Chapter 12: Comet's Tail

A few hours after Mireille had left, as evening shifted to night, another visitor arrived.

Yuri.

“…Visiting this late? You really have no common sense, do you?”

“S-Sorry... I ended up running late.”

Watching him fidget with guilt, I couldn’t help but let my lips curl into the smallest of smiles.

“…Whatever. So? What do you want?”

“Huh? What do you mean...?”

“You came for a reason, right?”

But Yuri just avoided my gaze, flustered. I frowned.

“…Wait. Don’t tell me you came to visit at this hour... for no reason?”

“W-Well... I mean, do you need a reason to visit someone...?”

He scratched his head, still not looking at me, so I turned my face away too. I could hear Yuri getting worked up, thinking he’d upset me.

...And for some reason, that made me soften a little.

It felt... typical.

Typical of him.

After letting him stew long enough, I finally looked back.

“It’s fine.”

Yuri exhaled in relief.

Today had been exhausting, but for some reason, I felt oddly at peace.

“O-Oh! It’s not really a 'reason,' but... Elcie, I... I made it to Intermediate Rank as an Exorcist.”

“…Oh. Congrats.”

Today, Yuri had taken his promotion exam.

After single-handedly defeating a High-Rank demon a while back, the Church couldn’t keep him at Low Rank anymore.

So they made him take the test—essentially rigged in his favor.

Of course, he passed.

“They’ll update my robes tomorrow... I’m kinda looking forward to it.”

“…Yeah.”

Seeing him so happy about it left me feeling conflicted.

Rising up as an Exorcist wasn’t all good news.

It meant facing stronger demons.

As long as I—a High-Rank—was around, it might not matter. But if I were gone, Yuri would have to face those demons alone.

“Elcie?”

“…What?”

“Uh... You’re kinda making a face like you’re annoyed...”

I sighed and lied.

“…Yuri, you’re my partner, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then Intermediate Rank was a given. Are you really that happy about something so obvious?”

“H-Huh...?”

Avoiding his stunned gaze, I reached for the fruit basket by my bedside.

“Yuri, cut this for me.”

“Huh? Oh, sure.”

I watched as he clumsily peeled a pear.

...Is this really the same Yuri who seemed so reliable the other day?

Had I just imagined it in the heat of the moment?

I chewed on a slice of pear, lost in thought... then speared another piece with my fork and held it out to him.

“Want some?”

“…Nah, that’s yours.”

“Then I can do whatever I want with it, right? And it’s hard to eat when you’re staring at me like a starving puppy.”

“I-I’m not—mmph!”

I shoved the pear into his mouth before he could protest.

As Yuri resigned himself to chewing, I stabbed another slice for myself.

When I glanced back at him, his face was slightly red.

He looked... embarrassed.

“Why are you making that gross face?”

“N-Nothing... It’s nothing.”

I looked away, taking another bite.

Sweet and juicy.

“…Not bad.”

“…Hey, Elcie.”

Just as I was savoring it, Yuri spoke up.

“What?”

“Well, if you want... I mean—”

“Skip the intro and just say it.”

He hesitated, eyes darting.

“Uh, tomorrow... There’s the Comet Festival, right?”

“…Oh. Right.”

I tapped my fork against my lips.

The Comet Festival—a celebration of the comet’s arrival.

Thanks to miracles, this world’s astronomy was oddly advanced. They could predict things like comets years in advance.

So tomorrow...

Was the day the seven-year comet would be visible.

“Do you wanna go to the festival toget—”

“I’m on three-day bed rest.”

“Oh.”

Yuri deflated.

Had he forgotten? Or just not realized?

Either way, it was an incredibly thoughtless thing to suggest.

“…Why did you even think to invite me?”

“…We promised.”

“Promised? I don’t remember that.”

I searched my memories.

...Nope. Definitely no promise about a comet festival.

When I gave him a skeptical look, Yuri forced an awkward smile.

“Y’know... You said you’d try to enjoy life more... Right?”

I blinked.

...Oh.

That’s what he meant.

“…Yuri, you really are an idiot.”

“Wha—? C-Come on, that’s harsh! I was trying really hard to—”

“And your big idea was to ask me on a date?”

“D-D-Date!? N-No, that’s not what I—!”

Watching him flail, I couldn’t help it—

“Pfft... Kkh... Hahaha!”

I burst out laughing.

Not to mock him.

Just... because I was happy.

So happy, it brought tears to my eyes.

“Y-You didn’t have to laugh...”

“Hah... S-So what? You are trying to make me enjoy life... and it’s working. Hah...”

“…Well, yeah, but...”

As Yuri sulked, I wiped my tears.

“So? The Comet Festival?”

“Ah, yeah... Sorry. I didn’t realize you’d still be hospitalized tomorrow—”

Bowing apologetically, Yuri froze as I reached out—

And flicked his forehead.

"Ow!?"

A satisfying flick rang out.

Even without using holy ether to enhance it, my bare fingers still packed quite a punch.

"Wh-What was that for...?"

"You should really stop apologizing so much, don’t you think?"

"...I-I don’t think I do that..."

My words seemed to hit home—Yuri’s response was unsure, lacking the usual confidence.

...Still so unreliable.So weak-willed.So indecisive.

...Just a little longer. I still need to stay by his side. As his partner, I have to support him.

Yes—this isn't just me being selfish.

"The Comet Festival isn't just about walking around town, right?"

"...Well, no."

"The main point is seeing the comet. Am I wrong?"

"...No, you're right."

Yuri rubbed his forehead where I had flicked him.

...Did it really hurt that much? Not that I planned to apologize.

"Then it doesn't matter where we see it, does it?"

"...Oh."

Finally catching on, Yuri straightened up.

"S-So... can I come by your room tomorrow? We could watch the comet together—"

"Hah? No thanks."

"Eh!?"

Yuri’s face dropped dramatically.

...Too easy to mess with.

"Just kidding. Come if you want."

I should probably ease up soon.

...Logically, since I’ve already given up on pushing him away, I shouldn’t need to act like this.

And yet, for some reason, I still can’t be honest.

"Th-That’s mean, Elcie..."

Yuri exhaled in relief when he realized I had been joking about refusing him.

His emotions were always written plainly on his face.

Not a weakness—a strength, really.

Because just like this... simply talking with him made me happy.

"But Yuri—you are bringing food, right?"

"O-Of course... I'll go down to the market stalls and get us something good."

We sealed the promise like that.

It was already late, so after a bit more small talk, I sent him home.

But...

My previously empty tomorrow had suddenly gained plans... and somehow, I found myself looking forward to it.

In that sense, Yuri's goal of "helping me enjoy life more"...

Well, it was working.

Even if he didn't realize it himself.

...The simple fact was—

I was happy knowing I'd get to spend tomorrow with him.

And for Yuri’s purposes, that alone was probably enough.

---

The next evening arrived—the day the comet would draw near.

Even from my hospital window, the streets were livelier than the day before.

Despite the comet not being visible until late at night, the excitement was already palpable.

...These people knew something joyful was coming.

They didn’t doubt it for a second.

Even though others in this world couldn’t share that certainty...

I didn’t find it irritating.

This was peace.

A future of happiness, unquestioned and shared freely among neighbors.

...This was the sight I fought to protect as an Exorcist.

The reason I'd never reported my status as a Saint to the Church—so I could guard this serenity beyond the holy capital of Leyline too.

My eyes followed a boisterous child running past the clinic.

...So full of energy.

Then—

Crash.

The child collided with someone.

One of the two bundles they’d been carrying tumbled to the ground.

The child turned pale, immediately bowing in apology to—

Him.

"...What is he doing?"

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Because the one who'd been bumped into... was Yuri.

The bundles in his arms were clearly festival treats and drinks from the market stalls.

His newly issued Intermediate Rank robes were now stained where the child’s package had hit him.

As the child bowed again, Yuri stopped them.

Instead... he patted their head.

...I couldn’t hear the words from here.

But I knew.

They’d be kind.

"Honestly... too soft for his own good."

I turned away from the window, leaning back against my bed and hugging the blanket to my chest.

It felt wrong to keep watching.

Soon after, a knock echoed through the room.

"...Come in."

I kept my tone neutral in case it wasn’t him.

But of course—it was.

"Sorry... I’m a bit late."

He’d come straight here without changing his soiled robes.

I could see traces of a hasty rinse, though.

I smiled wryly.

Given the state of him, not asking would be stranger.

"Why the stains?"

"Oh, this? It’s... well—"

Scratching the back of his head, Yuri offered an awkward smile.

"I, uh... tripped. Had my hands full, so I couldn't catch myself..."

He lied to me.

He didn’t mention the child—that was his kindness at work.

But living like this... it must be exhausting for him.

He could’ve just blamed someone who wasn’t there, avoided the scolding altogether.

...Honestly. So clumsy. So painfully kind.

"...I see. What a klutz."

So I decided to go easy on him—just a little.

"Hahaha..."

Yuri gave an awkward laugh and moved to sit—

"Take that robe off. It's dirty."

"Oh, right."

He stripped off the outer layer and hung it up.

Underneath, he wore a simple black shirt.

The thin fabric clung just enough to reveal muscles that you wouldn't guess from his face—

My pulse skipped.

Probably just envy.

As a woman, building muscle never came easy.

"Here we go."

Yuri set a single paper bag on the bedside table.

The other one must’ve been ruined when he dropped it during the collision.

So just this one remained.

From it, he pulled out a bamboo lunchbox.

"Here, Elcie."

I glanced at him.

"...Where's yours?"

"Mine is... well, I dropped it when I fell..."

His eyes darted away.

Technically true—but the details were a lie.

And Yuri was terrible at lying.

Painfully terrible.

If your lie is this transparent, better not to bother.

He should take notes from me.

I opened the box.

"You bought this. And you're not eating?"

"...Well, it's my fault—"

"...Ugh. Whatever. Here."

I speared a meatball with a bamboo skewer and shoved it into Yuri's mouth.

"Wah—mmpf!"

Just like yesterday.

Felt like feeding a baby bird...

What a high-maintenance partner.

"Well? Good?"

"Mhm... yeah, tasty..."

"Thanks for poison-testing."

"Eh? P-Poison...?"

A little sarcasm was necessary to balance things out.

I've really become such a pain of a woman, I mused, biting into a meatball.

...Minced veggies, lightly salted.

Not bad, actually.

Held up well even cold.

We split the single serving Yuri had brought—

And time slipped by.

The sky darkened into night.

I'd strong-armed the staff into extending visiting hours.

"It's a festival," I’d said—

To which they replied, "Just stay the night, then."

...And, "No strenuous activity."

Strenuous activity? In this tiny room?

What exactly did they think we'd do?

Whatever.

Permission secured, Yuri and I watched the sky deepen.

"Should be soon...?"

"How should I know?"

Then—

"...That one, maybe?"

"Where?"

"There, see...?"

Yuri pointed to a faint but unmistakable streak of light—

A star with a glowing tail.

"...Kinda underwhelming."

"W-Well... it's still cool, right?"

I squinted.

Okay, maybe slightly brighter now.

But no real impact. Barely stood out from the other stars.

Still...

"Not 'cool,' but... pretty enough, I guess?"

"R-Right?"

"...Why are you defending the comet?"

"I mean... I invited you, so if you're disappointed... feels bad..."

His pathetic reasoning made me smile.

"Doesn't matter. Even if the comet's a dud, even if half the food got ruined... I'd never say I didn't enjoy this."

"...Oh."

That was... uncharacteristic of me.

Yuri looked surprised—then quietly pleased.

...A little awkward.

But a good awkward.

The kind that comes from mutual care.

The comet's glow was already fading.

...Guess that was peak brightness.

Definitely underwhelming.

"...That's it?"

"...Seems like it."

"This year's was a bust, huh? Can't see why people get excited."

But still—

Not a bad night.

Seven years ago, I probably slept through this, unaware.

But being invited, watching together...

I was glad.

Even if it wasn't breathtaking.

Maybe the company was the point.

As I lingered on the thought, Yuri spoke up.

"Then... let's do it again. Elcie."

"...Again?"

"Yeah. Seven years from now."

"............"

I fell silent.

Seven years.

...Mireille gave me six.

Seven, he says.

"...Elcie?"

At first, I'd thought—Six more years is plenty.

But six years...

Turns out, that's shorter than it sounds.

That's why Mireille said "only" six.

I finally understood.

"...Does it matter? Honestly, who knows where we'll be in seven years... I just can't give you an answer, that's all."

"...I see."

Yuri's eyes dimmed slightly.

Under the moonlight, that expression made my chest tighten unbearably.

...My hand twitched.

Hovered in the air.

Hesitated.

Withdrew.

...Then reached out again.

This time, my fingers clutched the hem of Yuri's shirt.

"...Elcie?"

"It's not that I don't want to watch it together... If we can, then... sure, we can."

That was the most defiant lie I could muster.

A wish that would never come true.

Yet I said it anyway.

As if making the promise could will it into existence.

...Even knowing it was impossible.

Even so—just for this moment—

To keep him from looking so sad.

"...Yeah. Hope we can."

Did Yuri understand what those words cost me?

No—he couldn't possibly know everything.

Shouldn't know.

I didn't want his pity.

I just wanted the people I cared about to keep smiling.

So...

I wanted Yuri to smile too.

The comet's faint glow vanished from the sky, and the distant festival noises faded.

Quiet settled in gradually.

The night softened into tranquility.

"...Thanks for today, Yuri."

The uncharacteristic words slipped out.

Maybe my weakened body had loosened my tongue.

I braced for teasing or confusion—

But Yuri just smiled.

A small, genuine thing.

---

"Mmh~mm!"

Under the sunlight, I stretched my body.

After three days, I was finally discharged from the infirmary.

Having been bedridden for so long, all my joints felt stiff.

Crack, crack—with light popping sounds, I did some stretches... took a deep breath in, then out.

Then, swaying my chestnut-brown robes, I left the infirmary behind.

"Now then..."

First, I'd go find Yuri.

I knew exactly where he'd be on days without missions.

Unless he had special plans—

There.

Training grounds, as expected.

Swinging his greatsword Claymore, a sacred silver weapon.

He could at least take proper breaks on his days off...

"...Heh."

Well, that stubbornness was part of his charm.

Lighthearted, I approached Yuri—

"Yuri."

Calling out to him—

"Huh? El—"

—I flicked a pebble at him.

In an instant, Yuri blocked it with his Claymore... absorbed the impact, and let it roll harmlessly to the ground.

"Wh-What was that for...?"

"Demons don't warn you before ambushing. I'd say I'm being pretty nice, no?"

"I mean... yeah, but..."

Yuri sighed.

...Still, his handling of the sacred silver weapon had improved.

Froila's doing, maybe?

I should thank her.

...Not that I'd ever say it to her face.

Yuri blinked at me.

"Oh... right. Congrats on getting discharged."

"Thanks. But Yuri, as my personal slave, shouldn't you have come to pick me up at the infirmary?"

"Huh? Oh... s-sorry?"

"Joking. Don't take it seriously."

I glanced around.

...Seems she wasn't here.

"...Elcie? Looking for someone?"

"Where's Froila? Not here today?"

"Ah... well, she didn't say anything, so she'll probably come later."

I blinked, then checked the clock.

...Already past noon.

"...Why so late? You've been here since morning, right?"

"Yeah, but... you know how Froila is with mornings."

Ah.

I scowled.

"It's not even morning anymore. She's the epitome of a dysfunctional adult, you know?"

"Hahaha..."

Yuri averted his eyes without denying it.

...Meaning Froila's sleep schedule was that messed up—enough that even Yuri couldn't defend her.

"Honestly, what kind of grown adult—"

"My bad."

Thud.

A fist rested on my head.

The voice told me exactly who it was.

"...Froila."

Her stern expression softened slightly when I said her name.

"Good to see you in high spirits, Elcie."

"...Thanks."

My straightforward reply seemed to surprise her—like she'd expected sarcasm.

"So? Need something from me?"

"Not really. I didn't come here for you... just to shake off the rust."

"Commendable attitude."

I transformed my rosary into Sledgehammer, my sacred silver weapon, and set its head on the ground.

Froila grinned like a beast.

"Ah, perfect... I'll whip you back into shape myself."

"Hah? I just said I didn't—"

Whoosh.

Her halberd was already coming at me.

I kicked Sledgehammer's head up to block, the impact reverberating through my arms.

Using the momentum, I leaped back—just as Froila tightened her grip on her halberd.

"Hey! That was dangerous! Not funny at all!"

"'Demons don't warn before ambushing'—or did you forget?"

Yuri made a weird face at that.

When I glared, he quickly looked away.

"...Tch, fine! Don't blame me when I beat you black and blue, pride in tatters!"

"Heh. Barking loud, I see. That's more like it."

I shortened my grip on Sledgehammer's handle, driving it into the ground—

Then pivoted, using my body as the axis—

"Hah!"

With a yell, I swung Sledgehammer down—

"Predictable."

Froila deflected it with her halberd's shaft, redirecting the force... then stepped on my foot.

"Guh... Annoying!"

She'd read my sweep kick.

Thanks to my ether barrier, it only stung—but I couldn't move.

Point-blank range.

Both Sledgehammer and Halberd were long-reach weapons. At this distance, neither could be swung effectively—outside their optimal range.

She should've needed to retreat to strike—

"Wha—?!"

In that instant—

The spearhead of Froila's Halberd shot toward me.

A thrust executed purely by twisting her torso, grip shortened.

I'd never heard of this technique!

I—

Let go of Sledgehammer.

Channeled every ounce of ether into my right arm—

And deflected it bare-handed.

"Guh—!"

"Hoh. Not bad."

While I gasped for breath, Froila looked utterly unfazed.

The gap in our skills was undeniable.

"S-Seriously! Picking on someone fresh out of the infirmary?!"

"You said it yourself—I'm not a proper adult."

"Tch, I didn't!"

I knew, though.

This wasn't just about me recovering.

Let's be honest—

In close-quarters combat with sacred silver weapons, I ranked near the bottom among High-Rank Exorcists.

My High-Rank status came from my adaptability with Mirage techniques and the achievements I'd secretly gained using Miracle Signs.

Froila was the opposite.

She wasn't skilled in Mirage techniques.

She bore no Miracle Signs.

Yet she was recognized as a High-Rank Exorcist.

Meaning—

"While we're at it... Yuri!"

"Y-Yes!?"

"You're joining too! I'll take you both on at once!"

"W-Wait, two-on-one!?"

Yuri fidgeted nervously but stepped up beside me.

His hesitant glance said it all.

I understood—

"Don't bother worrying, Yuri. Even with two of us, it'll barely be enough."

"Huh...?"

That's right.

Froila stood at the absolute peak of close-quarters combat among High-Rank Exorcists.

Her mastery of sacred silver weapons was unmatched—

In game terms, she was the melee brute force type.

The kind labeled "Beginner-Friendly!" in strategy guides.

That was Froila, the Halberd Exorcist.

"Well? Come at me. Both of—"

"We know! Let's go, Yuri!"

"R-Right!"

Result?

Even two against one—

We couldn't land a single hit.

This is absolute nonsense.

Yuri and I were collapsed on the training ground, drenched in sweat—

While Froila wiped hers off like she'd just finished a light jog.

Ridiculous.

So the in-game nickname "Close-Combat Shotacon Muscle Gorilla" wasn't just for show, huh?

Blinking sweat from my vision, I stared at the ceiling—

And finally understood.