Train Elementary Level Spell, Magic Arrow to the Absolute Limit ~The Exiled Noble Student Not Giving up, Train to Become the Strongest~

then—those tiny misgivings accumulate, which can lead to a total loss of trust in each other.
That attitude of yours will cost you dearly in the future, you know?”

“…I’m well-aware…”

That’s exactly why I tried doing the impossible.

As a result, I ended up losing sight of the one thing I shouldn’t have.

“But I’ve decided already.”

My duty as Albert Luminous, and my life as plain old Albert—I’m too clumsy to juggle both.
I need to keep one and discard the other—and the choice here was obvious.

—No matter where we find ourselves, I’ll always be your friend.
I swear it.
I will never break this promise, come rain or shine.

I couldn’t bring myself to break my promise with her.

She looked my way when no one else would.
She befriended me when the curtains to my life had already closed.

When I was on my last legs during my battle with the masked man, she prayed for my victory with every fiber of her being, giving me the strength to keep fighting.

I can only guess how much her smile has kept me going.

I can only guess how much her voice healed my heart.

What exactly was dear to me?

What exactly was important to me?

I didn’t need to spare another second thinking about it.

If I have to cast aside all the time I’ve spent with her to be Albert Luminous, then I’ll gladly call it quits.

I made myself clear as I spoke, “I’ll refrain from associating with nobles at the academy.”

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“…Alright.
If that’s what you’ve decided, I’ll let everyone know.” Kyria continued, “But know this, Albert Luminous.
This doesn’t change the fact that you’ve piqued my interest.
If there’s ever a time you find yourself in a pinch—or if you ever change your mind—give me a call.
I’ll be more than willing to put in a good word for you.”

“…I give you my thanks.” I gave my parting remarks and exited the room, returning to the ballroom.

I gave the nobles dancing about in the center of the room a sidelong glance and scanned the students by the wall.

…There wasn’t any guarantee that she’d be here.

The main stars of this party were the nobles and nobles only; there weren’t many commoners who’d come here just to sit by the wall and watch.

Nevertheless, I had a feeling she’d be here.

After all, she knows me just as well as I know her.

All students were encouraged to participate.
A diligent girl like her would diligently do as she’s asked and come.

…She’s probably standing all by her lonesome, too.

As expected, I found her.

Standing by the wall, a white-haired girl silently gazed at the dancing nobles.

Just then—

“Ah, if it isn’t Albert.” A group of noble female students dressed to kill called out to me.
“This is a great opportunity, so why don’t we dance?”

“No no no, dance with me.”

I shook my head as they rattled on and on.
“I’m afraid I already have a reservation with someone else.
I apologize,” I said, walking over to where Laura was.

“Laura.”

“Albert?” Laura seemed surprised by my sudden appearance.
“Is your body alright?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a relief… I’ve been worried sick…” Laura said, looking genuinely relieved from the bottom of her heart. 

Her thoughtfulness for me made my heart race.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down.
“Laura, uh, if you wouldn’t mind…” I extended my hand, “would you like to dance together?”

“Huh? But shouldn’t you be with the nobles—”

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“No, I’m through with that.” I shook my head.
“I’m done associating with the nobles at the academy.
From now on, I’ll be with you.”

“—!” Laura looked at me wide-eyed.
“B-But…”

“It’s fine.
I’ve made up my mind.”

“But, um, there’s no point in dancing with someone like me… and I’ve never learned how to dance to begin with…”

“No worries.
You see, a novice dancer doesn’t need to worry about if they can dance well—it’s about who they dance with.”

Laura held her breath in surprise. 

Then, she squeezed her eyes shut and said, “…A-Albert.” She took my hand with her white hand.
“…I-If you’re alright with someone like me, then…”

“Let’s go.” Laura and I made our way to the center of the room.

Facing each other, I put my arm around Laura’s body.

Her face beet-red, Laura spoke rapid-fire, “Um, I really! And I mean really—don’t know how to dance! So please teach me as we go!”

“Sure.
That’s the least I can do.” I chuckled.

I’ll teach you how to dance for as long as you want.

You taught me something far, far more precious. 

I was stuck in the past, but thanks to you, I’ve managed to make it all the way here.

You taught me how to live.

In my solitude, you looked at me with kindness.

I can only begin to imagine how much I owe you.

I wonder if I’ve returned the favor some? No matter how much I pay you back, it feels like my debt to you only grows larger and larger.

Just being near you fills my heart with so much contentment.

Just by gripping your hand like this, I feel like I’ve been rewarded in full for my decision today.

“Let’s start slow.
Make sure you don’t let go of my hand, Laura.”

We slowly began doing a basic dance.