End of Mission (2)

The concert ended with all fans leaving with satisfied expressions, including Annaleigh and Liella. They hadn't been totally honest when they applied for permission to leave the academy and Liella had to pull many strings to get approval, so they headed back straight after the concert. Even so, every moment on the way back was spent discussing the concert.

"Did you see that trick she pulled while she was singing 'Believe Me'?"

"Yeah, it was so cool! And did you catch the part where the backup singers switched pitches?"

"Yes, it was brilliantly executed! I wonder who came up with it?"

"I don't know but they deserve a promotion."

They were in a mecha-car along with the driver, but his presence did little to curb their desire to pour their hearts out to each other. The two kept up their excitement even after they reached back into Section B, but all good times eventually came to an end.

Once the academy was in sight, Liella began to calm down and put on a cloak to hide her attire and Annaleigh followed suit. They then politely greeted the guards on patrol and gate duty and were allowed back on academy grounds. As there were no official classes being held, few figures could be seen walking around on the way past the academic buildings. It was in this desolate setting that the two slowly walked side by side. Annaleigh could sense that Liella had something to say, so she kept her ears ready and waiting for her, as she always had.

"Annaleigh, will I see you again tomorrow?"

It was the same question that she kept avoiding. Annaleigh considered staying silent, but this time she strengthened her resolve and responded.

"...Probably not."

"As I thought. Was it my father?"

"I, can't answer that."

"I know, it's okay. As the daughter of one of the directors of this city, it's natural that I would be targeted, and it's not like this was the first time. You've probably noticed, but almost everyone in class moves around in pairs. That's because around half of us are from high-profile families and the other half are from branch or vassal families. They don't make it obvious because the academy promotes independence, but it's an open secret that those from branch or vassal families act as servants and bodyguards to the daughters of esteemed clans. I used to have someone like that as well, but they died during my first year at the academy. Ever since, I've had a variety of temporary bodyguards."

"Liella..."

While it would be a lie to say that she hadn't been aware of this, Annaleigh felt emotional from the fact that Liella was okay with revealing this to her. According to the information she had, the one who had served as Liella's personal servant had been with her since childhood, so it must have been a sensitive topic for her, and yet she was willing to open up about it.

"You don't have to look at me like that. Just act like I'm talking to myself. Heina invited me to the club soon after the incident so I was okay for the most part. Anyways, even though I couldn't tell where they were, I could always sense when someone was watching over me. It wasn't always the best feeling, but when I thought about the fact that they could die at any time without me knowing, I stopped minding it. There were times when they tried to approach me like you did, but all of them were only looking to please my father through me, so I made sure to reject them. Even when I could tell that they were being swapped out at a suspiciously fast pace, I acted like a selfish child and refused to let them, or anyone else besides my club members get close to me. While I was surprised by how eager you were when you first came, I had planned on doing the same to you as well.

But, you beat me. Without properly looking at you, I assumed that you were the same as rest. That you only saw me as an extension of my family. However, you quickly proved me wrong. Even when I was reminded of your true nature, you still sneaked your way into my personal space with your sincerity. And even though I know it was your job, you protected my stage. Thank you."

With all of her willpower being used to suppress the tears at the edge of her eyes, Annaleigh could barely utter a response.

"N,no. Even if I was glad to be of help to you, at the end of the day, I'm, still being paid for this."

"I know, and honestly, I worried about it a lot, but I decided that you deserve, no, I owe you my trust. Annaleigh,"

Suddenly, Liella stopped, and since their hands were joined, Annaleigh stopped as well. There was no starlight emphasizing the two, but when she looked into Liella's azure eyes, Annaleigh felt as if they had entered a separate space, as if there was no one else but her.

"Annaleigh, would you be my friend?"

Usually, she would eagerly state that they were already friends, and tease that they could be something more, but Annaleigh couldn't draw on such playfulness when faced by Liella's heartfelt sincerity.

"...Are you sure? Even though that's not my real name?

"That's fine, we can just make it my nickname for you."

"Even if this isn't my real personality?"

"I haven't completely opened up to you either, but as long as we treat each other as friends, I'm sure there'll be no problem."

"I'm an assassin you know, I could end up killing someone you care about."

"I don't know how I'll react if that happens, but I don't believe you would kill someone innocent for the sake of money."

"... I'll be leaving tomorrow, we might never see each other again."

"Even so, I won't forget you. I can honestly say that meeting you, is one of the best things that has ever happened to me."

Annaleigh had no more questions, but she hesitated. Accepting her offer seemed so appealing, yet frightening at the same time. After all, even if they did meet again, would she even be herself anymore? It was at this time that she heard a familiar yet strange voice in her head.

'What are you hesitating for? Have you forgotten what type of person you are? If you want to take her hand then do it firmly, there's no need to worry about anything else. This is your body, don't forget that.'

It was a sudden pep talk that would be spooky if it happened to anyone else, but it had the right effect on Annaleigh. After taking a deep breath, she let go of Liella's hand and hugged her instead.

"This is my answer," Annaleigh whispered into Liella's ear.

Liella fought back against her embarrassment and wrapped her arms around Annaleigh as well.

"Thank you, my friend," Liella whispered in return.

There were far more eyes watching them than either realized, but all of them sent their blessings from afar. Only some had an idea of the difficulties they would face in the future, but they believed that the two would surely be able to overcome them.