As Alaric, Caelin, and Lalanat made their way to collect their bags, they passed by Class Seven's classroom.
Voices echoed from inside.
Caelin glanced through the doorway.
Mors stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by Simon and several of his classmates.
"Do you know how badly you embarrassed our class?" Simon snapped.
A girl nearby stepped forward nervously.
"He did his best... Please, stop."
Simon shot her a cold glare.
"Shut up."
"You don't get to speak."
Mors's expression hardened as he met Simon's gaze without flinching.
Simon grabbed him by the collar.
"What's with that look?"
"You've got something to say?"
He raised his hand—
—but before it could come down—
Thud!
A sharp kick drove into Simon's stomach.
"Ugh!"
Simon stumbled backward and collapsed onto the floor, clutching his stomach.
He looked up in shock.
Caelin stood where he was, one hand still tucked casually into his pocket.
He crouched in front of Simon.
"I already told you."
"Stop doing this."
He lightly grabbed Simon by the hair, forcing him to look up.
"You really like starting fights you can't finish."
Simon gritted his teeth.
"What are you idiots waiting for?!"
"Get him!"
Before any of Simon's friends could move—
Alaric casually stepped into the classroom.
"Waa..."
"So this is what another classroom looks like."
He looked around with genuine curiosity, smiling as if nothing unusual was happening.
The room instantly fell silent.
Not a single one of Simon's friends dared to take another step.
Caelin slowly stood.
He looked down at Simon one last time.
"If this happens again..."
"I'll report everything to the teachers."
"And you'll be expelled."
Without waiting for an answer, he walked over to Mors.
"You fought well."
Alaric nodded in agreement.
"Yeah."
"You almost beat me too."
Mors looked at the two of them, completely caught off guard.
"Th-thank you..."
"Really."
Alaric tilted his head.
"But..."
"If you're that strong..."
"...why didn't you fight back?"
Mors lowered his eyes.
"...He's my cousin."
"My family depends on his."
His voice became almost too quiet to hear.
Alaric blinked.
"...Ehh."
"So this is what people mean by politics?"
Caelin gently patted Mors on the shoulder.
"That's still no excuse."
"No one has the right to treat you like that."
He smiled reassuringly.
"If it ever happens again..."
"...tell a teacher."
"Or tell us."
"We'll deal with it."
Alaric nodded.
"Yeah."
"You don't have to handle it alone."
A small smile finally appeared on Mors's face.
"...Thank you."
Caelin turned toward the door.
"Alright."
"Let's grab our bags and head home."
"Sure," Alaric replied.
The three of them walked out of the classroom together.
Behind them, Simon remained on the floor, his fists clenched tightly.
...Damn it.
Why do they always interfere?
As they made their way down the hallway, Lalanat looked at them with concern.
"Are you two okay?"
Caelin nodded.
"It's nothing."
"We're fine."
Lalanat blinked.
"You jumped in so suddenly..."
"You scared me."
Caelin laughed softly.
"Sorry about that."
Alaric grinned.
"That kick was pretty good."
Caelin smiled.
"...Was it?"
Suddenly, Alaric stopped walking.
"Oh."
"It's Elara."
She was hurrying toward them from the other end of the hallway.
Without thinking—
Alaric broke into a run.
"Hey, Elara!"
He waved excitedly.
Elara looked up and spotted him.
She hurried toward him as well.
But just before reaching him—
She tripped.
"Ah—!"
Her body pitched forward.
Alaric caught her before she hit the ground.
For a brief moment...
Everything seemed to stop.
Neither of them spoke.
Behind them, Caelin watched with a faint smile.
Alaric carefully helped her back onto her feet.
"Careful."
Elara blinked, still trying to process what had happened.
"...Thank you."
Alaric smiled brightly.
"We won."
She finally came back to her senses.
"...I know."
"And it's thanks to you."
Alaric quickly shook his head.
"No."
"It was everyone's victory."
"I just happened to finish the last match."
Elara smiled softly.
"...Even so."
"Thank you."
Alaric grinned.
"You're welcome..."
"...Princess."
Smack.
She lightly hit his shoulder.
"I told you..."
"...don't call me that."
By then, Caelin and Lalanat had caught up.
"You alright?" Lalanat asked.
Elara nodded.
"...Yeah."
"I'm fine."
Caelin glanced at Alaric.
"So..."
"Why were you running?"
Alaric scratched the back of his head.
"...Honestly?"
"I don't know."
"I was just happy to see her."
He paused for a second, almost confused by his own answer.
"...I guess."
The others couldn't help laughing.
The four of them walked home together.
For a while, no one said anything.
Lalanat quietly lowered her gaze.
Her thoughts kept drifting back to the moment Alaric caught Elara.
...Why did seeing that bother me?
She frowned slightly.
Why did I feel so uneasy?
Before she could think any further—
Alaric suddenly grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her behind a nearby wall.
"Ehh?"
Lalanat blinked in surprise.
"What happened?"
"Sshh..."
Alaric quickly motioned for everyone to stay quiet.
Curious, Lalanat carefully peeked around the corner.
Not far away, beside a fountain...
Mors sat on a stone bench.
A girl stood in front of him, gently wiping the sweat from his face with a small cloth.
For a moment...
No one spoke.
Alaric slowly stepped back.
His face had turned slightly red.
"...What..."
"What was that?"
He scratched his head awkwardly.
"Are they dating?"
"...Or are they already getting married or something?"
He looked genuinely confused.
"Aren't they a little too young for that?"
He paused.
"...Wait."
"We're the same age."
"...They're doing that in public?!"
"What?!"
Caelin burst into laughter.
Elara sighed, trying not to smile.
"Calm down."
"There's nothing strange about it."
"A lot of students are already dating."
Alaric's eyes widened.
"...Seriously?"
"I thought we were too young."
Elara folded her arms.
"That's what happens when all you think about is swords."
"You forget that people actually have feelings."
Caelin laughed even harder.
Alaric slowly placed both hands behind his head.
"...Waa..."
"Humans are complicated."
The four continued walking.
After a few moments, Elara glanced sideways at Lalanat with a playful smile.
"So..."
"Is there anyone you like?"
Lalanat nearly stumbled.
"...Ehh?!"
"Of course not!"
"What are you talking about?"
Elara grinned.
"Oh?"
"Really?"
Lalanat nodded so quickly it almost looked painful.
"Really!"
Before Elara could tease her again—
Alaric suddenly looked toward Elara.
"What about you, Princess?"
Elara blinked.
"...Me?"
She paused for a moment.
"...Not really."
A mischievous smile slowly appeared on her face.
"What?"
"Were you planning to confess to me?"
Alaric's face instantly turned bright red.
"...Ehh?!"
"Of course not!"
Caelin couldn't hold back his laughter.
"I'm serious!" Alaric protested.
That only made Caelin laugh even harder.
Elara chuckled quietly.
Lalanat smiled along with them...
But the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
The four of them continued teasing one another all the way back to the residence, their laughter echoing through the evening streets.
That evening, after dinner, Lalanat sat quietly in her room, writing.
Her pen moved across the page, but her thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.
She couldn't stop remembering the way Alaric and Elara had smiled at each other in the hallway.
For some reason...
It bothered her.
Just a little.
Suddenly—
A loud scream echoed through the corridor, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps.
Startled, Lalanat quickly opened her door.
Alaric came rushing toward her, holding a piece of paper in one hand.
"Alaric?"
"What happened?"
He stopped in front of her, breathing heavily.
"I forgot to send a letter to my parents."
"I've been here this whole time and never wrote to them."
He scratched his head in frustration.
"Lala..."
"Can you help me?"
"I'm terrible at writing."
Lalanat couldn't help giggling.
"Of course."
"Come in."
Alaric stepped inside, glancing around the room.
"...Wow."
"Your room's really neat."
"It even smells nice."
Lalanat smiled shyly.
"...Thank you."
She sat down at her desk and picked up a pen.
"So..."
"What do you want to tell them?"
Alaric thought for a moment.
"Hmm..."
Then his face lit up.
"Oh!"
"I should tell them about the tournament!"
Lalanat smiled.
"Definitely."
"They'd want to know."
As she laughed softly...
Alaric quietly stared at her.
"...Lala."
"You have a beautiful smile."
Lalanat froze.
Her face slowly turned bright red.
"...Eh?"
"That came out of nowhere..."
Alaric scratched the back of his head.
"...Sorry."
"I just..."
"I usually see you worrying about something."
"So..."
"It's nice seeing you smile."
He spoke so casually that it almost sounded like he didn't realize what he had just said.
Lalanat quickly looked away.
"...Th-thank you."
She took a small breath before trying to change the subject.
"Now..."
"Tell me what you want to write."
"I'll help you."
Alaric leaned over to look at the paper.
"Alright."
"How about..."
"'I won today's tournament.'"
Lalanat smiled and shook her head.
"That's a little too simple."
"Let me write it in your style."
She lowered her pen and began writing.
---
Hi Mom and Dad,
Sorry I haven't written sooner. I've been busy with school events.
I hope you're both doing well.
I joined the sword tournament...
...and I won.
Our class also earned the title of the Chosen Class.
I'll be home soon.
I miss you both.
— Alaric
---
She handed the letter back to him.
Alaric read every word before smiling.
"...This is great."
"Thanks, Lala."
Lalanat smiled warmly.
"You're welcome."
A moment later, she blinked.
"...By the way."
"Do you even know how to send it?"
Alaric froze.
"...That's..."
"...a really good question."
"I have no idea."
Lalanat covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"Tomorrow morning, a carriage will leave for Bane."
"Just hand the letter to one of the drivers."
"Don't forget to write your home address on the envelope."
Alaric nodded.
"Ah."
"That makes sense."
"Thanks again."
"You're welcome."
He looked down at the letter once more, smiling proudly as if he had written every word himself.
"Alright."
"I should get some sleep."
"I don't want to miss the carriage."
He walked toward the door.
"Goodnight, Lala."
"...Goodnight."
After he left, Lalanat quietly closed the door.
She leaned against it and let out a long breath.
...I was so nervous.
The next morning, Alaric handed his letter to one of the academy carriages bound for Bane.
As the carriage disappeared down the road, he smiled to himself.
I wonder how Mom and Dad will react when they read it.
Just imagining their faces filled him with relief.
Still smiling, he headed back inside.
As he entered the residence, Elara had just finished her bath.
She glanced at him.
"...Aren't you going to get ready?"
Alaric blinked.
"...Get ready?"
"For what?"
"Isn't today a holiday?"
Elara let out a long sigh.
"...What exactly is inside that head of yours?"
"Only swords?"
She folded her arms.
"Today's the badge ceremony."
"They're presenting the Chosen Class badges."
"Every student has to attend."
Alaric froze.
"...Ah."
"I completely forgot."
Elara sighed again.
"...I'm not even surprised anymore."
Shaking her head, she returned to her room to finish getting ready.
---
A little later...
The four of them arrived at the academy's Grand Hall.
The enormous building towered above them.
Alaric looked around in amazement.
"...Whoa."
"I didn't even know this place existed."
Lalanat smiled.
"You've probably walked past it dozens of times."
"...Really?"
Alaric scratched his head.
"I never noticed."
The others laughed quietly before following the crowd inside.
The hall was already packed with students and teachers.
Many people immediately recognized Class Two.
As soon as Alaric entered, classmates and even several former opponents gathered around him.
"Congratulations!"
"That final match was incredible!"
"You deserved to win!"
Alaric smiled awkwardly as he thanked them one after another.
Not far away, Elara was surrounded by students eager to speak with the princess.
Caelin naturally drew attention as well, both for his performance during the tournament and for being the crown prince.
Only Lalanat stood quietly near the edge of the hall.
She watched from a distance as Alaric struggled to answer everyone at once.
A small smile appeared on her face.
Just then—
"The King has arrived!"
The announcement echoed across the hall.
Every conversation stopped.
The King entered alongside the academy principal before making his way toward the raised platform.
Everyone bowed respectfully.
Once the King had taken his seat, the principal stepped forward.
"Today, we gather not only to celebrate your achievements..."
"...but also to present the badge awarded to this year's Chosen Class."
He looked toward the students.
"Will Class Two please step forward?"
The class lined up before the stage.
Alaric swallowed nervously.
His legs suddenly felt unusually heavy.
He glanced sideways at Elara.
She caught his eye.
"...Act normal."
she whispered.
I'm trying...
Alaric complained silently.
The King rose from his seat.
A teacher approached with a tray carrying several polished badges.
One by one, the King personally handed a badge to each member of Class Two.
Each student carefully pinned it to their chest.
When the final badge had been presented, the King spoke.
"Now."
"Face the audience."
The class turned toward the crowd.
The King smiled.
"This badge represents your effort, your talent, and the hard work that brought you here."
"Please."
"Give them your applause."
The Grand Hall filled with clapping.
After a few moments, the King returned to his seat.
A teacher stepped forward.
"You may return to your places."
As Class Two stepped down from the stage, whispers spread throughout the hall.
Some voices carried admiration.
Others carried jealousy.
The celebration officially began.
---
Not long afterward, a man in polished armor approached Alaric, who was chatting with Caelin and Lalanat.
"Ahem."
Alaric turned.
Seeing the armored man, he instinctively straightened his posture.
"...Hello, sir."
The man smiled warmly.
"No need to be so formal."
"I only wanted to introduce myself."
Alaric tilted his head.
"...May I ask who you are?"
"My apologies."
The man gave a respectful nod.
"My name is Derick."
"I'm one of Valerith's generals."
Alaric's eyes widened.
"...Whoa."
"That's amazing."
Derick chuckled.
"I watched your match yesterday."
"You remind me very much of your father."
Alaric blinked.
"...You knew my father?"
Derick nodded.
"We fought together before he retired."
"Back then..."
"...I was only an ordinary knight."
Understanding crossed Alaric's face.
"...I see."
Derick gently patted him on the shoulder.
"Enjoy the celebration."
"And keep training."
"You have great potential."
"Thank you, sir."
With one last nod, Derick quietly walked away.
After watching him disappear into the crowd, Alaric let out a slow breath.
"...I'm going outside for a while."
Caelin raised the glass in his hand.
"Alright."
"Come find us when you're ready to head back."
"Will do."
Alaric slipped out onto the balcony.
The noise inside had become overwhelming.
The conversations.
The applause.
The attention.
Even the formal clothes felt uncomfortable.
A cool breeze greeted him.
He smiled faintly.
At least...
...we earned something.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind him.
"So..."
"What's the hero of the day doing out here all by himself?"
Alaric turned.
Elara stood there with a gentle smile.
The breeze played with her hair as she walked over to stand beside him.
For a brief moment...
Alaric simply stared.
"...You okay?"
Elara asked, waving a hand lightly in front of his face.
He blinked.
"...Ah."
"Yeah."
"Just..."
"There were too many people inside."
"I needed some air."
Elara nodded.
"...Same."
"I thought you'd enjoy all the attention."
"Guess I was wrong."
Alaric smiled.
"What about you?"
She looked out toward the sunset.
"...Same reason."
"I needed some quiet."
Their eyes met for a moment.
Then...
Something caught Alaric's attention.
The necklace around Elara's neck.
It looked strangely familiar.
A forgotten memory stirred.
A little girl...
A garden...
"...Hey."
Elara's voice pulled him back.
"Were you even listening?"
Alaric rubbed the back of his head.
"...Sorry."
"What did you say?"
She laughed softly.
"...You're weird."
Alaric frowned.
"Hey."
"I'm not weird."
Their playful bickering drifted into the evening air...
Neither of them noticed the lonely pair of eyes watching from afar.
From a distance, someone watched them.
...I already knew this would happen.
I told myself I wouldn't care.
So...
Why does it still hurt?
Lalanat lowered her gaze.
Tears quietly gathered in her eyes.
Without another word, she turned away.
---
A short while later, Caelin returned from the restroom.
As he walked through the academy gardens, he noticed someone sitting alone on a long wooden bench beneath the trees.
Lalanat.
He quietly walked over.
"I think it's about time we headed back."
He looked around.
"Where are the others?"
Lalanat didn't answer.
Only then did Caelin notice the tears she was trying so hard to hide.
Without saying anything, he sat down beside her.
After a moment, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and held it out.
"...Here."
"You can use this."
Lalanat hesitated before accepting it.
"...Thank you."
Caelin looked up at the evening sky.
His voice was calm.
"...You know."
"It's alright to cry."
Lalanat bit her lip.
Her voice trembled.
"...Caelin..."
"I know."
"I keep telling myself that."
"But..."
"...why does it still hurt so much?"
Caelin remained silent for a moment before answering.
"...Because feelings don't always listen to reason."
Lalanat slowly looked at him.
"...What do you mean?"
She wiped at her eyes, trying to stop the tears.
Caelin smiled faintly.
"Knowing something..."
"...doesn't mean you've accepted it."
"And accepting it..."
"...doesn't mean it stops hurting."
The words settled quietly between them.
Fresh tears rolled down Lalanat's cheeks.
She lowered her head.
Caelin continued gently.
"You don't have to fight those feelings."
"They only hurt because..."
"...they mattered."
"And there's nothing wrong with crying over something that mattered."
He leaned forward slightly and gently patted her head.
That simple gesture was enough.
Lalanat finally broke down.
She cried openly, no longer trying to hide it.
Caelin stayed beside her without saying another word.
Quietly.
Patiently.
Offering only silent comfort.
As he watched her cry, a thought crossed his mind.
...I wish my own tears could be this honest.
Time passed.
Eventually, Lalanat's sobs faded into quiet sniffles.
The two sat together beneath the evening sky.
After a long silence, Lalanat finally spoke.
"...Can you keep this between us?"
Caelin smiled.
"...Of course."
"Not a word."
Lalanat gave a small nod.
"...Thank you."
Just then—
A familiar voice called out from the distance.
"There you are!"
Alaric came jogging toward them, waving his hand.
"I've been looking everywhere for you two!"
Caelin laughed softly.
"...Sorry."
"We wandered off."
Lalanat quickly wiped the last traces of tears from her face and forced a small smile.
"...Let's head back."
She stood before either of them could say anything else and quietly walked past Alaric.
Alaric watched her leave, puzzled.
"...Is she okay?"
Caelin answered without hesitation.
"Yeah."
"She just felt a little dizzy."
"She's alright."
Alaric nodded.
"....I see."
"Then let's go."
The three of them quietly followed after Lalanat as the sun slowly disappeared beyond the horizon.
Together...
They made their way back toward the academy residence.