Rachel's sudden change of topic leaves Shoyo at a loss for words. "Well," he starts, "he's strong, brave, and gentle. He's also dedicated and teaches you independently. He's a senior worthy of my admiration."
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"Do you think I should be with Edan? He just confessed to me," Rachel asks.
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"Is that so?" Shoyo hesitates briefly, struggling to express himself. Conflicting emotions swirl within him. He almost wants to stop her but can't quite pinpoint why. Is it because he genuinely likes her, or is he afraid of a life without her?
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Shoyo himself can't fully understand his feelings for Rachel. Their interactions have been calm and smooth, like being with family, completely different from the exhilaration he feels around Jennie. Shoyo is torn; he doesn't want to selfishly hold onto her if it means denying her potential happiness. After all, Edan is much more accomplished than he is, and they can't be compared.
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"What do you think?" Shoyo remains silent, leaving Rachel eager for a response.
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After careful consideration, Shoyo makes a decision he considers noble. "Of course, it's a good idea. I'm sure the senior will make you happy, and I agree."
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He deliberately replies calmly, pretending as if Rachel's question doesn't affect him. Then he hides under his blanket as tears stream down his face. He truly believes he has fallen for Rachel and believes she could be a partner for him on the journey of life. 216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAD1YfRMbT
However, with someone like Edan as an option, how could she choose him? So, he decides to let Rachel go, believing that loving someone doesn't mean possessing them. As long as she's happy, he will be too.
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"I see," Rachel replies, then turns her back to him and goes to sleep. However, Shoyo doesn't hear her response because he's crying, his chest feeling like it's being corroded by acid.
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After this night of questioning, Rachel understands Shoyo's thoughts and decides to wholeheartedly accept Edan. As the sun rises again, she will be able to see Edan.
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The next morning, aside from Aunt Aoino, who is often absent due to work, the family of four has breakfast together. "Oh? Miss Rachel, it's rare for you to eat with us. Aren't you leaving early?" Shoyo's mother asks out of curiosity.
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"Mom, she has achieved something. Today, she will officially return with the senior." Shoyo quickly defends her.
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With bandages wrapped around her, leaving only her eyes and mouth visible, Anami eats her food. "Return? It's still dangerous outside the city. If you encounter monsters like Flamape again, it will be troublesome. Just stay in the city, and don't linger near the gates. You can go anywhere else," she advises calmly but sternly, her authority making Shoyo not dare to disobey. Despite never leaving the house, she was his swordsmanship master in the past.
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"We're leaving!"
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Shoyo and Rachel leave together, meeting Jennie and Cloude at the door, but Edan is missing. "Huh, where's Edan?" Rachel, prepared to accept him, is becoming anxious.
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"Maybe he overslept. Let's wait a little longer for him. Where do we plan to go today? Are we heading outside the city?" Cloude looks at Shoyo as he asks, knowing that Shoyo has been ordered not to go outside the city.
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Shoyo feels embarrassed and invites everyone inside to chat and wait. After about half an hour, Edan still hasn't shown up. It's unusual for someone to be late; they've never had a member arrive late in the past few months. 216Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU2mAUWXV2
Among them all, Rachel is the most anxious. Except for Rachel, no one knows Edan very well. Most of the time, he trained alone, and since he has graduated, it's challenging to find him.
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"Today, you guys go ahead, and I'll find him myself." Rachel makes up her mind and leaves while saying so, leaving the other three behind. Shoyo quickly follows her, with Jennie and Cloude trailing behind.
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"Let us help too," Cloude suggests.
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"No need. I'm the only one who understands his thoughts. Leave it to me." With that, she rushes ahead. If Cloude really wanted to catch up, he could, but since Rachel said this, he respects her wishes. They all return to being a trio.
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