Seraphina POV
"Listen here you intruders! We shall settle this with three trials! The side with at least two wins will be the boss of this park. Is that acceptable?"
"Of course we will use our sacred trials as we have always done, so don't even think about refusing."
"That's right! And no cheating either!"
The three boys lay out their terms with the girl quietly standing behind them, seemingly just observing the situation for now.
So they want complete control over all the rules of these trials… Who would ever accept such terrible conditions?
"Bring it on!"
Lucy says enthusiastically.
…Well, I guess there are no stakes for us here at all. Even if we won, what would we do with this park? And I think it's the property of the city anyway.
I sort through my thoughts while still hugging Lucy's arm. But then Arthur, who has been quite silent so far, suddenly speaks up:
"Um, could you give us a moment first?"
"Running away already?"
"Fine, but don't go too far. This challenge is binding!"
"Yeah, thanks…"
He pulls us aside and somewhat awkwardly says:
"Lucy, why are you goading these kids on? Shouldn't we just go somewhere else?"
"Yeah, Big Sister Lucy, if they don't want us here then we should just leave…"
Arthur and Alice voice their concerns, but Lucy doesn't seem to share their viewpoint.
Well, I guess I'm the only one who is used to playing along with her antics. Just like the last time we were here in the city, I trust that she has a plan so I'm fine with following her lead until the end. Heh, but these latecomers don't know her like I do.
I think as I tighten my hold on her arm. I feel her stiffen slightly, but then she relaxes and turns to the other two.
"I think it's okay. What better way is there to experience what this city has to offer than playing with some of the local kids?"
"Well, if you think so…"
"But Big Sister Lucy, what about the park…?"
"Hm? Don't you want to become the boss of this park? When you come to attend the academy later you'll already have a place that belongs to you. Doesn't that sound nice?"
"But-"
"And don't worry about the kids, you saw how quickly they brought up those trials to settle things, I'm sure they just want to play around too."
"...Hm, okay."
"Good girl. Ah-"
After successfully convincing Alice, I feel Lucy's arm twitch. Judging from the situation, she probably wants to pat her head so I just tighten my hold even more.
"Um, here."
After a moment of awkwardness she just uses her other hand to pat Alice's head.
Tsk. I should've held down both of her arms…
"Are you done already or what?"
"Don't be cowards and back out now!"
Hearing the urging of the kids behind us Lucy asks:
"So, should we head back and take this park over?"
"Hm."
With everyone in agreement we walk back to the kids.
"Heh, seems like you guys aren't weaklings after all. You have earned the privilege to hear our introductions. I'm the leader here, Luke."
The blond-haired boy standing at the front says. Then he nudges the brown-haired boy next to him.
"Huh? Ah, I'm Mark. But let's just get started already."
"I'm Max and this is Lia."
Next the last boy steps forward who briefly introduces himself and the girl behind them.
"So with this we recognize you as challengers and we will move on with the trials."
The leader kid, Luke, glances at the little girl who has spent the whole time quietly looking us over and she whispers something into the leader's ears. He then nods and raises his voice again.
"The first trial will be a three-legged race! With each side having two pairs and the side whose two pairs both cross the finish line first wins."
"..."
I don't know what I expected from a group of kids, but yeah, Lucy is probably right. These kids just want to play with someone.
"We'll set up the finish line so you can decide your pairs in the meantime."
Max says and then the kids run away.
"I know a good way to do this… Um, Hina. Could you let go of me for a little bit?"
"...fine."
Finally freed, Lucy crouches down in the grass with her back to us and then stands up, presenting four strands of grass between her fingers.
"Everyone picks one and the ones with the same length of grass will team up for the race. This way is easier than just trying to figure out the pairs, no?"
"Oh, good thinking Lucy. Hm, then I'll pick this one"
Arthur is the first one to reach out, and he ends up with a longer strand. Which means that I have to pull a shorter one to have a chance at ending up with Lucy.
"..."
I carefully look at the three strands of grass sticking out between Lucy's fingers, but she did a good job at making them appear the same size. Trying to read her expression…
"...?"
Is equally useless, she's just looking at me with a small smile and she lightly tilts her head at my indecisiveness.
Ah, whatever! This one will do!
I quickly reach out and randomly pull out one of the strands and-
"Ugh."
Of course it's a longer one.
"It seems like we're on the same team, Sera."
"Shut up."
"Big sister Lucy, how does this three-legged race work?"
"Ah, we'll just tie one of our legs together and then we need to reach the goal together while moving as one."
I wanted to do this with Lucy…
Soon the kids come back with a few short ropes and the pairs tie their legs together.
"So on one we move our single legs like this and on two we move our tied-together legs. Yes, just like that. Good job Alice."
Before the first trial actually begins, the other pairs are practicing their movements. Even the kids are doing a few test laps, but my eyes remain on Lucy as she carefully teaches Alice. In the meantime I'm still sitting on the bench with Arthur, who disturbs my brooding.
"Um, shouldn't we practice too?"
"...It's just moving at the same time, it's not that complicated."
"Well, okay then."
After a few more minutes the kids gather up again and announce the start of the race.
"Time's up! Everyone will start from this line and the finish is set up between those two trees over there. So get ready!"
The four pairs line up at the start. From this point it seems like about a 50-meter distance run so it shouldn't be too bad.
"Remember what we practiced."
"Hm."
"And start!"
I'm slightly distracted when the race suddenly begins and the other pairs pass us by, but I quickly focus back on the task at hand and tug on Arthur as we begin to move as well.
"One and- Ah!"
"Ugh."
However right after the first step, or rather what should have been the first step, I see the ground rushing towards me so I quickly put out my arms to break my fall.
"What are you doing?! On 'one', we move our free legs!"
"You didn't tell me that!"
"Whatever, let's try it again. We don't have time."
After saying that to Arthur we quickly get up. The others are still not too far ahead, we should be able to catch up. And well, it might also be true that I didn't explain things to Arthur properly, so let's just do it his way, it doesn't matter.
"Then one- Ugh."
But the exact same thing happens on our second try as well.
"Why are you moving your free leg?! You said we should start with the joined leg!"
"I never said that! I thought we were going to do it your way."
"Tsk, it's always like this with you. You never do what I'd expect from you."
"What's that supposed to mean? We should have practiced like I said. But no, 'it's just moving at the same time, it's not difficult.'"
"If you paid more attention then we wouldn't be stuck here."
"I wasn't paying attention? Tell me who is the one whose mind has been in the clouds throughout this entire race."
"That's… that's not true at all!"
Lucy was just on my mind a bit more than usual…
"Yes! The first win goes to us."
While we're still arguing on the ground we suddenly hear the kids cheering in the distance.
"Hina, Arthur, are you okay?"
Lucy also comes back to check on us, which makes me feel even guiltier for losing this round.
"Sorry, it was my fault."
"That's what I've been saying!"
"..."
I apologize to Lucy, but Arthur can't help himself and also butts in. However after a moment of silence he sighs and gives in.
"Fine, I didn't say anything."
"Hina, it wasn't your fault, okay? Come, can you stand up?"
"Hm."
"Haha! It seems like you are all just talk, we weren't even giving our best!"
"Big Brother, you were the only one I was cautious about, but you never even made it off the start line!"
"You brats! I'll show you what I can do in the next trial, just you wait!"
"Oh, we're so scared!"
"Hahaha!"
It's been a long time since I saw Arthur express himself so much like that. Well, at least he's having fun…
"Well, if you're talking so highly of yourself so much, why don't we make the next trial a little more interesting?"
"Bring it on!"
"Luke..."
The leader kid proposes his idea, which Arthur instantly accepts, but the girl tugs on the kid's clothes, probably to show her disapproval.
I thought the trials were sacred and unchangeable…
"The next trial will be a king of the hill battle! But only boys are allowed to play so it will be the three of us against you."
"That…"
"If it's too much for you, you can still back out like a weakling."
"I accept!"
Hearing Arthur be led by the nose by a bunch of kids feels kind of disheartening, especially since there's such a big disconnect between this and the persona he usually puts forward. I can't help but shake my head and let out a sigh.
"Haah."
"Haah."
"...?"
And unexpectedly find myself locking eyes with someone else who seems to share my feelings.
But after a moment the only girl on their side, Lia, quickly averts her gaze and hides behind her other teammates.
Well whatever, at least now I can't mess up anything for this next trial.
Arthur and the kids argue for a while longer, but the next round soon begins with the four of us serving as spectators.
"Go for his right leg, I've got the left one!"
"Boss, knock him off balance!"
"Heh, you kids are ten years too soon to be challeng- Ugh!"
"Haha, get him now!"
A small hill in the park got chosen as the spot that needs to be controlled and Arthur and the kids instantly jumped right into it and started wrestling over it.
"Hm, just watching is a little boring. Alice, do you want to cheer Arthur on together? Maybe that will give him some extra power."
"Okay."
"Hina?"
"I think I'll sit this one out, I'm still tired from before."
"Okay."
With that Lucy and Alice go a bit closer to the boys and they begin cheering Arthur on with Lucy taking the lead.
"Go Arth- I mean, go Artie! You can do it!"
"G-go…"
In the meantime I just sit down on a nearby bench.
Haah, what am I doing? Getting jealous of Alice and clinging to Lucy in retaliation and also taking my frustration out on Arthur…
I used to be much more composed than this. I feel like ever since I got involved with Lucy my emotions have been more out of control. Well, maybe that's not that bad by itself but…
I glance over towards that familiar golden hair and see Lucy with Alice having fun and it seems like even that other girl, Lia, joined them as well. And behind them the boys are still engrossed in their battle too.
It kind of feels like I'm the only one who doesn't fit into this current scene…
Their match continues on for about twenty minutes, but in the end Arthur comes out victorious.
"Hahaha! What did I tell you? I could take down even a hundred of you before I get tired!"
He happily gloats even though his clothes are completely covered in dirt and the rest of his appearance is quite messy too. Though the rest of the boys aren't off much better either, and they glare at Arthur.
Well, maybe he isn't completely wrong if he was also allowed to use his magic.
"Tsk, don't get so full of yourself for just one win!"
"That's right, there's still the last trial."
"So without waiting around let's get into it as well. We'll decide this duel with a match of hide and seek! Each side will have a seeker and the one who finds all the opposing team first wins. You are not allowed to leave the park while hiding!"
With the final trial set, we gather up once more with Lucy speaking up first:
"Does anyone want to take the seeker role? Or we can just pick randomly again."
"...um. Could I try it? Though it sounds like the most important role for this round, so maybe someone else is better for it…"
Alice is the first to put up her hand, but then her words turn rather hesitant and trail off by the end.
"No need to overthink it, just have fun. I'm sure everyone else thinks the same."
"Hm, we're a team so we win and lose together."
"Ah, I'm okay with it too."
Lucy pats her head and reassures her with Arthur following up afterward and then I quickly agree as well.
"Everyone… Okay, I'll do my best!"
On the other side Lia got designated as the seeker so with everyone in position the leader boy steps forward:
"The seekers close their eyes and count to a hundred while everyone else hides. Begin!"
He announces and the kids and Arthur scatter instantly before I can even react. Just as I'm about to look for a hiding place as well, I suddenly feel a tug on my clothes and turning around I see Lucy wink at me and she starts leading me away.
So I follow after her and we run through the park for a while until she pulls me behind a large tree once we're far enough away.
"Phew. This spot should do, right?"
"Um… I guess? But shouldn't we hide separately? That would increase our chances."
"Hmh, I want to talk to you."
"Eh…? But the game…"
Faced with her blunt sincerity, I can't help but avert my gaze and try to come up with an excuse.
"It's okay, I'm sure we'll win in the end."
"..."
"So? What's on your mind?"
"N-nothing. Just the usual."
"Really? From what I saw you have been spacing out a lot during this whole outing. And maybe acted a little bit out of character too?"
"Ugh."
Was I really that obvious? Though wouldn't that mean that Lucy was still thinking about me the entire time? That kind of makes me feel better, but also worse for overthinking everything.
"I… It's just that you've been spending a lot of time with Alice lately."
"...? Of course. I want her to overcome her circumstances and become confident in herself. But why did you bring her up suddenly?"
"..."
Ugh, it's so embarrassing to explain myself so I have a hard time finding the right words, however I suddenly see Lucy's eyes light up, probably realizing what's on my mind.
"Ah, it can't be that right? Are you perhaps jealous of Alice?"
"...I'm going to find another hiding place after all."
"Pfft! N-no, don't go Hina. I think it's really cute haha."
I stand up, trying to run away from this torture, but Lucy reaches out and grabs my hand. Even though her words are trying to get me to stay, I can see that she can barely hold her laughter back and her eyes are clearly smiling as well, making me feel even more irritated. But in the end I can't bring myself to break away from her and just sit back down with my arms crossed.
"I'm sorry, okay? Next time I'll make sure to pay attention to both of you equally when Alice visits. Though that probably won't be too often so you don't need to worry."
"...you also gave Arthur a nickname as well."
"Hm? Wait, was that a problem too?"
"Hmph."
"Okay, okay. I swear I won't call him 'Artie' again. Though I only did that to cover for him in front of the kids. I wasn't planning to keep using it."
"Fine, I'll let it go."
"But hehe, I didn't think you'd get jealous too. Hm, or maybe it's not that surprising?"
"Lucy!"
"Sorry, sorry. Haha."
Ugh, even I know I'm being unreasonable, but ever since I've realized my feelings for Lucy I can't help but want more. But she's at fault too for always going along with me!
…
That still sounds unreasonable!
"Found you."
"Ah."
"Oh."
While the two of us are still immersed in our conversation, a quiet but decisive voice suddenly cuts in and startles both of us. It seems like Lia sneaked up on us while we weren't paying attention.
"...I told you we should have hidden separately."
"Hm, I have faith in Arthur and Alice. Come, let's go back and wait for them."
"Okay…"
With both of us out of the picture, I'm not sure how much of a chance they stand, but I follow after Lucy and return to our previous spot.
We wait around for a while but soon one boy with a rather dejected look shows up, probably found by Alice. Then another one and eventually the leader boy walks back with his head lowered as well and Alice follows after him with a slight spring in her step.
"Ah, big sisters, you're here too? But I don't see Big Brother Artie…"
"That's right, congratulations Alice! You won us the match!"
"Hm, good job."
"Hehe."
Lucy pats her head, and I praise her as well. She actually managed to turn things around.
"Tsk, I can't believe it! Where's that big guy? Did he actually run away or something?"
"Ah, Lia. Did you manage to find that guy?"
"Hmh, I can't find him."
Probably hearing the commotion, the girl came back too with Arthur nowhere in sight.
"Did he really go somewhere?"
"I don't believe so."
I ask Lucy, but yeah, Arthur's not really like that.
"Hahaha! Even in hide and seek, you are far too soon to be challenging me! And now this park is under my rule as well! Haha!"
Suddenly a familiar voice, though much more energetic than usual, fills the park from above. So we all look up to see Arthur on the very top of a nearby tree, loudly celebrating his win.
"Ugh."
"I can't believe we really lost."
"It's over."
The boys fall to their knees, like they suffered the greatest loss in their lives, with the girl lightly patting them on the back.
"Don't worry, we can't actually come to the park often so you can just keep going as usual. Or you can just challenge him when you see him again."
"Ugh, that's right. We can't give up now, we must get stronger to defend our turf!"
"Heh, you really think you stand a chance against me? I'll crush all of you even by myself!"
Lucy comforts the kids and just when they seem to regain a bit of life, Arthur keeps talking like some sort of villain and eggs them on.
This time, though, the kids don't take it lying down and keep arguing with him. I glance at Alice and see a small, but genuine smile on her face so I believe Lucy managed to achieve her goal. All in all, I think this was a pretty good competition for all of us.
Though, wait… Did I even do anything throughout this entire competition?
…
We hang out with the kids for a while more and by the time we make it back to the academy it's already evening. At the gate of the academy we say goodbye to Alice, who is heading back home.
"Bye bye, big sister. Thank you for everything."
"Of course. You're welcome to visit anytime!"
Alice and Lucy hug while saying goodbye, but then soon part. Then Alice steps in front of me and also spreads her arms apart.
I'm a little surprised by her actions and it takes me a moment to realize that she wants to hug me as well. But I lean down and somewhat awkwardly wrap my arms around her.
"Thank you for hanging out with me, Big Sister Seraphina."
"Ah, no problem…"
Ugh, she really is such a good girl. And here I was getting jealous over her, it makes me feel even worse…
Alice pulls away and then hops on her carriage, cheerfully waving at us.
"Thank you for looking after her. See you at the student council later."
Hugh boards their carriage as well and they leave together. We stand at the academy entrance, waving until their carriage disappears into the distance.
"I hope she grew to like this place."
"I'm sure she did."
While I'm still lost in my thoughts a new figure approaches us.
"Ah, excuse me. Are you Lucy Castille?"
"Oh, yes that's me."
The newcomer appears to be an official messenger wearing full uniform and he hands Lucy a letter.
"It's from the head of the Castille family."
"The head of the family… My father?"
"Hm, it's for your hands only. And with it delivered my job is done. Goodbye!"
He leaves just as quickly as he arrived and Lucy blankly opens the letter and starts reading.
A letter from her father… From what I've looked into before, they don't exactly have the best relationship, but hopefully I'm just overthinking things?
I subtly watch Lucy's expression and her eyes suddenly light up while reading and I let out a sigh. It doesn't seem to be anything bad at least.
"Hina!"
"Wh-what is it?"
She suddenly calls out to me, staring at me with her big bright eyes, which takes me off guard.
"Do you want to come to my home?"
"Eh?"
And the rest of her words are equally surprising as well.