Mafuyu closed her last notebook and tidied up the module papers. A soft rustling sound was heard as she arranged everything back into the folder. Raku, still sitting with his back straight, watched with a satisfied expression.
"Today's lesson… is finished," Mafuyu said, lightly patting her folder, trying to maintain her authoritative demeanor.
Raku bowed briefly. "Thank you very much, Kirisu-sensei. It feels like I've understood many new things. Japanese history, Newton's laws, even haiku poetry… all of it was interesting."
Mafuyu pushed her glasses up her nose. Her gaze, usually strict and cold, softened slightly this time. "Ichijou-kun, to be honest… you are different from the other students I've met. The way you absorb lessons is incredibly fast. I'm honestly surprised."
Raku gave a small smile, his hand brushing over the blank pages of his notebook now filled with new writing. "Maybe it's because I lost my memory, Sensei. My head is like a blank sheet of paper now. So every word you teach… sticks more easily."
Her words made Mafuyu pause for a moment. She felt something touching behind that innocence—a child seemingly starting life anew, yet not giving up on learning.
"...You really are a unique student," she finally said, her voice softening.
Raku turned and smiled innocently. "Then, I'll try my best not to disappoint you."
Mafuyu didn't reply, only giving a faint smile as she packed her things more quickly, hiding the warmth that was slowly rising in her chest.
A knock came at the door, and Ryunosuke entered, bowing slightly. "Kirisu-sensei, Bocchan. Are the lessons finished?"
Mafuyu nodded briefly. "Yes, that's enough for today."
Ryunosuke turned to Raku. "Bocchan, you can take a short rest. I'll escort Sensei to meet Mr. Issei for a report."
Raku rose from his chair, stood straight, then bowed politely. "Thank you very much, Kirisu-sensei. Please be careful on your way home."
Mafuyu was slightly taken aback by his politeness, then answered softly, "Yes, see you tomorrow, Ichijou-kun."
Raku smiled, then returned to his seat, opening his notebook again as if he still wanted to review today's lesson. Mafuyu followed Ryunosuke out of the room, her steps slightly slow because her mind was still behind that door—on a student who was innocent yet strong-willed.
Mafuyu walked slowly along the Ichijou house corridor, still arranging the folder and notebooks she carried. Along the way, the servants' gazes followed her with slight curiosity, but she only bowed politely and walked calmly. Upon reaching Issei's office, she glanced at the large desk filled with documents and dimly lit candles, then took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
"Come in," Issei's voice came from inside, warm yet commanding.
Mafuyu opened the door slowly. "Good afternoon, Mr. Issei. Mafuyu Kirisu, temporary private tutor for Raku. I would like to report on the results of today's lesson."
Issei looked up from the document he was signing, a faint smile on his face. "Ah, Miss Mafuyu. Please, sit. How was the session today?"
Mafuyu stepped in and placed the folder on the desk, then sat in the provided chair. "Today we focused on several subjects: Japanese History, Basic Physics, and Geography. Raku showed excellent concentration, even on material that is usually difficult to understand. For example, he could explain the timeline of Japanese history from the Sengoku period to Edo, including important figures, without needing repeated reminders."
Issei nodded, his eyes sharp but warm. "Impressive. It seems that losing his memory doesn't hinder his learning ability too much."
Mafuyu let out a soft breath. "Yes, Mr. Issei. In fact, there seems to be a positive side. Because Raku is like a blank sheet, he absorbs new concepts faster and isn't bound by old habits. In Physics, for example, he immediately understood Newton's laws and the principles of motion with simple experiments I showed him. He could even calculate the results accurately."
Issei smiled widely, resting his hands on the desk. "I'm glad to hear that. How about Geography and the other subjects?"
Mafuyu exhaled softly. "Geography went smoothly too. Raku could quickly recall the locations of provinces, cities, and major rivers in Japan. He also showed a high level of curiosity—asking about seasons, climate differences, even local cultures in each region. For Japanese Literature, he read classical poetry and could understand its meaning, although sometimes he asked about historical context."
Issei smiled in satisfaction, then straightened up. "Very good. So, in your opinion, is Raku ready to face school after New Year?"
Mafuyu lowered her head slightly, her tone firm yet honest. "I'm confident, Mr. Issei. If Raku stays consistent like today and is guided properly, I believe he will not face significant difficulties. He is a quick learner, and even with amnesia, he shows strong determination and focus."
Issei gently patted Mafuyu's shoulder with a warm smile. "Thank you, Miss Mafuyu. Your report is very helpful. Now, please take a short rest before continuing with other tasks."
Mafuyu bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Mr. Issei. I will go home now. Excuse me."
Issei nodded, his eyes looking at Mafuyu with respect and a hint of relief. "Take care on your way home, Miss Mafuyu. Thank you for taking the time to teach Raku today."
Mafuyu glanced at Issei for a moment, gave a faint smile, then turned and walked out of the room. Her steps felt light, yet her mind was still halfway focused on a boy who was beginning to show extraordinary potential—despite starting a new day as a blank sheet due to amnesia, Raku had already impressed her.
The evening sky turned orange, sunlight gradually dimming behind the trees of the Ichijou estate. Raku stood on the side terrace, his gaze vacant as it pierced the vast sky. A gentle breeze blew, brushing against his face and swaying strands of his hair. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the wind calm his chest.
Then, suddenly—
Something appeared.
Faint, like a film playing behind his eyelids. A strange scene, a city with technology he had never seen before. Airships floated in the sky, holographic screens displayed on corners of tall buildings, and people walked calmly on streets filled with glowing blue lights.
Among the crowd, Raku saw a figure that was not unfamiliar—a man.
His gaze seemed empty, his steps slow, yet there was a shadow of loneliness behind his eyes. And strangely, Raku remembered him. The same figure from his childhood, when he saw a small boy shivering in the winter snow, without clothes, trying to survive.
Next to the man stood a woman. Her golden hair shimmered in the light of the foreign city's sunset, white gloves covering her slender fingers, and white stockings completing her elegant stride. She turned, looking at the man with a faint smile.
"Why do you often stare at the sky?" the woman asked softly, her voice carrying warmth.
The man sighed, staring at the sky as if searching for something. "Because it makes me feel calm. Somehow… I want to return quickly to my own world."
The woman stepped half forward, raising her gloved hand, then gently brushed the man's arm. Her gaze was filled with understanding.
"There's no need to rush," she said softly. "I know your burden is very heavy. That… is something no one can bear. Even though I accidentally saw your memories… I know how heavy that feeling is."
The man turned, a faint smile on his lips. "Reading someone else's mind at will… I guessed it, this really is the style of Tokiwadai Queen."
The woman with golden hair closed her eyes briefly, smiling gracefully. "It wasn't intentional, Darling."
The scene shattered like broken glass.
Raku jolted, opening his eyes with rapid breaths.
The evening sky looked back at him. No futuristic city. No golden-haired woman. Only himself, standing alone on the terrace. Yet his chest pounded, and his cheeks… were wet.
He wiped his face, feeling the tears that had unconsciously fallen. His fingers trembled.
"That… is the same man. But…" his voice hoarse. "What burden is he carrying…?"
Raku bowed his head, tears falling one by one, soaking the wooden floor.
"Who… am I?" he whispered, barely audible, as if the question was meant more for himself than anyone else.
The silent evening answered with the rustling of the wind, as if keeping a secret that could not yet be revealed.