Alaric, Caelin, and Lalanat were on their way to grab their bags.
As they walked past Class Seven's room, they heard voices inside.
Caelin peeked in.
Mors was cornered by Simon and his group.
"Do you know how much you embarrassed our whole class?" Simon snapped.
A girl spoke up nervously, "He gave it his all… please, stop."
Simon shot her a glare. "Will you shut up, you moron?"
Mors's expression hardened as he glared back at Simon.
Simon grabbed him by the collar. "What's with that look, huh?"
He raised his hand to strike—
—but suddenly, someone blocked it.
A sharp kick landed in Simon's stomach.
"Ugh—!"
Simon stumbled back, clutching his stomach as he dropped to the ground. He looked up in shock.
Caelin stood there, one hand still in his pocket.
He crouched in front of Simon.
"I told you to stop this, didn't I?"
He grabbed Simon by the hair slightly, pulling his head up.
"Always starting fights you can't finish."
Simon shouted, "What the hell are you all doing?! Surround him—he's alone!"
Before anyone could move, Alaric stepped in.
"Waaa… first time being in another class," he said casually, looking around with a smile.
None of Simon's friends dared to move.
Caelin stood up and glanced back at Simon.
"If this happens again, I'll report you to the teachers. You'll be expelled."
He then walked toward Mors.
"You did well."
Alaric stepped beside him.
"Yeah, you almost beat him too."
Mors looked at them, nervous.
"Th-thank you… really."
Alaric tilted his head.
"But why not fight back? You're strong."
Mors hesitated.
"He's… my cousin. My family depends on theirs."
His voice dropped.
Alaric blinked.
"Ehh… is this what they call politics?"
Caelin tapped Mors on the shoulder.
"That's not a reason for them to treat you like that."
He added,
"If it happens again, tell a teacher. Or tell us. I'll handle them."
Alaric nodded.
"Yeah, we will. Don't worry."
Caelin turned.
"Aight, let's grab our bags and head home."
Alaric.
"Sure."
As they walked out—
Simon lay on the ground, clenching his fists.
Damn it… why do they always interfere?
As they walked out, Lalanat looked at them with concern.
"You guys okay?"
Caelin nodded.
"It's nothing. We're good."
Lalanat blinked.
"You suddenly jumped in… I was shocked."
Caelin smiled.
"Ahh, sorry about that."
Alaric grinned.
"Nice move you got there."
Caelin let out a small laugh.
"Do I?"
Suddenly, Alaric stopped.
"Oh—it's Elara."
Elara was rushing toward them.
Before he even realized it, Alaric had already started running toward her.
"Hey, Elara!"
He waved as he ran.
Elara looked up and spotted him. She sped up—
—but just before reaching him, her foot caught against itself.
She stumbled forward.
Alaric caught her.
For a moment, everything froze.
Shock. Surprise. A hint of fear.
Caelin watched from behind, a faint smile on his face.
"Careful," Alaric said, helping her stand.
Elara was still processing.
"Ah… thank you."
Alaric smiled at her.
"We won."
Elara snapped back.
"Yes, I know. Thanks to you."
Alaric waved it off.
"No, it was the whole class. I just happened to finish it."
Elara shook her head slightly.
"Still… thank you a lot."
Alaric smirked.
"Aight then… you're welcome, princess."
Elara frowned and lightly hit his shoulder.
"Don't call me that."
Caelin and Lalanat walked up to them.
"You okay, Elara?" Lalanat asked.
"Ah, yeah… I'm fine," she replied.
Caelin glanced at Alaric.
"Why were you running?"
Alaric scratched his head, smiling awkwardly.
"Ehh… I don't know. I was just excited to see her, I guess."
He paused, almost questioning himself.
They laughed.
As they walked home, Lalanat fell into silence.
Her mind drifted back.
Why did I feel uneasy… seeing Alaric and Elara like that?
She looked down, lost in thought as she walked.
Suddenly, Alaric grabbed her arm and pulled her aside.
The four of them quickly hid behind a wall.
Lalanat blinked, startled.
"Ehh—what?"
"Sshh," they whispered.
Alaric gestured for her to look.
She leaned out slightly.
Near a fountain, Mors was sitting with a girl. The girl gently wiped the sweat from his face with a cloth.
Alaric froze.
For some reason, he felt embarrassed… as if it were happening to him.
Elara and Lalanat smiled.
"Aww… that's sweet," they whispered.
They stepped back.
Alaric, still stunned, looked at them.
"What was that? Are they dating? Or… getting married or something?"
He continued, clearly flustered.
"Aren't they too young for that? But wait—we're the same age. And they're doing it in public? What?!"
Caelin burst out laughing.
Elara sighed.
"Calm down. There's nothing wrong with that. Most students are like that anyway."
Alaric blinked.
"What? Seriously? Aren't we too young?"
Elara rolled her eyes.
"Yeah… that's what happens when you focus only on swords and forget humans have connections."
Caelin laughed even harder.
They continued walking.
Alaric placed both hands behind his head, still processing.
"Waaa… that's crazy…"
Suddenly, Elara nudged Lalanat slightly.
"So… do you have anyone you like?" she teased.
Lalanat froze.
"Ehh—of course not! What are you saying?!"
Elara grinned.
"Ohhh, really?"
Then Alaric spoke up.
"What about you, princess?"
"Elara?"
She paused, her smile fading for a second. She cleared her throat.
"Not really."
Then she smirked slightly.
"What? Are you going to confess to me?"
Alaric instantly turned red.
"Ehh—of course not!"
Caelin laughed.
"I'm serious!" Alaric protested.
Caelin laughed even more.
They kept arguing and teasing each other the whole way home.
After dinner, Lalanat sat in her room, writing.
Her mind kept replaying the moment she saw Alaric and Elara smiling at each other in the hallway. It annoyed her… just a little.
Suddenly, a scream echoed through the corridor, followed by the sound of someone running.
Startled, she quickly opened her door.
Alaric rushed toward her, holding a piece of paper.
"Alaric? What happened?" she asked, worried.
He let out a heavy breath.
"I forgot to send a letter to my parents since we came here."
He held his head in frustration.
"Lala, can you help me? I'm not really good at writing."
Lalanat giggled softly.
"Of course. Come in."
Alaric stepped into her room, looking around.
"Wow… your room is nice and clean. It even smells good."
Lalanat blushed slightly, a bit nervous.
"Thank you."
She sat down near her table, picking up her pen.
"So, what do you want to tell your parents?"
Alaric thought for a moment.
"Hmmm…"
Then his eyes lit up.
"Ah! Maybe something about today's event?"
Lalanat smiled.
"Yeah, we can't leave that out."
She laughed softly.
Alaric went quiet, staring at her.
"Lala… you have a beautiful smile."
He leaned a little closer.
Lalanat froze, her face turning red.
"Eh? That's so random…"
Alaric scratched his head.
"Sorry. I usually see you looking serious or worried. I just thought… it's nice seeing you smile."
He said it casually.
Lalanat looked away, still blushing.
"Th-thank you… Now, tell me what you want to write. I'll help you."
Alaric leaned closer again.
"Alright… how about this: I won today's tournament?"
He looked at her, unsure.
Lalanat shook her head slightly.
"That's a bit too bold. Let me write it in your tone."
She took the paper and began writing.
Hi Mom and Dad,
Sorry I haven't written for a while. I've been busy with school events.
I hope you're both doing well.
I joined a sword duel… and I won.
Our class also won the Chosen Class.
I'll be home soon. I miss you both.
— Alaric
She handed it back to him.
Alaric read it, smiling.
"This is great. Thanks a lot, Lala."
Lalanat watched him, feeling a quiet sense of relief.
"You're welcome."
Then she added,
"By the way… do you know where to send it?"
Alaric froze.
"…That's a good question. I have no idea."
Lalanat laughed, trying to hold it back.
"Tomorrow morning, a carriage will come. You can give the letter to them. Just write the address on the cover so they know where to deliver it."
"Ahh… that makes sense. Thanks again, Lala."
"You're welcome."
Alaric looked at the letter again, admiring it like it was his own writing.
"Alright, I'll head back and sleep early. I need to catch the carriage."
He walked to the door.
"Goodnight," Lalanat said.
"Goodnight."
He left.
Lalanat closed the door and let out a long breath.
I was so nervous… she thought.
The next morning, Alaric sent his letter.
He felt a sense of relief, imagining his parents' reactions when they received it and learned that he had won his duel. He smiled at the thought as he headed back inside.
Elara had just finished bathing when she saw Alaric enter, smiling happily.
"Aren't you going to prepare?" she asked.
Alaric stopped, confused.
"Prepare for what? Isn't it a holiday today?"
Elara sighed.
"What's in that head of yours? Only swords?"
She continued,
"Today they're handing us the badge for the Chosen Class. Every student has to be there."
Alaric froze for a second.
"Ahhh… I totally forgot about that."
Elara sighed again.
"Yeah… that doesn't surprise me anymore."
She exhaled and walked back to her room.
After a while…
They arrived at the Grand Hall where the ceremony was being held.
Alaric's eyes lit up.
"Waa… I didn't even know this place existed."
Some of the others smiled at his reaction.
They entered.
Most people recognized them.
Soon, they separated.
Alaric was surrounded by his classmates, even some of his former rivals from the battlefield, praising him.
Elara, as a princess, was quickly surrounded by admirers.
Caelin drew attention as well, thanks to his performance and his title as prince.
Lalanat, however, felt a little disconnected.
She stood in a corner, quietly watching Alaric struggle under the attention and pressure from his classmates.
She smiled softly.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the crowd.
"The King has arrived."
The King entered the hall and walked toward the platform where seats had been prepared for him and the principal.
Everyone fell silent and showed their respect.
The King took his seat.
The principal stepped forward and began speaking.
"Today, we are gathered not only to celebrate, but also to present the badge to the class that won the Chosen Class event.
Will the winning class please step forward?"
Class Two made their way toward the platform.
Alaric felt both excited and nervous. He could barely walk straight.
He locked eyes with Elara.
She glanced at him and whispered,
"Be normal."
I'm trying, he complained in his thoughts.
The King stood.
A teacher approached, carrying the badges.
The King took them and handed them out one by one. Each student placed the badge on their chest.
"Alright, everyone—face the crowd," the King said.
As they turned, he continued,
"This badge is a symbol of respect for your talent and hard work. Let us give them a round of applause."
The hall filled with clapping.
The King returned to his seat.
A teacher stepped forward.
"You may return to your places."
The crowd began murmuring—some admiring, others jealous.
"Enjoy the celebration," the teacher added.
After a while…
A general approached Alaric, who was talking with Caelin and Lalanat.
"Ahem."
Alaric turned and saw a man in armor. He stiffened slightly, confused and a bit nervous.
"Ah… hello, sir."
The general smiled.
"No need to be so formal. I just came to say hello."
Alaric still seemed cautious.
"May I ask who you are?"
The man nodded apologetically.
"Oh, my apologies. I am Derick, a general of Valerith."
Alaric's eyes lit up.
"Waa… that's amazing!"
The general chuckled.
"I watched your match yesterday. It reminded me of your father's fighting style."
Alaric froze.
"You know my father?"
"We fought alongside him before he retired. Though back then, I was just an ordinary knight."
Alaric nodded.
"Ah… I see."
The general patted his shoulder.
"Alright then, enjoy the celebration."
"Thank you, sir."
The general nodded and took his leave.
"Let me get some air outside for a while," Alaric said.
Caelin nodded, raising his glass.
"Find me when you decide to leave."
Alaric gave a small nod as he walked away.
"Sure."
Standing in the hall, the crowd drained him.
The noise, the people, the attention…
Even his suit made him sweat. It felt uncomfortable.
At least we earned something, he thought.
A familiar voice came from behind.
"What's the hero of the day doing here alone?"
She leaned slightly toward him, smiling.
Alaric turned.
Elara.
A soft breeze brushed through her hair as she stepped closer.
For a moment, Alaric froze.
It felt like time had stopped.
"You okay?" she asked, waving a hand slightly in front of him.
He snapped back.
"Ah… yeah. I just got a little overwhelmed. Too many people. I came out here to get some air."
Elara stood beside him, looking at the setting sun.
"Hm… I thought you'd enjoy it. That's unexpected."
Alaric glanced at her.
"What about you?"
She smiled faintly.
"Same reason. Needed some air."
Alaric looked at her again.
Their eyes met.
Then he noticed something.
A necklace.
Familiar.
It pulled him back to a memory…
a little girl in a garden.
"Hey… are you even listening?"
Elara's voice cut through his thoughts.
She looked at him, slightly serious.
"Ah—sorry. What did you say?" he asked.
She laughed softly.
"You're weird."
Alaric frowned.
"Hey, I'm not weird."
She teased him. He defended himself.
Their voices blended into something light, almost playful.
From a distance, someone watched them.
I already knew this would happen…
I told myself I wouldn't care…
So why does it still hurt?
She lowered her gaze.
Then turned away, tears quietly forming in her eyes.
Caelin returned from the restroom.
He noticed Lalanat sitting alone on a long bench near the trees.
He walked toward her.
"It's getting late. I think we should head back. Where are the others?" he asked.
Then he noticed it.
She was holding back tears.
Caelin sat beside her and handed her a handkerchief.
"Here… use this."
He paused, then added softly,
"And it's okay to let it out, you know."
Lalanat's voice trembled.
"Caelin… I know. I'm trying… but why does it still hurt?"
Caelin slipped one hand into his pocket and looked up at the sky.
"Because sometimes… logic doesn't follow emotions."
Lalanat looked at him, confused.
"What do you mean?"
She wiped her tears, trying to hold them back.
Caelin glanced at her.
"Knowing doesn't mean accepting.
And accepting doesn't mean it won't hurt."
More tears formed in her eyes.
She sniffed, looking down.
"You don't have to fight it," he continued.
"It just means it mattered.
There's nothing wrong with crying over something that mattered to you."
He knelt slightly and gently patted her head.
That was enough.
She broke down.
Caelin stayed with her, quietly holding her.
I wish my tears were as honest as yours, he thought.
After a while, they sat in silence.
"…Can you not tell them about this?" she asked softly.
Caelin gave a small smile.
"Not a problem."
"Thank you," she replied.
Suddenly, Alaric came running toward them.
"You guys are here! I've been looking everywhere for you."
Caelin laughed lightly.
"Sorry, sorry."
Lalanat forced a small smile.
"Let's head back," she said.
She avoided looking at Alaric and walked past him.
Alaric frowned slightly.
"Is she okay?"
Caelin nodded casually.
"Yeah… she felt a little dizzy. Let's go."
Together, they headed back toward the gate.
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If you enjoyed this chapter, stay tuned for the next one.