The moment I rose from my seat, Yor immediately climbed onto my shoulder.

"Meow."

"Let's go."

"Meow."

I picked up the album Vigdís had given me and turned around without hesitation.

Frankly, I had no confidence in handling whatever reaction Nidr was about to have.

Especially after I had just delivered what amounted to a lecture.

If I remained there any longer, my anxiety would only continue to grow.

Did I talk too much?

Was that too preachy?

Did I sound like I was showing off?

Was the logic too forced?

The worries multiplied endlessly.

Unfortunately, there was no way to retrieve words once spoken.

So retreat was the only answer.

"Wait."

Naturally, Nidr called after me.

I pretended not to hear him and increased my pace.

"Karvaldr."

His voice followed again.

I increased my pace a little more.

"He's definitely running away."

Helga's voice drifted over from behind.

"He's running away."

Reisir sounded completely certain.

"I-Isn't that too fast to call it running away...?"

Ríolíkin attempted a weak defense.

"It's running away."

"It is."

Even Vigdís joined in.

Traitors.

Every single one of them.

I continued walking.

Then footsteps approached from behind.

Not one person.

Several.

"...Why are all of you following me?"

I stopped and turned around.

Reisir answered immediately.

"We're heading to the ceremony hall too."

"..."

"Oh."

That was true.

For a moment, I had forgotten.

The closing ceremony was scheduled to begin shortly.

Which meant everyone would be heading in the same direction. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"...Then walk separately."

"Why?"

"Because I said so."

"That's not a reason."

"What more reason do you need?"

"Something logical."

I stared at him.

Reisir stared back.

Then he smiled.

I looked away first.

There was no point continuing.

Eventually, our group began walking together toward the ceremony hall.

Nidr did not follow.

At least, not immediately.

When I glanced back once, he was still standing near the dining table.

Motionless.

Deep in thought.

His expression was difficult to read.

Perhaps he was reflecting on my words.

Perhaps he was rejecting them.

Perhaps he was thinking about something else entirely.

I couldn't tell.

And at this point, it no longer mattered.

I had said everything I could.

Whether Nidr changed or not was ultimately his own choice.

A choice nobody else could make for him.

At least I tried.

That much was enough.

As we left the cafeteria and entered the main academy building, students could be seen everywhere.

The atmosphere was distinctly different from ordinary days.

There was excitement.

Relief.

Expectation for vacation.

Groups of students chatted noisily while carrying luggage.

Others exchanged promises to meet again after the break.

The academy was overflowing with energy.

An ordinary end-of-year scene.

A peaceful scene.

A scene that should have reassured me.

Yet the closer we got to the ceremony hall, the heavier my mood became.

Because I knew.

This peace would not last.

The original story did not allow it.

Not today.

Not on the final day of the year.

"Karvaldr."

Vigdís quietly moved closer.

"Are you nervous?"

"...Why would I be nervous?"

"You've looked tense all morning."

Her voice was soft.

Concerned.

I almost answered honestly.

Almost.

Instead, I shook my head.

"It's nothing."

"..."

"Don't worry about it."

Vigdís looked unconvinced.

But she didn't press further.

Perhaps because she knew I wouldn't answer.

Or perhaps because she trusted that I would speak if it became necessary.

A trust I didn't deserve.

Soon the ceremony hall came into view.

Students were already entering in large numbers.

The crowd flowed steadily through the open entrance.

And then—

My heartbeat accelerated.

Not because of the ceremony.

Not because of the crowd.

But because I knew exactly what came after this.

The event that would change everything.

The event that had haunted my thoughts for months.

The event I had been preparing for ever since I arrived in this world.

Today's the day.

The realization settled heavily in my chest.

Beside me, Helga was chatting cheerfully with Vigdís.

Completely unaware.

Still smiling.

Still alive.

I looked at her for a brief moment.

Then I silently made the same promise I had repeated countless times.

No matter what happens today.

I will save Helga.