“Huh?”

“You need to go and talk to Aria-sama right now!” She forced her words on him. He remained silent, seeing her like this for the first time. “Do you know how terrified she is that you’re going to quit your job and leave her all alone?!”

“What are you talking about? I’m not going to leave her like that... I’m not a child who would just abandon someone out of anger.”

“Then why were you avoiding her?”

“Well... I’m still angry, and I just need some time to process everything... Besides, I already told her not to blame herself. I know she made that decision out of concern for my safety.”

“Then...?”

“Well...” He sighed. “Okay, I’ll talk to her now. Happy?”

“Hmm!” Rikka nodded vigorously, then turned around. “Aria-sama!! You heard him! He said he’ll talk to you!!”

Aria suddenly leaped out from the bushes, her hair tangled with tiny branches and leaves.

“YES!!” She rushed toward them.

Shawn looked surprised, muttering to himself, “So you were there all along...”

Before she could lose her momentum, Aria bowed her head down deeply.

“I’m so sorry, Shawn! For thinking about replacing you with another attendant! I know you’re the perfect match to be my attendant!”

“That is the most stupid apology I’ve ever heard...” he muttered to himself, then sighed. “Anyway... Let’s go. I think it’s lunch time.”

“YES!!” both girls declared in unison, and together they walked toward the castle.