Three Days After the Start of the Term
In one of the classrooms of the Royal Academy, the atmosphere buzzed with conversation. The students had begun adjusting to their new environment, using the quiet morning to strengthen ties with their classmates.
At one desk, Kairos sat silently, listening to the cheerful chatter of the only person he could call a friend.
"Hey, Kairos. We've been talking for a few days now, but... doesn't it feel like I'm always the one doing the talking?"
The speaker was Reinhardt Velnar—a bright and talented commoner, especially gifted in the art of Harenith. He had been the first person bold enough to strike up a conversation with Kairos on the first day and had quickly become his only friend.
"Even if you say that, I'm not really good at talking like you are," Kairos replied with a calm, expressionless tone.
"I'm better at listening and responding when needed… Casual conversation isn't exactly my thing."
Reinhardt gave a wide grin and chuckled. "Haha, yeah, I figured. I was just messing with you. Honestly, sometimes I don't know what to say either."
Then, lowering his voice slightly with a teasing glint in his eyes, he added, "But seriously, if Lady Fiona hadn't made the first move, even I probably wouldn't have dared to approach you. No offense, but most people wouldn't expect someone with your 'don't come near me' aura to just be…bad at small talk."
"Where's Fiona, anyway? Didn't you come with her?" Reinhardt asked casually.
"Hm? Why would she come with me?" Kairos frowned slightly, confused.
"Well, you know, some nobles are already betrothed from a young age. I thought you two might be like that."
"Fiona's not my fiancée. And we're not… involved like that."
"Oh~ But I think she might be into you. Otherwise, I doubt she would've been brave enough to talk to you in the first place."
"I don't know why she spoke to me. But it's probably not because she's interested in that way. Maybe it's just because our families are of similar rank and have had ties for a while... That's all."
(Of course... there's no reason someone like her would care about someone like me...)
Despite the cold edge in his words, a slight flutter stirred inside him at what his friend had said.
"Hey, hey—what are you two whispering about?"
A clear, confident voice rang out from across the room, and the girl it belonged to walked over without hesitation.
It was Lysandra Volant—one of Fiona's closest friends. Bold and outspoken, she wielded a sword and was highly skilled in Aurenith, befitting a member of a prestigious knightly family.
"We were just wondering if Lady Fiona might have a little crush on our stoic friend here~," Reinhardt answered with a mischievous grin.
Lisa giggled and nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm... Based on what I've seen, I'd say that's not impossible."
Kairos went quiet immediately, and Lisa couldn't resist teasing him further when she saw the flicker of expression cross his face.
"Ooh? What's this~? Don't tell me you actually like our precious Fiona? I was just joking, but look—you're blushing~"
Before Kairos could respond, Fiona and another girl walked into the classroom.
"Lisa, that's enough. Leave Kairos alone."
Fiona's tone was as composed as always, but Lisa flinched like she'd been caught doing something naughty.
"Yessss ma'am..." she said meekly, glancing away.
(Jealous, are we? Oh Fiona...) Lisa smirked knowingly.
At that moment, the homeroom teacher entered, and the room fell silent almost instantly.
"Alright, students," she began, "I believe you've had enough time to settle in. Today, we'll go over the point system of the Royal Academy of the Kingdom of Altreas."
She smiled as she continued, "Our academy is divided into ten classes. There will be periodic competitions between classes to encourage personal growth. Points will be awarded both individually and by class. Those with high scores will receive special rewards, and it will also factor into overall evaluations."
Excited whispers spread through the room.
"And in one week, our class will be the first to undergo a field training assessment at the monster-hunting grounds. Please form groups of five and submit your member list this afternoon."
With that, the teacher left, and the classroom once again buzzed with energy.
"So, Lord Kairos, what are your plans?"The question came from a sweet, gentle voice.
Seraphina Lilith, or simply Sera, daughter of a baron and a specialist in defensive magic, stood with a soft smile. She was another of Fiona's close friends, the exact opposite of Lisa in personality—calm, polite, and warm.
"Would you like to join our group?" she asked graciously.
"Well... I don't really have anyone else. So Reinhardt and I will be counting on you."
"We'll count on you, too. Just having you in the group makes our combat strength shoot up~"
"Wait—what about me, Sera?" Reinhardt jumped in with mock indignation.
Sera gave him a sweet smile and replied lightly, "You? Hmm... not so much~"
"Oof! That's just too honest, don't you think~?"
The two of them continued bantering playfully, while Kairos unintentionally glanced toward Fiona.
She stood silently in the corner, trying to smile, but her eyes revealed something else.
(...)
Kairos frowned slightly, then quietly called out to her.
"...Fiona."
She flinched a bit and turned toward him. "Hm?"
"Are you okay?"
She paused before offering a faint smile. "It's nothing. I'm just a little... nervous, I guess."
Though her lips curled into a smile, something inside her stirred and twisted.
(He's talking to others… and looks so comfortable around them...)(No... it's just a training group. There's no reason to feel anything about it...)
She turned her face away, letting the conversation trail into silence.