On my way home from the dojo, I thought I hadn't seen Anna lately, so I decided to stop by her house.
　I'm sure I can guess why.

　When I visited Anna's house, she was greeted by her mother at the door.

"Hey, Rivelle, what's up?

Hello. I was wondering if Anna might be depressed.

...... Revelle, you know all about everything. Will you listen to what Anna has to say?

Of course. That's why I'm here.

　I bow to Mother Anna and head to her room.
　I knock on the door.

Anna, are you depressed?

...... separately.

　The voice that came back was devoid of its usual energy.
　The door to the room is locked, and we can't open it.

"Can you just let me in?

...... hate.

I see. What did they say to you in the temple?

　The day after she received the gift, Anna went to the temple.
　I guess that's where she learns about her talent and what her life will be like.
　I have a pretty good idea.
　It's a far cry from the future she had in mind.

"I don't want to tell you. Just go.

Okay.

　I was about to leave for a second, as Anna had said, but my gut told me it was a choice I would regret.

'I don't know enough about things to say ...... and leave.

"...　I don't like it!　I just don't feel like I can do my best in the future if I see Revell's face here!

Why?

'I'm leaving this city tomorrow to go to King's Landing!　We're getting admitted to the Heroes' Academy!　So ...... I don't want to see Revell anymore ......

Tomorrow? ...... That's kind of steep.

　The Heroic Academy is the best school in the kingdom of Theoria, where we live.
　It's a very high level academy where only those with high talent and ability can enter.
　I'm sure the entire kingdom ...... has received powerful talents from all over the world.

You'll hardly ever see Revel again when you're at the school!　I have to train to become a dragon knight in the academy, and then I have to work hard for everyone after that!　Because I was given the talent of ...... [dragon knight]. ......

Yeah.

　There's a reason why talent is always revealed at the temple.
　It is to keep the best of them in line.
　Keep the talent alive for the good of all mankind.
　That was one goal.
　But they'll be treated well and appreciated by their people.

I didn't want to be a dragon knight!

　Anna is kind, with a strong sense of justice, and would make a perfect knight to protect her people.
　But just because she's fit for the job doesn't mean she wants to be.
　She's just a normal girl who doesn't like to fight.

"I wanted to live ...... peacefully ...... in this city with Revell in peace and relaxation... ...



　Anna's voice with tears in her eyes.
　That's what makes me feel, that's what inspires me, my resolve .



...... I remembered that Eiketsu Academy has a middle school and high school. So Anna will be joining from the middle school.



　The middle school is for students who are recognized by the state as talented.
　And I continued on with my story.



"The best students have to be able to get into the secondary school.



"......, Revel, you're kidding.



'You may never live in peace in the city again, and you may never be able to take it easy again. But I still want to be there for you.



"Wha... ......, but you can't go to ...... because you can't go to .......



　I'm not going to say more than that.
　I think Anna's gift is growing in understanding.
　For the first time, she's looking at me objectively.



"Didn't you always say. You always told me I was great.



Yes. ......



I'll show you something really great. So just wait three years. I'll make sure you're enrolled in Eiketsu Academy.



Yes ...... yes ......



　Anna said "yes" over and over again, her voice trembling .
　I'm sure she was nodding again and again, her face wet with tears, behind this door.

　After a while, I heard the door unlocked with a click.

"...... Are you sure you want to go to ......?

Yeah. Come on in.



　I walked into the room and saw Anna in her pajamas.
　Her eyes are red and her sleeves are wet.

"Hehehehehehehehehe...... I cried a lot.

You've always been a crybaby.

　I fell down and cried, cried because I tried to eat all the vegetables I didn't like, cried because I was mad at him, and cried a lot.

'Yes. But from now on I won't cry!

Are you sure?

'It's true!　I won't cry anymore!

Wicked.

Heh.



　Anna's cheeks relaxed a little.


　Then she took a deep breath and looked at me intently.




"I love Rivel. I love Revel more than anyone else.





　It took me a little while to understand that word.



"It's a heteros*xual thing: ......, right?

Yeah. Yeah.



　Straight away, Anna said.
　I'm surprised at this sudden confession.
　I try to keep up appearances, but my heart is beating faster and faster.


"I...

Wait!


　I was about to answer when Anna put her hand in front of my mouth.


You'll hear back from me in three years. In the meantime, I'll be the kind of strong, fine girl that Revell will love.

...... Okay. I promise.

Yes, I promise.

　He crossed his little finger and cut his finger off.

"Don't come back tomorrow to see me off.

Why?

...... Oh, I just had to!

Is there a reason you don't want to tell me?

......, I'm going to miss you. ......


　Anna, who has never been embarrassed by me before, is blushing and muttering shyly .


''I see. So I guess this is goodbye for a while.

Yes, ...... take care of yourself.

So does Anna.


　After I said goodbye to Anna, I went home.

　It was all just so easy to say goodbye.
　I stop and look back at our conversation.


Let me hear back from you in three years. "I'll be the kind of strong, great girl that Revell will like, by the end of this time.


　Did you say .......
　You really are an idiot.
　You don't know anything.


　I can't tell you how many times your smile has inspired me.




　I don't care if you're not strong enough, or great enough, or whatever, just make sure you're smiling.




　But for that, I have to be strong enough that you don't have to fight.




　That's the only way I can be the strongest in the world.



　That's what my efforts are for.