Hey, you can come out now.
"Yes, sir.

　In response to the call, Charlotte opened the back door of the house.
　There is a large garden. There is a field where Allen grows medicinal herbs and a well. And now, a ...... light fills the corner.

"Wow, ......!

　The sofa in the living room had been taken out and a number of lanterns were arranged around it. A fire had been built nearby, and something was simmering in a pot.
　It was like camping.

　Allen fills a mug with liquid from the pot and hands it to me.

"There. Be careful, it's hot.
"Is this ...... cocoa?

　The light brown liquid is steaming in the gentle light of the lantern. In addition, there were three large marshmallows floating in the air.
　Allen smiled wryly. 　

That's right. Let's drink it and go stargazing.
"That's wonderful!

　Charlotte's face lit up.
　It's like a dream. When she sat down on the sofa as Allen had suggested, she could see the night sky full of stars. This area was far from the city, so there was nothing to block the starlight.
　While I was admiring the twinkling night sky, Allen sat down next to me.
　He began to rustle around preparing a kind of incense burner.

Is it aromatic?
It's just an insect repellent. You should also wear this.
Boom.

　Suddenly, a blanket fell from the sky. Charlotte did as she was told and wrapped herself in the blanket.
　Even though it was night, there was still a hint of spring in the night breeze. The blanket alone was warm enough to keep her warm.
　The smoke rising from the incense burner had a refreshing aroma that seemed to clear my mind.

　Overhead, the sky was full of stars.
　On the ground, a warm space.
　Everywhere I looked, happiness filled the air.

Do you like it?
Yes, yes!　I'm so excited!
Well, I'm glad to hear it.

　Allen sipped his cocoa ...... and smiled self-mockingly.

I'm not sure what you mean by "astronomical observation," but ...... I don't know much about stars.
"What?　You know everything, Mr. Allen!
I know a lot about how the placement of the stars affects mana. But when it comes to constellations, I don't have a clue.

　It's just like him to be stoic.
　So Charlotte pointed to the stars that colored the night sky.

"Well, that yellowish glow is the eye of the constellation Spider. To the lower right of that is the constellation Orthros.
It looks like a bunch of dots to me. ......

　Allen stares up at the night sky with his eyes glazed over.
　I'm not sure what to make of this. Charlotte chuckles.

I've been studying a lot at home. That's how I learned the constellations.
"...... I see.

　Then Allen's face clouded over slightly.
　Charlotte nodded her head, looking somewhat unhappy. ...... Then Allen asked her about the constellations, and the question became vague.

　Charlotte explained the stars and the myths associated with them.
　Allen then gave a brief explanation of the relationship between magic and the celestial bodies in a way that Charlotte could understand.

　The nightfall was filled with a series of ordinary conversations.
　As time passed, Charlotte yawned.

"...... are you getting sleepy?

　Allen sets down his cup and smiles gently.

I'll walk you to your room. I'll walk you to your room.
"...... No.

　Charlotte shook her head slowly. 　

I don't want to ...... sleep today.

　I had a scary dream.
　I'm afraid that if I go back to sleep I'll have that dream again.
　Charlotte confessed in a whisper. Allen listened attentively to her.

(......, what if he's stupid?)

　I'm like a child, afraid of dreams. Suddenly realizing this, Charlotte was deeply depressed.
　But, but...

I'm fine.


What?

　Suddenly, Allen gently squeezed Charlotte's hand.
　The faintest hint of nervousness can be felt in his palm. He looked into Charlotte's puzzled face and told her straight out.

"I told you. I'm not letting go of your hand. I'll protect you from anything.

　And he smirks.

"Even if you're trapped in a nightmare, I'll come get you. So don't worry about a thing.
"Mr. Allen, ......

　The passionate words made me dizzy.
　But then ...... Charlotte nodded her head.

"Has ...... anyone ever said that to you before?
Yeah. Yes, I did. You just forgot.
That's a bit of a waste of ...... time.

　Charlotte smiled softly.
　He would never lie to me. So I'm sure he's got the words somewhere and he's going to ...... protect you.
　A warm sensation envelops Charlotte's body.
　The sleepiness came over her at once. Allen asks Charlotte to rub her eyes.

"If you're afraid of your own dreams, will you come to mine?
"Mr. Allen's dream at ......?
Yeah. I have a spell that lets me enter people's dreams. I'll use it.
Oh, you have a spell? Magic is amazing, isn't it?
"Well, it's ...... more like it's hastily created.

　Allen muddled his words and changed the subject, "Anyway," he said.

"What kind of dreams do you want to have?　Tell me what you want.
"Well then, .......

　Any dream would be fun with Allen.
　But Charlotte dared to ...... tell him what she wanted.

"I'd like to see the stars with you in my dreams.
"Yeah, no problem.

　They both laughed and got up from the sofa together.

　


　Not long ago, most of the world was scary.
　But now, even the ...... night doesn't scare me anymore.