Amelia & Helen

The duel between Kaiser and Lily is also the final match of the sparring session. When the match concludes, Lily steps into the center of the arena and signals for all the students to gather. Her clear, commanding voice echoes, drawing everyone's attention

"Through today's matches, I believe you've all come to recognize some of your own weaknesses" Lily begins, her gaze sweeping across each face "Maybe it's your ability to control Mana, your skill with weapons, or simply your ability to assess situations"

"Take note of your weaknesses" Lily emphasizes, her tone firm and resolute "During your years of study here, I will help you address and overcome those flaws. But the primary responsibility lies with you. If you want to grow stronger, you must put in the effort and work hard"

She paces slowly, her sharp eyes filled with encouragement, then continues

"In the next lesson, I will teach you essential concepts, including teamwork, situational awareness, and basic strategies. These are things that anyone who wishes to become stronger must thoroughly understand"

Lily stops for a moment, her eyes shining with determination

"Once you've grasped the theory, we'll move on to more hands-on practice in future sessions. Consistent practice is the key to improving and mastering your skills"

"Our goal is the student tournament that will take place toward the end of this academic year" Lily begins, her sharp gaze sweeping across the students who are intently listening "The tournament will consist of three rounds to determine each participant's ranking based on their combat abilities"

She pauses briefly, then continues

"There are two divisions in the tournament. One is exclusively for you guys - the first-year students. This tournament will focus on a level of competition that matches your current skills and abilities"

Lily lifts her head, her expression stern

"The other division is for second and third-year students. They are all at a power level ranging from the late Adept stage and beyond. If you wish to participate in this division, consider it carefully, as your opponents will be far stronger"

Her gaze lands on Kaiser "I hope you'll choose this division" Then, turning back to address the rest of the students, her voice calm but urging

"You may also join if you're confident in your ability to face the second- and third-years. But remember, that division is not a place for blind luck. Make sure you're fully prepared"

A student in the back row hesitantly raises their hand

"Do you have a question?" Lily asks, her sharp black eyes fixed on the one who spoke

"I want to know… how will your practical lessons be graded?" the student asks, their voice tinged with worry

Lily smiles faintly, but her answer leaves the entire class stunned "My lessons will not be graded"

The surprise is evident on many students' faces. Seeing their reactions, Lily continues to explain

"The Vesillian Academy Council understands that not everyone here intends to become a monster hunter or join the army to fight in wars between nations. Therefore, my goal is not about grades"

She takes a few steps around the room, her expression serious "Consider these lessons an opportunity to learn how to survive in the harshest and most unpredictable circumstances life might throw at you. There will come a time when you face the unexpected"

She pauses, her tone slow but commanding "Perhaps in the future, an unforeseen event could cause a surge in the number of monsters, or a full-scale war might break out between two continents. We can't predict what the future holds. But what I can teach you is how to prepare and overcome any challenge it may bring"

Lily then ends the lesson, and the students gradually disperse

Amelia walks beside Kaiser, breaking the silence with a gentle question

"Are you heading to the cafeteria for lunch now?"

Kaiser shakes his head "No, I'm planning to meet Helen and take her for a walk around the market. We'll grab some street food there"

Amelia narrows her eyes slightly, as if scrutinizing him, then quickly suggests "How about I join you? I'm free this afternoon"

Kaiser puts a hand to his chin, thinking for a moment, then nods "Alright. But…" He glances at Amelia's white hair "I think you should wear a hat to cover your hair. I don't want Helen to feel awkward meeting… a princess"

Amelia chuckles softly, without protest "Alright, that's not too much to ask"

The two part ways to change clothes and meet again at the dormitory exit. Then, they head toward Helen's small flower shop in the bustling marketplace

On the way, Amelia asks curiously "What is ~ Helen like, Kaiser?"

Kaiser thinks for a moment, his eyes softening "She's someone full of hope. Just looking at her makes life feel a lot less heavy"

"She sounds like ~ a wonderful person" Amelia comments, a gentle smile on her lips

"She is" Kaiser agrees. But then, he pauses and asks "By the way, do you really like that snack so much?"

"What?~" Amelia asks, chewing on a piece of honey-glazed grilled fish. She's holding three golden, aromatic skewers of grilled fish in her hand

"Are you going to finish all of that?" Kaiser teases

Amelia laughs and shakes her head "Of course not. I'll eat two skewers. The last one is for Helen"

Kaiser doesn't know what to say, only smiling at the sight of his friend

"If anyone saw you right now, they wouldn't think you're a princess" Kaiser says

Amelia blushes but tries to keep her tone calm "Isn't that a good thing? Helen won't feel pressured knowing who I am"

"Fair point" Kaiser says with a small smile. Suddenly, he reaches out to brush away a small piece of fish stuck to Amelia's cheek. His unexpected gesture makes Amelia turn away, hiding her flushed cheeks

Finally, they arrive at Helen's rose shop. Kaiser quickly smiles his usual warm smile and calls out

"Good afternoon, Helen!"

Helen, a girl with short purple hair and bright violet eyes, looks up. When she recognizes Kaiser, she immediately beams

"Oh, Kaiser! You're here! I knew you'd come"

"Of course, how could I forget? But I'm not here alone today" Kaiser smiles and gestures toward Amelia "I brought a friend along"

Amelia steps forward, raising a hand gently "Hello, Helen. I'm Amelia. It's a pleasure to meet you"

However, Helen's reaction is not what they expect. She freezes, her eyes widening in shock. A brief silence follows before Helen stammers

"Y-You're Princess Amelia Zephis, aren't you?!" she exclaims, her violet eyes wide in astonishment