The dining hall buzzed with quiet conversations until a loud, angry voice suddenly cut through the chatter.
"Didn't I tell you to give up your seat?!"
The noise around the hall gradually faded as students turned toward the commotion. Curious, Alaric and Lalanat looked at each other before making their way through the growing crowd.
Standing at the center was Simon, a noble from Valerith, glaring down at a smaller noble from Dravenn.
"But the principal said we're all equal!" the Dravenn student protested, trying to gather his courage. "We're allowed to sit here!"
Simon let out a cold laugh.
"I don't care what the principal says," he sneered. "Those are just words."
He took a step closer, looking down on the boy.
"In reality..."
"You're beneath us."
A few nobles standing behind Simon exchanged amused smiles. Though they never spoke aloud, their expressions alone were enough to make the Dravenn student lower his head. His hands trembled as he gripped the edge of the table.
Watching from the crowd, Alaric unconsciously clenched his fists.
He took a step forward.
Before he could say anything—
"That's enough."
The voice wasn't loud.
Yet it carried through the entire dining hall.
"Keep quiet while eating."
The hall fell silent.
Everyone slowly turned toward the speaker.
Standing near the back of the hall was the prince of Bane, his expression calm and composed as if the argument had never disturbed him.
Behind him sat the princess of Valerith, quietly watching everything unfold.
Simon frowned.
"And who might you be?" he scoffed. "Another lowly noble?"
Caelin simply smiled.
"At least we lowly nobles have the manners to stay quiet while eating."
The words only fueled Simon's anger.
"So you think you're the main character or something?" Simon shouted. "Let's see if you can still smile after I knock you out!"
Caelin's expression remained unchanged.
"I wouldn't do that..."
He paused for a brief moment.
"...especially in front of a princess."
Simon's brows furrowed.
"A princess...?"
Almost instinctively, everyone's eyes turned toward the girl seated behind Caelin.
The moment Simon recognized her, the anger on his face disappeared.
His eyes widened.
"P-Princess...!"
Panic immediately replaced his arrogance.
"Ah... I... I'm sorry for causing trouble!"
He repeatedly lowered his head, no longer daring to meet her eyes.
The princess smiled gently.
"It's alright."
"But don't look down on others again."
"Remember what the principal said."
She looked around at everyone gathered in the hall.
"And I don't want anyone treating me as if I'm above everyone else either."
A quiet murmur spread through the crowd.
"She's so kind..."
"So mature..."
Turning back to Simon, she continued,
"Go eat."
"And don't do it again."
She smiled softly.
"And it's not just about me."
"Think about the reputation of Valerith."
"You should apologize to everyone you offended, not only me."
Simon immediately bowed again.
He apologized to Caelin.
Then to the noble from Dravenn.
Only after everyone accepted his apology did the crowd slowly disperse.
Before long, the lively atmosphere of the dining hall gradually returned.
Alaric and Lalanat returned to their table.
Lalanat quietly glanced at him.
His expression was still clouded with thought.
"You okay, Alaric?" she asked softly.
"Ah... yeah."
He absentmindedly poked at his food before speaking again.
"I was just thinking."
After a brief pause, he leaned slightly closer.
"By the way... who are those two?"
"The prince and princess..."
"Are they siblings?"
Lalanat shook her head.
"No."
"They're from different nations."
"But since they're ranked first and second, I think they already knew each other before entering the academy."
She looked at Alaric curiously.
"But... how do you not know Prince Caelin?"
"Aren't you both from the same nation?"
Alaric shrugged without much interest.
"I've never really cared about nobles."
"I'm only interested in swords and battles."
Lalanat couldn't help smiling.
"Then you must be really strong."
Alaric scratched the back of his head.
"Not really."
"My father's skills are on a completely different level."
"I've never beaten him."
"Your father is that good?" Lalanat asked with surprise.
"Of course."
"He was the former First Squad General of our nation."
Lalanat blinked.
She quietly looked at Alaric for a moment.
*He trained under someone like that... and still says he isn't that good?*
*That's already incredible for someone our age...*
Suddenly, Alaric looked at her while chewing his food.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
Lalanat quickly snapped back to reality.
"Ah... right."
"I was just thinking."
She smiled awkwardly before finally picking up her spoon.
As the prince and princess prepared to leave, the dining hall slowly settled back into its usual rhythm.
Just before stepping through the doorway...
The princess glanced back.
For the briefest moment...
Her eyes met Alaric's.
Neither of them spoke.
A moment later, she quietly turned away and disappeared beyond the doors.
That afternoon, the students were finally dismissed for the day and guided toward the Elysium Academy Residence, where they would be staying throughout the school year.
The chances of it happening were small...
But never impossible.
Out of all the students in Elysium Academy, Alaric, Lalanat, Prince Caelin, and Princess Elara were assigned to the same residence.
As soon as he entered his room, Alaric let himself fall backward onto the bed.
"...Finally."
He let out a long sigh as he stared at the ceiling.
"A real bed."
"What a ridiculously long day..."
His body slowly relaxed against the mattress.
Unfortunately, his mind refused to do the same.
The image of the princess looking back at him in the dining hall replayed over and over in his head.
"...What was that about?"
After lying there for another moment, he suddenly sat upright.
"...Bath time."
Grabbing a towel from his bag, he lazily made his way downstairs.
As he passed the hallway, he noticed Lalanat standing near the bathing area, quietly talking with Princess Elara.
For a brief moment, he wondered what they were discussing.
"...Whatever."
He shrugged.
"Bath first."
The residence itself was divided into four houses, each home to four students.
Two girls stayed on the lower floor, while the two boys occupied the rooms upstairs.
Every house had assigned cooks and cleaners. The students shared their meals together and would remain as teammates during future academy tournaments.
By the time dinner arrived, the once quiet residence had become lively with conversation.
"Lalanat," Elara called gently, "could you go call the boys? Dinner's ready."
Prince Caelin had already come downstairs.
Lalanat nodded before making her way upstairs.
She stopped in front of Alaric's room.
Knock.
"...Alaric?"
No answer.
She knocked once more.
Still nothing.
After hesitating for a moment, she slowly opened the door.
Alaric was fast asleep.
She couldn't help smiling a little.
"He really fell asleep..."
Stepping closer, she gently reached out and lightly poked his cheek.
The next instant—
Alaric's body reacted on instinct.
His hand shot forward and grabbed her wrist.
Before Lalanat could even process what had happened, her balance was thrown off.
With one swift movement...
Alaric twisted and flipped her onto the bed.
"Ahhh!"
Lalanat let out a startled scream.
The sound instantly snapped Alaric awake.
His eyes widened.
"...What?!"
Realizing who was in front of him, he immediately let go of her wrist.
"I-I'm sorry!"
He quickly stepped back, completely flustered.
"W-Wait... why are you in my room?"
Lalanat slowly sat up, fixing her hair with trembling hands.
Her eyes had already begun to water.
"I-It's..."
She took a small breath.
"...Dinner."
"I was just trying to wake you."
Hearing the scream, hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway.
The door swung open.
"What happened?!"
Princess Elara rushed inside, her eyes immediately moving between the two.
Lalanat was sitting on the bed, still trying to calm herself.
Alaric stood a few steps away, scratching the back of his head in complete embarrassment.
"I..."
He let out an awkward laugh.
"I thought someone was attacking me."
"It was just... reflex."
Elara looked at him in silence before turning to Lalanat.
"Are you alright?"
Lalanat nodded gently.
"I'm fine."
"I just surprised him."
Although she tried to smile, the slight redness around her eyes hadn't completely faded.
Elara let out a quiet sigh before looking back at Alaric.
Her expression remained calm.
"You're helping with the dishes tonight."
Alaric blinked.
"...What?"
"That was self-defense!" he protested.
Elara folded her arms.
"No complaints."
"But—"
"No."
The answer came so quickly that Alaric could only sigh in defeat.
"...Fine."
Just like that, the matter was settled.
The four of them soon gathered downstairs for dinner.
Lalanat walked beside Elara, who gently held her arm as they made their way to the dining hall.
Behind them, Alaric continued muttering to himself about his unfair punishment.
"I still don't think washing dishes is reasonable..."
"I was asleep..."
"It wasn't even my fault..."
His quiet complaints continued all the way downstairs.
Already seated at the table, Prince Caelin looked up as they entered.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"So..."
He rested his chin on one hand.
"What kind of monster attacked you this time?"
Alaric's face immediately turned red.
"It wasn't a monster."
"It was instinct."
A wave of laughter spread across the dining hall.
Even Lalanat couldn't help smiling this time.
As the laughter gradually settled, Caelin slowly stood from his seat.
"I suppose we should introduce ourselves properly."
He placed a hand over his chest.
"My name is Caelin Veyron."
"I'm the Prince of Bane."
One after another, everyone introduced themselves.
"I'm Elara Valeris, Princess of Valerith."
"Lalanat... from Balp."
"I'm Alaric Thandor."
After the brief introductions, everyone took their seats once again.
Before long, the dining hall was filled with the gentle sound of cutlery, quiet conversations, and the comfortable atmosphere of students sharing their first dinner together.
As everyone settled into their seats, dinner finally began.
For a while, only the sound of cutlery filled the room.
Then, after taking another bite, Caelin looked toward Alaric.
"Alaric."
"Hm?"
"Could you pass me the salt?"
"Sure."
Alaric reached for it and slid it across the table.
"Here."
"Thank you."
Caelin smiled before seasoning his meal.
After a brief silence, he spoke again.
"I never thought I'd end up attending the academy with you."
Alaric looked at him curiously.
"I've always admired your father."
"The former First Squad General..."
"He accomplished many things for Bane."
Alaric couldn't help smiling.
"That's good to hear."
"I think he'd be happy knowing someone like you thinks so highly of him."
Caelin chuckled softly.
"Let's leave the formalities behind."
"We're classmates now."
Alaric nodded.
"Ye... yes, sir."
The table immediately burst into laughter.
Even Caelin lowered his head, laughing quietly.
"I think you missed the point."
Alaric scratched the back of his head.
"...Right."
"I'll try again."
As the laughter slowly faded, the atmosphere around the table became noticeably lighter.
Everyone continued eating while chatting about small things.
During the conversation, Alaric happened to glance toward Lalanat.
She had barely touched her meal.
Instead, she quietly stared at her plate, absentmindedly moving her spoon.
"...Lala?"
She didn't respond.
"...Lala?"
"Hm?"
She quickly looked up.
"You've barely eaten."
Alaric tilted his head.
"Is something bothering you?"
Lalanat forced a small smile.
"No..."
"I'm fine."
Although she answered immediately, her thoughts quietly drifted back to what had happened earlier.
...
Earlier that afternoon...
After finishing her bath, Lalanat was making her way back toward her room.
The hallway was quiet.
Just as she reached the stairs...
"Lalanat?"
She stopped and turned around.
Standing behind her was Princess Elara.
"Y-Yes?"
Elara smiled warmly.
"You don't have to be so nervous."
"We're classmates."
"You can drop the formalities."
Lalanat smiled awkwardly.
"I'll... try."
For a brief moment, Elara hesitated.
It was as though she was deciding whether she should ask the question on her mind.
Finally...
She spoke.
"Lalanat..."
"Are you and Alaric... in some kind of relationship?"
Lalanat's eyes widened.
"W-What?!"
"N-No!"
"Of course not!"
"We're just friends!"
The answer came out so quickly that even Elara blinked.
A moment later...
She couldn't help laughing.
"Okay..."
"Okay."
"I believe you."
Lalanat lowered her head, her face burning with embarrassment.
Back in the dining hall...
The memory lingered in Lalanat's mind.
Without realizing it, her cheeks gradually warmed.
She lowered her head, quietly staring at her plate.
*Why would she even ask something like that...?*
She tightened her grip around her spoon.
Seeing her unusually quiet, Alaric tilted his head in confusion.
"Lala?"
"Hm?"
"You sure you're okay?"
Lalanat quickly nodded.
"Y-Yeah."
"I'm just... thinking."
Alaric didn't press the matter any further.
"Oh."
He simply returned to his meal.
The conversation around the table slowly picked up again, and before long, dinner came to an end.
Everyone stood and began clearing the table together.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Alaric quietly turned toward the hallway.
*If I leave now... maybe she'll forget about the dishes.*
He had barely taken a few steps before—
"Alaric."
He froze.
Slowly...
Very slowly...
He turned around.
Princess Elara stood with her arms folded, looking at him with an amused smile.
"You're not trying to run away, are you?"
Alaric forced an awkward laugh.
"A-Ah..."
"Of course not."
"I was just..."
He looked around desperately.
"...Going to the bathroom."
Elara nodded as though she completely believed him.
"I see."
"I'll wait."
Alaric's shoulders dropped.
"...You really don't trust me, do you?"
Before Elara could answer, Caelin stepped forward.
"It's alright."
"I can help if you need another pair of hands."
For a brief moment, hope returned to Alaric's face.
"See?"
"I told you!"
"I don't even need to—"
"No."
Elara cut him off before he could finish.
"You made Lalanat cry."
"You'll help."
Lalanat quickly waved both hands.
"Ah, no..."
"It wasn't entirely his fault."
"I surprised him first."
Caelin smiled.
"I don't think she minds anymore."
"No means no."
Elara answered calmly.
"Besides..."
She glanced toward the sink.
"We should take turns doing these things."
"So tonight..."
She pointed toward Alaric.
"You."
Then toward herself.
"And me."
"The rest of you can rest."
Caelin chuckled.
"You heard the princess."
"I guess you're on dish duty tonight."
He smiled at Alaric.
"Thanks for helping."
Elara nodded.
"Tomorrow's classes will be tiring enough."
"The others should get some rest."
With that, Caelin and Lalanat left the kitchen together.
Soon...
Only Alaric and Elara remained.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
The only sounds were running water and the soft clinking of dishes.
After a moment, Alaric broke the silence.
"...Princess."
Elara glanced at him.
"You can drop the formalities."
"I won't bite."
Alaric laughed awkwardly.
"Ah..."
"Okay."
"...Elara."
She smiled.
"Better."
Alaric carefully rinsed another plate before speaking again.
"It's just..."
"I didn't expect someone like you to wash dishes."
Elara continued wiping a bowl before answering.
"Why?"
"Because you're a princess?"
Alaric nodded honestly.
"...Yeah."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"I don't think being born a princess means I should leave every unpleasant task to someone else."
"We all live here together."
"So it's only fair that I help too."
Alaric quietly looked at her for a moment.
"...I see."
"You're a lot more mature than I expected."
Elara raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Is that supposed to be a compliment..."
"...or an insult?"
Alaric immediately panicked.
"W-What?"
"No!"
"I meant it as a compliment!"
For a brief second...
Elara simply stared at him.
Then she laughed.
"I'm kidding."
Alaric let out a long breath.
"...You almost gave me a heart attack."
The two continued chatting while washing the remaining dishes.
Before they realized it...
The sink was empty.
Their first shared chore had quietly come to an end.
Later that evening...
The residence had grown much quieter.
Most of the students had already returned to their rooms to rest after the long first day.
The hallway was peaceful.
The door to Alaric's room slowly opened.
He stepped outside with two wooden swords resting over his shoulder.
Just then, another door opened.
Lalanat walked out into the hallway.
"Oh."
Alaric smiled.
"Yo, Lala."
"You going somewhere?"
"The bathroom."
She pointed toward the end of the hallway before smiling.
"What about you?"
Alaric lifted one of the wooden swords.
"Training."
Lalanat's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"Can I watch?"
Alaric blinked.
"I don't mind..."
He looked outside through the window.
"But aren't you tired?"
"You should probably rest."
Lalanat gently shook her head.
"Not really."
"I slept a little this afternoon."
"And..."
She smiled sheepishly.
"I'm kind of bored."
Alaric laughed.
"Fair enough."
"I'll head outside first."
"I'll wait for you."
"Okay."
"I'll be there after I use the bathroom."
A few minutes later...
The academy grounds had become calm.
The evening breeze drifted gently through the trees as Alaric stood alone in the open courtyard.
He took a slow breath.
Then raised his wooden sword.
One swing.
Then another.
Step forward.
Step back.
Turn.
Slash.
Again.
Again.
Every movement flowed naturally into the next.
There was no audience.
No opponent.
Only the quiet rhythm of his training.
Not long after...
Lalanat quietly walked outside.
She stopped several steps behind him, careful not to interrupt.
Without realizing it...
She simply stood there watching.
His movements were sharp.
Precise.
Every swing looked as though he was facing an invisible opponent.
"So this..."
She whispered to herself.
"...is what he meant by training."
Nearly twenty minutes passed.
Not once did Alaric stop.
Sweat slowly formed across his forehead.
Even so...
His sword never slowed.
Lalanat couldn't help admiring his determination.
Suddenly...
Two hands gently rested on her shoulders.
Lalanat's body stiffened.
"A-Ahh—"
Before she could scream, a familiar voice whispered beside her ear.
"Shh..."
"It's me."
Lalanat let out a long breath.
She placed a hand against her chest.
"Oh..."
"I thought you were a ghost."
Princess Elara couldn't help smiling.
"Sorry."
"I couldn't resist."
She looked toward Alaric.
"How long has he been doing that?"
Lalanat thought for a moment.
"Maybe..."
"Around twenty minutes."
Elara's eyes widened slightly.
"Twenty?"
"Isn't he tired?"
Lalanat looked back toward Alaric.
"Maybe..."
"But he did sleep this afternoon."
Elara folded her arms, a playful smile slowly appearing.
"You really know a lot about him."
Lalanat blinked.
"Hm?"
Elara leaned a little closer.
"You sure there's nothing going on between you two?"
Lalanat's face instantly turned bright red.
"Ahh!"
"N-No!"
"There really isn't!"
"We're just friends!"
Elara burst into laughter.
"I'm teasing."
"But your reaction makes it difficult not to."
Lalanat covered her burning face with both hands.
"E-Elara..."
"Please stop..."
Her embarrassed voice only made Elara laugh even harder.
Not far away...
Alaric remained completely focused on his training.
Completely unaware of the conversation hap
The next morning...
After breakfast, the four hurried toward their classroom, still adjusting to their new routine.
By the time they reached the classroom door...
The bell rang.
"We made it..." Alaric let out a relieved sigh.
The four quickly took their seats.
As usual, Alaric sat beside Caelin.
Princess Elara took the seat next to Lalanat.
A few moments later, Teacher Alice entered the classroom carrying a stack of papers.
The room gradually fell silent.
"I have a small assignment for everyone."
She began handing a sheet to each student.
"Listen carefully."
"I want each of you to write down your future dream."
"It doesn't have to be realistic."
"It simply has to be honest."
The classroom immediately filled with the sound of pens moving across paper.
Alaric didn't hesitate for even a second.
He smiled.
Then wrote a single word.
Knight.
Lalanat couldn't help peeking over.
"Knight?"
She smiled.
"I thought you'd choose adventurer."
Alaric shook his head.
"No."
"I've wanted to become a knight for as long as I can remember."
His answer carried no hesitation.
Only certainty.
Caelin happened to overhear their conversation.
"What about you, Lalanat?"
She looked down at her paper.
"My first choice..."
"...is becoming a teacher."
She hesitated for a moment.
"Or..."
"A writer."
Caelin smiled gently.
"I think both suit you."
"I hope you get to pursue them someday."
A small smile appeared on Lalanat's face.
"Thank you."
Alaric looked between the two of them.
"Wait..."
"You can write two dreams?"
Caelin chuckled.
"It's called having a backup plan."
Alaric thought about it seriously.
After a moment...
He shook his head.
"I'm fine with one."
"If I fail..."
"I'll just try again."
"There's nothing else I want to become."
Lalanat and Caelin quietly exchanged smiles.
That answer sounded exactly like Alaric.
A moment later, Alaric turned toward Caelin.
"What about you?"
"What did you write?"
Caelin looked at his paper.
"...Writer."
Alaric blinked.
"A writer?"
Caelin nodded.
"Before inheriting the throne..."
"I'd like to choose my own path."
Alaric slowly nodded.
"I see..."
After a brief silence, he looked toward Elara.
"What about you?"
Elara didn't even glance at her paper.
"Dishwasher."
Alaric frowned.
"...You're making fun of me."
Elara smiled innocently.
"Maybe."
The classroom burst into laughter.
Even Alice smiled faintly before continuing the lesson.
Only Alaric remained unconvinced.
"...I still think you're making fun of me."
That only made everyone laugh even harder.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.
As usual, the students made their way toward the dining hall.
Before long, the four of them were seated around the same table once again.
The atmosphere was far more relaxed than it had been the day before.
They chatted while eating, occasionally laughing over small things.
After a while, Caelin looked toward Lalanat.
"...Lalanat."
She looked up.
"Yes?"
"I've been wondering..."
He hesitated briefly, choosing his words.
"You mentioned earlier that one of your dreams is to become a writer."
"Have you ever written anything seriously?"
"Or is it just something you're interested in?"
Lalanat blinked.
She looked down at her plate for a moment before answering.
"I do write..."
"...sometimes."
"But they're just small stories."
"They're not polished."
"And..."
She smiled awkwardly.
"I've never shown them to anyone."
Elara's eyes immediately brightened.
"Really?"
She leaned forward slightly.
"If you're ever comfortable sharing them..."
"I'd love to read them."
"I'm sure they're interesting."
Lalanat couldn't help smiling.
"...Maybe someday."
"After I finish one properly."
Alaric looked between the three of them.
"I don't really get it."
Everyone turned toward him.
"I mean..."
"Is writing actually fun?"
"It sounds kind of..."
He searched for the right word.
"...boring."
Elara immediately sighed.
"Could you not say that while chewing your food?"
"We can barely understand you."
Caelin covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.
Lalanat giggled quietly.
Alaric quickly swallowed.
"There."
"Better?"
"A little."
Elara nodded.
Lalanat smiled before answering his question.
"I think..."
She paused, gathering her thoughts.
"For me..."
"Writing is a place where I can be honest."
Her fingers slowly tightened around the spoon she was holding.
"It doesn't interrupt me."
"It doesn't laugh."
"It doesn't judge me."
She lowered her eyes.
"I can write down thoughts..."
"...that I don't always have the courage to say out loud."
Silence settled over the table.
No one spoke.
For a brief moment, only the quiet sound of the dining hall surrounded them.
Realizing everyone was looking at her, Lalanat quickly became flustered.
"Ah..."
"N-No!"
"I didn't mean..."
She waved her hands in panic.
"I wasn't saying I don't trust you."
"It's just..."
She lowered her head again.
"Sometimes I become so nervous..."
"...that the words in my head never come out the way I want them to."
Alaric quietly looked at her.
After thinking for a moment, he scratched his cheek.
"I don't completely understand writing..."
"But..."
He smiled a little.
"I think I understand that feeling."
Lalanat slowly looked up.
"Really?"
Alaric nodded.
"I like swords."
"I don't know much about books."
"So I always thought writing was just..."
"...words."
"But if writing lets you say things you can't say out loud..."
He shrugged.
"...then I think I get why people love it."
Especially people who struggle to express themselves."
Elara raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"So you're saying you're good at expressing yourself?"
Alaric froze.
"...I..."
"I usually just say whatever I'm thinking."
"Exactly."
Elara smiled.
Caelin couldn't help laughing.
"That's true."
"But honestly..."
"I think that's one of Alaric's strengths."
"He doesn't pretend to be someone he isn't."
The conversation slowly drifted into light teasing once again.
Before long...
Laughter returned to the table, blending naturally with the lively atmosphere of the dining hall.
The bell rang once more.
Teacher Alice waited until the classroom had settled before speaking.
"I have one final announcement."
The students immediately turned their attention toward her.
"As usual..."
"Next month, Elysium Academy will be holding the Chosen Class."
A quiet murmur spread throughout the classroom.
Alice continued.
"There will be individual competitions..."
"Swordsmanship."
"Archery."
"Dancing."
"Quizzes."
She paused before adding,
"And for the team event..."
"Drama."
The moment the word "swordsmanship" left her lips...
Alaric's eyes lit up.
His excitement was so obvious that several nearby students couldn't help glancing at him.
Lalanat quietly smiled to herself.
*I knew he'd react like that...*
Alice continued explaining the rules, but Alaric could barely sit still.
By the time the lesson ended...
He was practically the first one out of his seat.
---
On the way back to the residence...
Alaric walked several steps ahead of the others.
A wide grin refused to leave his face.
Without paying attention, he accidentally bumped shoulders with Elara.
She looked at him with an amused expression.
"Could you stop walking around like that?"
"You look like a creep."
Alaric rubbed the back of his head.
"I can't help it."
"I'm just..."
He laughed to himself.
"I'm really excited."
"For the first time..."
"I get to fight someone other than my father."
Lalanat smiled.
She had never seen him this happy before.
Caelin folded his arms.
"So..."
"You're entering the swordsmanship event?"
Alaric nodded without hesitation.
"Definitely."
"No..."
He corrected himself.
"I have to."
Lalanat clasped her hands together.
"Then..."
"I'll be cheering for you."
Alaric smiled.
"Thanks, Lala."
After walking a little farther, Lalanat tilted her head.
"Wait..."
"If someone enters one individual event..."
"They can't enter another one, right?"
Elara nodded.
"That's right."
"If Alaric chooses swordsmanship..."
"He won't be allowed to enter archery."
Alaric looked genuinely disappointed.
"...I wanted to do both."
Elara couldn't help smiling.
"You really enjoy being the center of attention, don't you?"
Alaric frowned.
"What?"
"No."
"I just like fighting."
Elara laughed softly.
"Even if you want to participate..."
"That doesn't automatically make the spot yours."
"What if someone else in our class wants to compete in swordsmanship too?"
"You can't expect everyone else to step aside."
Alaric fell silent.
He thought about it seriously.
"Hmm..."
A few moments later...
His eyes suddenly lit up.
"Oh."
"That's easy."
Everyone looked at him.
"I'll just challenge them to a duel."
Silence.
Then...
Caelin laughed.
Lalanat smiled.
Even Elara covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
"I expected that answer..."
Caelin said with a grin.
"...but somehow, you still answered faster than I imagined."
Alaric blinked.
"What?"
"It makes sense."
"It does."
Caelin nodded.
"It sounds exactly like something you'd say."
The four of them continued walking together.
The evening breeze drifted gently through the academy grounds as their laughter echoed along the path.
Ahead of them...
The Chosen Class awaited.
And with it...
The beginning of their first real challenge together.