When I looked up, the sky had already deepened into a dark hue, the moon casting a glow that washed over the surroundings. Despite the eerie light, the air was alive with motion and sound, thrumming with restless energy.

Countless Sleepless filed through the academy's front gate, thrown wide open for this night alone, draped in garments reminiscent of Japanese kimonos. Their flowing sleeves and intricate patterns shimmered faintly beneath the moonlight, giving the scene a dreamlike, almost otherworldly quality.

Perhaps it really was otherworldly. The Sleepless were all so breathtaking; beautiful and handsome in ways that felt unreal, almost unfair.

No, it was definitely unfair.

But that wasn't my main concern right now.

My gaze drifted downward. I was dressed in a black garment resembling a kimono, though mine was far simpler and plain. The fabric was light and smooth, without the ornate embroidery or silken sheen that adorned the others.

The sleeves were shorter and narrower, practical rather than flowing, and the sash tied at my waist was a simple strip of cloth, nothing like the layered cords and braided belts that gleamed on the Sleepless passing by. Even the edges of my collar lacked decoration.

In the crowd of radiant colors and intricate designs, my outfit felt almost invisible like a shadow sleeping among the lanterns. Strangely, the plainness suited me. It was neither gaudy nor proud, and perhaps that was enough.

Simplicity had its own charm.

Of course, I wasn't the jealous type, but it was obvious I stuck out like a sore thumb. A few passing Sleepless spared me a glance before moving on.

It was an uncomfortable feeling.

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have even considered attending an event like this, especially knowing how crowded it would be.

But what choice did I have now? There was no backing out, even if I wanted to.

"Curse me and my big mouth! Just why did I have to open my damn mouth?!"

I wanted to scream, but that would only draw more attention, so I settled for a silent grumble.

Back at the library, I had practically asked out the... hot no, youthful librarian. Why I had done it, I couldn't say. Truly, I had no idea. She just… looked so lonely that the words had slipped out before I even thought.

However, it was pure hubris.

Why had I assumed she was lonely?

It was entirely possible she already had plans. In fact, when I extended my invitation, she had looked so dumbfounded and flustered that she didn't know what to say, standing there as if frozen in place.

Anyone would be completely dumbfounded if they were suddenly asked out on a date without any prior buildup. What surprised me even more was that she had said yes, leaving me standing here, waiting for her.

No matter how I turned it over in my mind, I couldn't comprehend that the librarian had actually agreed.

Surely, there were better options.

Perhaps her reply had slipped out in the heat of the moment. Thinking it through more deeply, that seemed like the most logical explanation. If that were the case, it was entirely possible she might not show up at all.

What should I do? Keep waiting, or head back to my dorm? The latter was becoming increasingly tempting with each passing second.

With a sigh, I glanced down at the shadow beside me.

"Hey, buddy… what do you think I should do in this situation?"

The blob of darkness regarded me for a moment before shrugging, as if to say, "Why are you even asking me?"

My eyebrow twitched. So much for a helpful companion.

"Ugh. What misfortune."

But just as the words left my mouth…

"…"

…my eyes were drawn elsewhere. Someone was approaching.

W-what? She actually came?

To my surprise, the figure drawing near was none other than the librarian, Brynlee but she was no longer dressed in her usual professional attire. The plain white shirt and black skirt of the library were gone, replaced by a flowing, dark indigo robe with subtle embroidery, hugging her body just enough to accentuate her silhouette without seeming provocative. Her tail swayed gently behind her, echoing her every step like a quiet metronome.

Even from a distance, she radiated an enchanting aura.

I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. Every nerve in my body screamed that this was a moment I could never have prepared for. Standing there, watching her approach, the noise of the festival faded into the background. All that mattered was Brynlee, moving toward me with a faint, nervous smile playing at her lips.

And then, finally, she stopped a few steps away, tilting her head slightly. Her clear eyes met mine and she spoke in that soft, fluid voice that could have belonged to the wind itself.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

I swallowed hard, words failing me for a moment as I struggled to gather my composure.

"Uh… n-no, it's fine," I stammered, my usual confidence nowhere to be found.

Brynlee gave me a strange look.

"If you say so. Though I don't understand why you asked me to accompany you to the festival. Surely, there are many young maidens you could have invited, so why me?"

Her question jolted me out of my stupor. After a brief pause to think it over, I simply shrugged.

"Do I really need a reason to ask you to accompany me? After all, it's a time of celebration, so it's hardly a crime to ask out anyone. I even noticed a few Instructors moving about."

My gaze wandered over the crowd. Seeing the young adults and couples laughing and moving about with carefree joy stirred a buried emotion within me, and my brows furrowed slightly.

"Besides… I don't have that many friends."

Gundric and Lancer were the only Sleepless I had actually spoken to, and even then, they were little more than acquaintances, not true friends.

Of course, there was also Inquisitor Ivy and Soul Killer. But the former seemed far too busy to bother with a celebration like this, and Rin… well, she didn't seem the social type. People tended to avoid her wherever she went, so there was no way she would show up.

Those four were the only people I actually knew in the Spirit Realm or more particularly, Niflheim. Well, that's not counting Instructor Joel and Irene… but of course, there was no way I was ever going to ask either of them to accompany me.

So yes, by any measure, I didn't have many friends.

But why was the succubus looking at me with such pitiful eyes? Was she… misunderstanding something?

Frowning my brows, I asked,

"Is there a problem?"

Brynlee blinked, snapping out of her reverie, and replied,

"Ah, it's nothing, really. What you said just reminded me of my time as a Sleepless."

"So… you didn't have any friends at all?"

"You don't have to put it like that!" she said, obviously flustered.

I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

Brynlee's gaze softened slightly, though that subtle edge of melancholy lingered in her eyes. In the next second, she adjusted her robe then said quietly,

"I suppose… it was different back then. Being a Sleepless isn't easy. You're always judged and most people… well, they don't really see you, especially when you're different from them."

I nodded slowly, sensing there was more she wasn't saying.

"I get it," I tried offering a small smile. "I guess I can understand that feeling. People tend to ignore what they don't understand or those who are vastly different from them. So don't let your mind linger on other people too much."

Brynlee gave a faint nod. The tension in her posture seemed to ease just a bit.

"Well," I continued, trying to change the subject before things got too heavy, "since we're already here… how about we actually enjoy the festival? I promise I won't make things awkward and excuse my rudeness in advance."

Her eyes flicked toward the bustling crowd for a moment, taking in the lanterns, the colorful kimonos, and the laughter spilling through the academy grounds. Then she turned back to me, her faint smile lingering on her lips.

"Very well. Lead the way."

Then I smiled and gestured towards the crowd.

"As you wish, my lady."

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