"Are you okay?!"

  Kyle came rushing over, his eyes instantly locking onto the blood soaking into my side. He reached out, his hand moving toward the wound.

  "Let me see the cut—"

  "Stay back!"

  It was a reflex. My voice came out before I could think. Without even realizing it, I had twisted my body away, dodging his hand.

  "Hey, it's fine~"

  Kyle said with a small smile. His voice was calm, gentle, and kind.

  But even so... I couldn't do it.

  In that one instant—the moment someone tries to touch me—I feel a terror unlike any other.

  How much power these hands of mine truly possess... I am the one who knows it best.

  What if... what if I accidentally hurt him? The mere thought made my entire body freeze.

  As Kyle tried to step closer again, I rejected him once more. I was the one who was trembling with fear.

  (...I've done it now.)

  Backing away was an instinct. A deep-seated fear that my power might break someone.

  "I’m sorry. ...The wound is shallow. The medical treatment can wait."

  I barely managed to suppress the tremor in my voice. To my relief, Kyle just shrugged and headed off to finish restraining the enemy.

  (Again...)

  I had rejected him again.

  The simple goodwill of a comrade. A natural act of concern.

  And yet, I couldn't even accept that.

  (How can I protect anyone like this...? Why am I letting myself get so shaken? I am...)

  I can't even control my own strength properly. I’m too scared to even touch someone's hand. And yet, here I am—trying to stand beside her.

  I looked up.

  The sky over the capital was clear and vast. The ughter of children echoed across the cobblestone pza, and red-haired parents squinted happily at the sparkling fountain. The people of Ignis—the symbol of this kingdom.

  That red is the color of fire. And standing at its peak is the Queen of Fmes—Her Majesty, Veranora Aurelia Ignis.

  (She is the one protecting this entire world.)

  Stronger, more beautiful, and more steadfast than anyone. The symbol of the nation itself, its pride. I have spent my whole life chasing after her silhouette.

  (And yet, look at me...)

  The blood on my hands felt disgustingly vivid.

  It’s my own body, yet I can't even control it. I might break anyone I touch. Despite that—with just a single word from her, my heart has been thrown into such turmoil.

  (There’s no way someone like me deserves to be by her side...)

  Those words from yesterday. I had repeated them in my head over and over again.

  I am so fragile that a single sentence could make everything crumble.

  The sky I looked up at was a blinding, brilliant blue.

  But still.

  Even so—I wanted to protect this country. I wanted to protect the world she guards.

  Even if I can never touch her.

  Even if touching her means breaking her.

  I couldn't stop myself from chasing that back of hers.

  (...How can I protect her while remaining "me"?)

  A stifled scream smoldered deep in my throat. But no one must ever know.

  Snap. I clicked my fingers—a dry, sharp sound.

  I swallowed my emotions and my thoughts along with it.

  Because I must remain "Ray the Knight," no matter what.