Ayumu was brought to the clinic located within the Volance school, where the evaluation was held.
Accompanying her were the Emperor Visil, and the cause of it all—Kaiser.
An old magis lady attended to Ayumu, her wrinkled fingers gently pressing against Ayumu's wrist as she checked her pulse, then brushing lightly across her features. Closing her eyes, she channeled a faint stream of energy into Ayumu's body. It didn't take long for her to find the cause.
"She has depleted her energy," the old doctor murmured. "It seems she has not been getting enough rest… and she is slightly malnourished."
She pulled a blanket over Ayumu with quiet care. "It would be best for her to rest and recuperate after this. I will prescribe some tonic."
"Malnourished?" Visil echoed, clearly shaken.
"The malnourishment may have developed over time," the doctor continued calmly. "Poor sleep contributes to it as well. Altogether, it has weakened her condition."
Those words left Visil deeply unsettled. Once the doctor had left them alone, he turned sharply toward Kaiser, his gaze cold.
"You do realize this is also your fault she is like this."
The words struck Kaiser harder than he let on. A faint pang stirred in his chest, though his face remained as impassive as ever.
"You've said it a million times," he replied flatly. "I will apologise when she wakes. What more do you expect?"
Visil remained dissatisfied, but he let it go—for now. What troubled him more was how Ayumu had become like this in the first place. During her short stay here, he had ensured she received the finest meals, a comfortable chamber in the palace, and anything she might desire.
And yet… it wasn't enough.
A faint movement broke his thoughts.
Ayumu's fingers twitched. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open.
Visil stepped forward instinctively—but the moment Ayumu saw the two male figures approaching, her eyes widened in sheer panic. She slapped away the hand reaching toward her and threw herself off the bed, landing on the ground in a defensive posture.
She didn't scream.
But the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.
Both Visil and Kaiser froze.
Carefully, Visil lowered himself to his knees before her—an act no emperor should perform, though no one else was there to witness it.
"Ayumu… it's me. Visil. Are you alright?"
Her trembling gaze searched his face. Slowly, recognition dawned.
"…Brother…"
The fear in her eyes softened, replaced with relief—and then guilt.
"Oh… brother, I'm sorry… I didn't mean to—"
"Shhh, it's alright," Visil said gently. "Kaiser must have frightened you with his scary face."
Kaiser shot him an irritated look. What nonsense was this?
Ayumu blinked, startled—and then, understanding the small attempt at humor, let out a soft giggle.
She steadied herself, pushing herself back onto the bed. Though both men instinctively wanted to help her, they held back, giving her space.
A faint headache lingered, dull and persistent.
Kaiser stepped forward, keeping a respectful distance.
"Lady Ayumu."
Ayumu looked up at him. "Oh, please, Lord Kaiser… I am not a lady."
Visil spoke before Kaiser could respond.
"You have excelled in every test. There were no objections from the examiners today. You even defeated the ever-so-great Lord Kaiser in battle—something that brought me great satisfaction."
Kaiser's expression darkened as he glanced at Visil.
Ignoring him, Visil continued, "My decision to restore your family lineage is no longer contested. You are now the rightful heir of the noble Velmiar family in this Empire… and soon, you shall serve as my royal advisor."
Ayumu blinked in confusion.
Just like that?
Kaiser interjected, his voice steady. "You have shown exceptional capability. You surpassed the others—by a wide margin."
Ayumu turned to him, listening quietly.
"And…" Kaiser paused, something uncharacteristically hesitant in his tone, "I would also like to apologise for pushing you to your limit today, Lady Ayumu."
He bowed his head slightly.
Ayumu flushed, caught off guard. "No, no—please don't be like that, Lord Kaiser. I accepted your duel willingly, knowing the consequences. You are… a very strong opponent."
For the first time, Kaiser smiled—just slightly.
It was a rare expression. One he had never shown anyone before.
And Visil found it utterly revolting.
"Stop smiling at her, you creep!"
Kaiser's irritation flared instantly. "If you weren't the emperor, I would have pulverized you a long time ago."
Watching the two of them bicker, Ayumu let out a soft laugh—but it quickly faded as a wave of weakness washed over her.
Both men noticed at once.
Reluctantly, they agreed to let her rest and called for an attendant.
A brown magis entered—the same one who had taken third place in the tournament. She had since been assigned here under the doctor's supervision and was soon to be promoted within the Empire's medical field.
With that, Visil and Kaiser took their leave.
Silence settled over the room.
Ayumu leaned back against the bed, staring blankly ahead, her thoughts drifting.
The brown magis observed her for a moment before speaking.
"…Are you alright?"
Ayumu blinked, snapping back to reality.
She offered a small smile. "Yes… thank you. I just have a slight headache."
The magis crossed her arms lightly, eyeing her. "You're too skinny. That's why. Not enough nutrition."
Ayumu's smile turned faint, almost somber.
"…You're right."
"I'm Rhea."
Ayumu looked at her, a little surprised—but her expression soon warmed, just a touch.
"I'm Ayumu. It's nice to meet you, Rhea."
Rhea studied her quietly for a moment before giving a small nod. "You should rest. I'll bring you something easier to eat later… not those heavy palace meals."
Ayumu let out a soft chuckle. "I'd like that."
A brief silence followed—this time, not awkward, but calm.
Rhea hesitated, then spoke again, her voice lowered.
"…Are you afraid of men?"
Ayumu stiffened, clearly caught off guard.
"I saw your reaction earlier, I happened to be at the back" Rhea added gently.
Ayumu didn't respond. Her gaze dropped slightly, her silence saying more than words could.
Rhea watched her for a second, then exhaled softly. "I won't ask more. Don't worry." A faint smile curved on her lips. "But… it seems you and I have something in common."
There was something deeper beneath her tone—something unspoken—but she carried it lightly.
Ayumu glanced up at her, offering a small, quiet smile in return.
Rhea turned, finishing up what she needed to do, and began to make her way out.
"…Rhea?" Ayumu called softly.
Rhea paused and looked back. "Hmm?"
"Thank you…"
Rhea tilted her head slightly. "For saying you're too skinny?" she teased, a small giggle escaping her. "Well, someone has to."
Ayumu let out a soft laugh—gentle, but real this time.
That wasn't what Ayumu meant—and Rhea knew it too. But neither of them chose to press further.
Neither of them realized it yet…
But this quiet exchange marked the beginning of an enduring friendship.