Reinhard nodded slowly, understanding the strategy. "So you masked most of my points as coming from the dreams and attributed the rest to the expeditions I participated in?"

Klaus nodded as he leaned back in his chair, and his hand rested on his crow-headed cane. "This helped calm down a lot of people, as everyone understands how significant a creation story is. It's something the History Institution has been desperately seeking for decades, and getting one is worthy of exceptional reward."

Reinhard nodded again, as it was something he could easily accept. Then he moved toward the desk, his steps slow and almost dreamlike.

He stopped directly in front of the Elixir, staring at it with an expression that mixed disbelief, hope, and overwhelming emotion.

"I know I once asked you and Rosaria for help in getting this..." Reinhard's voice came out quiet, almost a whisper. "But I didn't think I would really get it so fast. Let alone that you would all actually help me so much."

Klaus's expression softened immediately, all traces of humor fading into something paternal. "Like we said before, if you let us guide you, then we can help you achieve your goals. You don't need to rely only on yourself anymore. At least this time, trust your principal and professor to help you."

Marie nodded vigorously, her grin returning in full force. "Not only them but your teammates as well! We're in this together!"

Joseph nodded with a faint smile that made Reinhard tremble.

His gaze shifted to Marie and Joseph, looking at them with an expression that seemed dazed, as if seeing them for the first time.

Then Reinhard looked back at Klaus. "I know you said that, but I thought..." He trailed off, unable to finish.

Rosaria finished for him, her voice gentle. "You thought it was empty words?"

Reinhard slowly nodded, the admission clearly difficult.

Klaus sighed, understanding coloring his tone. "Funny enough, you aren't the only one who thought that. Most students here think we're joking when we say that if they trust us fully, we'll help them achieve their goals. They've been disappointed too many times before."

Rosaria continued seamlessly. "There's nothing else we can say or do other than simply continue opening our hands to them until they finally take it. Hoping they'll eventually see that we're constantly there for them and allow us to really help them fully."

Reinhard sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly as the tension he'd been carrying for months finally released. "I can understand their reluctance. I'm so used to empty words and promises... Actions that quickly stop after people either get what they want or feel it's not worth the effort anymore."

He looked up, meeting Klaus's eyes directly. "Thank you so much for not being empty words."

His gaze shifted to Marie and Joseph, and his expression softened further. "Thank you both for being my teammates. You two truly are the best."

Then he turned to Brunhilde, and something deeper entered his eyes, gratitude mixed with something harder to name. "Thank you for helping us so much, Brunhilde. Without you, we wouldn't have gotten this far. I probably wouldn't be gaining the Elixir this year."

All of them grinned at Reinhard.

Marie suddenly moved, dragging Joseph forward with her and before Reinhard could react, both of them wrapped him in a tight hug from either side.

Marie's voice was gleeful. "Look at you opening up! Actually, expressing emotions and gratitude without holding back!"

Brunhilde giggled softly, her voice carrying warmth. "Think nothing of it..."

But Reinhard saw deeper emotion in Brunhilde's gaze, something that went beyond simple friendship or professional support. And suddenly, words she'd spoken to him before echoed in his mind with perfect clarity:

I want to be your blade and shield, Reinhard. I want you to accept me.

And his own response, given without fully understanding what he was promising:

I hope you can stay by my side until the end.

Understanding crashed over him like a wave.

He and Brunhilde didn't need elaborate confessions or lengthy explanations. Just his wish for her to always be by his side, and her wish to be his sword and shield, that said everything that needed saying.

The rest would unfold in time.

Reinhard smiled faintly at her, the expression carrying acknowledgment and acceptance.

Klaus's laughter broke the moment, warm and paternal. "I'm just thankful you were able to trust us at all!"

Rosaria's voice carried dry amusement. "More like it was a miracle, considering you threw him into a squad and sent him on an expedition on his literal first day at the Academy."

Klaus chuckled lightly, completely unrepentant. "Well, it worked out, didn't it? Besides, that helped pave the way for him finally achieve his first goal."

Reinhard blinked. "First goal?"

Klaus nodded, his expression becoming more serious. "Don't tell me the Elixir is the only thing you wanted for your future? Come on! There must be something else you want to accomplish?"

Reinhard blinked again, then fell silent.

His mind went blank as he tried to think of other goals, other dreams beyond curing Klein, but after a long moment, he muttered. "That really was my only goal... My mind was so occupied with gaining the Elixir, something I deemed almost impossible… That I never tried to look beyond it. I never let myself imagine what came after."

Rosaria's voice was gentle. "Then you can take your time to decide what else you want to do. You have the rest of three years you'll be staying here, so there is no rush."

Marie nodded with a grin. "And we'll be there to help you figure it out!"

Joseph chuckled. "Maybe you should visit more places? Travel to different regions, see new things, and help jog some inspiration?"

Brunhilde giggled softly. "That would be a good plan."

Before anyone could continue, the door opened.

Celestia entered, her white-gold hair flowing behind her, her constellation-patterned indigo mantle rustling with movement. She smiled warmly at everyone, her eyes particularly kind when they settled on Reinhard. "Are you ready, Reinhard? I just finished setting up the carriage and preparing the Medical Institution for your return. We can leave now."

Reinhard trembled, the reality of what was about to happen suddenly very real.

Marie nodded decisively, moving to the desk and carefully lifting the Elixir in both hands. The metallic frame gleamed in the light as she turned toward Reinhard. "Let's go, Rein!"

Reinhard blinked, looking around at everyone. "You guys are missing the celebration—"

Joseph tapped his shoulder, cutting him off with a gentle but firm gesture. "As if we would miss seeing Klein get cured! Besides, I'm sure he'll want all of our support there when it happens."

Klaus's voice was soft, carrying absolute certainty. "I agree completely. You should all go. This is more important than any party."

Reinhard smiled warmly, carrying gratitude that went beyond words. "Thank you all... Let's go."

He turned and began following the others out of the office. Behind him, Klaus waved his hand in farewell while Rosaria closed her eyes with a slight nod.

They moved through the Academy corridors quickly, ignoring the continued celebration preparations. Staff members paused to watch them pass, curiosity evident on their faces, but no one stopped them.

Outside, afternoon sun warmed their faces as they reached the front of the Academy, where a carriage waited. This wasn't a standard Academy carriage; it was larger and more comfortable, clearly chosen for a longer journey.

At its front, a magical orb sat mounted on the driver's perch, glowing faintly with stored energy.

Celestia climbed up first, taking position near the orb, and the others filed into the carriage. Marie was still carefully cradling the Elixir, Joseph helping Brunhilde with the step up, Reinhard entering last.

Once everyone was settled, Celestia placed her hand on the orb. It flared brilliantly, light expanding outward in rippling waves.

The carriage lurched slightly, then began moving smoothly down the Academy's main path.

They were heading to Nuevo City.

To the moment Reinhard had been working toward since the day his brother fell into that cursed coma.

The journey to change everything had finally begun.

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