Gazing Upward

Serge became 14 years old.

Most countries would treat 14 year olds as adults. They could carry marry from that age on.

The katana hed gotten from Ria before had a much better performance, but it was the thought that counted. No one else had given him anything.

His memories from before he reincarnated were much stronger after meeting Ria. However, that didnt mean he didnt miss his hometown.

Serge, did you

Did you actually grow taller than me?

It was as she said. When he stood up, Chris was looking up at him.

Neither of them had realized at all. Theyd been near each other the whole time, so them not noticing was all but natural. More so given their current ages.

Serges everyday lifestyle hadnt changed much. He attended his classes, received lessons from Azel, then went home to sleep. As for what was added to that, it was his subjugations with Chris.

She was able to go back and forth from the forest now, so she wasnt an inconvenience with the other members.

But even so, she probably wouldnt be able to become the Heros comrade. Even the much stronger Serge couldnt even think of standing a chance against Rias shadow.

Eh? The Hero? There isnt one anymore.

Eh? Eh? When you say there isnt a Hero, not one anymore I mean, what are you saying? Did he disappear together with the empire or something?

Thats too unrestrained, Hero!

Through the Demon Kings trickery, the Hero was made to play a part in Golden Dragon Clarices termination and, together with the high elf girl hed met in Oomori Woods, was sent to another world by Water Dragon Lanna.

Well, having over three million peoples deaths placed on you and then being forced to fight the demon tribe, wouldnt the normal persons spirit give out from that?

Being summoned into another world and then being turned into a murderer. It was ridiculous to expect something like that to go well.

The current Demon King.

Hmmm, what would I do?

Rias different. That girl adapts to whatever.

Thinking about it like that, I cant blame the Hero.

By the way, Serge.

You, would you succeed me as the Great Sage?

That was sudden.

He was being serious. It wasnt a joke.

Intellect, mana, insight, willpower. You even have memories from your previous life. Is that not enough?

Hed probably been doing so for a very long time.

Well, you dont have to answer right away. There isnt much time though.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming the Great Sage?

None?

You just have to decide what you should do. Thats what Im doing.

Him leading this academy city and observing the world from the shadows, leading it to a better future.

Will I obtain power?

What about Carla-san? Id think shes more suited for it than me.

It was true. She had fought against a dragon and killed it for her country, becoming the Dragonslayer.

In the end, he wasnt able to make his decision quickly.

If he could get it, there shouldnt be any reason not to choose it.

His eyes didnt just look like he had grown old. His eyes bespoke of exhaustion, causing Serges hesitation.

Serge left to the pavilion and gazed at the moon. It was a full moon. When it started to wane, the next one would be Chris birthday.

(I wonder if I could launch some fireworks for her?)

Serge?

Chris was standing under the moonlight.

What are you doing?

Oh, its you.

He hadnt noticed, it was his negligence.

You saw through me?

You were thinking about something, but didnt want to talk about it

Of course that wasnt it.

It was the truth, after a fashion, at least.

This was her reaping what she sowed.

Really? Then Ill give you an amulet. Whatd be good

What he chose from his items was a silver barrette.

When he passed it to her, Chris grasped it tightly.

Saying that, she immediately tried it on. Gathering her long black hair, she put it on.

Does it suit me?

Under the moonlight.

No, it wasnt the jewelry that was beautiful

Serge said that, but the next year would be the third year the Demon King spoke of.

Its a promise!

She just smiled.

Serge.

Really, thank you.

Later on, at her birthday party in the earls mansion, Chris uncharacteristically wore a white dress and some light make-up.

Even when she was asked for it, Chris wouldnt tell others where shed gotten it. She just said that it was a present shed received before her birthday.

(This is that, isnt it)

Chris held good will towards him.

It could be said to be cruel, but Serge had already been a virgin for thirty years including his previous life.

Thats why he shouldve avoided the Chris route from the start, but

He couldnt do something so cruel to such a cute girl.

On that day, Serge danced with Chris until his eyes spun.

Chriss brother talked about them rather sarcastically afterwards.

It was something Serge learned later on, but when a woman asked a man for a birthday present, it was known as a reverse proposal.