Nyelle's classmates asked, "Why did you transfer, Nyelle?" "Because I wanted to change my major," Nyelle replied cheerfully.
"You shouldn't have changed your major. You could've studied magic like your sisters. Besides, there's no future in swordsmanship. And only boys choose swordsmanship."
In a heartbroken voice,
As always... no one cares about my opinion.
She wanted to say that. But she didn't. Instead, she just smiled weakly.
Well... I wanted to...
I like swordsmanship
Just because no girl chooses swordsmanship doesn't mean it's only for boys. I love it — it's what I'm good at. It makes me feel alive.
"Well, it's your decision," they shrugged and walked ahead.
Nyelle sighed. She whispered in her mind,
Thank God I didn't say I want to become a Ghostblade…
Then, glancing down with a faint frown, Who knows how they would've reacted to that...
She remembered her old classmates.
"What? You wanted to become a Ghostblade?" They stared at her, shocked—and slightly afraid. "Seriously? They're bad people. They can kill anyone. They steal your information in seconds, and they're involved in every kind of crime."
Nyelle tried to explain with a sad look, "Not every Ghostblade is bad. Some protect people... some even save others from the Black Ghosts. Some work for the royals... and a few even teach at the academy..."
She added with passion, "They're so cool..." She looked at her classmates. Their expressions were disgusted.
"And you know... every big crime that happens—they're involved."
"Okay."
Nyelle left angrily.
Every time I tell someone about my passion, they react the same way. Like I've said something shameful. There are good people among Ghostblades too...
But not every Ghostblade is a villain…
Why can't they see that?
The next day
Aslan was lounging on a garden bench with one leg casually draped over the other, staring at the blooming flowers with a lazy expression. His friends sat nearby, chatting quietly.
Suddenly, someone shouted, "Aslan!!"
Aslan slowly turned his head—and instantly froze.
A little distance away, Eiren was standing, waving at him enthusiastically with the brightest smile.
Aslan's eyes widened in panic. "Your H—"
Smack! Before Eiren could finish, Aslan shot up from the bench and clamped his hand over Eiren's mouth—
and the next moment, both vanished like shadows melting into air.
"W-What just happened?" George blinked.
"They vanished in seconds," Alice said.
"But why did he cover that guy's mouth?" Cael asked, confused.
Meanwhile, at an abandoned spot behind the academy…
Aslan had dragged Eiren there in full stealth mode.
"What's wrong with you?!" Eiren huffed, pulling Aslan's hand away. "Prince Lucian nearly lost his mind when he heard about what happened at the academy!"
"I brought you here to talk," Aslan said. "But first… don't call me prince or 'your highness.' I'm here as a commoner."
"…What?" Eiren blinked. "Wait. Wait. Does your family know about this?!"
"My father was the one who gave me permission," Aslan replied flatly.
"Your highness… Prince Aslan… how am I supposed to just call you by your name? That's a huge offense. Prince Aslan!"
"Eiren. Stop." Aslan frowned.
"You never called me prince in the palace. You always said Aslan. What's with the sudden formality?"
"Oh right… sorry, Prince. I mean, I've never called you 'your highness' before, so I thought maybe now's a good time to start?"
Aslan groaned and glanced around. "Eiren! Someone might hear you!"
Aslan rolled his eyes. "Then just stick with Aslan, like before."
Eiren pouted dramatically, arms crossed. "Fine, fine! I won't call you Prince Aslan in public…"
Then, his pout faded into a sly grin as he leaned in.
"But only on one condition — you let me take all the same classes as you, and you have to introduce me to your new friends."
Half an hour later, they were in the cafeteria. They were all seated at the same table. Eiren was sitting beside Aslan, brightly smiling. On the opposite side, the other three sat—staring directly at Eiren. Cael had his arms crossed and was glaring at Eiren with eyes full of hatred.
Aslan sighed. "Guys, what's wrong with all of you?"
Alice, in a taunting tone, asked Eiren, "So… you're Aslan's friend?"
"Yes!" Eiren replied brightly.
Alice was already irritated. "Why did you join after an entire semester? It's not like you failed or something, right?" Alice launched his attack.
Cael and George glanced at Alice with delight.
"This is what I wanted, my buddy."
All three of them turned their gaze back to Eiren.
"Actually, I—"
Aslan cut him off with a smile. "There was some problem at his home. That's why he came late."
All three of them fell silent, their mood completely ruined.
"We failed."