Moonlit Promises

As the echoes of the duel faded, Aqua and his companions departed the grand hall, their footsteps resounding against the marble floors. The academy's majestic structure loomed around them, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. Casial, his ever-enthusiastic demeanor on full display, broke the momentary silence as they approached the dormitory corridors.

"How about we join the Adventurer's Guild as adventurers? We'll always have something to do, and it will be exciting!" Casial's suggestion carried a contagious energy that caught everyone off guard.

Aqua considered the idea, his calm expression betraying nothing. It wasn't a bad proposal. Claire, ever poised, allowed herself a small smile at the irony. It was rare for her scatterbrained brother to propose something of merit. Meanwhile, Emilia, shy by nature, surprised the group with a cheerful "Yes!" Her voice carried an undeniable excitement, causing Aqua, Claire, and Casial to exchange astonished glances.

"Well, I didn't see that coming," Claire remarked, her sapphire eyes sparkling with surprise.

Aqua nodded subtly, signaling his agreement. Even he hadn't expected such enthusiasm from Emilia. With their collective consent established, Casial grinned broadly. "Then tomorrow, let's head to register ourselves," he said, his excitement lighting up the fading day.

The group parted ways as twilight descended, the sky awash in streaks of crimson and gold. The sprawling academy seemed almost alive, its ornate spires and intricate carvings illuminated by the last rays of sunlight. Aqua and Casial continued toward their shared dormitory, ascending the staircase to their room. The faint hum of distant conversations filled the air, mingling with the soothing sound of rustling leaves outside.

Once inside, Aqua moved with his usual composure. He changed from his academy uniform into his nightwear, allowing Casial to do the same. The room was modest yet elegant, with moonlight streaming through the large windows, casting silvery patterns on the floor. The quiet tranquility enveloped them, providing respite from the day's events.

As they prepared to sleep, Aqua suddenly broke the silence. "Why did you approach me and choose to become my friend, despite being the prince?" His voice held genuine curiosity, the question cutting through the stillness.

Casial turned to him, his expression softening into a sincere smile. "I admire your brother Ray Rein and the House Rein," he replied, his admiration evident in every word.

Satisfied with the answer, Aqua allowed himself to drift into sleep, his thoughts momentarily at peace. Casial, however, found himself revisiting memories from five years ago—a conversation with Ray Rein that had lingered in his mind ever since. He had been just a child then, a wide-eyed seven-year-old standing on the balcony with the enigmatic older brother of Aqua.

Ray's piercing gaze had held unspoken wisdom as he asked, "Why do you want to become strong?"

The question had left Casial pondering, unable to provide an answer at the time. The young prince had said, "I'll tell you another day. Goodbye." He had then rushed off toward the hall, where the remnants of his family's banquet awaited.

Ray, enigmatic as ever, had disappeared into the night soon after, leaving behind more questions than answers. Now, years later, that unanswered question still lingered in Casial's heart, echoing faintly in the room as he closed his eyes. The moonlight illuminated the quiet dormitory, casting a serene glow over the sleeping figures of Aqua and Casial, two young men bound by shared destinies and unanswered questions.