In a trance, time went round and round, and before I knew it, it had come to three years later.

Other words...... from that battle; It's been three years since that event ended.

There is no obvious change -

If you say that, you will definitely be called a perfunctory statement, but there is something that has not changed from beginning to end.

But compared to "unchanged", there are still more "changes", right?

It's a little frivolous to make a judgment like this, but it's a "part" fact.

As for the other part, it seems to be less important than that-

But it's still a very important thing for someone at this moment, it's just ...... A little earlier.

Three years ago, when the final battle came to an end, and the erosion of the "Void" came to an abrupt end, they were embraced like heroes in fairy tales to this day.

However, as a "price" that must be paid, certain symptoms are naturally left in the body.

At first, Lemuel didn't care, because he also took this kind of thing for granted-

Until one day, he suddenly discovered...... I can't even hold the bowl steadily!

In the end, I could only watch it fall to the ground like a piecemeal!

“！”

Riveria noticed the obvious unusual sign, and looked visibly worried—

"What's wrong? Feeling unwell? ”

She asked; He put down the dishes and chopsticks and walked over. There are doubts in their eyes that seem to be read only by each other.

"I'm sorry, I'll clean up right away-"

However, it didn't take long for Lemuel to avoid the overly direct gaze and try to clean up the shards of glass all over the floor......

"Shall I come? If you're really unwell, don't force it. ”

However, how could his trance-like face hide from Riveria?

The answer, of course, is yes.

But even so, she still took a tougher attitude, but it didn't make people feel uncomfortable in the slightest.

"Brother? You okay? ”

Vane naturally noticed her brother's abnormality, but she felt that it was "negligent" at best, so she didn't feel very worried.

"Go rest, shall we? We'll clean it up here. ”

But even so, her opinion was the same as that of Riveria.

"I see."

Then, even though Lemuel seemed to have something to say, he had to swallow the words he had prepared back into his stomach.

After all, even he didn't know what was going on.

- At that time, the hand suddenly lost consciousness...... Of course, at this time, he only regarded this accident as some kind of "accident".

Didn't pay much attention to it.

"What the hell happened to that guy? Something like that had never happened to him, had he? ”

But even if Lemuel didn't care, he thought it was just "accidental". However, it does not mean that other people will also regard this as an "accident" that seems to be everywhere.

Because, to say that this is an accident, that would be too deliberate, right?

The first to suspect was Yuna. She couldn't help but blurt out the doubts in her heart again. The other two people around the table also had to admit it.

"Well, I thought so, it really wasn't something that had ever happened. And it looks like ......"

Riveria said this, and suddenly the summer stopped—

It was clear that she had already seen some clues, but she was not sure that they were the facts.

That's why she remained silent.

But this will only make people more anxious......

"I said, if you see something, just say it, okay? That's a really annoying attitude—"

"Sister Riveria? Do you know what? If that's the case, let me know! ”

Vane looked even more anxious, as if he were fidgeting. After all, her feelings for Lemuel ...... Maybe it's more than Riveria imagined?

Of course, it was just the feelings of "family", and for her Lemuel was the only brother......

Therefore, it is impossible not to be in a hurry, right?

"Sorry, just a little distracted. That's ...... Sudden loss of sensation in muscles—"

Although it was uncertain at this moment, Riveria still voiced her guess.

And told the two.

"Sudden loss of sensation in muscles? What is that...... Is it some kind of illness? ”

Yuna looked surprised. Because she had never heard of such symptoms.

Vane also looked puzzled, she couldn't help but think back to the moment she saw before, and she had to admit it-

Although it was only for a "moment", it was indeed strange and unusual.

However, since I am not familiar with the medical field, I will still be skeptical......

"Of course, this is just my guess. Don't be so serious! ”

In order to ease the atmosphere, Riveria hurriedly added as if to justify herself-

"I'm not a professional, it's just a speculation based on theoretical knowledge. If you take this for granted, I'm going to bother. ”

As soon as she finished speaking, Yuna and Vane finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"In that case, don't say it in such a serious tone!"

In an instant, Yuna couldn't help but complain.

"Your attitude, even if it's a bad joke, will make people laugh."

"Really? I try to pay attention. I'm sorry ......."

Because it was pointed out very directly, Riveria also felt embarrassed. Then he apologized unconsciously.

"Poof! Hahaha......"

Vane couldn't help but laugh when she looked at the two of them, and suddenly she seemed to realize ...... How important this atmosphere is to me.

Really, it's been a long, long time since I've experienced a similar feeling.

"Sister Riveria—"

"Huh?"

With a slight surprise, Riveria slowly turned her face.

"What's wrong?"

"Thank you for always being by my brother's side!"

As he spoke, Vane suddenly looked very solemn......

However, for Riveria, it was not clear what reason she had to do so.

"Why?"

Why is this...... Apparently asking why she picked such a time to say such things......

However, Vane only said-

"It's just that I want to."

As soon as her words fell, Riveria was relieved, and told her the real reason-

"It's my own choice. And I'm not doing this to get your gratitude. So ......"

"Stop being so serious! If you're so serious, I'm afraid I won't be able to swallow it!" ”

"Yes, yes...... Got it! ”

I saw her agree; While snickering from time to time.

In this way, in this kind of topic that makes people laugh from time to time, the night also fell silently.

However, just as Riveria feared, what happened to Lemuel was not accidental......

The same thing will happen every now and then in the coming week-

And it goes far beyond what can be explained simply by "physical discomfort".

Gradually, she realized that she might not be able to continue to deceive herself and comfort herself.

Because this kind of thing is absolutely not normal!

So, at Riveria's insistence, Lemuel had to agree to be accompanied by her to a nearby private clinic to have a look—

"Please, don't worry me anymore, okay? Maybe you have your reasons, but it's relative...... I also have a reason why I can't back down! ”

"Because for me, you are the most important being! I don't want to be so scared anymore! ”

Looking at the shattered shards of glass and his blood-drenched hands, Riveria's emotions collapsed in an instant for the first time—

"Brother, stop being willful! I also think it's better to see a doctor—"

In the regular contact call, Lemuel, who was severely lectured by his sister without saying a few words, could only agree......

“..... All right. Just go this weekend, don't worry-"

"You're not perfunctory to me, are you? Definitely going for it? Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely going to go? ”

"You're so long-winded, you ......"

"Brother!"

"Got it, really...... Definitely going ......"

"Hey, hey, hey! That's right—"

In an instant, even through the earpiece, you can smell a strong coquettishness.

"Vane—"

"Huh? What's wrong? Do you miss me so soon? ”

"It's not. Just wanted to say...... Train and cheer up? It's always been your dream to join the Knights Templar, right? ”

"Mmmm......! Brother, don't you miss me? Not at all? ”

"You...... It's almost time to graduate from me, right? ”

"Don't!"

Well, it was rejected in an instant......

“......”

"Brother, I won't tell you - the instructor is furious! I've got to get over ...... right now! ”

In an instant, he hung up the phone unilaterally without even having a chance to reply.

So, under Riveria's arrangement, they finally came to the clinic in the neighboring town.

Also, since I made a reservation in advance, I didn't have to wait in line.

"Professor Riveria?!"

Although I have tried to dress up as much as possible before going out, it is not so easy to be recognized-

I wore a blue trench coat that I would never normally wear, a hat, and sunglasses......

Even masks and scarves were used, and hair was tied up in every possible way.

But even so, it was still recognizable at a glance......

Now that she was recognized, she simply removed such a strict dress-

However, in fact, he just took off his mask and sunglasses, and took off his scarf by the way.

"It's hot!"

"That's why I said it would be more noticeable, right?"

As soon as the words fell, he was met with merciless eyes...... Immediately after that, they were let into the examination room by a crowd of people rubbing shoulders with each other.

Of course, Lemuel was the only one who was examined.

And, even though it wasn't necessary, Riveria was kicked out as if she didn't have to say anything. By the way, the other party's reasons seem to be very sufficient-

"Please be quiet!"

Because of this reason, despite her repeated pleas, she was finally invited out—

"I can understand your feelings, but please also understand where we stand."

The nurse said this; He handed over a can of Coca-Cola.

At this moment, Riveria could only be slightly embarrassed, and reached out to take it with a wry smile. And thanked him.

"Ugh."

Unconsciously, this angry and unknowingly complaining expression amused the people around her in an instant, and they all gathered around her to greet her......

At the same time, he did not forget to comfort her.

Everyone seemed convinced that things weren't as serious as Riveria thought. At least Yuna is one of them...... It's just that she happened to be overwhelmed by the dense crowd at this time.

As a result, he was unable to speak to Riveria.

However, she herself seems to think—

"That's enough."

Besides, like Riveria, you can be in that kind of atmosphere as if you were at ease, like that......

I can't do it myself.

So, that's it.

However, things don't seem to be going so well. After all the inspections were announced, the person who was blasted out of the way this time was replaced by Lemuel in an instant-

Although he may have been kicked out before he even figured out the cause and effect.

In this way, in an instant, Riveria, who was called in seriously, felt inexplicable pressure and tension.

Even why she felt this way, even she didn't know. Of course, relatively......

She also had facts that she had known long before that.

"Professor Riveria, please be sure to hear me clearly—"

"Yes, I see."

With such a commonplace unfolding as a foreshadowing, the atmosphere between each other gradually became indescribable...... But even more indescribable than that is the content of the conversation.

And, the fact that Riveria had to accept -

"The reason why Lemuel has such symptoms is entirely due to the unilateral erosion of his body by the imaginary space. Is this what you want to tell me? ”

"Yes, that's right. It's surprising how quickly you can understand, could it be that you had doubts before that? ”

Since she was pointed out by the doctor, she also realized that there was no need to hide it anymore.

Because it makes no sense.

"Yes, but that's just the one I guess I don't want to face directly."

The doctor who heard her say this could only remain silent as if helpless. Because he knows better than anyone else—

At this moment, any reassurance will only be counterproductive.

Therefore, there is no doubt that silence is the most appropriate way to deal with it. At the same time, it is also the best way to comfort.

That being said, such an approach does not shake the brutal truth in the slightest.

"And, if the erosion continues to expand like this, I'm afraid he'll eventually—"

"I understand! So say no more......! ”

With such a mood, she couldn't help but roar out! However, such a roar is no different from a cry......

"Is there a cure possible?"

And that's what Riveria really wants to know, rather than experiencing the cruelty of the fact that it's like a slap in the face. However, before asking the question, she had already vaguely guessed the answer-

"Nope."

As this definitive answer unfolded in front of her eyes mercilessly, Riveria couldn't help but bite her lip!

She was undoubtedly doing her best to endure the tears that would not fall on such an occasion......

In the end, however, it was not possible.

“......”

Because it's really unacceptable! Why? Why is this the case?!

Even if a question like this is raised, no one can answer it, right? Therefore, no matter how reluctant she was, she could only convince herself to accept it over and over again.

"Really?"

“......”

However, to her surprise, the doctor seemed even more sad and heavy than herself for such a fact.

You only have to look at his face to know this.

"Thank you for telling me the truth—"

Immediately after expressing her gratitude, she and Lemuel left the hospital and planned to return that day.

On the way, Riveria's attitude remained exactly the same as usual, and did not change in the slightest because of the facts she had just been told.

It's just that, compared to her, Yuna is even more difficult to accept such a fact!

However, she also realized that she needed to talk to Lemuel. Whether he wants to listen or not, he must tell him what is in his heart.

It's just that at this point in time, it seems a little inappropriate.

In an instant, when such a thought popped into her mind, she couldn't help but suddenly feel that she was thinking too much?

It's just, apologize, right?

Why bother thinking about it?

So, after making up her mind, she dialed the phone-

"Do you have a reservation for this Saturday?"

"No, what's wrong?"

"No, just wanted to say if you're free...... Can we meet—"

"I have something to say to you."

"Really? So decide ......? ”

Lemuel agreed without the slightest hesitation. At the same time, Yuna's side also tried her best to show what she thought was the greatest sincerity......

"Hmm. Got it......"

Eventually, the two gradually opened up to each other in a high-end restaurant that Lemuel would never set foot in.

"I'm really sorry all the time! I've been running away from you since my sister was gone; Hiding from you...... I'm sorry!! ”

As she spoke, Yuna's forehead was about to touch the table before she knew it!

However, even when she was reminded, she still stubbornly maintained this attitude.

"Actually, at the moment when I just learned the bad news about my sister, I really hated you so much...... But now—"

"Now I want to try to accept that fact. Because even if I hate you so much that I grit my teeth, even if I kill you......"

"Even if she does, my sister won't come back. So...... I want to try to make myself forgive you! ”

"Obviously, at that time, I was the saddest; You should be the saddest part, but I didn't care about your feelings at all...... I'm sorry! ”

As she spoke, it was the worst she ever cried.

"I said......"

Suddenly, in front of everyone's eyes, Lemuel also felt a little dry. Because the atmosphere at this moment is really embarrassing!

However, what's even worse is that if you don't say something, I'm afraid this guy will keep crying like this.

"Well, if you don't move the chopsticks, the food will be cold......"

What kind of comfort is this? It's just forcibly changing the subject, right?!

In an instant, Lemuel couldn't help but complain about himself.

"By the way, Riveria and I are going to get married in a month......"

Unexpectedly, as soon as he blurted out his words, a scream that seemed to shake the entire space burst out from the opposite side-

"Eh, eh, eh?!! What's going on?! Why ...... so suddenly? ”

"Well—"

Unexpectedly, just as he was about to open the conversation, Riveria suddenly appeared as if he had popped out of the air!

Of course, both of them turned blue with fright......

"Why, why, why are you here?!"

Lemuel stared at her as if he had suddenly appeared, questioning and demanding an explanation.

"It's noisy, can you be quiet for a while?"

He rolled his eyes as he spoke, and then sat neatly in the empty seat next to Yuna.

"I just came with the two of you, is there any problem?"

Before he could finish speaking, he glared at Lemuel mercilessly......

"That's it. Yuna, let me explain your question, right? ”

Later, Riveria explained the reasons for her decision to marry as concisely as possible. But Yuna seems to be interested in the other side -

"What I want to know more than this is...... Who proposed first? ”

"Oh, this—"

"Now, shall we get married?"

In the blink of an eye, there was already a snow-capped scenery outside the window-

At breakfast that day, Lemuel was so frightened by Riveria's words that he almost choked!

"What are you talking about......?!"

"Can you say that again?"

Seeing this, she had to repeat it patiently......

"You can actually hear it clearly, right?"

In an instant, he was really a little dizzy...... I can't even figure out how Riveria came up with this stubble.

"Are you serious?"

So, with great difficulty, Lemuel swallowed the bread that filled his mouth, intending to ask for clarification.

"Well, seriously!"

Riveria replied as she sipped her hot coffee. There was no doubt that her attitude was as serious as her answer just now.

But at this time, it became Lemuel himself who hesitated-

"Why, is there any resentment for you to marry me? Or do you still not forget that guy? ”

"It's not! That was not what I meant. ”

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Riveria suddenly put the unconsciously empty coffee cup on the table!

In an instant, there was a loud sound!

By the way, that's definitely...... Although on the surface it seems to be laughing, yes.

"How many times do you have to say it before you understand? For me, that person has to be you...... No matter what you become in the future, I will take care of you! ”

"So it must be fine! No matter what difficulties you face in the future, I will accompany you through them—"

"Or my words...... Isn't that possible? ”

"Of course not!"

In the blink of an eye, it was almost equivalent to having no way out. Even if Lemuel prepared a whole bunch of reasons to refute -

It's useless at this point.

Now, for him, there is almost only one answer......

"Riveria, is it really okay for someone like me? You know, I probably can't tell when—"

"It's okay with those. I've already said that, right? I will be the meaning of your life in the future! ”

"So, please also be the meaning of my life in the future, right?"

Of course, the answer is not to be thought of...... If it really turns out like that-

"Ahh But what about the notice from Vane's side? Do you want to tell her right away? ”

And at the moment when Lemuel thought about such a question-

"I told her last night, and the guy was so excited that he didn't close his eyes all night. He also said that he would be back in the next few days. ”

"Huh?!"

In the blink of an eye, without waiting for Lemuel to react...... The knock on the door, as if with all his might, has already sounded!

"Wouldn't it? That guy is so fast?! ”

"Congratulations! Brother!!! ”

Suddenly, Vane slammed into Lemuel's arms from outside the door without mercy—

"Wow!?"

In the end, the brother and sister fell to the floor on all fours......

"Well, you're the only one I want to invite right now, and before coming here, Vane told me that I have to convince you......"

"How? Can you say yes? ”

As soon as Riveria's words fell, she suddenly stared straight at Yuna with eyes that would cry at any time!

How do you say that feeling? In short, it's not easy to refuse......

"Please give me some time to think about it...... May I? After all, the mood aspect also needs to be sorted out. ”

After saying that, I can finally see her smiling face.

"I see. Until we hear a clear answer from you, we'll postpone the wedding as much as possible—"

However, this postponement is half a year. It really feels like a long, long time......

Thankfully, the wedding took place half a year later as scheduled – and Yuna finally agreed. Even for a long time before, she inadvertently avoided the two of them.

Because, there will still be faint unwillingness...... Especially, if you consider the mood of your sister......

Even at this moment, she will gladly accept -

The guy ...... Sister, she has been begging for the person she likes to be happy all along, even if it is not herself who is qualified to stay by that person's side now......

"Now, sister...... Is that really good? ”

Yuna stared blankly at the two of them, surrounded by countless flowers and blessings, and unconsciously asked someone who didn't exist here.

"Are you nervous?"

"Ah...... Uh, uh-huh......"

In front of me was Riveria in a wedding dress - it was hard to notice, but this guy was indeed smiling!

Even on such an important occasion......

"Or are you stupid? What do you think? Is this wedding dress still suitable? ”

“！”

"Lu, isn't the exposure a little too high?"

"Really? You chose it, huh? ”

As she spoke, the corners of Riveria's mouth rose slightly, and she smiled sweetly and sweetly—even feeling that smile was unreasonable!

I'm afraid, enough to charm any man, right?

But now, the smile that seems to keep saying "I'm happy" belongs only to Lemuel!

And he is experiencing what may be the most wonderful moment of his life at this very moment......

So...... I was shaken, nervous, and my palms were in a cold sweat!

made Vane, who was watching from the sidelines, cry and laugh-

"Please cheer up, brother......"

"Look at me well,—— if I'm not mistaken...... It's a kiss of vows, right? ”

“？！”

"What's wrong? It's just a normal kiss, right? Haven't you practiced many times before? ”

"That's true, but that's not the same thing at all, right?!"

While saying such words to tease his bottom line, Riveria slowly closed her eyes......

“......”

Now I can only bite the bullet!

"What a terrible guy...... Is it really okay to marry this kind of person? Sister Riveria......? ”

It was an action that was not even as good as a beginner, and Vane, who was so anxious that he sat in the first row, didn't know how to complain.

At the same time, it also provoked Olivia, who was sitting next to her, to hold back a smile!

It's really hard.

However, she also feels very lucky to be able to witness all this......

Eventually, the here and now is forever frozen by time.

"Then, the little girl is not talented, please give me more advice for the rest of my life!"

"I'm ......"

On the table not far from the two of them was a marriage application that had been filled out a long time ago......

At the same time, in the next three years, the Knights Templar led by Allen also recruited countless newcomers from the original twelve!

Among them, of course, Natalie Olivia and Hatfield Yell are included.

The two of them were able to join thanks to Lemuel's recommendation-

"If you want to repay the favor, let's use this way, right? Promise something with your body, don't talk about it......"

His words made Natalie laugh so much that her stomach hurt in an instant-

"I see. From now on, Natalie Olivia is at your disposal! ”

"What, the Knight Commander is not me, you have the wrong person......"

"Not really."

This crisp and neat response made him difficult in an instant.

"Hey! Don't just snicker on the sidelines, okay?! Captain? ”

However, Alan really couldn't help it......

"Actually, I don't care, you do it yourself."

"You?!"

They made a concerted effort to contain the residual disasters and impacts of the "beast" within a certain range.

And always maintain the desire for new weapons and equipment, so even if she is newly married, Riveria has no idea of retiring.

"How so!?"

"That's it, okay? My dear......? ”

And she did discuss it on the surface, but in fact Lemuel's opinion was actually good.

In other words, he has no so-called decision-making power at all...... Of course, that's a different story.

"Hee-hee, wouldn't that be nice? Brother......? ”

Vane quietly made up for it at such a time!

Then I saw her stuff a huge amount of cream stew into her mouth.

"Trouble for another bowl!"

"Okay, okay, I'll serve it to you...... It's a starving ghost reincarnation, hey, you-"

Riveria complained as she served her food.

Immediately after that, there was also a didactic voice on the other side-

"Hey! It's Christmas today, can you not show that dejected face? ”

Yuna is also quite stern as well, and she always likes to be more honest when it comes to this kind of matter.

"Yes, yes, I was wrong—"

Lemuel, who answered in a half-voice, sat back in his seat.

In short, although a lot has happened, it is too boring to think about it at this moment. But now I ......

I can finally be by his side as a "wife".