Sky Striker Princess, but the swan song of Valkyrie.

I remember the girl beside me clearly, so she has always maintained the clearest image of me.

And so, I don't know how much time passed—maybe an hour, maybe a week. In this chaotic scene, I couldn't tell how time was passing until the final moment arrived.

Oh no, there are so many people!

Even the meticulously planned Lingyi, having never actually experienced a festival before, ultimately failed to consider everything.

Because she was too focused on perfecting her experience of the festival, she spent too much time on the journey. By the time she arrived at the final and grandest fireworks display, all the best viewing spots were already packed with people waiting to watch.

[In this situation, there's absolutely no way to squeeze in! Ugh, damn it! I was just one step away from my perfect festival plan, and the fireworks weren't even starting yet. What should I do...?]

Like someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or perhaps a sunk cost investor, the platinum blonde girl wore an expression of utter bewilderment I rarely saw.

Without a doubt, she possessed a cuteness rarely seen in ordinary times, and I etched this scene deeply into my mind, so much so that I see it with unparalleled clarity now.

[Lingyi, why don't we watch it here? It's not too far from the best spot.]

I said that, and at that moment, I already knew what she would do next.

No, I absolutely cannot give up like this. Don't underestimate me; I'm not someone who'll be defeated by such a small setback. Since all the normal places are taken, I'll go where ordinary people can't go.

Lingyi raised her little fist, her bright emerald green eyes shining with confidence as she looked up.

【Let's go, Chris-chan. Remember to keep this a secret... oh wait, Chris-chan, who came with me, is practically my accomplice.】

With her boundless energy, Lingyi, who at the time didn't quite understand, quietly entered a building and arrived at its locked rooftop.

Next, it should be...

As I watched silently, Lingyi took a few wires and, with a series of dazzling and indistinct movements, unlocked the rooftop door.

[Well, while the viewing quality is slightly lacking, it's not crowded, so rounding it off, it's practically a perfect viewing spot. By the way, Chris-chan, you'd better not tell anyone. Although I won't be in any trouble, well, it's not good for their upbringing.]

The platinum-gold figure turned around and gave me some instructions, but my thoughts had already drifted to the time we would spend alone together afterward.

P.S. Goodnight.

Chapter Seventy-Five: Fireworks and the Promise

A series of explosions rang out from all directions, followed by countless whooshing sounds. Finally, as several beautiful fireworks bloomed in the sky, illuminating the night, the grandest event of the summer festival, the fireworks display, began.

A variety of fireworks, launched in sequence according to a pre-set plan, display a dazzling array of colors through their flame reactions, continuously painting a fleetingly brilliant picture on the vast curtain of the night.

On the rooftop, with an unobstructed view, the two clearly saw the fireworks that were constantly blooming and fading away.

The constant explosions in the sky, the pungent smell of gunpowder in the air, and the wonderful times spent with friends—all of these are deeply etched in my memory, unforgettable and beautiful.

I don't know how much time passed, but as the first wave of fireworks ended, time, which had seemed to stand still, began to flow again, and satisfaction filled my entire heart.

"How beautiful, the fireworks!"

Looking at the city night sky, now reduced to wisps of smoke and dust, the girl beside me uttered this sigh.

Yes, it really is very beautiful.

I feel the same way, and watching fireworks with friends makes me happier than watching fireworks themselves.

Time fell silent again. To ensure the fireworks could be better appreciated, fireworks displays usually launch them in batches to avoid the smoke from reducing their visual appeal due to excessive density.

Chris-chan, is there anything you'd like to do in the future?

While waiting for the next fireworks display, seemingly to liven things up, the girl next to her asked her this question.

"Well, talking about this now... I haven't thought about it yet, but I'll probably become a musician like my parents."

That's how I answered.

On the one hand, I was unprepared for Lingyi's question, and on the other hand, I really hadn't figured out what I wanted to do in the distant future.

[A musician like Mr. Yukine? Hmm, that's great. Chris-chan's ideal is excellent. I'm really looking forward to hearing the music you write, Chris-chan.]

Lingyi pondered for a moment, and then offered her sincere blessing on my idea.

[I probably won't become a musician as talented as my parents; after all, I'm not at that level yet.]

When I said that, the praise from my friend left me a little flustered, and I could even feel the warmth on my cheeks.

"Speaking of which, Lingyi, what do you want to do in the future?"

Then, perhaps because of my own embarrassment, or perhaps because I was genuinely curious, after answering Lingyi's question, I turned to look at the girl's indistinct figure in the darkness beside me and asked her the same question.

[Me? Ah, oh no, I hadn't considered this at all before, hmm—about what I'll be doing in the future.]

Lingyi tilted her head slightly, her fingers fiddling with her platinum blonde hair, as if she were deep in thought.

【It's okay, I was just asking. If you haven't thought it through, then forget it.】

I said that I somewhat understand why Lingyi hadn't considered it.

Because of certain things, her life is often filled with all sorts of trivial matters. Although she is able to handle everything in an orderly manner, it is unlikely that she will have time to think about the future.

Yes, that's what I thought, so I didn't pay attention to Lingyi's answer until she actually gave her answer.

No, I've already decided what I want to do in the distant future.

Shortly after I spoke, the girl turned her face towards me, her emerald green eyes smiling as she focused her gaze on me.

What is it?

I asked, instinctively sensing that she seemed about to do something.

Since Chris-chan is planning to become a musician, then I'll do the same.

Lingyi smiled, took my hand, and earnestly told me about her vision for the future.

【!】

Hearing Lingyi's reply stirred a ripple in my heart.

【What's wrong, Chris-chan? Don't you believe me?】

The girl chuckled and asked me what I thought.

Ah, no, that's not it, but why so suddenly?

I made this response and inquiry because Lingyi had never had any inclination towards music before; she simply enjoyed listening to music.

Is it sudden? I don't think so. I've thought about many things I could do, and I believe I can do them.

Of all the things I can do, what I most want to do is, like the Yukine couple, create music that can truly move the soul and is my own.

In response to my question, Lingyi replied to me in a serious manner.

I understand; what Lingyi said is true.

Since I met her, I have never seen her unable to learn anything. She can always learn any unfamiliar skill quickly and master it in a short time. She is undoubtedly a near-omnipotent talent.

She is capable of all sorts of amazing things, and she has chosen to pursue her future career in the same field as me—music. Although there is some pressure, more joy has welled up inside her and overshadowed everything else.

[Haha, you, Lingyi, weren't interested in music at first.]

Thinking about this, I couldn't help but recall the time when I first met the other person.

Ultimately, my initial interest in music stemmed from you, Chris-chan, so you should take responsibility, right?

Lingyi seemed to remember as well, and responded to my words with a smile.

That's true, but... take responsibility?

Listening to and looking at Lingyi's smiling expression, my heart skipped a beat for no reason, and an idea I had never thought of before surfaced in my mind.

[Yes, I'll take responsibility. So, does Chris-chan agree?]

The girl asked me this question.

[What do you mean, "agree"? If you want to be a musician, go ahead. It has nothing to do with me.]

Perhaps because the answer was so wonderful, I initially thought I had misheard. In any case, I turned my head away and uttered those words.

[Seriously, of course we're related! I like music because of Chris-chan, so if I were to become a musician, it would definitely be with you, Chris-chan!]

Lingyi, with an irrefutable tone, solidified my initial doubts.

[...with me?]

Originally, it was just a trip together, which already made me extremely happy, but because I understood the responsibility that Lingyi was carrying, I never had any more desires.

But now, the idea that I dared not even dream of seems to have become a reality for some reason.

[Yes, that's what I think. And Chris-chan, you should understand that if I say something, it's because I've thought it through carefully. There's no need to worry about other factors.]

[I want to know what you think, Chris-chan, so, Chris-chan, you won't abandon me, will you?]

I don't know what I was thinking. When Lingyi smiled at me, held my hand, and said those words to me earnestly, my brain had already lost the ability to think.

Of course, I'm willing, and I don't want to be separated from you, Lingyi.

Instinctively, without hesitation, I uttered these words, revealing my true thoughts.

Is that so? That's great.

After I said those words, I vaguely sensed that the girl in front of me seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

【So it's a deal then. Hmm, let me think. It will take a long time to settle everyone in, and considering that you and Yukine will be going to many other places later, you might not have time. So, you can decide how much time we can spend together.】

Then, as is her usual style, Lingyi made a careful consideration and handed the decision over to me.

I'll decide what to do.

I asked.

【Since we made a promise at the summer festival, let's do it every year at the summer festival. If Chris-chan has decided, please find me at one of the summer festivals.】

After I asked her, Lingyi put her hand to her lips and, after thinking it over, proposed this solution.

【Then next year!】

I replied immediately, my response so quick that even I was surprised.

I understand that Lingyi made that arrangement because she didn't want to put me in a difficult position, but it's okay, the possibility of me refusing has never existed.

[Next year... um, Chris-chan, isn't this a bit too fast? Although I can settle everyone in a year, Chris-chan, is it really necessary to be in such a hurry?]

After I said that, my friend's eyes became somewhat unfocused, and he asked me this question.

【next year.】

To this, I simply stared intently at my friend in front of me and poured out my heart.

I didn't want to part with the friend I had just made. This small yet intense, childlike possessiveness burst forth in my heart at that time.

I thought a lot about her request to me and her fear of something that might happen in the future, and those thoughts convinced me that I had to do it.

I didn't think about anything; I simply followed my deepest desires. I didn't want to be separated from Lingyi at all, and of course, I wanted to spend as little time apart from my close friends as possible.

Ah, okay, okay, I understand.

Lingyi nodded with a hint of helplessness, and then continued.

But ultimately, whether it's next year or later, I'll be waiting for Chris-chan, so it doesn't really matter. As for the location...

Before Lingyi could finish speaking, time had already slipped away to the second batch of fireworks, which rose at that very moment. The brilliant light dispelled the darkness, and the figure of her friend in front of her appeared exceptionally clear under the colorful light.

"...Well, since the date is set for the summer festival, let's choose this place. I'll definitely wait for Chris-chan here for next year's or any future fireworks festival; it's a kind of ritual."

Against the backdrop of beautiful fireworks, Lingyi, my friend, made this little promise with me in a rather solemn manner.

"Yes, I absolutely have to come, Lingyi. I will definitely come."

I answered seriously.

There's nothing else to worry about anymore; this is probably the best moment of my life.

What followed was a hazy and indistinct view of the fireworks, which has become less clear with the passage of time. But the dreamlike scene and the rich night are deeply imprinted in my heart and I can never forget them.

P.S. Good afternoon.

Chapter Seventy-Six: The Morning After the Dream Ends

"Is this a dream? Why at this time?"

In the spacious bedroom, the white-haired girl, who was lying on the table, spoke weakly. Then, she raised her head and opened her somewhat hazy eyes.

On the computer screen in front of her, various files were open and sat quietly on her desktop.

"Phew, is it because I've been spending too much energy on the investigation lately that I'm dreaming about that time."

Looking at the open window on the desktop, Chris sighed and said this, seemingly completely unconcerned about the dream she had just had.