How do you Feel?

The brimming moon shone from above while a thin wisp of white clouds hover over it, creating such a majestic—yet melancholic—mood all around.

August midnight hair was neatly brushed and styled, as if presenting himself the best he could for this moment.

His sapphire eyes continued to down at the ground with guilt—his mouth curving down with bitter sadness, while anxiously clenching his shaking hand.

The more I looked at him, the more my heart began to ache.

I looked away—unable to see him with my own eyes, yet having a clear glance of his shadow next to me.

Bitterness... Anger... Sadness.

I don't understand. Just why are these negative emotions filling my heart all of a sudden?

Just why...

"L-Lys! I'm sorry!"

"...?"

I slowly looked back at him when he said those words. His hand went on to reach for me once again—his feet a step closer, but not having the courage to get any nearer. He then clenched his hand one more time before looking away shamefully.

"I'm... sorry, Lys. I left you without saying a word." He anxiously scratches his head while still looking away. "I know how you must be feeling right now. I know that... must be feeling uncomfortable that I just suddenly showed without a warning."

Ah. He read my aura...

He must be sensing all the negative emotions around me.

Strange... he used to say that my aura was all white and fluffy—like a cloud—and would make him feel happy and relaxed.

But what if these emotions are hurting him this time?

The possibility of such a thing, I couldn't help but to try and force out a smile. But these bad emotions... are still coursing within me nevertheless. "Yes... you left me hanging, you know?"

August flinched and slightly retracted his hand before clenching, looking more dimmer and guilty. "I'm sorry. I have no excuses."

Weirdly enough, after he apologized I felt slightly more at ease. The negative emotions that were surging in my heart are now disappearing as I let his words echo in my head—only leaving behind mild bitterness.

Is this complexity of what human emotions are driven by? I wonder...

The more I looked at him, the more I could feel my tense heart relaxing.

I began walking towards him, and could feel this mild bitterness—even sadness—evolving into happiness. As I reached out to his hand, and slowly intertwined his fingers with my own, that anger turned into—

Love.

"Still, I'm so glad that I can see you again. It's been over a month..." I gently placed my hand on the side of his face, making him flinch as he then looked deep into my eyes. "I missed you. I missed you so much..."

"Lys..."

I let out a warm smile. "True, I felt slightly angry that you left without saying a word, but I knew that you had something important to do. I'm just glad to have you by my side again—"

Unable to finish my words, August quickly brought me closer to him, and embraced me warmly while burying his face into my neck.

Finally feeling at ease, I relaxed myself into his warm arms, and closed my eyes as I let the present moment continue on without caring if anyone saw us.

The midnight air felt so refreshing when I arrived at the dormitory, but it feels even more refreshing with August by my side. Just like that time at the ball, I felt that the whole world was slowly fading—and only the two of us remained.

After what felt like an eternity, August lifted his face up, and looked deep into my eyes again. "Lys..."

He slowly moved his hand up to my face, and gently stroked the corner of my eyes. With his other hand, August caressed my lips before slowly bringing his face closer and closer to mine. 

"Lys, I—"

"Wait, is he going to—"

I quickly covered his mouth, anxiously looking back and forth from him with a tint of red all over my face. "W-Wait!" I looked over to bushes nearby. "L-Let's head inside first. I could feel some people hiding in the bushes, so it's better to talk in private."

The bushes near the dormitory quickly flinched as I uttered those words.

August's eyes saddened like a puppy before he nodded pleadingly. He slowly removed my hand from his mouth, and intertwined it with his own hand, leading me inside with his endearing smile. "Okay."

As the two boys finally entered the dormitory, the familiar groups of nobles peeked out of the bushes.

Adeline smiled like a fan girl while Liam shivered anxiously. The Blue-haired twins began walking out of the bushes and into the dormitory, leaving the two behind.

Uriel turned around towards Adeline. "Why did we have to hide? It makes us look like stalkers or something."

Looking up at him, Adeline smiled brightly in response. "There were rumors that Lysander and the prince were in that sort of relationship. From what we've seen, it seems that the rumors are true~"

Yael sighed before making her way inside the building. "I feel like every time I hang around with you, I'm being negatively influenced."

The twin brother nodded with agreement. He slowly let out a yawn before looking tiredly at Adeline. "I'm beat... Imma head to bed now. I'll see you all tomorrow."

The twins entered the building, leaving the two other people in the bushes. The nervous boy quickly regained his composure and stood up, making Adeline flinch. He then looked straight into her eyes with determination.

"U-Um... I'll be heading to my room now. I'll see you tomorrow!"

With that, he quickly ran towards the dormitory, leaving the girl stranded all alone in the empty and cold night.

She sighs before looking up at the midnight sky. "... I guess I should probably call it a night."

But even then... her eyes sparkled at the joy of seeing the shimmering stars far above. Out of instinct, he reached out to them—wanting to feel the spectacle, before smiling once again.

"How beautiful."

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ 

Me and August quietly walked through the dormitory hallway—unable to utter a single word, yet tightly holding onto each other's hand. I looked back from the corner of my eyes, and could still see that pleading look from earlier.

I blushed and looked forward, picking up speed before finally arriving at my room. Panting slightly out of breath, I slowly opened the door, and looked back at August.

"... Come in."

Entering my room, I gently let go of his hand and began to head towards the window, seeing that it was closed by the curtain. After I opened them, I looked back once again to see August just standing by the entrance, squirming nervously.

I let out a small chuckle before gesturing to the couch. "Take a seat."

He nodded and carefully sat on the seat uptight. I then sat on the seat next to him. "Sorry, I have no refreshment to offer you."

"A-Ah. Don't worry, it was me who came unannounced."

An awkward silence then filled the room. I tried to take a glance of him, only for our eyes to suddenly meet, making us flinch with embarrassment.

But even then, we didn't look away. We continued to gaze into each other's eyes as long as we could. August reached out for me and tucked in a strand of hair behind my ear with a warm smile. "Lys..."

The way he said my name with so much warmth and emotion made me blush. I slightly looked away, yet still made sure to have a good look at him. I then looked at his hair. "You styled your hair very neatly. I thought you didn't like styling it, since it's a hassle to do."

"I..." He slightly looked away with a blush. "I did it for you. I made sure to at least present myself neatly to earn your forgiveness."

"Really?"

He sheepishly nodded.

Seeing him all timid like that, I couldn't help but slightly poke fun at him. "How cute."

He blushed even more, looking down at the ground to hide his expression.

Another wave of silence filled the space around us, but this time it wasn't awkward. In fact, it felt like the silence was warm—too warm, that I could slightly feel my face heating up the more I looked at August cute and nervous expressions.

He held my hand and looked back at me, his face still red but filled with determination. "Lys... Can I finally confess to you?"

"C-Confess...?"

He nodded intently, lifting up our interlocked hands closer to him before placing a kiss on my hand, making me flinch with a huge blush on my face. "I will no longer hide it." He then leaned closer and closer to my face. "All these years that I've been by your side, I have always been in love with you."

My face reddened even more. "R-Really?"

I thought that my feelings for him would be onesided, but to think it was also mutual...!

He leaned closer. With so little space between our faces, I instinctively laid down on the couch, but he continued to bring his face even closer until our lips were just a breathing distance away. "I could express my love for you in another way if you don't believe me."

I should say no—I need to say no, but...

Why aren't the words coming out?

Do... Do I really want him to...

Maybe I do...

I closed my eyes, and just let the moment continue.

August opened his eyes and saw the white-haired boy's body shaking intensely with his eyes closed shut—a small tear even forming underneath it.

Seeing just how scared he is, August stopped and clenched his hand before pulling his face away with shame. "Sorry. I almost forced you to do something you didn't like."

I opened my eyes to see his shameful expression. "N-No, it's alright—"

But before I could finish, he held my hand once more, and placed a small kiss on it before looking at me endearingly. "I promise not to do anything you won't like. So please..." He held my hand tighter. "Will you give me a chance...?"

I sat there silently, trying to muster out the answer from my heart, rather than from my head. My mouth continued to stammer, so I took a deep breath, and gave it my all to smile warmly, bringing our interlocked hand close to my heart.

"How could I say no..."

As I said those words, he quickly pulled me close to him, embracing me with all his warmth.

"Thank you, Lys."

We stayed like that and let time pass by as we continued to feel each other's warmth. The more we stayed like this, the more I realized that my feelings for him were growing stronger and stronger by the moment.

His earlier statement... Does that mean that we're in a romantic relationship?

That sounds pleasing to my ears...

As more time went by, a single thought came across my mind. I slowly broke out from the hug, looking slightly worried at him. "That's right. I can kind of guess why you had to leave, but... were you able to resolve things?"

"... Partially. They're more rooted throughout the Empire than I thought. It's even more troublesome that some Nobles from the Noble Faction are trying to progress it, rather than stop it."

"Are they in on it?"

"I... can't be too sure. But if they are, that means that the Noble Faction are receiving support from the Saintess. Who knew that someone hailed as the Holy Maiden could enact such devious schemes..."

"I see. There's nothing much we can do at the moment if Nobles of the Empire are in on it." I quickly glanced back at him. "We just have to build our political powers and form connections if we truly want to resolve the underlying issues."

He nodded. "I've left things to the Empress, so the situation won't turn too dire for the time being."

"That's good to know. That reminds... When did you arrive at the academy?"

"Ah... I came an hour ago. I met with the grandmaster to decide on some... things. But before that, I was busy doing some last minute work and management back in the palace, the reason as to why I missed the entrance ceremony."

"I see. You must have had it rough."

He chuckled before leaning closer, gently stroking my hair. "It's too bad that I missed your speech. You must've worked hard on it."

I shook my head. "You didn't miss a lot. I managed to also make some friends right after the ceremony."

"Really? I'm glad to hear that. I hope they're people that you can trust."

I let out a small chuckle. "You should also meet them. They're really nice people."

"Then I hope you can introduce them to me."

I let out a small yawn before wiping off a small tear. "Where is your room, August?"

"Hmm? Ah, my room is the one next to yours."

"... Really?"

"Really. Quite a coincidence, right?"

"... Please don't tell me that is the reason you visited the grandmaster..."

He forced out a laugh, scratching his hair with embarrassment. "Ah... guess I got caught, haha!"

I let out a sigh. Soon, I felt my eyelids getting heavier. Before I knew it, I laid my head on top of August's shoulder, feeling so... tired...

It must be past the hour that I usually sleep, but I still want to talk to him...

Especially after finally seeing him again...

He gently stroked my hair again, whispering to my ear as warmly as he could. "You must feel sleepy. I'll carry you to your bed."

"You don't have to..."

The white-haired boy soon fell asleep on August's shoulder, still holding tightly onto his hand. August smiled at the adorable sight before quickly picking him up, and carrying him to the bed before tucking him inside the blanket.

August quietly observed the young boy as he continued to sleep, sighing as he saw just how skinnier he got. "You've been skipping your meals again..."

He leaned before placing a single kiss on top of his forehead, smiling to himself with a small blush. "But no matter... I will still love you for who you are."

August stood up and quietly exited the room, leaving the white-haired boy to sleep in peace and quiet.

He then stood outside of the room and covered his mouth, trying so hard to control his emotion as the red hue filled up his entire face before fisting his hand with excitement.

"I-I never thought that Lys would like me back...! He even agreed to be my—"

Unable to even think the words, he crouched down on the ground—breathing faster and faster before finally calming himself down. He then stood up and headed straight towards his room. Once he entered his room, all the doors around creaked open before showing the other noble male students, who witnessed the situation.

"The prince and Lord Lysander... so the rumors are true! They really are in a relationship!"

"What a scoop!"

"The prince stayed in his room very late... you don't think they—"

"Obviously not, idiot. They must've just been chatting."

As the rest of the students continued to talk to each other about what just happened, the two boys slept in peace, feeling happy about what the next day would bring them.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ 

"Oh no! It's the first day and I'm about to be late. I gotta run to class quickly!"

The familiar girl named Adeline ran down the hallway corridor of the academy—her uniform wrinkled and her hair unkempt and not properly brushed. 

"Silly girl, I told you not to stay up late."

"Ah! I just wanted to finish reading that romance book, don't blame me!"

Suddenly talking to herself, Adeline finally finds the room number that her first class is taking place in. Standing before the door, panting out of breath, she quickly opens the door and anxiously opens her eyes, only to see the podium where the teacher is supposed to be still empty.

She smiles with joy before looking up at the descending stairs of desks, and spots Ophelia sitting next to the white-haired boy and the gray-haired dwarf named Gia. 

"Ophy…! You're also in this class?"

Ophelia clicked her tongue before looking away from her, not responding back. The unkempt girl quickly walks up the stairs and sits on the empty seat next to Ophelia. She then looks at the white-haired boy. "You too, Lysander?"

The boy nodded. "Yeah. It is a required class that first year students have to take, and I prefer taking such classes in the morning."

Adeine let out a deep sigh. "The other time-frames sections were all filled up… the only available one was this morning class. Ahh…! I'm not really a morning person."

Gia leaned forward, looking at the girl who just came in. "Uwah! I can see why you say you're not an early riser, you're a mess!"

"Hehe… I woke up pretty late! I didn't have the opportunity to take my time getting ready." She then looks questioningly at Gia. "Oh, I forgot to ask. What's your name?"

"My name is Gia. I just got acquainted with the cold girl next to you."

Ophelia sighs annoyingly at those words. "I prefer sitting by myself… Sitting with acquaintances will only drag my focus down."

"Haha, Ophy is always like that, don't mind it!" She then offers her hand for a shake. "My name is Adeline, pleasure to meet you."

Gia smiles before accepting the shake. "Likewise."

"Quite down, students. Today may be the first day but I won't tolerate any sort of distractions."

A middle-aged woman slowly walked up from the door towards the podium with her hair tied up in a bun, and wearing a dark-purple coat. As she stood in front of the podium, she skeptically looked at the white-haired boy.

"Ah… It's the same professor who was overseeing the second part of the exam."

She continued to stare at me for a while before sighing and looking towards the whole class. "I can tell that there are some skilled people in this classroom. But even if you know the content beforehand, I hope you won't doze off during class."

For some reason, I could feel everyone's gaze directed at me…

"Well, let me properly introduce myself. My name is Felicia Osir. Please refer to me as Professor Osir."

A last name… so she's a noble.

"Introduction to Mana Manifestation. This is a class that every student in this school will have to take in their first year. As per the name, it focuses on you being able to manifest your mana, regardless if you're a mage or swordsman."

A dark-purple mana began to surround her hand before transforming into a spark of lightning. "As you begin to feel the motion of mana throughout your body, you'll be able to manifest the physical form of the element you have affinity with."

The students began to gasp in awe before the professor clenched her hand, dispersing the lightning. "Of course, for now we'll learn the theory of mana formation and then we'll move along with sensing and manifestation. If you successfully manifest your mana, you will have awakened your first ring."

She then glances at me. "... Lysander, do you mind showing everyone your manifested element?"

I tilted my head, but went along with the antics and lifted my palm up, summoning forth a fragment of condensed ice. "Like this?"

Everyone gasped once again. I slowly dispersed the ice into tiny fragments and let them drift into the air, like snow.

The professor stroked her chin, happily nodding. "How beautiful. They say that magic reflects the caster's emotions and personality. Your manifestation of ice seems pure, yet cold. Regal, but full of childishness that seems to be recently discovered."

She then smiled warmly. "Once you are able to manifest your element, you are considered to have achieved your second ring. As you are able to manipulate the natural form of your element, you will have achieved your third ring and be able to cast magic, or summon aura if you're a swordsman."

She then looks at Ophelia and Adeline. "You two seem to have already achieved your second ring, alongside Julian… I guess I'll have to prepare some special assignments for you lots."

Ophelia flinched at the mention of those words. "Julian…?"

"Is it strange to be in this classroom…?"

She looked back, looking coldly at the pink-haired boy who was sitting behind us with his arms crossed. As their eyes made contact, he smirked before slowly closing his eyes. "Why do you always seem hostile?"

She clicked her tongue. "I don't want to hear that from you."

"Hmm…? Well, I didn't expect you to be an early person. Seeing how proud you are, I thought you would've behaved like a certain someone…"

Saying those last bits of his words, his gaze turned towards Adeline. 

She quickly pointed at herself. "You mean me?!"

Julian chuckled before regaining his nonchalantly and prideful attitude. "Still, I guess it was worthwhile to join this class. I get to be in the same class as you~"

Ophelia flinched once again, looking away with disdain. "Don't say it like that. It feels creepy." 

"Haha! Well, take it however you like, I'm just speaking the truth." He then looked at me. "Lysander Blakesty…" Tapping his finger on the desk, his eyes suddenly narrowed down—yet he continued to show that same prideful smile. "Can I propose to you a question?"

I hesitantly nodded. "Sure…"

"Given your unique position as someone who will inherit the future Blakesty Duchy, what are your thoughts on the Empire's current stance on magical resource distribution?" 

I tilted my head. "Specifically between which parties?"

He hummed with a smile, crossed his arms and closed his eyes. "Well, it's no secret that the higher echelons of nobility have secured access to rare mana-infused items such as artifacts and elixirs, while the lower classes struggle to obtain even the most rudimentary materials like magic-gems in most of the Empire lands. The nobles justified this disparity by claiming that the concentration of resources among the elite ensures stability and progress. However, this policy is only cultivating dissatisfaction among the common folk."

His emerald eyes slowly opened towards me, slightly glowing even under the golden light. "Let me change the question: Do you believe that this hierarchical allocation of resources is sustainable in the long run, or do you foresee it leading to a systemic collapse?"

"..."

Is he… testing me?

We're both from the Imperial Faction, but not only is he imposing such a question, but he's doing it in front of everyone. If I were to give such a hasty answer, not only would I be put in a difficult position, but I would also lose credibility among the nobility. 

This question, specifically, is a central conflict that is persisting between the Imperial Faction—who wishes to give more to the people—and the Noble Faction—who wishes to monopolize it—at this very moment. 

Especially that last bit he said… it's basically a leeway into saying that if the Noble Faction continue being this reckless, then they would make the Empire collapse. 

I looked around, seeing some of the students of common birth unsure of what he said, but those of nobility interested—even slightly angry—by what Julian just said. 

After a long moment of debate, I took a deep breath and responded.

"... The issue of magical resource distribution is deeply embedded into the Empire's Law, so it's not something that can be easily changed. Historically, the justification for centralized resource control has been rooted in two primary arguments: Preservation of power, and mitigation of instability. By restricting magical artifacts and elixirs to nobility, the Empire seeks to prevent uprisings from factions that might try to upsurge them. However, this policy, while effective in maintaining short-term control, is inherently flawed in long-term sustainability."

Julian's eyes flickered with interest. "… And what makes you say that?"

"It is a simple deduction of causation and result. Like I said, history tends to repeat itself. But if magical resources were indiscriminately distributed, the resulting chaos would destabilize the Empire at an uncontrollable rate. The solution, therefore, lies in restructuring the system rather than changing it entirely. Nobility have the rights to allocate these resources, but what if common businesses have partial rights? I don't suggest giving all businesses such rights, but only a handful that leaves chances for the common people to get their hands on such resources—and off-set their thoughts on the noble's having total monopoly of such precious resources."

"... You propose reform rather than a complete change. But do you really believe that the nobles would willingly relinquish their monopoly?"

"They won't—not on their own volition. Setting aside the complexity of such a large reform, the nobles will perceive this type of integration as beneficial to their own… survival, and will be forced to adapt. If we can present reform as an inevitability rather than an option, then even the most stubborn nobles will find themselves conceding—especially since the citizens are the ones who generate most of the nobles' profit."

Julian continued to study me for a moment longer before letting out a small chuckle. "Interesting, very interesting indeed. I must admit, I didn't take you for someone who played the long game."

I shook my head. "Rash actions only serve to strengthen the grip of those in power."

Everyone stood in silence, trying their best to understand the conversation between the two people but stumped with the complex words and understanding that is required.

But as the people around us continued to whisper, Julian suddenly smirked. "Perhaps I underestimated you. You display more foresight than a certain someone…"

Ophelia clicked her tongue. "We just have different views. You don't doubt my knowledge, but the way I do things." She then looked at me with slight wonder. "Still. Your idea seems quite… astute. It really does align with that of the imperial faction."

The professor clapped her hand together. "Settle down now. I allowed you all to get off track to build trust amongst yourself, but please don't let this happen again. You may all leave the classroom now."

Everyone got up from their seats and began to leave the classroom, leaving just five people in the room. 

Adeline quickly ran down the stairs with Ophelia and eagerly waved goodbye at us. "We'll be heading out now. Let's meet up later!"

I waved back with a smile. "Okay."

As they left the room, Gia stood next to me and suddenly tugged my clothes, catching my attention as she secretly pointed at Julian. "It seems he wants to talk to you privately… I'll head out without you. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Ah…" I slowly nodded back. "Okay. See you later."

As Gia quickly left the room, the only people that were left were us two. 

Julian stood there in silence, quietly observing me with his arms crossed before closing his eyes with a smirk. "The rumors weren't groundless then. Your intelligence is quite monstrous."

He slowly opened his eyes to me and leaned against the desk. "I won't hide it. I was told by the family head to form some sort of connections with you, by whatever means. I was skeptical at first, but hearing your opinions, I've decided… Would you let me be your student?"

"... Huh?"

"This may come off a little arrogant, but the current first year teachers won't be able to teach me things I have yet to know. But I believe that I'll be able to learn more from you. They didn't say what type of relationship to form. I also considered the latter but…"

He playfully smirked, his eyes slowly shifting behind me. I tried to see what he was looking at, only to feel a hand suddenly on my shoulder. 

Julian let out a small chuckle, shrugging somewhat playfully. "But it seems that another rumor is proven to be true." He then looked back at the person behind me. "Don't worry, your highness. I was only jesting… I already have someone else I care about."

He quickly looked back at me. "In any case, I'll be taking my leave. But still, I wasn't joking when I said I wanted to be your student."

He slowly waved goodbye and walked out of the classroom. 

I slowly turned around to see August standing behind me, glaring at the door from where Julian left, before sighed. He then looked at me worriedly. "Did anything happen?'

I lightly shook my head. "No…"

He looked slightly relieved. "I consider limiting your interactions with him. Behind that calm and unemotional face hides a more… devious and sadistic nature."

"You seem acquainted with him."

"I… had a chance to work with him on a project. Let's just say he works in a questionable manner. He does well in his work for the people, but…" He scratches his head with slight frustration. "Well, I shouldn't worry too much. You must've already felt something off about him."

"Ah… Yeah. Forced action of the facial muscle is easy to detect. But he doesn't seem to be a bad person entirely. I could feel the way he warmly looked at Ophelia from behind." I slowly looked at him. "It kind of reminded me of your warm eyes.'

He blushed at the unexpected words, slightly looking away embarrassedly. "... You're teasing me, aren't you?"

I smirked playfully at him. "Kind off." I slowly grabbed his hand, smiling warnfully to myself. "Today is the second day…"

He slightly tightened his grip, intertwining our fingers together while smiling endearingly. "Yep… I thought yesterday's event was a dream… but thankfully, it was real." He then brought my hand closer to him, placing a small kiss on it before smiling once again. "I truly feel like the happiest person in this world, Lys."

"You're over exaggerating." 

"Hmm… Not really. I always thought that you would always see me as nothing more than a friend. I've been hiding these feelings these past few years, even as they continued to grow bigger and stronger." He then pulled me into a hug. "But I no longer have to hide them from you. I will make sure to express my love for you everyday, Lys."

Gently stroking my hair, I couldn't help feeling too relaxed. "... I'll also express my love for you, August."