20. A Strong Ally
"You're human, aren't you? I realized it the day of the entrance ceremony, when I saw you in the plaza."
Emma froze for a moment at his words, but she didn't sense any hostility from Kai.
"I see... So you knew I was human that day."
Emma tried to compose herself, relaxing her shoulders slightly.
"There's nothing wrong with you being human. You deserve to be at this school."
"But, I've been thinking that maybe my being here is causing trouble for everyone..."
Emma murmured softly, lowering her eyes.
"That's not true. You're simply studying here. There's no reason for you to blame yourself."
Emma was silent for a while, but Kai's words seemed to lighten her heart just a little. However, a deep-seated anxiety still remained.
"About 800 years ago, the Faldion family stopped the mages' domination of the human world, but that resulted in the division between the magical and human worlds. The discrimination you face is, in part, our family's responsibility. If you're ever about to be attacked..."
Kai said quietly, "I will definitely protect you. I won't let you worry anymore."
With those words, Kai smiled at Emma and slowly took a step forward.
"I'll invite you to my college sometime soon. Well then, see you later."
Kai gave a slight wave before disappearing into the quiet of the night. As Emma watched him leave, a faint warmth remained in her heart, and a small smile touched her lips.
