Chapter 38: Confession

"I have something to tell you."

Those words rang in Lucia's mind as she woke up in (even for her) a more vibrant mood than usual. She went about her morning routine, doing normal things after a long week that had felt very abnormal. They had taken down a smuggling operation (in one week, no less) that involved corrupt nobles and slight support from the Eye of the Midnight Sun, and she'd made two good friends while doing it. Especially Lars…

She snapped herself out of the stupor she was in, quickly rushing down the stairs and to the breakfast hall. It had been two days since the raid on Sablesummit ended. Some Purple Orcas in the area had arrived a few minutes later to create a magic barrier with everyone who still had mana remaining, stopping most of the smugglers from escaping.

A Black Bulls girl, Charmy, had also passed through the area, and used her Cotton Magic to create mana-restoring food for everyone, meaning that Oda then had enough mana to take the smugglers through Spatial Magic to the prison. The leader of the smuggling operation, "Riven," who had later been discovered to be Gueldre Poizot himself, had many more years added to his sentence, and on top of that, his status as the head of House Poizot revoked and half of his many assets seized and added into the kingdom treasury.

As Lucia headed into the hall, she saw Madeleine and Dana sitting at some chairs, next to a large woman Lucia recognised as Puli Angel, known within the Blue Rose Knights as the "Angel of Love," a nice play on her name. Lucia smiled.

Just who she'd wanted to find.

Dana called her over. "Lucia! Stop dilly-dallying and come eat with us!" The Lens Mage held up a plate, balancing it quite deftly. "I got the cooks to make your favourite!"

Lucia's eyes lit up. It was a meal her mother used to make for her, often speaking about it from her travels in the Heart Kingdom and how she begged Potrof for the recipe until he finally caved. A hefty stack of Heart Toast, stretching up to Dana's standing height. Even though that wasn't very much, it was still a very large stack of toast.

Lucia sat down and immediately began digging in. Maddy sighed.

"How can you eat so much and not gain any weight?" she said, shaking her head. "Frankly, I'm jealous."

"It's a skill," Lucia replied with food in her mouth and a twinkle in her eye.

"The weight goes straight to her tits-" Dana started, before she was promptly cut off by Maddy knocking her over the head.

"Don't be so vulgar," Puli chastised her, shaking her head.

Lucia snorted at Dana's comment, nearly choking on a piece of toast. She quickly grabbed a drink to wash it down, trying to keep herself from laughing. Maddy rolled her eyes, though there was a smile tugging at her lips.

"One of these days, Dana, you're going to get yourself in trouble with that mouth of yours," Maddy muttered, shaking her head as Dana rubbed her head in mock indignation.

"I have a question to ask," Lucia said, putting down her piece of toast on the stack that she had already cut down to half its original size. All three turned to the card mage, and she

continued with her question, taking a deep breath.

"SoIhavethisguythatIreallylikeandIneedtofigureouthowtoconfesstohimbutIdon'tnknowhowcanyouhelpmePLEASE?"

The three friends exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with various shades of curiosity and amusement. Lucia's cheeks were already turning a faint shade of pink under their stares, and she fiddled with the hem of her sleeve, trying not to let their teasing smiles rattle her resolve.

Puli leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand with a patient, motherly gaze. Dana and Madeleine, however, looked barely able to contain their excitement.

"Lucia, I can't believe it! Who is he?" Dana asked eagerly, leaning in with a mischievous gleam in her eye. "You're usually so cool-headed about people."

Lucia fumbled, glancing down at her plate with a half-embarrassed, half-excited look. "I… don't know exactly what it is. He's smart and insightful, and there's just something about the way he listens. He's strong, and he really cares about everyone. He's… different."

"Well, first of all, you should just tell him straight up," Madeleine said with a confident nod. "Get it out there! If he doesn't feel the same way, at least you'll know and can move on without dragging things out. Confidence is attractive!" She grinned at Lucia as if this was the easiest thing in the world.

Lucia winced, not quite sold on Madeleine's advice. "But what if it's awkward afterward? He's a good friend too, and I don't want to make things uncomfortable…"

"That's exactly why you have to make it clear!" Dana insisted, slamming her fist on the table with a smirk. "No hiding, no tiptoeing around it. Go big, make a scene if you have to! I mean, who doesn't love a grand confession?" She flung her arms wide as though she were on stage, and a few heads in the breakfast hall turned.

Lucia's eyes went wide. "A… a scene?"

"Absolutely!" Dana grinned, completely serious. "How else are you going to get your point across? Imagine it! Flowers, a crowd, big dramatic gestures! Something that he'll remember forever!"

Puli raised a hand, giving Dana a gentle, exasperated look. "Lucia, while I appreciate Dana's enthusiasm, grand gestures aren't for everyone. In fact, sometimes they can feel a bit overwhelming." She tilted her head, watching Lucia thoughtfully. "Sometimes, the best way to tell someone you care is by being yourself, sharing a quiet moment. That can mean even more than a spectacle."

Dana rolled her eyes with a sigh. "Oh, sure, let's go the 'quiet sincerity' route. Sounds like real fun."

"But Dana does have a point, actually!" Madeleine chimed in, her expression thoughtful. "Just… maybe not the audience part. Think about it—if you put your feelings out there, you might be surprised by what happens. If he likes you back, that'll be obvious, right?"

Puli smiled, giving Lucia a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Sometimes you have to trust that you'll know the right time. If he's as observant as you say, he may already be sensing how you feel. Just being close and letting your guard down can be a powerful way to say it without words."

Lucia glanced between her three friends, each offering such wildly different advice, and felt even more uncertain. "So I'm supposed to either just confess or wait for the right moment?" She slumped in her seat, feeling no closer to a solution.

At that moment, Zoe wandered into the breakfast hall, her nose buried in a romance novel, and grabbed an apple from a nearby fruit bowl. She glanced at Lucia and raised an eyebrow, noticing the mixed looks on everyone's faces.

"What's all this about?" she asked, closing her book with a quiet snap. "What disaster are we advising today?"

Lucia perked up, glad to have another perspective. "Zoe! I, um… I have someone I really like, and I'm trying to figure out how to tell him, but I don't want to make things weird. And, well, I'm getting conflicting advice here." She gestured helplessly to Dana, Madeleine, and Puli.

Dana leaned in with a grin. "Yeah, we all gave her excellent suggestions, of course. Some of us think it should be big." She wiggled her fingers dramatically, and Zoe rolled her eyes.

Zoe regarded Lucia thoughtfully, a small smirk playing at her lips. "Well, it just so happens that I might have a bit of insight into this," she said smoothly, setting her book down and pulling up a chair.

Madeleine scoffed. "Zoe, you've never even been interested in anyone. What makes you the expert?"

Zoe arched an eyebrow, looking entirely unbothered. "I happen to read enough romance novels to know that grand gestures can often backfire." She turned to Lucia, ignoring Dana's teasing pout. "If he's observant and insightful, he probably wouldn't appreciate being ambushed with a huge public display. That kind of thing could make him feel pressured or embarrassed."

Lucia breathed a quiet sigh of relief. "Okay, that sounds like a good start. So… how should I do it, then?"

Zoe thought for a moment. "If you really want him to know how you feel, approach him when he's relaxed, when he's just himself. Somewhere where he's comfortable, so that he feels safe enough to talk to you honestly."

Puli gave a small, approving nod, as if Zoe had finally given the advice she'd been waiting for. "That's wonderful advice, Zoe. Being open in a quiet moment is sometimes the most genuine way to confess."

"Exactly," Zoe continued, leaning back in her chair with a self-satisfied smile. "Get him alone and talk to him. But start small. Maybe you don't even have to say it outright—just tell him that you appreciate his friendship and that he makes you happy. Gauge his reaction, see how he responds. Sometimes, letting things flow naturally is better than spilling everything at once."

Lucia nodded, absorbing Zoe's words like a sponge. "So… be honest, but not overwhelming. And give him the chance to respond how he feels."

"Exactly," Zoe said, a rare softness in her tone. "And if he does feel the same, he'll probably pick up on it without you needing to put on a whole production."

Madeleine, looking a bit less convinced, shook her head. "Still think my idea was best. But whatever works for you, Lucia."

Dana pouted, crossing her arms. "If this doesn't end with fireworks, it's a waste of a confession."

"Not every confession needs fireworks, Dana," Zoe said, sighing in mild exasperation. "Some people don't want an entire audience. It's about what she needs, not what you'd do."

Lucia, now smiling with renewed determination, clasped her hands together. "Thanks, everyone. I think I know what I need to do." She glanced over at Zoe, giving her a grateful nod. "And Zoe… thanks for the advice. I wouldn't have thought of it like that."

"Glad to help," Zoe replied, a small smile on her face. "Besides, I could use the distraction from my book."

As Lucia finished her breakfast, her heart raced with a newfound anticipation. Her friends had given her a boost of confidence, but it was Zoe's quiet, thoughtful advice that resonated most deeply, echoing in her mind as she planned out exactly how she would tell Lars how much he meant to her.

"One thing," Zoe whispered to Lucia. "This person isn't Lars, is it? Because if that disgusting pig has tainted my sweet Lucia with infatuation-"

Lucia was sweating buckets now, her green eyes filled with terror. "N-no! Of course not!"

…

Lars took a steadying breath, looking at his friends gathered around the common room. He'd managed to get Oda, Russell, and Yul together, which hadn't been easy—especially with Russell's habit of wandering off halfway through a conversation. But this felt important, and he knew he could use the support. Finally, he just went for it.

"So… how do I confess to her?" he asked, doing his best to keep his voice even.

Oda's grin grew even wider as he leaned forward, clearly thrilled by the topic. "Alright, here's what you do, Lars," he began with a confident nod. "You need to take her somewhere exciting, somewhere she wouldn't expect! Make it feel like a real adventure. Think about it: a cozy hidden spot in the forest, or maybe a place with a great view where you can see the whole city beneath you. It's about creating the right atmosphere, you know?"

Lars rubbed his chin, tilting his head as he thought it over. "So… you think she'd want me to take her somewhere special, and just… go from there?"

"Exactly!" Oda replied, clearly pleased with himself. "Pick a spot that says 'Lars' all over it. That way, she'll remember the moment forever. Make her feel like she's stepping into your world—and trust me, that'll stick with her."

Lars raised an eyebrow, a bit unsure. "And you're sure that's the best approach?"

"Absolutely!" Oda nodded confidently. "If you want a confession to be memorable, the setting's gotta match the vibe. It's like… bringing her into a story, and you're the hero. Girls love that."

Russell, who had been lounging lazily on the couch, gave a disbelieving chuckle. "And here I thought you were serious, Oda. Lars, forget the over-the-top stuff. Girls hate that; trust me. What you've gotta do is be chill, like it's not a big deal." He leaned forward, crossing his arms and putting on his best nonchalant expression. "Just sidle up to her, keep it casual. 'Hey, I kinda like you, wanna grab dinner?' Then let her do the reacting. Keeps you in control."

Lars tilted his head, considering it. "But what if… what if she wants it to feel special? Like it's more than just a casual thing?"

Russell shook his head, waving a dismissive hand. "See, that's where people go wrong. You make it a huge deal, and it freaks them out. Keep it low-key, trust me. Works every time."

Lars sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, his mind even more tangled than before. He turned to Yul, hoping for something a little more straightforward.

Yul, who had been listening with a faint smile, leaned forward with his own take. "Both of these two are missing the point," he said, nodding to Oda and Russell. "It's about surprise—catching her off guard when she's not expecting it. That's what really gets someone's attention." He grinned, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe during a spar or training, like when she's really focused. Just throw it in casually. 'Oh, by the way, I think I'm in love with you,' and then walk off. Leave her with something to think about."

Russell raised his eyebrows, chuckling. "During training? What, so he risks getting whacked in the head with her spell? Bold strategy, Yul."

Oda shook his head, snickering. "That's crazy, even for you."

"Exactly," Yul said, undeterred. "Crazy makes it memorable. Look, she won't see it coming, and that's what sticks."

Lars tried to imagine himself going with any of these plans and only felt his nerves heighten. "I just… don't know if I can pull that off," he admitted, feeling defeated. "She's special. I don't want to mess it up by coming off as… too much or too casual."

Russell grinned, giving him a hearty clap on the back. "C'mon, Lars, don't overthink it! You're gonna give yourself grey hairs before you're twenty."

"Oh, enough from you," came a sudden voice as Lilian walked in, catching the last of the conversation. She rolled her eyes at Russell, marching over and yanking him up by the arm. "We're going; you're no help at all."

Russell looked stunned for a moment but then smirked, as if he didn't mind being dragged along by her. "I was helping," he protested with a laugh as she pulled him out the door.

As they disappeared down the hall, Lars looked back at Oda and Yul, still feeling at a loss. Then the door creaked open again, and Sharya strolled in, casually folding her arms. Her gaze flicked from Lars to the others, eyebrow raised in amusement. "So, the guys gave you their 'great' advice, huh?"

"Yeah… that's one way of putting it," Lars replied, sighing. "I feel even more confused than when I started."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "Look, Lars, no offence, but these three are hopeless when it comes to this kind of thing. Romance isn't about stunts or playing it cool."

Oda gave her a mock scowl. "Oh, and you're an expert, Sharya?"

"I am, actually," she replied with a grin. "Or at least more so than you three. I read a lot." She shrugged, as if that explained everything. "Listen, Lars, I know it's tempting to want to make it unforgettable with big gestures, but a lot of people don't need theatrics. They just want sincerity." She glanced at him, as if testing to see if he was listening.

Lars nodded, genuinely interested. "So… what would you do?"

She smiled, her tone softening. "First, forget about doing it in some big way. Just find a quiet moment when it's just the two of you. No distractions, no audience—just you and her. And don't worry about saying anything fancy; just tell her honestly how you feel. Be genuine."

Yul snorted, looking unimpressed. "That sounds too simple. Aren't you supposed to be the one who keeps it interesting?"

Sharya gave him a look. "Sometimes, what's interesting is being real. If she cares about him, she'll appreciate him being honest, not putting on a show." She turned back to Lars, her smile warm. "Besides, you're naturally a little quiet, a little reserved—that's part of what she probably likes about you. Don't change that just to make a confession. If you're yourself, it'll mean a lot more."

Lars's face softened as he considered her words. "You think so?"

She nodded, her eyes bright with encouragement. "Definitely. Find a moment when you're both at ease—maybe go somewhere meaningful to both of you. And just… talk to her. You'll find the words."

Oda leaned back, folding his arms, and shrugged. "Guess I'll admit, that's… actually solid advice."

Sharya chuckled. "Believe it or not, romance novels aren't just fluff. There's a reason they work."

Lars felt the weight of his nerves lifting. For the first time that day, he actually felt like he could see himself doing this, the way Sharya described. "Thanks, Sharya," he said with a small smile. "This… actually makes sense."

She clapped him on the shoulder with a friendly grin. "Good luck, Lars. Just remember, being yourself will go a lot farther than anything flashy. And if she really likes you, that's all you need."

As Sharya turned to leave, Oda leaned back in his seat, sighing dramatically. "You know, Lars, you should listen to her more often. She's got good taste."

Lars laughed, feeling warmth settle in his chest as he thought of Lucia. "Yeah… I think I will."

…

Lars took a deep breath, scanning the quiet streets of Kiten as they walked together under the soft glow of lanterns. He couldn't believe he'd finally brought her here—this quiet, secluded courtyard he'd found by accident on a lazy afternoon. Lined with blooming ivy and old stone benches, the little corner of the city felt like a secret, a space apart from the world where he and Lucia could just be.

As they entered, Lucia took a slow look around, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "I didn't know you had such a peaceful spot up your sleeve," she murmured, glancing at him with a spark in her eyes.

"Yeah, uh…" Lars stammered, caught off guard by the warmth in her gaze. "It's one of the few places that's actually quiet in Kiten. Nice break from the barracks, you know?"

She nodded, stepping closer, their fingers brushing as they walked. Lars swallowed, realising his hand had reached for hers without even thinking. He wanted to say something—anything to start the conversation he'd been agonising over all night. His heart pounded, and he managed, "So, uh, nice weather we're having tonight…"

Lucia blinked, giving him a little laugh that was half-amused, half-exasperated. "Nice weather?" She shook her head, her own nervousness betraying itself in a shy smile. "That's all you've got?"

"Uh—no! I mean—" He fumbled, scratching his neck, then tried again. "What I mean is… I wanted to talk to you. Really talk."

A charged silence settled between them, and for a moment, neither could find the right words. Finally, Lucia took a breath, her heart beating so loudly she thought he might hear it. "You know, Lars, I… I've been wanting to talk to you, too. About… well, us, I guess."

"Us?" he echoed, his face lighting up with a mixture of hope and relief.

"Yeah," she whispered, looking down at her hands for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "I mean… I feel like I'm just happier when you're around. And lately, I keep looking forward to those times more and more. It's strange, really." She laughed nervously. "And, well… it's kind of embarrassing to admit, but I just—"

She paused, taking a deep breath, her cheeks turning pink. "I guess I'm just trying to say… I like you, Lars. Really like you. More than just a friend." Her voice trailed off, the vulnerability in her eyes making his heart clench.

For a second, Lars could only stare, processing her words. He felt a surge of emotion, an overwhelming warmth that pushed him to close the small distance between them. His hand reached out on its own, cupping her cheek gently. Without another word, he leaned in and kissed her.

It was soft, hesitant at first, but as her lips met his, they seemed to find a rhythm, a certainty that they'd both been searching for. The quiet night, the stars above, and the soft hum of distant music melted away, leaving only the gentle warmth that spread between them. He pulled back, just enough to look into her eyes, a laugh of pure, unguarded happiness escaping him.

"You… you don't know how long I've wanted to hear that," he whispered, his voice tinged with disbelief and relief.

Lucia's smile softened, her eyes shining as she took his hand, intertwining their fingers. "I think I do," she replied, a playful sparkle lighting up her face. "Because I've been wanting to say it just as long. I just never had the courage until now."

Lars laughed, looking away for a moment, the awkwardness of their usual banter bubbling up again. "Well, I'm glad you did. Because… I honestly didn't know if I could get the words out." He turned back to her, more sure of himself now, his fingers brushing her cheek. "But for what it's worth, I've felt this way for ages. Since… I don't know, maybe that time we trained together, or maybe even earlier. I just… I'm happy when I'm with you."

Lucia let out a quiet laugh, letting herself relax into the warmth of his arms. "You know, I kept trying to convince myself I was imagining things. But when I realised it wasn't just my imagination… I didn't know what to do." She laughed, her voice light and airy. "Turns out, the only thing I needed to do was tell you."

"Glad you did," Lars murmured, his thumb tracing a gentle line across her cheek. He leaned down, kissing her again, this time slower, letting the world fade away around them as he savoured the quiet closeness they shared.

When they finally pulled apart, neither of them said anything for a while, content just to be near each other. He held her hand, tracing her fingers absently, his expression soft and thoughtful. "So," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Where do we go from here?"

She smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder as she looked out at the starlit courtyard. "We go forward," she said softly, "wherever that takes us."

A/N: I've never written a chapter like this before, so this was an experience.

A certain scientist will get a flashback in the next chapter...