(Viola's POV)
I woke up earlier than usual that morning.
Not because of class.
Not because of training.
I stared at the ceiling for a long time, blinking slowly, my thoughts drifting in lazy circles before settling on a single name.
Aurelius.
Tomorrow was his birthday.
The thought made my lips curve into a small smile before I even realized it. I sat up, brushing my hair back, already thinking about what kind of gift would suit him. Something refined, but not too formal. Something that felt… thoughtful.
But then the next thought came.
Rias can help.
The idea felt natural. Safe. Familiar.
I picked up my mana communicator and typed his name without hesitation.
Viola:
Hey Rias, let's go shopping. I'm waiting at the academy gate. Hurry up and come.
I sent it.
Only after did I realize—I hadn't asked if he was free.
"…He'll come," I murmured.
He always did.
I reached the academy gate and sat down on the stone bench, legs swinging lightly as I waited. I scrolled through my communicator, stopping on a saved photo without meaning to.
Aurelius, mid-smile.
My chest warmed.
I didn't notice how much time passed until footsteps slowed in front of me.
I looked up.
Rias stood there, hair still damp and messy, clothes simple, expression calm but slightly tired.
"You're late," I said automatically.
"Am I?" he replied. "You messaged me two minutes ago."
I puffed my cheeks. "Just accept it."
He looked amused, and for a moment, I felt something familiar—something easy.
I stood and stepped closer without thinking. His hair was a mess. It always was when he trained too hard.
"…Honestly," I muttered, reaching up.
He stiffened slightly, but didn't pull away.
I fixed his hair carefully, smoothing it into something presentable. He was so close I could hear his breathing. His scent—clean water and faint steel—was comforting.
When I stepped back, I nodded.
"There. Now you look a little more human."
He blinked. "Human? What was I before? A monkey?"
I laughed softly. "You're insufferable."
But I smiled.
And so did he.
Or at least—I thought he did.
We walked together through the city streets, the sound of vendors and mana engines filling the air.
"Tomorrow's Aurelius's birthday," I said casually. "I want to get him something nice."
I glanced at Rias as I spoke, expecting teasing. Maybe sarcasm.
Instead, he hesitated. Just for a fraction of a second.
Then he said, "Sure. I'll help."
I didn't notice his smile was forced.
I didn't notice anything.
The jewelry shop was bright and warm. I wandered between displays, feeling excited and nervous at the same time.
"What about this one?" I asked, pointing at a refined mana-watch.
Rias leaned closer, studying it carefully.
"It suits him," he said. "Simple. Practical."
Relief washed over me. "You think so?"
"Yeah."
We bought it.
I didn't see how his eyes lingered on the counter instead of the box.
At the café, I talked.
Too much.
About Aurelius's responsibilities. About how lonely it must be to be a prince. About how kind he actually was.
Rias listened quietly, smiling, nodding.
I didn't ask what he thought.
I didn't ask how he felt.
Why would I?
He was Rias.
He was always there.
When we returned to the academy and he suggested the garden, I agreed without hesitation.
The garden was peaceful. The pond reflected the fading light of the sky, ripples moving lazily across its surface.
Rias turned to face me.
"Viola," he said.
Something in his voice made my chest tighten.
"Let's end our engagement."
For a moment, I didn't understand the words.
"…What?"
"I'm serious."
My mind scrambled.
"Is this a joke?" I asked.
"No."
Cold seeped into my fingers.
"Did someone say something to you?"
"No."
"Did Aurelius—"
"This has nothing to do with him."
Then what?
"Why?" I whispered.
He looked at me—not angrily, not accusingly.
Just… honestly.
"You don't look at me the way you should look at someone you love."
My throat tightened.
"I didn't mean to hurt you," I said quickly.
"I know."
That made it worse.
"You're happy when you talk about him," he continued gently. "With me, you're just comfortable."
I wanted to deny it.
But I couldn't.
"…You're cruel," I whispered.
"I know."
I hated how calm he was.
"Did you ever love me?" I asked.
"…Yes," he replied. "He did."
I didn't understand that answer.
Before I could ask, he stepped back.
"This is goodbye, Viola."
I reached out instinctively.
He turned away.
And walked out of the garden.
I stood there long after he disappeared.
The pond kept rippling.
The world didn't stop.
But something inside me did.
Slowly, painfully, I realized something I had never allowed myself to think.
Rias had always walked beside me.
But I had been walking ahead—never once checking if he was still there.
"…Idiot," I whispered.
I didn't know who I was talking to.
Him.
Or myself.