The slightly more compentent young man and the frailer young woman didn't spend long in the cave. After a few hours or so of rest, the two departed and were once again on the move.

From leaving the cave, a week had passed and now the capital city of Eternia wasn't far off.

Gray cast a sidelong glance at the woman beside him.

Eliza had recovered from her weakness after fighting the dragon. From what she told him, it was just a small cold after using a lot of magic to fight the dragon underwater.

Needless to say, Gray scolded her for that, throwing back her words of being able to handle anything at her.

She had given him a wry smile in response and simply accepted it, but not before remarking that he wouldn't even be able to think about doing something like that for at least a hundred years.

Either way, whatever negative effects that were affecting Eliza from back then seemed to have faded.

Both Gray and Eliza were leaping through the air, rapidly closing in on the capital city. It seemed that, somehow or another, Gray had already managed to achieve Braveheart status in magical prowess.

Was it because of his 'cheat' at being a person from a different world? What should have taken people their entire lifetime was reduced to a few days for him. It was to the extent that some people might cough up blood in embarrassment if they knew the truth behind his strength.

Either way, his goal of obtaining space magic and using it to get back home wasn't far off now.

It was because of that he found his gaze lingering on the woman beside him.

Her white hair was flowing in the wind. With the blue sky, it seemed to be dyed a soft blue. Her clothes, a black blouse and skirt showing her lithe body, rippled in the breeze. Combined together, it gave her the appearance of a fairy, gliding through the air.

Eliza noticed his gaze and looked at him. "Is there something wrong, Gray?"

He shook his head. "No. Nothing's wrong."

Eliza tilted her head, but then nodded. "If you say so. In any regard, we should be in sight of Eternia soon enough. Just a few more minutes at most."

Gray nodded and turned his attention forward once more, though he couldn't help but keep glancing at Eliza.

Though they had only known each other for a short time, Gray was already finding it hard to envision life without her.

He, who had been alone for years back in his home, had gotten used to being that way. But Eliza had made her way into his life.

Kind, caring, and almost too concerned with him for her own good... not to mention how beautiful she was. While she had joked about marrying her in the past, the casually spoken words had taken firm root in his heart, no matter how much he tried to deny them.

Waking up every day to her already preparing breakfast. Listening to her cutting but good-intentioned words that ensured his ego remained down to earth even with his rapid improvement. Seeing her soft and warm smile that appeared whenever he made a stupid remark.

Living a life with that as a constant was one he wouldn't mind living. Just by being with her, Gray had experienced feelings he hadn't in a long time. Joy, humor, happiness... the things he had forgotten with his self-imposed chains. Feelings he had carefully locked away in his heart as the sacrifice for committing a grave sin towards his childhood friend.

Against his will, they emerged. Perhaps due to being kept away for so long, they were so vivid and powerful it took everything he had to act calm in front of Eliza and pretend everything was the same.

-That was right. He had to pretend that everything was the same and not even dare think of falling in love with Eliza. The reason for that...

"When we get to Eternia, Gray, we will head straight towards the bazaar. While a bit short on funds, I can create a few enchanted swords to sell for some gold. It should be enough to obtain a space tome for you. After that, I believe it would be best to consider enrolling in the Eternal Magic school. They only take the most gifted students and, while you might be a bit older than the usual, your talent should be more than enough for them to allow you entrance."

...was because Eliza would leave him after they arrive.

"Gray?"

"Yeah, I got it, Eliza." Gray forced a smile, doing his best to keep it natural, and then looked her way. "You sure they'll let me in though?"

Casual conversation. Keeping the status quo. Not wanting to mar their final moments together, he didn't say anything out of the ordinary.

If Eliza noticed, she didn't say anything about it. Instead, she nodded and said, "Even if they do not, you could find work as an adventurer with no problem. I believe Alain has since returned to the capital as well. He should be willing to get you settled down while you determine your next plans."

"Alright. Got it."

With just those words, everything was silent again.

Having said her piece, Eliza was focused on the scenery before her, perhaps looking for the first signs of Eternia.

As for Gray, his heart was in turmoil.

-She would be leaving. He had known about it from the start, even if he didn't vocalize it.

Eliza was someone beyond his reach. Not only that, but she was someone who obviously had better things to do than be with someone as weak as him.

She had been kind to him, enough to where he could make it on his own in this world now. But being kind did not equate to affection.

Right. While he might have feelings for her, she had none of the same for him. Everything she did was out of gratitude for saving her life, and then the protective instincts of a woman. Almost a maternal act.

They might appear to be around the same age, but Eliza was much more mature than he was.

It was because of that she would be leaving him behind.

While he didn't know exactly what and where she would go, Eliza had made it clear they wouldn't see each other again.

"Sorry, Gray. But... it would be better for the both of us to go our separate ways when we reach the capital."

"Huh? But weren't you going to teach me space magic?"

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"I was. But that was then and this is now. You no longer need someone like me to teach you. And furthermore, you plan to return home once you learn it, do you not?"

"-That's..."

"So it is better if we say our farewells there. I am grateful for you saving my life and flattered that you enjoyed traveling with me, but in the end, this is the way it must be."

He shook his head when he recalled her words.

While she didn't flat out say it, her intent was clear.

-Sorry, but I don't return your feelings.

A rejection disguised as a farewell.

Due to her kind-hearted nature, she hadn't mentioned his feelings when she spoke with him, but her intent was still clear.

So he had to burn it. Lock away those thoughts of his, the wish of staying in this world at her side. Lock them away and throw away the key.

He was familiar with it. That was what he had done in the past as well, burying those haunting final scenes and emotions.

The capital came into view. While they were still far away from reaching it, Gray could clearly see it.

-Vast. That was Gray's first thoughts on it.

Eternia was a castle-town spanning countless miles in every direction. While he was no expert at measurements, he could still be certain that it was larger than any major city in his memory and at least twice the size of that famous city with the statue of a woman representing liberty.

A stone wall encircled the entire city, and in the center of it was an enormous castle, towering over everything else, one about the size of skyscrapers. Outside of the castle in the center, however, the town seemed to be divided into haphazard districts, with varying styles of architecture ranging from elaborate mansions to buildings you might find in a typical castle-town.

"There it is. Eternia."

Eliza's words brought Gray out of his contemplation.

"Will we have to pay an entry fine or anything to get in?" Remembering what he had read in novels in the past, Gray asked that question.

Eliza shook her head. "There is no need for that. Any and all are free to enter and leave Eternia."

"...Aren't they scared of invaders or assassins?"

The city was encased by a large stone wall, after all. With that as the case, how could they not have guards and tolls?

Eliza shook her head. "Of course not. While they do not have an Almighty protector like our Demon King, the humans possess the protection of the Goddess through their princess. Any potential threat to the kingdom would be predicted well ahead of time. Not only that, but there is also the..." Eliza trailed off and shook her head. "Either way, only a suicidal fool would dare to cause trouble in Eternia."

"I see."

Gray noticed that Eliza had trailed off, but didn't bring it up.

There was no need to. Even if it pertained to her past, at this point, it would be meaningless to find out.

A shadow passing from above. Gray glanced up and saw that dark clouds were forming. "It looks like it's going to rain soon."

Eliza glanced up. "It seems you are correct. It is fortunate we have arrived then. Spending a night in the rain would not have been pleasant."

Gray nodded.

The two of them touched down near a cobbled road leading into the capital. Unlike the first time Gray stopped, he knew now to dissipate his momentum before landing, and so didn't cause too much of a scene.

Up close, Gray noticed that the walls were even taller than he imagined, reaching up at a height a few stories into the air. They were made of an intimidating black stone, giving everything a Gothic feel.

The entrance itself was guarded by two men in silver platemail, shining even amidst the swiftly dimming light. Both barely gave Gray and Eliza a glance before gesturing them inside.

A complacent attitude. One guard even yawned while doing so.

But Gray didn't fault them. If what Eliza said was true, then guarding the gates was more of a formality than a necessity. Perhaps it was just a way of providing jobs to the populace.

Eliza took the lead once they entered the capital, taking firm and quick strides. "This way, Gray. We need to hurry before the marketplace closes due to the weather."

Gray did as she said.

The area near the entrace was similar to a castletown. On either end of the cobbled road were stone houses with various signs. He saw an inn, a blacksmith, and even a bookstore as they passed. Between the houses and buildings, he saw the occasional alleyway leading deeper into the city.

A typical fantasy town.

There were people walking around as well. Gray saw the typical townsfolk, dressed in plain tunics and such. He also saw various adventurers, decked out in full armor, robes, or other equipment.

However, it seemed like there weren't many people walking around now. They must all have realized the weather, and a majority of those walking around were heading inside buildings.

"Gray. Hurry."

Eliza turned around and called out to him.

He turned his attention back to her and followed.

----------------------------------------

They arrived at the marketplace just in time to buy a space tome. Like Eliza had said, it was expensive, but a few magic swords from her were enough to trade for it.

With that done, the two of them were standing in the central plaza of the merchant district.

It had begun to rain, a soft drizzle covering the entire city. All of the other passerbys had since entered buildings, either returning home or warming up in the many pubs and inns inside the city.

Because of that, only Gray and Eliza were standing in the plaza.

Eliza was standing in front of Gray, holding out a bag to him.

"Here. The space tome is inside, along with enough money for the entrance fee of the Magic Academy if you choose to attend."

Gray stared at the offered book and bag, reluctant to take them.

Doing so would be farewell. He could feel it. The moment that he agreed would be the last he saw Eliza.

"What is the matter? This is what you wanted, right Gray? To return home? Space magic will allow you to do so."

He didn't say anything, only looking at Eliza.

It was raining. Because of that, her white hair was matted against her head and clothes. It should have marred her appearance, looking disheveled and such, but if anything it only made her more attractive. With the rain, it seemed silver, almost like spun moonlight. Ephemeral, just like the time he spent with her.

-Reluctant. He was extremely reluctant to accept.

Perhaps initially he had been anxious to return home, but that was only due to a false rationale. The desire to return to a life he had become accustomed to living.

Wanting to see his family again, needing to uphold his obligations... those were just empty words he had convinced himself to believe.

Why should he return? Back home, he was an ordinary person living a meaningless life.

He might have been an exceptional student and possessed a bright future, but he hadn't been truly living.

It was here, in this world, traveling by Eliza's side that he felt once again what it meant to 'live'.

So he was reluctant.

Taking the bag meant a promise. A return to normality.

Taking it meant leaving Eliza behind and making his way on his own. And even if he did, even if he chose to remain in this world where he could change the world on his own accord. Even if he chose to stay in this place where magic was as commonplace as science and swords ruled the world... it would be meaningless without Eliza there.

Gray. Like the life before arriving in this world, his life would be just as his name once again.

He was reluctant, but Eliza...

"Gray." She stared at him, those enchanting crimson eyes peering into his own.

Seeing her expression, one of anticipation, concern, worry... he smiled and accepted it. "Thank you, Eliza. For everything."

It was the only thing he could do.

Once again, he owed his life to a woman. Once again, his life was chained by a promise to Eliza.

She had given him so much and helped him with so much after arriving in this world. It was all for the sake of helping him return home, helping him gain the ability to see his family again.

She didn't have to. She could have just taught him a bit about how to live in this world, trained him, and then left him to fend for himself. Even so, she didn't. She had helped his pathetically weak self become accustomed to the world and improve enough to be able to stand alone.

An obligation.

Because of that, he had to accept, even if it meant farewell.

Eliza gave him a brilliant smile. Was it because she wanted him to remember this moment when she was gone?

"Then... I guess this is goodbye, Eliza."

"Yes," Eliza said. "This is farewell."

No more words needed to be said. The location of the magic academy and the adventurer's guild were already imparted beforehand. If anything, he would be able to ask around to find his way there.

There were no more words that needed to be said. The debt of gratitude Eliza had towards Gray had been repaid, and what he owed her was cleared when he accepted the bag.

Even so.

Even so, Gray hesitated.

To leave then and there without another word. To say farewell to someone like Eliza for good without expressing his feelings.

Regret. He had already experienced enough of it in his life. Would he stand there and allow it to become yet another burden on his soul? Would his feelings die unexpressed yet again?

His hesitation faded.

Gray closed his eyes for a brief moment, mustering up the courage to say those words, to give form to the feelings that he couldn't hide in his heart even now.

He took a deep breath and then opened his eyes, ready to speak-

And then his breath was stolen.

The scent of lavendar so close to his body. The warmth of lips against his own and a pair of arms wrapped around the back of his neck, holding him close.

Before he could comprehend what happened, Eliza had already stepped away.

Was it the rain? Water was running down her cheeks and she gave Gray a fragile smile.

"Goodbye, Gray. Please, live long."

With just those words, she ran away, leaving him alone with the falling rain.