Coming of Age II

...His sight fell before me... that reaction...

Just now! He recognized me, right?

I'm sure he remembered our first meeting.

I'll at least try to approach him first and eventually find out his intentions while I'm at it.

The presentation of talents was over before I knew it, with all these recurring thoughts I have, time seemed to move fast.

This is good. I don't have to wait long, I'll try to strike a conversation with him.

I hurriedly left the table, with a reason that I needed some fresh air.

...

Where... his table should be here...

"Excuse me, can I call you Aunt Claire? As you can see, I'm Natasha. You might be confused as to why I suddenly approached you, but could you tell me where your son is?"

I politely asked the beautiful black haired woman, she is beautiful. But she should not be the woman I saw two years ago, their appearance is different.

I also wanted to call her Aunt Claire, so that I would give a sense of closeness.

"Yes?... Ren should be in the restroom. Do you two know each other?" Aunt Claire answered me with a smile, but I guess she has some doubts, huh? I mean, this is natural. My family is after all one of the top noble family in this kingdom.

"...I know him... I'm not quite sure if he still does remember me, though." I nodded but with a bit of act. This somewhat depressed and pityful act could give people to have the sense of duty in protecting me.

I have to say, that this move had been tested a lot. And it worked, a lot of times even.

"Mhm. You can wait for him here if you want." Ehh? It doesn't seem have any effect? What a bummer.

I kept my smile and spoke: "No, it's fine. I'd be too much of a bother, I'll go find him myself... if you will excuse me."

I bowed slightly before leaving.

The restroom... I wonder which one? Ahh, I should've asked. The restroom is so big, but hey, I guess this is how magic can be applied quite effectively.

...

With enhance hearing and sight I immediately found him.

In the long corridor, that is connected to the mansion's garden. He stood there looking at someone with a smile.

I looked at the person who was the one behind the waterfall at the center... it's a little girl.

I squinted my eyes to see her figure... wait, Rena?

What is she doing here?

And why is he staring at her?

He moved closer towards her, and I actually found myself hiding. Why did my body move on its own?

No matter, at least in this range I can hear what he is going to say.

"Mind if I sit with you?..."

Hmm, normal.

"...? Okay..."

Rena why did you agree to let a stranger be that close to you? But well, he is also a kid. If you don't know how capable he is, you won't need to worry. I'm the opposite.

"...lonely?"

"...Mhm. Not really."

Wait. How come I didn't notice this state of hers. She really does look lonely. Her face is filled with... melancholy.

"What about your sister?"

"Sister...? Elder brother, Luke, should be with her."

Ehh? He is not! Wait! Don't tell me? after I left he also immediately followed, wanting to accompany me.

"Luke...huh? Then, why are you not with them?"

"Well... I don't really want to get in their way. After all, they have affection for each other."

"I see..."

Ahh. I understand. She noticed. That's why she was feeling lonely, but I can't do anything about it. He is mine!

While it is still early it's better to let go, I will find you someone better for you.

That's all I could say.

...my emotion seemed pretty heavy. I hope it didn't affect my magic. This is the best concealment magic in my arsenal, [Water reflection barrier].

Although I do think that if he ever spread his consciousness all around the surrounding to find me. I will be find out. His strength is not a laughing matter.

...

What's this? What's with the silence? Both of you are literally just sitting there staring at empty space. At least, talk, or else I will be overwhelmed with guilt of how I am responsible for this.

"...why did you come and talk to me?"

Rena was the one who initiated this time!?

"No reason. I just want someone to talk with."

"Why are you not talking anymore, then?"

"...Are you sure that it's fine for you to tell me all this?"

"Why? Is telling supposed to be bad?... I'm sorry.

"Ah... not really. Just don't tell someone that you don't know very well."

"Like you?"

"I suppose. But I'm good, you know."

"I know that."

"You know? How?"

"Hmm... I just know."

"!!!"

Suddenly, when we heard her words both me and Ren's eyes went wide in surprise. I don't know what was the reason for him.

But mine? It might be because Rena has already awakened. The ability to perceive things was her inborn talent. It was unlocked in the original after she knew that the heroine was finally together with Luke.

This... isn't this too early? Isn't it because of me, but should this be something to be celebrated with?

"What happened?"

"No. It's nothing."

"...hm."

"Your name is Rena, right?"

"...mhn."

"Do you know that Rena means joy? Being sad is not good... you should smile more.

"... really? You are trying to cheer me up?

"Ah,... how about this. I'll give you a gift, think of what you want. It can be anything."

"A gift?... I want a dog. But... father will always sneeze when dogs are around. So I can't.

"A dog and allergy, huh... hey, don't be sad, okay? I have the thing that can solve all that. See this?"

Magic? What is he going to do? I suddenly heard the sound of scorching lightning. It should be his magic.

...ehh? A lightning dog?

"Come, try and pat his head."

"Isn't it dangerous? It's lightning."

"Don't worry. I'm good, right?"

"Mhm... wha, eh? It's pretty soft?

"Well, you believe now? This dog also won't cause your father to sneeze anymore.

"Really?!!"

"Really."

"Really?!! Really?!!"

"Yeah. Really. Really."

"But this is magic, so it won't last long..."

"You don't need to think about it. This magic will go on forever, it will only be remove if I, the caster, is dead."

You say that but... one would need to master a certain degree of control with ones element and paired with an unlimited supply of magical energy, can this magic be maintained. And that confident tone of yours... this is pretty easy for you.

...I should maybe consider entering a close-door practice. Lest... I can't surpass this boy. I need to meet my prince before I do so.

"... what's your name?"

"Our name is actually pretty close... try and guess it."

"Close? Rein? Rey? Hmm... I don't know. Tell me..."

"It's Ren."

"Ren... Ren... Ren and Rena. We matched!

"Haha, is that so?"

This... what is this I'm seeing? Surely, the future I imagined just now won't come true, right?

... I'll excuse myself for now, I'll find him later.

... eavesdropping is not good for my image.

Rena's face though, just now... I worry for the future.