000 I had searched around the school grounds once again yesterday, but I was unable to find Lise.
001 This would be the third day, but she's been absent from school all this time.
002 Even so, all I could do was wander around school, in the hopes that Lise would eventually show up.
003 In between classes, I would visit class 1-2 and ask people whether or not Lise had shown up. During classes, I killed the time elsewhere.
004 Engaged in that cycle, I was now loitering around the old school building.
005 Part of the reason I came all the way here was because I might run into Torta during lunch break.
006 I wouldn't know what to talk about if I saw her.
007 I probably looked desperate. Torta would pick up on that immediately.
008 Hence, I had almost unconsciously wandered to this place.
009 I tried to open the door, but like Ms. Cordell had told me way back when, it was locked.
010 I spent the time doing nothing but waiting for lunch break to end, then went back to the main building.
011 Come to think of it, Grave's lecture was supposed to be today.
012 That honor student and I were already dropped during the second lecture, so lecture room 2 should be vacant right now.
013 But...
014 When I passed by lecture room 2, I could hear the faint sound of a Fortell.
015 I wondered if Grave was composing some piece by himself, like Ms. Cordell had said.
016 I thought for a moment that it probably had nothing to do with Lise, but soon realized that chances were actually surprisingly high that it did.
017 Why couldn't she sing?
018 What had made her think she couldn't?
019 Why didn't I realize sooner that Grave might be involved in this...
020 I quietly opened the back door of the room and peeked inside.
021 I would surely look suspicious to anyone passing by, but since classes were in session, there didn't seem to be anyone around.
022 And most seniors, who didn't have classes, were busy practicing in the practice rooms.
023 [Grave]
024 "What's wrong? I said it was okay to play that piece you love so much. How about looking a bit more pleased?"
025 [Lise]
026 "..."
027 The sound of Lise's Fortell resounded through the small lecture room.
028 As I was about to enter, the tones came crashing against the door with enough force to stop me.
029 If I had to describe the emotions embedded into those notes with a single word, it would be 'sorrow.'
030 Although Ms. Cordell and Phorni had expressed it as being a love song, I could only hear a tragic melody now.
031 And---
032 The girl behind the Fortell was the very personification of tragedy.
033 The staff propping up her chin was digging into her throat. Lise seemed to be in pain because of it.
034 Even so, she didn't cease her performance.
035 Be it Grave's method of 'teaching' or not, Lise didn't show any signs of resistance.
036 The melody continued as I watched the scene before me in awe.
037 When I finally came to my senses, I swung open the door with all my might.
038 Trying my best to suppress my emotions, I calmly walked up to them.
039 Grave didn't reprimand me at all for my discourtesy.
040 [Chris]
041 "... What do you think you're doing?"
042 [Grave]
043 "A private lesson. I made room in my schedule for this lecture, but with no students to instruct, I decided to at least make efficient use of my time."
044 [Chris]
045 "... What's with the staff? Does that have anything to do with your lesson?"
046 Grave loosened his grip on the staff resting against Lise's throat.
047 Actually, I was mistaken---
048 He put even more strength into his arm, pushing Lise backward as she let out a shriek.
049 [Lise]
050 "Agh!"
051 [Grave]
052 "Excellent music is born from excellent posture. This is necessary to straighten the spinal column."
053 [Chris]
054 "Bullshit!"
055 I was surprised by how loud my voice was.
056 [Lise]
057 "... Uh..."
058 [Grave]
059 "What would you know? Silence yourself."
060 [Chris]
061 "... Lise, let's go. There's no need for you to be here."
062 [Grave]
063 "You will be the one to leave, Chris Vertin."
064 Grave finally removed the staff from Lise's throat and faced me.
065 [Grave]
066 "For what purpose have you come? You are no longer qualified to follow my lectures."
067 [Chris]
068 "... Lise?"
069 [Lise]
070 "I... I'm sorry. I'm sorry... I..."
071 [Chris]
072 "It's okay. We'll talk about this later."
073 [Grave]
074 "Liselsia."
075 [Lise]
076 "... Y-Yes?"
077 [Grave]
078 "I want to have a word with this insolent young man. Leave. Come back in thirty minutes."
079 [Lise]
080 "... Yes."
081 [Chris]
082 "Lise!"
083 [Lise]
084 "I... I'm sorry."
085 She averted her eyes and left the lecture room.
086 [Grave]
087 "Chris Vertin. You should feel privileged. I seldom put aside my precious time for a student."
088 [Chris]
089 "..."
090 I completely ignored what he said and turned to go after Lise, when he spoke to me once more.
091 [Grave]
092 "Liselsia can no longer sing. Give it up."
093 He spat out those words mockingly, but there seemed to be an unshakable conviction in his voice.
094 He surely knew about Lise and I's increasingly close relationship.
095 So why was he so convinced about his case?
096 It also bothered me that he said she 'can no longer sing,' rather than she 'will no longer sing.'
097 [Chris]
098 "... What do you mean by that?"
099 I replied with carefully chosen words.
100 I could go after Lise any time.
101 Unlike last time, she would probably come back here.
102 And while Grave's provocative words and attitude pissed me off, it was likely better to talk to him while I could.
103 [Grave]
104 "Exactly the way I said it. She has been rather disobedient lately, you see, so it was necessary to facilitate some discipline. It seems to have had effect."
105 [Chris]
106 "... Discipline?"
107 [Grave]
108 "My god... I can hardly believe someone of the Cesarini namesake would be carrying out ensembles with a third-rate commoner like you."
109 [Chris]
110 "... What do you mean by discipline?"
111 [Grave]
112 "What's more, disregarding the miraculous abilities she has been blessed with, she has taken up singing. I was so worried about her future I could barely help myself."
113 [Chris]
114 "... Mr. Grave. Would you kindly answer my question?"
115 [Grave]
116 "Of what use is a throat for playing the Fortell? No worries, I didn't do much. I merely applied a bit of pressure. That seems to have done the trick."
117 Grave raised his arms to eye level,
118 then formed a small circle with both of his hands,
119 and made motions as though gripping something thick.
120 ... Yes, something about the size of a neck.
121 [Grave]
122 "Liselsia was in error for making me take measure beyond what happened before."
123 [Chris]
124 "... What are you talking about? What happened before?"
125 [Grave]
126 "A Fortellist ultimately has no need for feet. All they have to do is sit on a bench."
127 Grave stopped talking and sneered, as though he had told some clever joke.
128 The meaning behind his words slowly began to sink in.
129 It could only mean one thing.
130 But I still couldn't believe it.
131 Was that really something a parent would do to their child?
132 [Chris]
133 "... Isn't she your daughter?"
134 [Grave]
135 "Only on paper."
136 [Chris]
137 "..."
138 [Grave]
139 "I picked her up from an orphanage so I could raise her to be my successor. That is her only purpose. Why should I hold back?"
140 [Chris]
141 "... What you're doing is incriminating."
142 [Grave]
143 "And? What are you going to do about it? No one will listen to the likes of you. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this little chat in the first place."
144 [Chris]
145 "..."
146 [Grave]
147 "Do you understand now? You and Liselsia live in different worlds. You'd better mind yourself boy, lest bad things might happen."
148 [Chris]
149 "... I'm not afraid of you. I'll do as I please."
150 [Grave]
151 "When did I ever say that bad things would happen to you?"
152 [Chris]
153 "... Do you intend to hurt Lise further?"
154 [Grave]
155 "If need be."
156 It seemed I had the wrong impression about him until now.
157 I originally thought he was a great musician. He had a rigid facade, but I respected him on a musical level.
158 But in reality...
159 All I could see now was some sadistic, deranged aristocrat.
160 A wretched attention seeker who cared only about himself. The very epitome of arrogance.
161 Whether this creature had been brought into being by this country's government, or culture, I didn't know.
162 But I had lost any and all respect for this man.
163 [Grave]
164 "Well? Do you understand?"
165 [Chris]
166 "..."
167 I completely ignored him and left the lecture room.
168 I had the feeling I heard some reprimanding words behind me as I left, but I couldn't care less.
169 Where could Lise be right now...
170 Perhaps some reprise she could retreat to when running away from that man.
171 But that place was locked. She couldn't go inside.
172 ... That would mean she was waiting outside in the rain.
173 It didn't even cross my mind that she had gone somewhere else.
174 Trudging through the muddy soil, I was getting closer to Lise, step by step.
175 I couldn't see her yet.
176 But she was definitely here.
177 [Lise]
178 "..."
179 [Chris]
180 "... Lise. Liselsia."
181 [Lise]
182 "... Senpai..."
183 Lise stood reclined against the door to the old school building, shivering from the cold.
184 [Chris]
185 "C'mon. Let's go back to my place."
186 [Lise]
187 "Go back? ... That's right, I have to go back..."
188 [Chris]
189 "Yeah."
190 [Lise]
191 "Father is waiting..."
192 [Chris]
193 "Lise!"
194 [Lise]
195 "I'm sorry! I'm sorry... I won't sing again... I won't disobey you again...!"
196 Lise wasn't looking at me.
197 She was shaking her head in fear, stringing together apology after apology in a small voice.
198 [Chris]
199 "Lise... Listen to me. You don't need to go back to Grave. Let's go home now."
200 [Lise]
201 "... I'm sorry, I won't ever sing again..."
202 Eyes downcast, Lise continued her delirious mutterings.
203 [Chris]
204 "..."
205 Wanting her to look me in the eyes, I placed my hands on her shoulders.
206 [Lise]
207 "No!"
208 [Chris]
209 "Lise!"
210 I no longer let her violent reactions startle me.
211 Mustering up my courage, I tightly gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look at me.
212 And---
213 Her eyes locked onto mine.
214 [Lise]
215 "S... Senpai..."
216 [Chris]
217 "Listen to me."
218 [Lise]
219 "..."
220 [Chris]
221 "... You don't have to go back to Grave. You can sing as much as you like."
222 [Chris]
223 "I won't allow you to get hurt ever again. So - won't you come with me?"
224 [Lise]
225 "... But... But...!"
226 Lise shrank backward in fear, but she couldn't get far.
227 She was pinned against the door and had nowhere to run.
228 Her hands, initially clenched into fists, shot upward to restrain her neck, as though possessed by some kind of demon.
229 I edged closer to Lise and gently grabbed hold of her arms, then slowly removed them from her neck.
230 The white bandage almost seemed absorbed into Lise's pale skin.
231 There had to be some injury hidden behind it.
232 [Lise]
233 "... Stop... Don't look..."
234 [Chris]
235 "... I won't stop. Show me."
236 [Lise]
237 "... No..."
238 Contrary to her words, Lise had already released all strength from her arms, and made no attempt to resist.
239 The bandage came off smoothly, and a dark-red discolored bruise in the shape of two hands appeared.
240 [Chris]
241 "..."
242 Along with pity, a sense of guilt, almost on the border of sorrow, welled up inside me.
243 If only... I hadn't approached her back then.
244 If only I hadn't wanted her to become my partner, this would never have happened to her.
245 ... No, that wasn't quite right either.
246 Just now, she was trembling in fear as she said,
247 'I won't ever sing again.'
248 Perhaps this was a regular utterance for her.
249 Or something she would mutter whenever she was 'disciplined' by that old bastard.
250 Whether I had involved myself with her or not, the situation might not have changed for Lise either way.
251 Grave was just that twisted.
252 [Chris]
253 "... Lise."
254 I touched her neck as gently as I could.
255 Lise's body shuddered in panic for an instant.
256 [Chris]
257 "... It's okay..."
258 [Lise]
259 "..."
260 [Chris]
261 "... It's okay."
262 I gingerly traced the bruise with my fingers, caressing it, then slid my hand behind her neck,
263 and pulled her into an embrace.
264 Lise put up no resistance as she entrusted her body to mine.
265 [Chris]
266 "Lise... Liselsia..."
267 [Lise]
268 "Ah... Uh... S-Senpai?"
269 [Chris]
270 "I'm sorry. I will never allow you to get hurt again."
271 [Lise]
272 "But... I..."
273 [Chris]
274 "I'm here with you."
275 [Lise]
276 "..."
277 I couldn't think of anything else to say.
278 Instead, I tightened my embrace,
279 in hope she would confide in me.
280 In hope that my feelings for her would be properly conveyed.
281 [Lise]
282 "... Chris... senpai..."
283 Lise called out my name clearly this time,
284 and wrapped her arms, which until now had been dangling along her sides, around my waist.
285 [Chris]
286 "Lise... I love you."
287 [Lise]
288 "... I... feel... the same."
289 In the pouring rain, we held each other tight as we exchanged numerous kisses.
290 The rain washed away the girl's tears, as well as my sins,
291 and showed no signs of ceasing.
292 After that, I brought Lise straight to my apartment.
293 She was now sound asleep on my bed.
294 I hung her drenched uniform on a hanger to dry.
295 Wearing only a shirt, Lise was in dreamland, where no one would be able to hurt her.
296 [Phorni]
297 "... What happened?"
298 [Chris]
299 "A lot... I guess."
300 Phorni had waited silently until Lise had fallen asleep.
301 I was thankful for that, but I couldn't find the right words to say to her.
302 Grave.
303 Lise's injuries.
304 Just trying to put those matters into words made my chest hurt.
305 [Phorni]
306 "The bandage came off... There was a bruise on her neck."
307 [Chris]
308 "... Yeah."
309 Phorni was probably beginning to get a vague understanding of what had happened.
310 Lise's behavior up until now.
311 The bruise on her neck.
312 I couldn't hide it from her, nor did I intend to.
313 [Chris]
314 "I'll explain what happened today from the beginning."
315 I picked Phorni up from her position on the windowsill and moved her to my desk.
316 I grabbed a chair and sat down directly opposite her.
317 [Chris]
318 "I should start by telling you about Grave."
319 ---I began telling Phorni everything in detail.
320 As she listened, an expression of profound sadness began to form on her face, and she gradually had less to say in return.
321 Even so, it was my duty to tell her everything, and Phorni had a right to hear it.
322 [Chris]
323 "And so... I brought Lise here with me."
324 [Phorni]
325 "... I see."
326 [Chris]
327 "To be honest... I'm not sure what to do from here on."
328 [Phorni]
329 "I see."
330 [Chris]
331 "I might become a bit of a burden on you from now on... and I might not be able to talk to you as much anymore... Are you sure you're okay with that?"
332 [Phorni]
333 "If I said no, would you kick her out?"
334 [Chris]
335 "... Well..."
336 [Phorni]
337 "Just kidding. I just felt like teasing you for a bit. Of course I'm okay with it."
338 [Chris]
339 "... That joke wasn't funny..."
340 [Phorni]
341 "It's your fault for not having faith in me."
342 [Chris]
343 "..."
344 [Phorni]
345 "Just tell me how you want things to be. How long have we known each other by now? I know you well enough."
346 [Chris]
347 "Phorni... Thanks."
348 [Phorni]
349 "Don't thank me. Anyway, if Lise wakes up, I'll be sure not to show myself too much."
350 [Chris]
351 "No need for that. I just won't be able to answer you as much anymore, that's all..."
352 [Phorni]
353 "I can't exactly intrude on you two lovebirds."
354 [Chris]
355 "... Phorni."
356 [Phorni]
357 "Am I wrong?"
358 [Chris]
359 "... No."
360 [Phorni]
361 "Then don't worry about it. I don't mind."
362 [Chris]
363 "You don't need to show such consideration for me either."
364 [Phorni]
365 "If you really think so, then I'll stay."
366 [Chris]
367 "Then stay."
368 [Phorni]
369 "I won't. Even if you're fine with it, Lise surely won't be."
370 [Chris]
371 "... Why would Lise mind you being there?"
372 [Phorni]
373 "She would mind you minding me being there. Say what you will, but I know you won't be able to ignore me. This is for the best."
374 [Chris]
375 "... Listen now."
376 [Phorni]
377 "It's final. I will not hear you out. See ya!"
378 [Chris]
379 "Phorni!"
380 I held my breath as I looked behind me, hoping that shout hadn't woken up Lise.
381 But Lise was breathing steadily, still sound asleep.
382 I let out a sigh of relief.
383 [Chris]
384 "Phorni. If you want to come out, you're free to do so anytime, okay?"
385 I whispered, convinced that Phorni would still be able to hear it.
386 Lise was still sleeping.
387 I set up my Fortell right next to her, and had been playing Lise's piece.
388 I put my affection for her into my tones.
389 [Lise]
390 "I was sitting... in a corner of the classroom..."
391 [Chris]
392 "... Lise..."
393 [Lise]
394 "... Ah..."
395 I instantly averted my eyes.
396 Aside from the cotton blanket wrapped around her body, all that was covering Lise was one of my shirts.
397 [Chris]
398 "... I'll be going to the front door, so... please put on some clothes..."
399 [Lise]
400 "Y... Yes..."
401 I promptly did as I said and closed my eyes.
402 I could hear the patter of Lise's footsteps on the floor behind me,
403 followed by the sound of her taking the uniform from the hanger and changing into it.
404 ---After having silently held my breath for a while, the girl addressed me.
405 [Lise]
406 "Umm... Senpai, I'm done."
407 [Chris]
408 "O... Okay..."
409 [Lise]
410 "... Umm... Thank you very much for today."
411 [Chris]
412 "Don't mention it."
413 [Lise]
414 "But..."
415 [Chris]
416 "Anyway, never go back there again, all right?"
417 [Lise]
418 "... Chris-senpai..."
419 [Chris]
420 "I'm not your upperclassman anymore. I can probably no longer go back to that school."
421 [Lise]
422 "... But..."
423 [Chris]
424 "Don't worry about it. But Lise, you're probably in the same boat..."
425 [Lise]
426 "I...! ... I don't mind at all. But senpai, you..."
427 [Chris]
428 "Call me by my name. Like I said, I'm no longer your upperclassman... Besides, I'd be happier if you called me by my name."
429 [Lise]
430 "... Chris..."
431 [Chris]
432 "Thanks. Anyway, don't worry about me. As long as you are by my side, I'll be fine."
433 [Lise]
434 "... Chris..."
435 [Chris]
436 "What is it?"
437 [Lise]
438 "... Chris!"
439 Lise cried out my name, and began shedding tears.
440 Though these were not tears of sadness.
441 After embracing her once more, I went to sit behind my Fortell.
442 [Chris]
443 "Lise... It's okay for you to sing now. Whenever you want, as much as you want."
444 [Lise]
445 "... Thank you."
446 [Chris]
447 "So, would you care to perform an ensemble?"
448 [Lise]
449 "... Yes!"
450 It had taken a long, long time for us to finally be able to perform ensembles together once more.
451 But during all that time, I had continued to play the Fortell for her, and she had never forgotten her song.
452 We were in such perfect harmony that one would think we had been performing together for years, as real partners.
453 Amidst the wave of music, I expressed my love for her, and she, her love for me.
454 In the place of words, we continued to make music instead.
455 ---Again, and again.
456 ---As often as time allowed it.
457 It was a time of pure happiness for us both.
458 [Chris]
459 "Good night."
460 [Lise]
461 "Are you sure this is all right?"
462 [Chris]
463 "It's fine. I can't have you sleep on the floor."
464 [Lise]
465 "Then..."
466 [Chris]
467 "Don't worry about me. You should get some sleep."
468 [Lise]
469 "... Okay,"
470 Lise said a bit dejectedly.
471 I wasn't sure why, but at least she seemed to consent for now.
472 [Chris]
473 "Good night."
474 [Lise]
475 "Good night..."
476 Tired from singing, Lise fell asleep quickly.
477 After confirming this, I went and checked whether the doors had been locked properly.
478 There was no guarantee that Grave wouldn't come after us.
479 A lock and two chains were what protected us from the outside world.
480 It seemed a bit unreliable, but there was nothing else we could do.
481 [Chris]
482 "..."
483 Stepping back into the room, I lowered myself on the blanket spread out on the floor, and stared at the ceiling.
484 [Phorni]
485 "Chris."
486 Phorni made an unexpected appearance on top of the desk.
487 [Chris]
488 "... What's up?"
489 [Phorni]
490 "Want to hear my initial impression of Lise's singing?"
491 [Chris]
492 "I do."
493 [Phorni]
494 "A striking resemblance, I thought."
495 It was something Torta once told me as well.
496 Or more accurately, what she once tried to tell me.
497 [Chris]
498 "... I think so too."
499 [Phorni]
500 "I don't think you do."
501 [Chris]
502 "Huh?"
503 [Phorni]
504 "I meant she bears a striking resemblance to you, Chris."
505 Leaving just that, Phorni disappeared.
506 dl08