"...So that was what you meant."
Aleister sighed and changed the subject. "Speaking of which... do you still feel the urge to pursue the Path of Transcendence?"
Seeing David's visibly hesitant expression, Aleister added, "If you do, you can tell me about it.
"After all, it'll be difficult for us to meet again in the future, and we don't usually move in the same social circles. You can treat me as a confidante and vent all the things you don't dare tell the people around you."
"...I still can't."
To Aleister's surprise, David rejected her proposal.
"Why?"
"You're friends with Mr. Iver, and I respect him very much. He's an incredible person... gentle, upright, and kind."
Mr. Knight hesitated for a moment before saying it anyway. "I don't want him to know that I'm inclined toward the Path of Transcendence."
...Wow.
He sure knew how to praise someone.
Aleister even felt that the praise had caught in her throat, leaving her unsure how to respond for a moment.
But soon, a gentle smile like that used to coax a child appeared on her face. "I see... Then let's make a promise, David. I swear I won't tell Iver what you've told me. How does that sound?"
"But is that really all right?"
David said worriedly, "You two are friends, right? Then you'd be hiding something from your friend... I'm afraid you might argue because of it. I respect both of you very much. If you quarrel for this reason, then I'll share some of the blame."
"...Then how about this? If I want to tell Iver about you, I'll first seek your permission. Will that do?"
Aleister appeared to take a step back.
David had clearly been successfully placated. He thought seriously for a while, then slowly nodded. "That's fine.