Conversations Between Classes

The classroom buzzed softly with the chatter of students as Aqua and Casial stepped through the heavy oak doors. The sunlight streaming through the grand arched windows illuminated rows of wooden desks, each etched with faint carvings from bored students of years past. Claire and Emilia were already seated at the back, their quiet conversation interrupted by the lively entrance of the duo.

Without missing a beat, Casial darted toward Claire, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, how was Mother's class?" he asked, his voice laced with playful mockery. "Did anyone actually manage to answer our Great Mother's question?"

Claire, unfazed by her brother's teasing, raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "As a matter of fact, Emilia answered it. And she was correct."

Casial's teasing grin widened as he leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what did you say, Emilia?" Aqua prompted as he joined the group, his calm demeanor balancing out Casial's liveliness.

Clearly eager to dig further. "Yes, yes, do tell us," Casial added.

Emilia, seated demurely beside Claire, hesitated as a blush crept up her cheeks. She toyed nervously with the edge of her notebook before replying in a soft, hesitant voice, "Mana is a substance that exists in all forms and can be manipulated into a desired state."

Aqua's lips curved into an approving smile. "That's an excellent answer," he said, his tone warm and encouraging. Casial, ever the inquisitor, leaned forward. "How'd you figure that out? Did your wind spirits whisper the answer to you?"

The shy girl shook her head, her blush deepening. "No," she replied earnestly. "I realized it when I saw Aqua and Regis sparring the other day. They were both covering their bodies with mana, and I could see it forming a kind of protective coat. It just clicked in my mind."

"Impressive," Aqua said, genuine admiration in his voice. Claire nodded in agreement, and even Casial, for all his teasing, looked suitably impressed.

"So, what happened after that?" Casial pressed, ever the one to keep the conversation flowing.

Claire leaned back slightly, arms crossed, and began to recount the events with a note of pride. "Of course, everyone in class doubted Emilia at first. They thought I must have told her the answer since, you know, Mother's the instructor and all." Her tone held a hint of exasperation at the unfair assumptions. "But Emilia explained her reasoning, just as she told us now, and everyone was convinced. Even Mother praised her—not just for the correct answer but for her sharp observation skills."

Casial groaned theatrically. "Ugh, and then let me guess—Mother spent the rest of the class droning on about mana manipulation?"

Claire smirked. "Pretty much."

"How utterly boring," Casial declared with exaggerated despair, earning a chuckle from Aqua.

The chatter shifted topics as Casial perked up. "By the way, Adam said he'll join us later for the Adventurer's Guild registration. Should be fun," he added nonchalantly, and Aqua gave a small nod in acknowledgment.

Their lively conversation, as always, drowned out the droning voice of the teacher who had arrived to begin the lesson. Not that it mattered—none of them seemed particularly inclined to pay attention. The class passed in a blur of whispered exchanges and muffled laughter until the bell's chime signaled its end.

As the group dispersed, Aqua and Casial walked together down the bustling hallways, leaving Claire and Emilia behind to attend their alchemy class. The scent of baked bread and simmering spices wafted toward Casial from the canteen, pulling him eagerly toward his favorite lunchtime retreat. The day had only just begun, but it was already shaping up to be another memorable one.