Chapter Text
It all started with just a feeling of admiration and competitiveness. But with each passing day, why did she feel more and more drawn to her... What was this feeling? "No, Matilda! She's just your rival." Looking at herself in the mirror, she smacked her cheeks.
Grandpa… what should I do… why does the school feel so off recently? Her friend, Vertin, has also asked her to follow her to the outside world. But that girl never even followed Vertin… Grandpa, should I just follow her instead of Vertin?
— — —
As she read her divination for the day, Matilda was struck by a feeling, as though something was about to go very wrong. I... Should I report this to Vertin? Or- should I just tell her that I won’t follow her? Vertin would be fine, right..? Well, certainly, she didn’t suffer any bad burns despite being tear gassed. She and her friends should be fine.. of course... Alright, she’d made up her mind.
"Vertin... I'm sorry to tell you, but I'm not going to come with you. Is that alright with you?"
"Oh that's fine Matilda. Even if we're outside, you’ll still be my friend."
"You're very kind…”
— — —
On the day Vertin had intended to leave, an unexpected visitor came to Matilda’s door.
An unexpected face showed itself. “Oh, Sonetto? You aren’t going with Vertin?”
“I'm scared, Matilda… I don't know what I should do. But I’m really fond of her, so the least I can do is pray for her…”
Matilda couldn’t understand why her heart felt so heavy when she heard these words.
“Matilda… Earth to Matilda?”
“Ah- what?”
“You were unresponsive for a moment. Are you alright?”
“Oh, I'm fine… Oh, I mean- the great Matilda would never be caught off guard by her rival!” A close save, she almost embarrassed herself there.”
— — —
Later, once the classes had ended, Matilda took the route to her dorm once more.
So they've finally left on their mission… She sighed heavily. What was this bitter feeling she couldn’t place? Sonetto was only her rival, right? Haha yeah, of course she's just my rival. Matilda choked down a sob. It would be fine, she would be fine. Everything would be alright.
— — —
Upon arriving at her dorm, who else would show up again but Sonetto?
“My rival?! Wh-what are you doing here?”
“Shh keep quiet, Matilda…” Sonetto seemed to be trying to keep a low profile, though Matilda could not understand why.
“O-oh, right… S-so… what brings you here?” she ventured confidently!
“This is the fastest way to reach Vertin. Before they go, I wish to help her one last time at least.”
This feeling again… why did it hurt so much? Matilda’s hand came up to clutch at her chest.
“Matilda, you look very pale.” Why did Sonetto’s concern-filled voice both worsen and lighten this sensation? “Are you ill?”
“N-no!! The great Matilda is quite fine, you should go to Vertin and help her! I have no need for your assistance!”
“Oh... I see. Then…see you, Matilda.” Sonetto seemed uncertain, but turned anyway and began to make her way to her destination.
— — —
Alone in her room, all Matilda could do was weep at the unfairness of love, understood too late. The cold walls of the Foundation had never felt so alienating.