“Thank you.”
My voice came out a bit thick with emotion as I spoke, a broad smile spreading across my face. Then I reached out my right hand toward Agnes.
She didn’t refuse. The moment she gripped my hand and rose to her feet, a small impulse welled up inside me. I acted on it without holding back.
[‘The Eye That Watches the Chaos of All Things’ inhales sharply.]
“…Ailet?”
Maybe it was rude to do it so suddenly, but I knew I wouldn’t get another chance.
I pulled Agnes close and embraced her tightly.
I have to remember the feeling of this hug.
I’ll cherish it as a lifelong memory.
My friend, my teacher—Agnes.
“Will we get to spar again someday?”
“…That would be nice.”
She rested a hand on my head, gently ruffling my hair. The soft, tender gesture created another memory I wanted to hold on to.
I’m not sure how long we stayed that way.
Eventually, I felt the arms around me relax. A…