"Shirone... sometimes he just seems to fade away."
"Oh? That sounds quite poetic."
Amy chuckled, finding the thought peculiar as well.
"But it’s true. There was a major incident at the magic school. The entire student body was in danger. If it weren’t for Shirone, it would have been a disaster—for everyone, including me."
"The entire student body? What happened?"
Amy recounted the Arcane incident and how Shirone ultimately sacrificed himself for everyone.
Tess was speechless for a moment.
Who could make such a choice? Even more than the magic Shirone had shown so far, that was what shocked her the most.
"As I fell off the cliff, I heard Shirone’s voice. At the time, I was too panicked to process it, but thinking back now, I realize... Shirone seemed so faint. As if he might disappear before my eyes—no, as if he might vanish from the world itself."
Amy reminisced about that moment.
"I still think about it often. What kind of resolve did Shirone have when he sacrificed himself for everyone? Most people see the world from their own viewpoint, from a first-person perspective. That’s why humans are naturally self-centered, sometimes even selfish. But occasionally, we step outside of ourselves to help or consider others."
"Because only those who can empathize can truly care for others."
"Exactly. But I believe Shirone’s actions that day were beyond that. His perspective seemed much higher than ours."
"Perhaps... an omniscient point of view?"
Amy pointed toward the ceiling.
"When Shirone looks down from the highest vantage point, he becomes faint. His existence shrinks to just a single point—an overwhelmingly high perspective. That’s why his sacrifice was without discrimination..."
"He didn’t just save someone dear to him—he saved everyone."
If he had only wanted to save a select few, he wouldn’t have needed to risk his life.
Among the falling students, there were surely those who disliked him, even those who resented him. And yet, Shirone made a choice for all of them.
It would have been impossible unless he saw all life as equal in value.
"Because everyone survived, we were able to return to our daily lives. But in exchange, Shirone... he almost never came back."
Tess could sense the tremor in Amy’s voice, understanding the depth of her feelings.
"Are you angry at Shirone?"
"No. How could I be? I didn’t like that street peddler, sure. If it were anyone else but Shirone, I would have fought back till the end. But at that moment, the thought that struck me was..."
Amy turned away, sadness in her eyes.
"What if one day Shirone truly leaves us again? From the highest vantage point, am I any different from everyone else? Just another tiny dot in his view..."
Tess gently pulled Amy into an embrace.
"That’s not true. Shirone truly cares about you. That’s why he asked you for help even when he knew it was supposed to be a couple’s trip. You’re not just one of many—you’re someone he trusts the most."
Amy knew Tess was trying to comfort her, and despite herself, a small smile formed on her lips.
"Amy, just tell Shirone how you feel. Ask him why he didn’t take your side back then. Tell him you were so upset that you couldn’t sleep. Just say it."
"Shirone already knows. That’s why he didn’t argue back. Don’t worry too much. It’ll all sort itself out soon. Yeah, maybe I’m just not used to this yet, like you said."
From Tess’s perspective, it was frustrating.
No matter how much she tried to persuade them, their conversation always ended with the same conclusion: ’We understand each other.’
Did mages have some kind of unspoken way of communicating?
’Hahh... I really don’t get how mages think.’
Shirone and Rian arrived at the shopping district.
Since they needed different ingredients, wandering through the maze-like marketplace together would take too long and might even make them miss mealtime.
Shirone suggested, "Let’s split up. We can each get what we need and head back to the villa."
"You sure? Can you carry everything by yourself?"
Did Rian really think he was too weak to carry garlic, onions, and pepper?
Despite his knight’s oath, he had no need for Rian to worry about his grocery bags.
"I got it. I’ll handle my stuff, so don’t get lost. You do remember this is a cooking contest, right? Loser does the dishes."
"Fine! I’ll make sure you and Amy have a great time washing dishes together. You better hope you lose if you want to make up with her."
"Make up? We didn’t even fight."
"What are you talking about? You two had a huge argument at the harbor. Now it’s awkward between you."
Shirone furrowed his brow.
"Amy isn’t that petty. It was just a difference in opinion. Conflicts happen when people express themselves."
"Hah! You idiot, that’s what fighting means."
Shirone stopped talking.
For some reason, being called an idiot by Rian always stung more than it should.
"Whatever. I’ll grab the vegetables first. You hurry up and get your stuff. See you at the villa."
"Alright! I’ll go get the meat."
Shirone watched as Rian charged toward the butcher shop.
Just from the gleam in his eyes, he could already imagine how much meat he was about to buy.
"Sigh, I should get going too..."
He checked the list Amy had given him.
Though he wasn’t sure what dish she was planning, none of the ingredients were hard to find. But there were more items on his list than Rian’s, so he had to move quickly.
After about thirty minutes, he had gathered almost everything.
At the same time, he enjoyed sightseeing. Since this was a resort area, the stores were exotic and fascinating.
Street stalls bustled with games, and parades passed by frequently.
’It’s really lively here. Maybe I should spend some time exploring tomorrow.’
Just as he turned to leave, a nearby store’s door burst open, and a woman was shoved onto the ground.
That was an odd scream.
Looking closer, he saw a woman in her mid-twenties on the ground, supporting herself with her hands.
She had short, straight-cut bangs that suited her sharp features. She wore a deep-cut dress and, as she stood up, quickly crossed her arms over her chest.
"Wh-why are you doing this? What did I do wrong?"
A burly man emerged from the store.
"Heh, come on now. Just have some fun with me."
"I’m not that kind of woman!"
"Oh, come on. Walking around a tourist spot dressed like that? You’re practically asking for it."
The man’s name was Gamos, a wealthy trader on Galliante Island.
Though he was enormous, his body was all fat with no muscle, and his obesity was severe—especially around his stomach. Yet, the power of money was undeniable, as he was flanked by two imposing bodyguards.
"Come along quietly. You don’t really have a choice here."
"Help me! Someone, please help!"
Despite her pleas, no one intervened.