Yor's tiny paw repeatedly patted my back.

"Meow."

"..."

"Meow."

"...I already said I understood."

Even so, Yor continued patting me.

It felt less like comfort and more like encouragement.

As if she were saying, You did well.

I gently pressed a finger against her forehead.

Only then did Yor stop.

Satisfied, she curled up in my arms.

"Yor seems happy."

At Helga's remark, Yor proudly puffed out her chest.

"Meow."

"She really does understand conversations, doesn't she?"

"At this point, denying it would be difficult."

"Meow!"

Yor nodded vigorously. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The sight drew laughter from everyone.

Even Vigdís smiled.

The atmosphere remained light and cheerful.

Only I couldn't quite join in.

Because my mind kept drifting toward the same date.

The day before the school closing ceremony.

And the school closing ceremony itself.

The closer it drew, the heavier the weight pressing on my chest became.

I have to save Helga.

The thought surfaced again.

Not if possible.

Not if circumstances allow.

I had to save her.

Because I already knew what would happen.

Because I was the only one here who knew.

The conversation around me continued.

Plans for Sunday.

Exam schedules.

Vacation arrangements.

Trivial topics.

Ordinary concerns.

The sort of things students our age should naturally be discussing.

Meanwhile, I alone was calculating a future disaster.

The contrast felt strangely unreal.

"...Karvaldr?"

A voice pulled me back.

I raised my head.

Reisir was looking at me.

"When did you zone out again?"

"I wasn't zoning out."

"You were."

"I was thinking."

"That's what people usually mean when they say someone zoned out."

I clicked my tongue.

Reisir laughed.

"Anyway, it's settled."

"What is?"

"The Sunday gathering."

"I already agreed."

"Then don't look like you're being dragged to your execution."

"..."

"I was joking."

"You should stop making jokes."

"Impossible."

Reisir answered immediately.

It was such a firm response that Helga burst out laughing.

Ríolíkin nodded as though agreeing.

Even Vigdís looked convinced.

Apparently everyone had reached the same conclusion.

Reisir was beyond rehabilitation.

"I feel like all of you just insulted me."

"You possess a surprisingly accurate intuition."

"See? You admit it."

"Because it's true."

The table erupted into laughter again.

Reisir pressed a hand against his chest in mock injury.

"How cruel."

"You'll survive."

"Perhaps."

"But only perhaps."

At that point, even I almost smiled.

Almost.

Unfortunately, Reisir noticed.

His eyes curved immediately.

"Did you just smile?"

"I did not."

"You did."

"I didn't."

"You definitely did."

"I think I would know whether I smiled or not."

"Not necessarily."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that sometimes people smile without realizing it."

"..."

"Like just now."

I seriously considered leaving.

The only reason I didn't was because Yor was comfortably asleep in my arms.

Abandoning my seat would disturb her.

As I silently justified my continued presence, Reisir looked absurdly pleased with himself.

I decided not to acknowledge it.

The conversation gradually shifted again.

This time toward the upcoming examinations.

Thankfully.

Because that was a topic I could participate in without being ambushed by strange accusations about friendship or smiling.

And for a while, the afternoon passed peacefully.

Perhaps too peacefully.

Because every now and then, when nobody was paying attention, I found my gaze drifting toward Helga.

Laughing.

Talking.

Making plans for the future.

Completely unaware.

Unaware that, in the original story, she wasn't supposed to have a future beyond the school closing ceremony.

My fingers tightened slightly around Yor.

The sleeping baby dragon shifted in response.

"Meow..."

A sleepy sound escaped her.

I immediately loosened my grip.

"...Sorry."

Nobody heard.

Only Yor blinked drowsily before nestling closer against me.

And once again, I silently repeated my resolution.

No matter what happens.

This time, Helga will live.