The Price of Stability

It was a precise observation, but that didn’t make it any easier to accept. Lily maintained her defensive stance.

“Even so, there’s no such thing as a leave of absence at Iglia Academy. You know that, so why are you being like this?”

“……Actually, Lily. I also think it’s impossible as long as we’re tied down by the Academy.”

“Donovan, not you too!”

When Donovan—the one person Lily thought was on her side—quietly voiced the same opinion as Luke, her resolve began to shake.

Was she truly being too optimistic, as Luke said? Was balancing the Academy and the search for a cure truly an impossible feat?

She began to bite her nails habitually, falling into serious thought. Seeing this, Luke spoke coldly, as if cutting through her hesitation.

“If it were possible to find a cure while doing other things, Ensi would have found it a long time ago.”

As Luke pushed Lily into a corner, Titania spoke up in a soothing tone.

“Even if it’s for Ensi, graduating is a serious matter for you, isn’t it, Lily? You’re the heir, after all.”

“……That’s true.”

It was important. For heirs, the Academy was more than a place of learning; it was a field for networking and influence. Even putting that aside, a diploma was a metric that proved her capabilities.

“Luke aside, it’s important for you too, Donovan. For an adventurer, the title of ‘Iglia Academy Graduate’ adds immense credibility.”

“No, I don’t have much lingering regret about graduating, so I’m fine. I chose this place for learning rather than fame, and there are other places to seek knowledge if it’s not the Academy.”

Besides, adventuring was more fun than studying. Donovan had already been seriously considering dropping out. It wasn’t a reckless decision made solely for Ensi; having been tied down by the Academy for the past year, he was itching for freedom.

During the breaks, he had followed the original story’s adventures, but that was only possible within the strict “break periods.” The constant time limit always made him feel rushed.

Recalling the frustration of having to return just as he started enjoying himself, even the smallest shred of regret about the Academy vanished.

“Since Titania has made her decision, I can proceed in a similar direction.”

Donovan had only hesitated because he feared his choice would become a burden to Ensi. Empowered by Titania’s resolve, he decided to cast his worries aside. Since he was the one taking responsibility for his own life, there was no need to walk on eggshells around Ensi.

“I’ll be the first to take the hit, Donovan,” Titania said with a playful laugh.

Donovan nodded with a matching smile. “Would you? Then I’ll get scolded a week after you take your beating.”

“I’m planning to face it today, so you better get ready.”

“Today? That’s faster than I expected.”

“I don’t have much time to push it off. I have no choice.”

While Titania and Donovan shared their lighthearted banter, Luke and Lily remained still, their expressions stiff with the weight of the decision.

“Well, just because we decided this doesn’t mean you two have to quit. You know that, right?”

“Still—.”

“Titania is right. Besides, why are you thinking about quitting? Lily, Luke, you’re nobles. Doesn’t that mean there’s one specific excuse you can use?”

“……Ah!”

Lily’s face brightened as she realized what Donovan was hinting at. It was a method Luke hadn’t considered either; he let out a hollow laugh but nodded, seeing it as a viable plan.

“With that, we can buy a year—or at least six months.”

Titania, who wasn’t well-versed in Academy regulations, didn’t quite understand what Donovan meant.

“My, it looks like we’ll all be getting scolded together.”

Regardless of the method, one thing was certain: Ensi was going to be furious. At Titania’s mutter, the group shared a brittle laugh.

Crunch. The soil shifted under small feet. Titania looked around her surroundings as if seeing them for the first time.

It had been a little over a year since she started coming here. Plenty of time to get used to it. Yet, the realization that it would be difficult to visit again made everything feel strange and new.

“A rare guest for this time of night.”

“Ensi.”

Ensi appeared in light indoor clothing, looking as if he had been about to go to bed. Titania’s eyes widened. How did he know she was here?

Pushing the small question aside, she hurried to his side.

“You haven’t even taken off your makeup. Was the party fun?”

“Mmm, just… it was a normal party. Nothing special.”

Noticing her lips were darker than usual, Ensi reached out and brushed Titania’s cheek with his thumb. As expected, powder came off on his skin, and he clicked his tongue.

“It’s not good for your skin. You should have washed it off.”

“Don’t nag. I came here today because I have something to say.”

Titania shook her head to block any further lecturing. She naturally linked arms with Ensi and led him deeper into the greenhouse.

“Titania?”

“It’s fine for today.”

Despite Ensi’s confused call, she just smiled. It was only a moment later that she noticed the arm she was holding didn’t feel the same.

“That’s a hairpin I haven’t seen before.”

At Titania’s comment, Ensi instinctively reached up to touch the pin. The hard texture of the jewel and its faint chill seeped into his fingertips.

“You usually don’t wear them, saying flashy jewelry is a burden. Is it new?”

“Yes, well…….”

Ensi trailed off, clearly unwilling to elaborate. Titania, reading the answer in his evasive attitude, smiled thinly.

‘He got it as a gift. From that person.’

“Hey, Ensi.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t be shocked when you hear this, okay?”

“What is it this time?”

Ensi had already guessed that a late-night visit wouldn’t bring good news. With her extra warning, a sense of anxiety bloomed. He tried to soften his hardening expression and asked in a light tone.

“The thing is, um… once this exam period is over, I’ve decided to return to the Principality of Celine with Sirius.”

“—Permanently?”

It was indeed shocking. Ensi’s eyes widened at the completely unexpected topic. If she were just going back for a short visit, there would be no reason to come at this hour. Her words meant she was dropping out.

Ensi’s brow furrowed, his attempt at composure failing instantly.

“What is the reason for such a sudden decision?”

Because Ensi understood exactly what she meant despite her vague phrasing, Titania kept her painted-on smile. She could never lie to him. No matter how she tried to hide it, he saw through her like a ghost.

“I want to form a complete bond. The kind that isn’t easily broken.”

“A complete bond—do you mean imprinting?”

“Mmm. How are you supposed to let me tell you if you guess everything before I can speak?”

Despite Titania’s playful pouting, Ensi’s expression remained stony.

“No. It’s too early.”

“I knew you’d say that. I know it’s early to talk about Bonding. But… I want to establish a stable relationship as soon as possible.”

Normally, Titania would have been gauging his reaction, wondering if she should back down. But now, she was unwavering. Ensi, knowing the reason behind her resolve, fell silent.

A complete, unbreakable, and stable relationship.

Titania was obsessed with things that were invisible but could be felt with certainty. She tried not to show it, but it was clear to Ensi.

“What about just getting married?”

“I don’t even have a dowry. The Mayline family would never give me one. If I marry without a dowry, well, I might be ostracized in the Grand Duke’s castle.”

“Why don’t you have one? I’ll provide it for you. If anyone says anything there, just walk away without looking back.”

“I’m happy just hearing you say that, Ensi.”

Titania giggled and acted cute. Usually, Ensi would have gently pushed her away as she clung to him, but his mind was too tangled for anything but a sigh.

Realizing Titania wasn’t going to say she’d reconsider, Ensi pressed a hand to his forehead.

“I feel like I’m sending off my only younger sister to be married.”

“I feel like I’m telling my dad my marriage news.”

The two wandered the greenhouse without a clear destination, or rather, Titania led Ensi that way.

“The reason you’re trying to bond right now? Are you not going to tell me?”

“……I feel like I rely on you too much. So, I started thinking that if I’m not careful, I might ruin the connections that are meant to come to you.”

Caught off guard, Titania answered while feigning calm. The mere thought of such a situation was overwhelming, and her voice threatened to tremble, but she held it in.

“If I become a hindrance to you…… I don’t think I could live with myself.”

She had never been good at being logical. She wasn’t even sure if her sincerity was getting through. Titania hugged Ensi’s arm tighter and buried her forehead against his bicep.

“So that’s why you decided to go to Celine? While even considering Bonding?”

“……If I distance myself from you, form a Bond to build a stable relationship, and have a real home, then…… I won’t be a hindrance to you, Ensi.”

“I have never once thought of you as a hindrance.”

‘You might not, but we don’t know what that person will think.’

Instead of saying the words in her head, Titania whispered a thank you. Whatever the situation, it was her decision. She was in no position to blame anyone.

“It feels like I’ve pushed you away.”

“No, no. I was the one who pushed you first. So this is…… just like the time finally coming.”

Titania closed her eyes, savoring the hand gently stroking her hair. She looked at Ensi, who was only wearing a bittersweet smile despite knowing what had forced her hand.

She realized then: perhaps Ensi was already seriously considering a future with that person.