SWMD 79

Chapter 79

“Unspoken Goodbyes”

Lueri firmly rejected Antea’s proposal and returned to sit beside Diana.
In the dim lighting, he could just make out her face—it felt unusually cold.
He reached out to speak to her, but just then…

The participants of the Magic Festival began walking onto the stage one by one.

Diana turned her head to watch the stage.
Lueri, too, had no choice but to look toward the participants.

There was a girl about the same age as Aicel, and even a white-bearded old man who likely awakened his magic very late.

Despite her sunken mood—after overhearing the conversation between Lueri and Lady Aiberg—Diana searched quickly for Aicel.
No matter what, she couldn’t miss her daughter’s moment.

Wearing the white robe with gold trim provided by the Magic Tower, Aicel still stood out the most.
The uniform was meant to eliminate class differences, but Aicel’s noble presence shone regardless.

Her confidence and graceful walk made her look like the star of the stage.

Seeing her, Diana’s expression began to brighten.

“I can only see Aicel,” Calypso muttered beside her.

His comment ruined the moment for her. She didn’t respond, pretending not to hear.

The event was a mass demonstration—each participant was to unleash their magic to the fullest, creating a visual display.
To the audience, it was like a festival of magical fireworks.

As Diana leaned forward to catch Aicel’s eyes, someone gently tapped her shoulder.

“Oh, madam!”

“There you are—we’ve been looking for you.”

It was Serena, accompanied by a neatly dressed Sawyer.

“How have you been, Your Grace?” Sawyer bowed politely.

Diana took a good look at him.
He was honest, decent, and well-mannered—a strong candidate for Aicel, if she had to choose someone from a noble family.

“Yes, I’ve been well. Have you, Lord Sawyer?”

“Thanks to you, yes. I sent a letter to the young lady… did she mention it to you…?”

A letter? Diana’s eyes widened.
Aicel hadn’t said a word. Perhaps she was too shy? It was sweet.

Feigning ignorance, Diana smiled.

“The young lady…?”

“Ah—Lady Aicel. We got a little closer at the last party.”

He blushed with embarrassment.

Before more could be said, the lights dimmed, and a firework signaled the start of the show.
Everyone returned to their seats.

Diana’s eyes followed Aicel, who was now unleashing her magic—beautiful blue crystal flowers bloomed like ice blossoms.

It wasn’t the strongest magic, but it was the most beautiful.

“She’s… really beautiful…”

Diana turned—Sawyer had been the one who whispered in awe.

“Her magic? Or Aicel herself?” Diana asked casually.

“Aicel—!” he blurted out… then immediately covered his mouth, blushing hard.

Diana laughed softly. His honest affection was endearing.

“P-please don’t tell her, Your Grace…”

Diana nodded gently, amused.

Soon the participants exited the stage, and it was time for the judges to deliberate.

Diana began to rise, wondering if she could visit Aicel backstage, but—

“I have to go now, sister,” Lueri said.

He was needed to judge the competition. But he lingered, looking at her with concern.

Diana forced a trembling smile.

“…Okay.”

“Next week, during class…”

He trailed off, not wanting to say goodbye.

Diana stared at him.

I must not waver.
His feelings and mine are different. I can’t confuse his kindness with love.

I must not fall for him. He deserves a normal life, a wife his age… not someone like me.

She breathed in deeply and made up her mind.

“No.”

“Huh?”

“You don’t need to come anymore.”

Her tone was cold. Unlike her usual warmth, it was sharp—final.

Lueri’s expression wavered.

“What do you mean, don’t come? Why?”

Maybe it was because of Calypso nearby? He tried to meet her eyes, hoping she was lying.

But she wouldn’t look at him—because she couldn’t.

“Sister…?” he called softly, gently touching her wrist.

She flinched but didn’t look up. Then, she slowly pulled her wrist away from his hand.

His hand slipped from her wrist, painfully and reluctantly.

Lueri was stunned. He didn’t know what to say.
He couldn’t smile. Couldn’t joke.
She had just shattered every wall he had built around his feelings.

“I’ve learned enough magic. I don’t need more lessons.”

Why? Just a moment ago, she was smiling at me. She defended me in front of Calypso…

He replayed every moment, trying to find what he did wrong.
He didn’t need anything from her—just being beside her was enough.

Until I break Eclipse’s curse, that’s all I ask… just let me stay beside you.

But now…

“Please… look at me.”

Their eyes finally met.

His usual cheerful gaze was now full of pain.
Her heart felt like it shattered into pieces.

“Lu…”

Just as she began to speak, the banquet lights turned back on.

Calypso looked over.

“Still here? How slow.”

His mocking voice broke the moment. Diana seized the chance.

She turned her back to Lueri—completely.

He stood there, silently, staring at her back… before slowly walking away.

Diana finally turned to watch him go.

Her chest ached so badly she could barely breathe.

“I… I’ll just go fix my hair for a moment…”

Tears welled up—she couldn’t hold them back any longer.

She fled the hall, stumbling, and found a dressing room nearby.
Rushing inside, she slammed the door shut.

Then she collapsed.

She covered her mouth to stifle the sobs.
But tears flowed endlessly.

This is love.
So this… is what love feels like.

She had spent her life serving others, earning the title of saint.
Yet real love had eluded her until now.

Lueri had quietly taken root inside her heart.

And now… it was overflowing.
Like water that can never return upstream, her feelings couldn’t be stopped.

“Hhk…”

Even with both hands covering her mouth, a sob escaped.

And just outside the closed door…

Lueri stood silently,
his face stiff with concern.
He knew… something was deeply wrong.