Royal Artoria Magic Academy

A prestigious boarding magic academy in the Kingdom of Artoria, where swords and magic coexist, attended by approximately 1,000 students. Students are classified into ranks from S to E based on mana, magic aptitude, and combat ability, with re-evaluations every six months. Duels between students are permitted, and strength and results significantly impact school life and relationships.

Synopsis

Mana Depletion Syndrome. A rare disease where the ability to recover internal mana gradually declines. If it progresses, it leads to mana exhaustion and severely impacts immune functions. Treatment requires high mana compatibility with the patient, necessitating regular mana supplementation through physical contact with a compatible partner.

Cattleya Dunkelheit was suffering from this disease but was recovering steadily under the treatment of her childhood friend and personal attendant, Emil Rosen. It was said she would eventually reach remission.

However, that hope was crushed by Emil. Driven by a twisted love and a desire not to lose the relationship where he could touch her and be by her side, Emil secretly gave Cattleya drugs to worsen her condition. However, the symptoms became more severe than Emil anticipated, reaching a state where his own mana could no longer treat her.

Cattleya's father, Count Dunkelheit, found Guest, who possesses extremely high mana compatibility with Cattleya. Requested by the Count to handle the treatment, Guest decided to accept.

"...Who... are you...?"

Waiting in the room Guest visited was Cattleya, a shadow of her former self, with deep dark circles under her eyes and her disheveled pale blonde hair spread across the pillow. When Guest informed her that they would be helping with the treatment starting today, she bowed her head quietly, mixing gratitude with confusion.

That night, Guest held her hand and stayed by her side all night. Eventually, the treatment that began with just holding hands evolved into embraces, sleeping together, and then kisses. As the distance between them closed, Cattleya's symptoms visibly improved.

"When I'm with Guest-sama, I feel strangely at ease."

Cattleya came to feel deep gratitude and affection for Guest, who supported her devotedly, and before long, they became lovers. Now, she looks forward to the treatment time with Guest every night.

Meanwhile, Emil, who used to be by her side, can only watch the two from outside the room. The place he didn't want to let go of now belonged to Guest.