"Again, this place..." I thought to myself as I strolled toward a secluded spot behind the Third Years Building. It was the sa spot where I had once abandoned my Wings Krona, handing them over to Jayden – a decision I now realized was quite foolish.
The thought of Zeus being my enemy nagged at . If it ca to that, I might have to killJayden three tis, which was undeniably botherso. But I knew I had to own up to my actions and face the consequences when the ti ca.
As I walked, I couldn't help but notice nurous couples strolling together – so shy, others laughing rrily. This place was evidently a popular confession spot, especially during the closing ceremony and the days leading up to the holidays. Most of the students here were Third Years, preparing to leave the Academy.
Feeling a bit awkward amidst the lovey-dovey atmosphere, I finally reached my destination – a serene, shimring blue lake. So students noticed my presence and glanced at curiously, but my attention was on Layla. She stood alone, leaning against a tree, gazing at the lake with a lost look in her eyes.
"Huh?" I squinted my eyes as I approached her. It was indeed Layla, but sothing seed different about her.
"Edward," she greeted .
Layla stood there, with a tired complexion and even though she seed better than a month ago, her usual lively red eyes were dangerously dark now;
"Are you awaiting a confession?" I asked, taking in the romantic scenery around us.
Layla shook her head, a hint of sadness in her reply. "I just like this place." She replied and continued curiously. "Are you, Edward?"
"Yeah," I nodded.
"Who? Myra, I suppose?" Layla chuckled softly.
"No. Milleia."
Layla's laughter died down, and a smile replaced it. "Lucky you. You managed to win over the 'Daughter' of Raphiel, the chosen one and the most popular girl at the Academy."
"I'm going to reject her though," I confessed.
Layla gave a side glance, as if trying to detect any falsehood in my words. "Really? Then let witness this euphoric scene from the front row."
"If that makes you feel better," I shrugged nonchalantly before turning to walk away.
"Oh, by the way," Layla called out as I glanced back at her. "Alfred and your friend, Apostle, are here."
I raised an eyebrow, puzzled by her statent.
"They are probably here to watch the exhilarating confession of the blue-haired pest," she explained with a low tone..
"I see," I nodded, giving Layla a small smile. However, sothing nagged at my mind, so I decided to ask one last question. "What do you think about Milleia?"
Layla appeared surprised by the question before answering, "Do you know why I've always called her the 'Blue Pest'?"
"Because you hate her?" I ventured.
"Yes, I do hate her, but in this case, it's the literal aning of pest. Everywhere she goes, she willingly annoys people," Layla explained.
I couldn't help but wonder why Layla never confronted Milleia about it. "Yet, you never said anything."
Layla chuckled at my observation. "Alfred wouldn't have believed ."
She seed to have dropped the title of 'His Highness,' which was noteworthy.
"And people would have judged my words as re jealousy towards her which would be rather extrely humiliating. But I must say, Edward, I'm impressed by you. You are not blinded by affection or so scripted narrative anymore."
"Scripted?" I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Yes," Layla put her finger to her chin, appearing thoughtful. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have approached and believed in her and the Apostle of Lun right from the start of the Academy. It's unlike you to believe in a stranger this easily. Like you might know that she had Raphiel's Bloodline but what about Jayden?"
I remained silent, absorbing her words.
"I have a question that has been bothering for a while, Edward. Can I expect an answer?" Layla asked, stepping closer to and locking her gaze with mine. "Are you perhaps... coming from the future?"
Her question caught off guard, and I couldn't help but stare back at her, contemplating how to respond.
This girl…
How long has she been thinking about this possibility…?
….
….
I turned around and saw Milleia finally standing there, looking nervous. She wore the blazer uniform of the academy, and sohow, she seed even more beautiful than before. Her blue hair, with a few strands of pink reaching her neck, was neatly tied behind her. Her pink eyes stared at with a mix of tension and expectation, making her look as innocent as a flower.
Is she really acting right now? It's hard to believe, but if Laima said it, then I have to consider the possibility.
"You called , Milleia?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
"Um... Edward... how are you? I didn't have the chance to ask you directly, but I'm sorry for being unable to help you back then," Milleia said with a hint of sadness.
"Did Jayden tell you sothing about what happened when you were unconscious?" I questioned, curious about how much she knew.
Milleia shook her head and tilted her head in confusion. "Both of you escaped safely. That's the most important thing!"
I nodded, slightly impressed by her words.
Is she acting?
It's honestly starting to get scary.
"So, you're the 'Daughter' of Raphiel, huh? You always had sothing special about you," I complinted her, watching her laugh with a touch of embarrassnt.
"Milleia," I called her na again, trying to understand her feelings.
She looked up with teary eyes, clearly overwheld with emotions.
"Did you fall for because I saved the children back then or because I saved your mother?" I asked, genuinely curious about her feelings.
"E-Everything!" Milleia blurted out with a red face, but for a mont, I noticed sothing unusual in her eyes. There was a brief glimpse of emptiness, a lack of genuine emotion.
"I-I wish to be always with you... The mont I t you and saw you saving the children, I felt my heart exploding..." she continued, but her words felt off.
It was hard to put a finger on it, but sothing didn't feel right about her confession. It wasn't the typical affection or love at first sight, but sothing else entirely.
I couldn't understand her intentions, and that worried .
The only thing I was certain of was that…
"Jayden and Alfred love you, though? Alfred even proposed to you. What are you going to answer them?" I asked, hoping to get so clarity.
Milleia remained silent, just smiling at , which only added to the confusion. There was sothing hidden beneath her smile, sothing that made wary.
…she didn't love .
-DING!
Huh?
I looked around warily, and to my surprise, we were suddenly alone. All the couples that were present had vanished, leaving us in an eerie silence.
"Edward!" Jayden's voice echoed through the silence, and my attention was drawn to a group of people in black robes who appeared out of nowhere.
Before I could react, I was forcefully knocked back, but I quickly regained my stance and assessed the situation. Milleia was struggling in the arms of one of the robed figures, and Alfred was shouting in alarm.
Ante-Eden.
As I tried to process the situation, it appeared…
[Milleia Sophren or Layla Adriana Tarmias?]
I turned around and saw Layla who was also getting tied by shimring anti-man cuffs but contrary to Milleia, Layla didn't struggle. She was just curiously looking around.
What the...? This made no sense.
My mind was in turmoil as I tried to make a decision.
Who should I choose?
What was the significance of this choice?
Such a dilemma never appeared before.
I have never had to choose between two people before.
"Milleia... or Layla?"
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