Horobi was at home, reading a letter from his father. It said:
"We've returned safely, and everything is fine. Your mother says as soon as school ends, come straight back. We're waiting for you. And now… you must take on the responsibility of being the next leader. Also… will you marry that girl, Liora? Your mother seems to like her… bring her along."
Horobi chuckled as he read it and replied, "Yeah… I'll bring her along when I return."
Mio asked, "What's so funny?"
Horobi smiled and said, "Mother wants me to bring Liora too. She's taken a liking to her already."
Liora, sitting nearby, smiled softly, thinking—could it really happen? Could Horobi and I get married? Her cheeks warmed a little.
Mio, looking a little down, asked, "Master… are you really happy about this?"
Horobi made a funny face and said, "It's not that… but yes, I like Liora. And one way or another, I'll have to marry her someday. Mother won't let me delay it, even if I asked."
Mio's eyes widened. "Master… master, don't forget me after your marriage. I'll still be your maid… and I love you so much."
Horobi blinked, surprised, and said, "Ah… I didn't know. Don't worry—I love you too."
He then grinned. "And from now on, don't call me Master, okay? My name is Horobi."
Mio's face lit up. Horobi… my Horobi… She thought. Can I really be his wife too?
Liora teased him with a small smirk, but this time, the tension between them was different. "Yes… we'll live well together," she said.
Horobi smiled, "See? I told you… you two can become good friends."
---
Class had started.
Raii announced, "Water magic session is over. Now, we'll move on to wind magic. It's difficult to control, so you'll need a lot of focus and effort."
After a brief theory session, everyone moved to the field for practice.
Everyone tried, but none could convert mana into wind.
Horobi thought for a moment, then stood and cast his spell:
"Wind Magic – Giant Arrow!"
Everyone gasped. He had learned it!
After some more practice, Mio finally gained control over wind magic, and Mare followed suit.
Mio teased Liora, laughing loudly, "What happened? You didn't learn wind magic yet?"
Liora hid her face, "Stop it already."
Horobi said, "How am I supposed to teach her? Just let it be."
Liora shook her head. "No… come with me. I want to learn wind magic."
They sat a little apart, practicing.
Liora said softly, "Before we get married… there's something I need to tell you."
Horobi asked, "Do you have any problem marrying me?"
Liora shook her head. "No problem. I want this. But I also want you to marry Mio… she loves you too. You're hers, and she's yours."
Horobi nodded. "I know… and I like Mio too. I'll tell her at home that she's not just a maid anymore… I want her as my wife. And as the next leader, I can handle it all myself."
Liora smiled, "Good… I just wanted to say, I love you, Horobi."
Horobi moved closer, hugging her, "I love you too, Liora."
They were about to kiss when Mio appeared, shouting, "Not without me! I'll be your first kiss!"
Liora objected, "No…!"
The two girls began to argue again, but Horobi looked at them and said, "Both of you are the most important to me… I love you both."
The girls stopped, hugging him gently.
Horobi blushed, "Alright… let's move on to earth magic next. First, we need to master wind control. Liora, you need more water magic practice too."
By evening, the three left school, went to a restaurant, ate, drank, and read about the upcoming festival. Afterwards, they headed home.
Mio was already asleep, so Horobi carried her to her room and stayed for a while, watching her sleep. He kissed her gently before heading to his own room.
Liora, standing outside, said, "Good night, Horobi."
He replied, "Good night," hugging her before leaving.
Back in his room, he thought quietly, I've grown so close to both of them… What have I become? Everything has changed… I just wish Mom were okay. I miss you, Mom, brother, and Father too.