Aqua separated from Azure and swiftly made her way into the academy. She spread her senses, searching for a specific young man. Soon she turned right and entered the classroom.
It was empty, with the sole exception of Avaros, who sat at the back of the classroom and had a stack of books in front of him.
She smiled and slowly approached, making sure not to interrupt Avaros.
Despite her light steps, a faint sound of her steps reached the young noble's ear.
His eye wandered from the book toward the new arrival. "Ah, Lady Aqua. What unexpected yet equally honored presence."
He quickly closed his book and pulled himself up. He made a small bow and approached Aqua.
Aqua's smile widened, and she curtsied in front of the man. "Hey, Avaros. I came to ask for a favor, if it's not an issue."
His eyes widened slightly and he rubbed back of his head. "Lady Aqua needs a favor from me? Forgive me, but I do not think I could do anything that would be of value for someone magnificent like you."
"I would be lying if I said that it wasn't something dire, and something that only can be done by you."
His eyes narrowed, "Tell me, you have gifted me knowledge that saved our family millennia of research. If there is something you need, name it."
Aqua let out a soft sigh. "You said that your father knew about World Soul, correct?"
Avaros stared at her, silent.
He clicked his tongue and crossed his arms. "Yes, I did say that. Please tell me what you need, if it's within my power, it will be done."
Aqua's expression soured. "I need you to introduce me to your father."
"Hm, that shouldn't be a problem. But why such a sour face when it's just an introduction? Would you tell me more?"
"It's something that is my burden to bear, but just know that the fate of the world is at stake."
Avaros pushed air out of his nose and pinched his bridge. "Of course it's something that grand when it comes from you, Lady Aqua." He said, before beckoning her to approach and taking his seat.
"I cannot leave the academy now, but I will write you an introduction letter. I had already sent him many correspondences of your deeds, so it won't need to be anything too special."
Aqua smiled. "Thank you, Avaros," she said, approaching the side of the table.
His hand glided over the parchment, detailing the introduction of a prominent lady. "Unfortunately, I lack my family seal as I lost it in the savage ambush, so you might need to demonstrate your skill if someone doubts your identity."
A low hum could be heard from Aqua. She rubbed her chin and nodded. "That won't be an issue. I just need a way to talk to your father without causing unnecessary panic."
The classroom fell into silence, with only the sound of the pen against parchment filling the mute ambience.
Soon, the young noble finished writing. He then folded the letter and handed it to Aqua. "Here you go, Lady Aqua. I hope your meeting goes well."
Aqua gently brought the letter in front of her eyes. "Thank you, Avaros. I should probably head out. I promised Azure to spend some time with her before going away."
A small chuckle escaped his lips, and he got out of his seat. "I wouldn't dream of getting between you two. I am done with studying here, and we can walk together. I want to say hi to Azure."
"Of course," Aqua responded.
Avaros quickly picked up his books and stepped next to Aqua before bowing. "Shall we, m'lady?"
"Of course, I can't let Azu wait for me too long."
They slowly made their way out of the classroom, closing the door behind them.
Just as they turned to the exit, Aqua's eye caught sight of her Azure, but what drew her attention was the trace of blood on her knuckles.
Did she fight someone?
Her steps quickened. Avaros followed after her, barely keeping up with her.
"Azu!" She shouted.
The champion's gaze snapped toward her, and she waved. "Aqua!"
The letter disappeared from Aqua's hand into the void, and her fists clenched, she lunged forward and grabbed Azure's hand. "What happened?!"
Azure's hand relaxed in her grip. "I… I had a fight with someone because they insulted you. I couldn't let it happen."
Aww, she is protective of me? It warmed her heart, it was rare for Aqua to have someone being protective of her, thus she couldn't condemn her actions.
"Thank you, Azu~" She thanked her, smiling. While fighting because someone insulted her wasn't necessary, it was still very much appreciated.
A blush appeared on Azure's face, quickly pulling her hand and turning her face away. "It's nothing! It's my duty to protect you from unsavory individuals as your future wife."
Despite Aqua's proposal being unintended, she had no heart to break Azure.
They stared at each other for a moment before Azure's eye wandered to Avaros who quietly observed them.
"Don't worry about me, Lady Azure. A proper gentleman doesn't interrupt romantic moments," He said, his lip stretching into a smirk, similar to Sheira's.
Aqua and Azure separated. "Aqua, have you gotten what you needed from Avaros?"
"Yes, I got what I needed. I believe I will leave the academy tomorrow."
Azure's lips puckered, and her shoulders slouched.
Aqua smiled warmly and placed her hand on Azure's cheek. "I told you, Azu. I will return."
The act made Azure rub her face against Aqua's hand and let out a small satisfied moan before quickly catching herself and straightening her back.
"I know… but I will miss you!" She shouted before coughing into her hand and turning toward the guest. "Avaros, forgive me for showing this side of me in front of you. Please don't tell Sheira."
He placed his hand on his breast. "I swear upon the name of Lux. I will not mention anything to the princess."
"Thanks. I wouldn't hear the end of it."
"I am aware, but I believe she wouldn't overdo it," Avaros said.
Aqua chuckled. "Should we head out? I don't think anyone here wants to stand in the hall."
"Yeah, Lady Aqua is right, and I do need to get these books back to the library." He said, taking a step toward the exit, quickly followed by the duo.
When the trio made their exit, they came face to face with Aurora and Mia, who stared at Azure with anger. "Headmaster wants to see you, Azure." Aurora said.
"I told you, I do not regret my actions. I have more important things to do." She said with a shaky voice.
Aqua inhaled and leaned closer to her ear. "Just do it, I will go with you."
Azure closed her eyes and let out a sigh. "This better not take long."
The two professors turned to Aqua and gave a small, thankful bow.
Did she brutalize someone? Her eyes could see traces of blood, and she could smell a faint smell of iron in the air.
"I guess I will see you ladies, later," Avaros said, quickly distancing himself from the commotion.
The two professors led Aqua and Azure into the headmaster's building and told them to sit, waiting for Azure to be called.
"I can't believe you got yourself in so much trouble for me," Aqua said, rubbing the back of her head.
"I did… I almost killed that young noble, but I do not regret it," She said proudly.
"I really appreciate your protectiveness, but you needn't overdo it. Where is that boy now?"
"Probably in the infirmary, I messed up his face."
Aqua sighed and reached into the void. "Give this to one of the professors or the headmaster. I would like it if you didn't unnecessarily kill someone for my sake."
Azure let out a nervous chuckle. "I understand."
Soon, a voice reached them inside the office. "Azure, come in!"