CH 78

He has won the second round and has been given one day off before the third round.

Or rather, he only has one day off.

My injury was healed with recovery magic, but I was still tired from the continuous battle.

It’s hard.

Including the finals, we have three more rounds to go.

I’ll just have to do my best.

“Haaa……”

“What’s wrong with you?”

Natalie looked at me with a sigh.

I’m currently having breakfast with Natalie.

Natalie also won the second round and will be spending time with me today.

“No, ……. I thought it would be hard to have five rounds in one week.”

“Are you going to the finals already?”

“That’s true, too……. First of all, we have to do our best in each and every match. Anyway, what are you doing today?”

“I want to go watch your brother’s match.”

The spectator seats are designed so that nobles, royalty, or high-ranking wizards can sit in the lower seats where it is easier to see the match.

In the upper seats, there was space for commoners to stand and watch, clearly showing the difference in status.

Of course, Natalie and I were able to sit and watch the match.

By the way, I was not able to go see Julian’s match in the first round, so today would be my first day to see his match.

“If Julian wins the second round, he will be Natalie’s opponent in the third round, right?”

“Yeah, you need to see my brother’s ability with your own eyes.”

Natalie said.

“Oh, you’re coming to watch my match?”

A beautiful boy appeared out of nowhere.

He had blond hair, blue eyes and slightly lowered eyebrows, just like Natalie.

“Oh, brother. ……. What brings you here to ……. This is the dining place of Sanzar Academy.”

Each school has its own eating location for the competitors participating in the Four Great Festivals.

So, students from other schools should not appear here.

“I’m here to see Natalie.”

Natalie’s brother, Julian Alderath, smiled frivolously.

So this is Julian.

I had always heard of him, but he seemed to be as aloof and elusive as the rumors said he was.

“I did not want to meet you.”

“That’s cold. It hurts my feelings. I care about my sister so much.”

“As usual, you say things you don’t mean.”

“Haha, I mean it.”

At first glance, Julian seemed to be talking happily with Natalie.

But his eyes are not smiling.

“Tomorrow I’m going to play against Natalie, aren’t I? I can’t wait to see how strong Natalie has become.”

“I’m going to beat you.”

“Natalie is going to beat me? Hahaha, that’s a funny joke.”

“It’s not a joke! I’m getting stronger.”

“You think you’re the only one growing up, don’t you? You’re still as cute as ever. My sister.”

Julian looked at Natalie with narrowed eyes.

Natalie shrinks back for a moment, as if deflated.

“You said she can’t win. Why do you get to decide that?”

I interrupted their conversation.

“You’re the Owen I’ve heard so much about. I see.”

Julian nodded as if he was convinced of something.

“All of Natalie’s magic is an imitation of mine. You know, don’t you? You used to follow me around a lot.”

“…… I’m not who I used to be anymore.”

“Natalie will always be the same. You’ll never change.”

In the latter part of the sentence, Julian deliberately broke up the words.

It was as if he was emphasizing.

—Bang!

Natalie slammed the desk and stood up.

“Brother! You always make fun of me like that!”

“I’m not making fun of you. I’m not mocking you, Natalie. That’s what I think.”

“I’m not your toy!”

She glared at Julian and then left the room.

I was left behind and looked at Julian.

“Natalie is not the child you think she is.”

“What do you know about Natalie? After only four years of being together?”

“At least, I think I know her better than you do, Julian. What do you know about Natalie?”

“She’s timid, weak and cynical. That’s Natalie.”

“That’s not true. Natalie is a brave, strong girl who can light up the world around her.”

I looked back into Julian’s eyes.

And felt a chill run down my spine.

His eyes seemed to capture nothing.

If Natalie’s eyes were a clear blue, Julian’s were a blue that reminded me of the bottom of the ocean where no light enters.

Just looking at each other, I felt as if I were being taken into the depths of the ocean.

I forced myself to look away.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it.”

I left my seat and followed Natalie.