Flutter

The beauty of fireworks in full bloom eventually comes to an end, like fireflies drawn to a flame—brief and beautiful.

The Ferris wheel started turning again, and as the last firework faded in the sky, the two people on the Ferris wheel returned to the ground.

"Sera."

Herta finally voiced her doubts.

"Why do you have slightly golden eyes in the photo?"

"That's the problem."

Sera smiled, but instead of answering immediately, she left the riddle open.

You'll know tomorrow.

"Tomorrow?"

Seeing that Sera was clearly deliberately keeping her in suspense, Miss Herta's expression turned to disdain.

When did you become a riddle teller?

"Because... it's so--cool~"

"..."

Miss Herta was speechless. This guy was definitely a genius, but why did he have so much humanity in him? Had all the humanity of other geniuses been distributed into Sera?

So... what should we eat tonight?

Sera asked the question that was currently on his mind most.

"... Sigh..." Herta sighed, somewhat helpless but not surprised, because this matched her impression of Sera.

"I remember... I chose roast whole lamb."

Sera's eyes lit up.

"That's good."

Sera had only ever eaten small portions of roasted or boiled sheep before; this was the first time he had ever eaten a whole roasted sheep!

"To avoid waste, we're roasting lamb; and by the way, the meat is already shredded."

Sera lay in bed, having finished his meal and taken a hot shower. He then began to recall the day's events. While Herrscher didn't need to shower, Sera was simply used to it.

First, this countdown isn't just a matter of days passing by. Like today, it will increase rapidly once certain conditions are met. So... what are those conditions?

Sera had a rather far-fetched but plausible guess in her mind— Miss Herta's affections.

If certain stages are reached, time will increase rapidly. Thinking of this, Sera fell silent. To toy with other people's feelings for one's own selfish desires?

Are you kidding me?!

Are you treating this like a strategy game for Galahad?

He maxed out Herta's favorability and then disappeared? How is that any different from being a scumbag? He might like many people, but he would never abandon anyone he likes.

So... should we stay away?

No...

Sera took a deep breath. He couldn't do it. Today's events had made him want more than just to let the genius girl experience emotions; he had grown to like Herta. It wasn't just Miss Herta who had developed feelings for him; Sera's feelings for Miss Herta had also increased.

Sera had always liked Miss Herta, but why did she like her?

It was Miss Herta's hypocrisy, her pride, her confidence that she could do it, that she was certain she could do it, as if nothing in the world could make her show any difficulty.

Sera used to be an insecure person, so he admired and liked people who were firm and confident. Of course, he liked those who had the ability, were firm, and didn't make empty boasts.

Sera felt that this kind of person was really charming, and the entire Amphoreus made him completely fall in love with this genius young lady.

Sera was confused; he didn't know what to do. Naturally, Sera couldn't sleep that night, even though he probably wouldn't have any problems not sleeping.

On the other side, Miss Herta was also lying in bed, her eyes open, thinking about what had happened that day.

She was a genius; although she didn't need emotional intelligence to deal with others, that didn't mean she couldn't understand Sera's words. She could sense that Sera's affection for her was significantly higher than when they first met.

Based on her usual style, she would probably arrange for someone she'd only known for two days to be placed far away from her after she'd finished her research.

But Miss Herta hesitated. She didn't understand why she didn't want to do it. She had only known this person for a short time, yet she didn't seem to dislike him. On the contrary... she even felt a little fond of him.

Why is this happening?

Miss Herta was very curious; she wanted to know the answer.

She admitted that Sera did indeed give her something new almost every day, and she enjoyed experiencing new things.

Herta made her decision. As a genius, she might never find someone as compatible as Sera in her entire life, so she would try to accept it. As a genius, her ability in this regard was no less than that of a baby who had just learned to speak.

She admitted that when she saw Sera's face tonight, she felt a momentary flutter in her heart. The fireworks and her own reflection were clearly reflected in Sera's eyes, while her own eyes were filled with Sera.

That's when she realized she might have fallen for him.

During her time with Sera, she experienced a sense of security and comfort that she had never felt before. During the research period, it was as if something she needed was handed to her the moment she reached out, and the sentiment was the same as her own. It was as if she were another version of herself.

They share comfortable personalities and habits, and similar knowledge bases; it's as if they are two souls perfectly matched, destined by fate.

The two geniuses suffered from insomnia due to their deep contemplation.

The next morning, the two geniuses instinctively looked at each other upon hearing the sound, and then almost simultaneously turned their heads away.

"Good morning... Herta..." Sera greeted Herta with some hesitation and conflict.

Good morning...

Herta's expression was also very unnatural. Sera was a little surprised, but didn't have time to investigate further. Hesitating, she still spoke up.

"Herta, there's something I must tell you."

Sera stopped dodging and looked directly at the Herta.

"Um?"

After confirming that Miss Herta was listening, Sera continued.

"Herta, I don't want to hide anything from you, because it's not fair to you."

I think I pretty much know why time is decreasing. It's because...

Herta gestured for Sera to shut up.

Who do you take me for?

"I'm the Herta, how could I not have guessed?"

Miss Herta crossed her arms and stared intently at Sera.

"Time will decrease because of what you like, right?"

But I want to say that it was mutual affection.

I guessed what you were going to say. You just went back; you're not dead.

"But..."

Sera still voiced his guess.

"According to my calculations, the timeline I once lived in is your future."

"Future?"

Miss Herta lowered her eyes, lost in thought.

"That explains it clearly. Why weren't you invited by the Nous, despite your genius-level talent? A future genius is one who will be invited in the future..."

"Herta..."

"Stop."

Miss Herta interrupted Sera.

"I just have a slight crush on you, but it's not official yet. But youthful impetuosity begs the question, so why not give it a try?"

"I'm a genius; time is just a matter of time. I'll master it."