Chapter 8: One Month After Enrolling.

A month has passed since Cedric started at the Magic Academy.

Every morning, he dons his uniform neatly, rides the carriage, and returns in the evening.
His academy life seems fulfilling, yet somehow it doesn’t.

He clearly enjoys studying magic.
Each time he returns, his eyes sparkle as he shares, “I learned this magic theory today,” or “The new spell formula was fascinating.”

Seeing his expression, I think, He really loves magic.

But he doesn’t seem to have made any friends.

Or rather, he shows no sign of trying to make friends.
In the original story, Cedric indeed had no close companions.

His trauma from the magic outburst was a big reason.
He kept people at a distance, fearing he’d hurt someone, choosing solitude.

But it should be different now.

He holds my hand, eats with me, laughs with me.
His trauma should be minimal.

Yet—

“Cedric, have you made any friends at the academy?”

One evening at dinner, I asked casually.

“I have classmates, but no one I’m close to.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I sit next to people in class, exchange greetings. But that’s it.”

His tone was matter-of-fact.
He didn’t seem bothered.

It felt like he thought that was normal.

“But since you’re at the academy, wouldn’t making friends make it more fun?”
“Friends…”

He lowered his gaze, as if pondering.

“I don’t feel the need. I have you, Amelia.”

He said it with a smile.

—Ugh.

His words pierced my heart.

I’m happy, but… is that okay?

It’s good that he’s closer to people now.
But having no friends—how’s that?

In the original story, after overcoming his trauma, he became fairly sociable.
He got along decently with Prince Leonard and Noah.

So I tried suggesting.

“How about, say… talking to Prince Leonard? He’s in your year, right?”

His expression changed instantly.
His eyes turned a shade colder.

“Why him?”
“Huh?”
“You’re not suggesting I get close to him so you can get close to him, are you?”

—Wait, what?

That’s not it at all.
He leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with me.

His blue eyes, like a frozen lake, pierced through me.

“If I befriend the prince, you could get to know him too. Is that what you thought?”
“No, that’s not it!”
“Then why mention the prince?”

His voice was low.
Quiet, but heavy with presence.

I waved both hands frantically.

“Really, that’s not it! I just thought it’d be nice if you made friends…!”
“Friends…”

His expression softened a bit.
But not completely.

“…I see. Alright then.”

He picked up his knife again.
But the rest of the meal felt a little awkward.

—Did I upset him?

No, not upset… jealous?

No way.

But that reaction wasn’t normal.

That night, in my room, I thought it over.
In the original story, Cedric became sociable after overcoming his trauma.

But in reality, it seems different.

Maybe he won’t open up until the original heroine appears.
Maybe that’s when he truly lets people in.

But if he’s happy, that’s good, right?

He doesn’t need to force friendships.

If he’s content, that’s enough.

—Yeah, that’s it.

I convinced myself, settling on that conclusion.

While Cedric’s at the academy, I study to be a proper duchess and practice water magic.

I attended the academy too, but barely studied.
So it’s like relearning now.

When I first met Cedric, the game’s memories returned, but I wish they’d come back sooner.

I could’ve prepared earlier.

Oh well, the past can’t be changed.
I just do my best now.

Today, Cedric had his first academy exam.

I waited anxiously for his results.

When I greeted him at the entrance, his expression was a touch prouder than usual.

“Amelia, I’m back.”
“Welcome home. How was the exam?”
“I took top honors.”

My face lit up instantly.

“Congratulations, Cedric!”

I rushed to him, beaming.
He widened his eyes, a bit surprised.

“Thank you, Amelia.”
“That’s amazing! Top honors!”
“I didn’t expect you to be this happy.”
“Of course! It’s the result of your hard work, right?”

In my excitement, I grabbed his hand.
He squeezed back firmly.

“We should celebrate tonight. Anything you want to eat?”
“No, nothing specific…”
“Then your favorites—”

As I spoke, a servant ran from the main house.
Panting, they bowed.

“Lord Cedric, Lady Amelia. Pardon the intrusion.”
“What’s wrong?”

Cedric asked, and the servant bowed deeply before speaking.

“The ducal couple requests your presence at dinner tonight.”