Declaration of War
“Dear Sheila
I received your letter safely.
I knew you would be fine, but I’m so relieved.
You’re a very thoughtless girl, so I’m guessing Felix or someone put you up to this.
Anyway, the letter seems to have been good medicine for your father, who was lonely and always crying all this while. I have it on display in a handmade frame, so be prepared not to be surprised when you return home.
Whether it’s when you say you’re going to be a knight or the matter of how to produce herbal tea, you’re always acting recklessly and it makes me nervous.
However, you’re always strongly pushing forward toward what you want in life.
Your father and I are proud of you.
But if it really gets too hard, come home. We are always on your side.
Tania.”
Sheila was in her room reading over a letter from her mother that Felix had given her the other day.
There were few people in Denan Village who could write. She had probably asked the village head to write for her.
Sheila gently embraced the letter, which was filled with love. It was strange that the letter felt so warm even though it was just a piece of paper.
“Thank you, Mom, Dad.”
Because of the definite kindness of her family, Sheila was sure she could continue to do her best in the future.
◇ ◆ ◇
The third month of winter had finally arrived.
For a time, Sheila’s life was hectic, but now, more than three weeks after the demon attack, she was able to go about her daily life as usual.
Daily training, supplementary lessons, Jornwerner’s experiments, and consultations about the mass production of herbal teas.
However, compared to the demon attack that shook the capital and the invitation to the royal castle, everything was calm.
Sheila was still helping Clauschezade, who was busy with his office work, as usual.
He had received several requests to come to the castle since then, but he never talked about the details.
It seemed that she was still far from becoming a reliable existence.
“I heard that the Crown Prince’s first child was born safely. The town was in a festive mood.”
“That’s right. Although it has been delayed considerably, the party will be held around mid-month, along with the New Year’s celebrations.”
It was almost spring, and finally, there was a New Year’s celebration.
“Jornwerner-sensei said he would be attending, which is unusual for him, so Clauschezade-sensei will surely be there too, right?”
“It’s uncomfortable when you use him as a standard. And by the way, you’ve been getting awfully friendly with that guy lately, haven’t you?”
“That’s exactly the kind of misunderstanding I don’t like.”
Even Sheila was perplexed by Jornwerner, who wouldn’t leave her even during meals.
In addition to the flirtatious attribute, there were too many strange things about him.
She had hoped that somehow they would get back to normal, just like before the new semester started, but instead, they just got closer. If her friends saw them together, it would inevitably draw unnecessary attention.
After finishing the paperwork, Sheila decided to make a cup of hot tea.
Although the carpets and quilts kept out the cold air, the stone faculty building still felt chilly.
“No, no. There is no way I can compete with the two of you.”
“How many times have I told you that Jornwerner and I are nothing more than people with unsavory ties?”
“Even so, isn’t he the only person you ever call by first name only?”
She set his teacup down in front of him before returning to her seat.
Sheila let it cool down a bit before pouring hot tea into it. She still felt the bitterness, but she was now used to it.
After taking a sip, she looked up.
“Ah. But you called me by my name several times when we were fighting demons. Even though it was always ‘Sheila Danau.'”
She couldn’t mention it because they were in the middle of a battle, but it had actually been bothering her for a while.
Clauschezade didn’t even look up from the document.
But was it just her imagination that his hand stopped for a moment?
He took a shallow breath and let go of his pen. Then, he slowly sipped his tea.
Sheila decided to take this opportunity to confront Clauschezade once again.
There was almost no convenient place for them to be alone, except when she was helping him out.
Besides, Isaac had given her courage the other day. She didn’t want to be outdone by him.
Gently, Sheila clenched her fists on her knees.
“――Clausche-sama. If you don’t mind, would you let me redo the confession I made the other day?”
“Kueh, Keugh!”
She told him rather seriously, but for some reason, he spewed tea all over her.
Sheila was more stunned than worried. Clauschezade was spewing tea and choking on it.
She didn’t think that his impregnable expressionless face would crumble like this, so she could do nothing but be astonished.
Even as his coughing gradually subsided, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
“…. You say the most startling things.”
Clauschezade finally spoke up.
His peacock-colored eyes shot through Sheila with serious killing intent.
Feeling apologetic, she awkwardly averted her gaze and pouted her lips.
“Because at the time, I said it in the heat of the moment. I didn’t have enough time to tell you everything.”
“… Is there more than that?”
“I can pour it out wherever you like, but do you want to hear it?”
“Fine. I mean, it’s not very emotional when you say things like ‘pour it out.’”
She didn’t want to be told that by someone who spewed tea all over her, but she was wise enough not to say anything.
If he started preaching about who was to blame, it would be a waste of all her courage.
Ever since a while ago, her heart had been asserting its existence. If she opened her mouth, it felt like it would jump out.
But Sheila tried to remain calm and took a deep breath.
“I love you. I love everything about you, your strength, your weakness, and I want to protect you with all my heart.”
Then, she looked up.
“But I don’t want you to go out with me.”
She didn’t expect him to go out with her in the first place.
When Sheila thought back calmly on the time she had spent with Clauschezade, there was nothing about her that could make him like her as a woman. She was like a wild animal, to put it mildly.
Clauschezade never said a word or changed his facial expression in the slightest.
Sheila took advantage of that and spun her words as she pleased.
“I just wanted you to know. That there are people who simply admire you, regardless of your status or appearance. That I wish for your happiness more than anyone else.”
If she could get him to like her, she would be happy. But such a future was unimaginable for now.
So, she just wished for it.
Sheila’s yellow-colored eyes narrowed softly.
“So, for now, could you please give me your answer? Otherwise, I don’t think I can move forward.”
His peacock-colored eyes caught Sheila’s.
She loved his serene gaze. They seemed very comforting.
Sheila trusted he would never deceive her.
Clauschezade closed his eyes only once.
For that brief moment, a strong emotion seemed to flicker in his eyes, which were shaded by silvery white lashes.
But when he raised his head again, his face was just the same expressionless expression it had always been.
“I――probably will never love anyone. Now and forever.”
Not because it was Sheila, but because he had to love whoever it was.
She didn’t think Clauschezade would say that just for the sake of kindness.
If so, that was very sad. It was as if he had declared that he had no intention of being happy.
It would have been sad and painful but still redeeming to be told that he had someone to love.
If he tried to run away from happiness, so be it for now. She just had to continue to be by his side and draw him out as best she could.
Sheila just smiled.
“I feel better now. Then I will do my best again from now on.”
“…. What?”
Clauschezade’s face twisted dubiously for the first time.
“I knew I would be rejected, but I didn’t confess in order to give up. I plan to become a better woman in the future. Clausche-sama, please be prepared.”
Exasperated, Clauschezade let out a sigh. Sheila’s smile grew deeper and deeper.
This was no mere confession.
It was――a declaration of war, so to speak.
◇ ◆ ◇
The snow had completely melted in the spacious training hall.
The new semester would soon begin. The talk of the town would probably be about the demon attack.
But Sheila’s heart was as quiet as the surface of a lake.
She swung her sword as her mind sharpened.
Her consciousness was so clear that she could even follow the trajectory of the beads of sweat that scattered around her.
She had been vaguely following his back, but now she wanted to see the same thing, side by side.
For that, she had to do more.
She must seek strength more greedily.
Suddenly, Isaac’s face came to mind.
When he first met “Sheila, the dark-haired bespectacled woman,” she said that he was a feckless man. But the other day, when he confronted his feelings head-on, he seemed stronger than anyone else.
People’s feelings were strong and heavy.
The heart didn’t want to be hurt, and sometimes it was weak.
But it was more stubborn and strong than anything else.
So, let’s face it again and again. Let her life burn with this thought. Aiming at only one person.
Like a flying bird, like a ferocious beast.
She thrust the sword she had been swinging so hard into the air. Beyond the tip of the sword, the full moon shined brightly.
She swore on that moon.
‘I will be strong with love.’
Declaration of War
“Dear Sheila
I received your letter safely.
I knew you would be fine, but I’m so relieved.
You’re a very thoughtless girl, so I’m guessing Felix or someone put you up to this.
Anyway, the letter seems to have been good medicine for your father, who was lonely and always crying all this while. I have it on display in a handmade frame, so be prepared not to be surprised when you return home.
Whether it’s when you say you’re going to be a knight or the matter of how to produce herbal tea, you’re always acting recklessly and it makes me nervous.
However, you’re always strongly pushing forward toward what you want in life.
Your father and I are proud of you.
But if it really gets too hard, come home. We are always on your side.
Tania.”
Sheila was in her room reading over a letter from her mother that Felix had given her the other day.
There were few people in Denan Village who could write. She had probably asked the village head to write for her.
Sheila gently embraced the letter, which was filled with love. It was strange that the letter felt so warm even though it was just a piece of paper.
“Thank you, Mom, Dad.”
Because of the definite kindness of her family, Sheila was sure she could continue to do her best in the future.
◇ ◆ ◇
The third month of winter had finally arrived.
For a time, Sheila’s life was hectic, but now, more than three weeks after the demon attack, she was able to go about her daily life as usual.
Daily training, supplementary lessons, Jornwerner’s experiments, and consultations about the mass production of herbal teas.
However, compared to the demon attack that shook the capital and the invitation to the royal castle, everything was calm.
Sheila was still helping Clauschezade, who was busy with his office work, as usual.
He had received several requests to come to the castle since then, but he never talked about the details.
It seemed that she was still far from becoming a reliable existence.
“I heard that the Crown Prince’s first child was born safely. The town was in a festive mood.”
“That’s right. Although it has been delayed considerably, the party will be held around mid-month, along with the New Year’s celebrations.”
It was almost spring, and finally, there was a New Year’s celebration.
“Jornwerner-sensei said he would be attending, which is unusual for him, so Clauschezade-sensei will surely be there too, right?”
“It’s uncomfortable when you use him as a standard. And by the way, you’ve been getting awfully friendly with that guy lately, haven’t you?”
“That’s exactly the kind of misunderstanding I don’t like.”
Even Sheila was perplexed by Jornwerner, who wouldn’t leave her even during meals.
In addition to the flirtatious attribute, there were too many strange things about him.
She had hoped that somehow they would get back to normal, just like before the new semester started, but instead, they just got closer. If her friends saw them together, it would inevitably draw unnecessary attention.
After finishing the paperwork, Sheila decided to make a cup of hot tea.
Although the carpets and quilts kept out the cold air, the stone faculty building still felt chilly.
“No, no. There is no way I can compete with the two of you.”
“How many times have I told you that Jornwerner and I are nothing more than people with unsavory ties?”
“Even so, isn’t he the only person you ever call by first name only?”
She set his teacup down in front of him before returning to her seat.
Sheila let it cool down a bit before pouring hot tea into it. She still felt the bitterness, but she was now used to it.
After taking a sip, she looked up.
“Ah. But you called me by my name several times when we were fighting demons. Even though it was always ‘Sheila Danau.'”
She couldn’t mention it because they were in the middle of a battle, but it had actually been bothering her for a while.
Clauschezade didn’t even look up from the document.
But was it just her imagination that his hand stopped for a moment?
He took a shallow breath and let go of his pen. Then, he slowly sipped his tea.
Sheila decided to take this opportunity to confront Clauschezade once again.
There was almost no convenient place for them to be alone, except when she was helping him out.
Besides, Isaac had given her courage the other day. She didn’t want to be outdone by him.
Gently, Sheila clenched her fists on her knees.
“――Clausche-sama. If you don’t mind, would you let me redo the confession I made the other day?”
“Kueh, Keugh!”
She told him rather seriously, but for some reason, he spewed tea all over her.
Sheila was more stunned than worried. Clauschezade was spewing tea and choking on it.
She didn’t think that his impregnable expressionless face would crumble like this, so she could do nothing but be astonished.
Even as his coughing gradually subsided, she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
“…. You say the most startling things.”
Clauschezade finally spoke up.
His peacock-colored eyes shot through Sheila with serious killing intent.
Feeling apologetic, she awkwardly averted her gaze and pouted her lips.
“Because at the time, I said it in the heat of the moment. I didn’t have enough time to tell you everything.”
“… Is there more than that?”
“I can pour it out wherever you like, but do you want to hear it?”
“Fine. I mean, it’s not very emotional when you say things like ‘pour it out.’”
She didn’t want to be told that by someone who spewed tea all over her, but she was wise enough not to say anything.
If he started preaching about who was to blame, it would be a waste of all her courage.
Ever since a while ago, her heart had been asserting its existence. If she opened her mouth, it felt like it would jump out.
But Sheila tried to remain calm and took a deep breath.
“I love you. I love everything about you, your strength, your weakness, and I want to protect you with all my heart.”
Then, she looked up.
“But I don’t want you to go out with me.”
She didn’t expect him to go out with her in the first place.
When Sheila thought back calmly on the time she had spent with Clauschezade, there was nothing about her that could make him like her as a woman. She was like a wild animal, to put it mildly.
Clauschezade never said a word or changed his facial expression in the slightest.
Sheila took advantage of that and spun her words as she pleased.
“I just wanted you to know. That there are people who simply admire you, regardless of your status or appearance. That I wish for your happiness more than anyone else.”
If she could get him to like her, she would be happy. But such a future was unimaginable for now.
So, she just wished for it.
Sheila’s yellow-colored eyes narrowed softly.
“So, for now, could you please give me your answer? Otherwise, I don’t think I can move forward.”
His peacock-colored eyes caught Sheila’s.
She loved his serene gaze. They seemed very comforting.
Sheila trusted he would never deceive her.
Clauschezade closed his eyes only once.
For that brief moment, a strong emotion seemed to flicker in his eyes, which were shaded by silvery white lashes.
But when he raised his head again, his face was just the same expressionless expression it had always been.
“I――probably will never love anyone. Now and forever.”
Not because it was Sheila, but because he had to love whoever it was.
She didn’t think Clauschezade would say that just for the sake of kindness.
If so, that was very sad. It was as if he had declared that he had no intention of being happy.
It would have been sad and painful but still redeeming to be told that he had someone to love.
If he tried to run away from happiness, so be it for now. She just had to continue to be by his side and draw him out as best she could.
Sheila just smiled.
“I feel better now. Then I will do my best again from now on.”
“…. What?”
Clauschezade’s face twisted dubiously for the first time.
“I knew I would be rejected, but I didn’t confess in order to give up. I plan to become a better woman in the future. Clausche-sama, please be prepared.”
Exasperated, Clauschezade let out a sigh. Sheila’s smile grew deeper and deeper.
This was no mere confession.
It was――a declaration of war, so to speak.
◇ ◆ ◇
The snow had completely melted in the spacious training hall.
The new semester would soon begin. The talk of the town would probably be about the demon attack.
But Sheila’s heart was as quiet as the surface of a lake.
She swung her sword as her mind sharpened.
Her consciousness was so clear that she could even follow the trajectory of the beads of sweat that scattered around her.
She had been vaguely following his back, but now she wanted to see the same thing, side by side.
For that, she had to do more.
She must seek strength more greedily.
Suddenly, Isaac’s face came to mind.
When he first met “Sheila, the dark-haired bespectacled woman,” she said that he was a feckless man. But the other day, when he confronted his feelings head-on, he seemed stronger than anyone else.
People’s feelings were strong and heavy.
The heart didn’t want to be hurt, and sometimes it was weak.
But it was more stubborn and strong than anything else.
So, let’s face it again and again. Let her life burn with this thought. Aiming at only one person.
Like a flying bird, like a ferocious beast.
She thrust the sword she had been swinging so hard into the air. Beyond the tip of the sword, the full moon shined brightly.
She swore on that moon.
‘I will be strong with love.’
