With over twenty minutes left before the end of the swordsmanship class, the instructorno matter how indifferentcouldnt possibly ignore Illuries unusual behavior. Deciding to temporarily entrust the class to Belial, he left the students under her supervision. Since the session had already transitioned into free practice, all she had to do was ensure that no one got injured or slacked off.
Belial watched as the instructor departed, then turned and made her way toward Lilith.
Lilith had been paired with Bader for practice, but upon Belial arrival, she swiftly reassigned Liliths former partner to Bader and took Lilith as her own sparring partner instead.
Not long after, the instructor returned. Curious students inquired about Illuries condition, but he had little insight to offer.
When he caught up with her, he had only seen Illurie clutching Adara, sobbing as if her heart were being torn apart. Before he could even speak, Adara had conjured a few lines of text in the air using water magic, instructing him not to say anything that might further agitate Illurie. She assured him that once Illurie had calmed down, she would explain everything herself.
Both Illurie and Adara were top students, so the instructor chose to trust them and returned to class.
Belial, however, remained completely detached from the topic of Illurie, behaving as if she hadnt been among those who had witnessed Illurie fleeing in tears.
When the lesson ended, Belial invited Lilith to have lunch together.
Lilith had never experienced such warmth and friendliness before. Even if she wasnt accustomed to it, she had no idea how to refuse, and so she allowed Belial to lead her to her office.
Throughout the meal, Lilith couldnt help but fear that her awkwardness might annoy Belial, making her lose this sudden and unexpected kindness. But as if sensing her worries, Belial effortlessly smoothed over every moment of tension, gradually easing her nerves.
Youre really kind, Lilith murmured.
So are you, Belial replied, cutting Liliths steak into small pieces and handing her the plate. Her words seemed casual, yet they carried a sincerity that was impossible to ignore. Youre the gentlest and most patient person Ive ever met.
Lilith couldnt comprehend why someone she had just met would treat her with such generositynot only tolerating her clumsiness but also speaking of her so highly. In her eyes, it was Belial who was the truly kind and patient one. She admired and longed to be like her.
After their meal, Belial walked Lilith back, unwilling to part so soon. Using the excuse of heading to the library, she accompanied Lilith all the way to the bridge that led there.
See you next time.
They bid farewell. Belial watched as Lilith disappeared around the stairwell, lingering for a long while before finally turning toward the bridge.
There was no need to rush, she reminded herself. Once she saved Lilith, they could live together again, just as they had before.
This journey through time and space might bring complications, but it didnt matter. They could move somewhere new, open a tailor shop for Lilith, and she could help out whenever she had free time. When boredom struck, she could take on mercenary commissions for a little adventure.
A future full of possibilities stretched before her, bright and promising.
As Belial stepped onto the bridge, she noticed a familiar celestial figure standing where she had stood earlier while searching for Lilith.
The wind swept through his silver hair as he stood atop the high ground. Upon noticing her arrival, he turned slightly, his expression subtly different from how he had appeared in class.
Good afternoon, professor. He greeted her with a smile.
Belial didnt pause, giving him a brief nod as she continued toward the library. However, just as they were about to pass each other, he spoke again.
Are you heading to the library to find a book?
Belial stopped, her gaze falling upon Bader.
He chuckled. Someone as skilled as youwhat kind of question could possibly require you to consult the schools archives?
Belial countered, What do you think it is?
Baders laughter deepened. There are countless unsolved mysteries in this worldwhere the gods have gone, why hybrids only inherit traits from two lineages, how time might be reversed, the origins of existence itself
His golden eyes locked onto hers. Which one are you seeking, professor?
Belial threw the question back at him. And which one are you after?
Me? Baders smile grew. My question is much simpler.
For a fleeting moment, Belial had the strange sensation of looking into a mirror.
Then, she heard his next words.
Professor, may I pursue you?
A flock of white doves soared past the clock tower, their fleeting shadows brushing over the ground near Illuries feet.
Illurie, long done crying, sat curled up by the storage room window in the tower, hugging her knees as she stared blankly at the endless sky.
Footsteps echoed from outside the storage room. Soon, the door creaked open, and a golden-haired elf stepped inside, a basket of food in hand. Without hesitation, he shut the door behind him and walked over to sit beside her on the floor.
I knew youd be here.
Freyr pulled a chocolate cake from the basket and handed it to her. Here. Your favorite. Eat first, then tell me what happened. If Belial bullied you, even if shes my sister, I swear Ill teach her a lesson.
Illurie didnt take the cake. She turned her head away, her voice hoarse from crying. None of your business.
Freyr merely shrugged. How is it not my business? He pulled out a small silver fork. Youre my fiancée. If someone messes with you, of course, I have to stand up for you.
His tone was so matter-of-fact that Illurie shot him a glare with her tear-reddened eyes. Yet, she didnt refute his words.
That was all the confirmation Freyr needed. Sensing her softening attitude, he patiently held up a forkful of cake to her lips. He didnt rush herhe simply waited. However long she hesitated, he would remain still.
Finally, she took a bite.
The bittersweet taste melted on her tongue, and despite thinking she had calmed down, Illuries eyes stung with fresh tears.
It was ironic. Harsh environments had made her strong, but here at school, where Adara and Freyr were always by her side, she found herself softening under their care.
Besides cake, Freyr had brought a salad and juice as well.
When Illurie couldnt finish her juice, Freyr took the bottle and casually drank the rest himself.
She tilted her head, watching him, marveling at how far they had come.
Had someone told her during their first year that she and Freyr Bright would one day be engaged, she would have laughed in their face.
They had never had a dramatic falling-out, but they had always been at odds.
To her, Freyrs reckless disregard for noble etiquette was incomprehensiblehe treated rules like candy, swallowing them whole without a second thought.
To him, her rigid adherence to aristocratic decorum was insufferable. Seeing her was worse than attending etiquette class, and he had once outright called her pretentious.
Their clashes were inevitable. Friends would joke that if they ever went a day without mocking each other, the sun might just rise from the west.
Yet fate had a peculiar sense of humor.
One fateful night, as Freyr evaded the patrols during a midnight escapade, he stumbled into the storage roomonly to find a girl crying in the darkness