“Sell!” A happy voice called out as Sellitha walked out of her room.

“What?” Sellitha asked cautiously, looking over at Felicia.

Felicia was sitting next to Lastia by the large dining table, seemingly just finished with breakfast.

Even if every student only got the chance to choose their rooms once they had the credits to pay for it. Things worked a little more conveniently for Nobles. It was expected that they would immediately move out to somewhere a little more comfortable, so instead of going through that inconvenience every year, Nobles were placed in dorms of a much superior quality to other students. They still had to pay the same amount of credits as anyone else who wanted to live like them, though.

“I heard Adion somehow got accepted by the Headmaster as his disciple,” Felicia said, looking at Sellitha intently, “You went to have a little date with him after class, right? Do you know what happened?”

“It wasn’t a date,” Sellitha said irritably.

Getting annoyed by Felicia so early in the morning, Sellitha thought about just heading straight out. Her sister had called for her, and she might as well get the meeting over with. But as she saw a servant place breakfast for her at the dining table, Sellitha realized she was quite hungry.

I’ll just have a quick bite.

“Sorry, sorry,” Felicia said unconvincingly, “So? Do you know what happened?”

“Yeah,” Sellitha nodded. She took her seat and started placing some eggs, meat, vegetables, and bread on her plate.

“Someone’s hungry,” Felicia commented, “I noticed you were out late last night. Did you practice with Adion?”

“We did,” Sellitha nodded and began eating.

“Did anything happen?” Felicia asked suggestively, smiling at Sellitha.

Why does she always!?

Sellitha felt her cheeks turning red and grabbed a piece of bread to throw at Felicia.

“Hahaha! Sorry. Sell, don’t get mad,” Felicia laughed while dodging the thrown food.

“I’ll just eat in my room,” Sellitha muttered, grabbing her plate and preparing to leave.

“No, Sell, I’m really sorry,” Felicia said, getting up from her seat to push Sellitha down again. “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. But can you tell me what happened between the Headmaster and Adion?”

I can’t say anything about Adion’s special powers. But Adion also said something about him making use of an artifact had been made as an excuse? Why would he need an excuse? He is a Silver mage. Surely people would believe that.

“I don’t know all the details,” Sellitha said, reluctantly taking her seat again, “But Adion is a Silver mage. Isn’t it natural that the Headmaster takes an interest in him?”

“I guess…But why did he wait so long to do it? Everything changed so quickly,” Felicia said.

“I heard that the Headmaster just got out of some kind of seclusion. Perhaps he didn’t know about it until now,” Sellitha suggested.

“That makes sense,” Felicia said with a nod. “Anyway, it’s good that Elder Kilth will have to back off from now on.”

“Yeah,” Sellitha smiled as she thought about the times ahead. She and Adion would finally be able to begin their life at the Academy without worrying about trouble coming their way.

We just have to work hard together, and everything will work out. We will get to go to Quemer together. I can hardly wait.

“Looks like you are really happy about it,” Lastia said with a smile.

“Well, it’s good that things can settle down. We should all focus on training and studying,” Sellitha said.

“That’s true,” Lastia said.

“Anyway,” Felicia said, “What are you doing today, Sell? Lastia and I are going to head to the arena and rent a fighting pit. Do you want to join us? We were thinking about going to the library afterward if you want to come with us.”

“I can’t,” Sellitha said, shaking her head, “I’m busy.”

“Busy with what?” Felicia asked. “Busy with Adion?”

“As a matter of fact, I am going to be busy with Adion. We’re friends after all,” Sellitha defended.

“Right,” Felicia smiled at Sellitha, “Come on, Sell. It’s obvious to everyone that you two like each other. Why do you keep denying it?”

“I’m leaving,” Sellitha said abruptly, not wanting to get dragged into Felicia’s conversation. She knew she was bad at hiding her thoughts about Adion, but it was important never to admit anything.

“I don’t get it? I already know, so why not admit it? Adion is very suitable. He is even a Noble now. And a Silver mage that has been accepted as a disciple to the Headmaster. Surely even your parents wouldn’t object even if he is a human?”

Wait, what? She doesn’t know? Sellitha suddenly stopped.

I thought she knew about my parents' arrangements. Even if it’s not talked about much, all the Noble families surely know about it. I just assumed someone would have told Felicia.

Noticing Sellitha’s expression, Felicia approached her slowly.

“Okay, I won’t push anymore,” Felica said hesitantly, “I just thought it would be nice to talk about. But you don’t have to say anything.”

“Yeah,” Lasita agreed, walking up to Sellitha, “Sellitha, don’t pay any mind to Felicia. Just ignore her.”

What’s wrong with them?

Sellitha noticed that she, without realizing it, had her fists clenched. Just the thought of that old bastard and what her parents had done to her was enough to get Sellitha’s body to react.

“No,” Sellitha said in a low voice, shaking her head, “Sorry. I was just thinking about something. Actually…”

If they don’t know, there is no harm, right?

“I...I…” Sellitha hesitated, feeling her throat clench in nervousness. “I like Adion. I’m going on a date with him later. That’s why I’m busy.”

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“You-” Felicia stared at Sellitha with her mouth open.

Why did I say that?

“But it’s a secret!” Sellitha yelled out hurriedly, “You can’t tell anyone.”

“Of course, of course,” Felicia said, letting a little laugh slip through.

“Seriously, not a word to anyone,” Sellitha stressed.

“Don’t worry, we won’t say anything. Right, Lastia?” Felicia turned to Lastia and asked.

“Of course not!” Lastia agreed.

“So, tell us more about it,” Felicia urged with a smile, “Are you a couple? Have you kissed yet?”

“Yeah,” Sellitha nodded. Her body had almost reacted on instinct.

How can I say that? How embarrassing.

Realizing what she had just admitted to, Sellitha felt herself blush. She hurriedly turned away from the two girls and headed toward the door.

“Okay, I have to go. See you later. Don’t tell anyone. Bye,” Sellitha rambled as she ran away.

She could hear how Felicia was asking her to wait through fits of laughter behind her, but she paid it no mind and hurried out of the building.

Why did I suddenly reveal everything? I’m even worse than Adion! How will I explain this to him?

Sellitha’s thoughts were all over the place as she made her way to the House of Soaring Souls. But even though she was scolding herself for being reckless, she couldn’t deny that her heart was pumping and her stomach was fluttering. It was an exhilarating feeling.

I still shouldn’t have done it. What if they tell someone? What will I do? But it felt so good to finally tell someone! Will Adion be disappointed?

After struggling with her conflicted thoughts for almost half an hour, Sellitha finally made it to the large building serving as the headquarters of the Soaring Soals. This was where her sister lived and spent most of her time.

Sellitha had visited plenty of times before, so she made her way to her sister’s office without a problem.

I have to keep my guard up. Rell has questioned me about Adion several times. I don’t know what’s wrong with me today, but I have to keep myself under control.

“Sell, thank you for coming,” Rell said from behind her desk as Sellitha stepped inside.

“Why did you want to see me?” Sellitha asked, trying to get straight to the point.

“You must have heard about Adion becoming the disciple of the Headmaster, right?” Rell asked.

“You already know we spent the day training together yesterday,” Sellitha said, rolling her eyes. She went to take a seat on a luxurious couch at the side of the office, preparing for the assault of questions.

“Everyone knows you spend every day together, so obviously,” Rell muttered.

“I was tasked with getting close to him by the family, no?” Sellitha questioned.

Rell was quiet for a while, staring at Sellitha with a complicated look.

Why is she so worried? Sell thought, looking into her sister’s eyes.

“The Amyss family branch here in Cyalis is…Well, I doubt they’ll receive rewards for that suggestion. Anyway, I didn’t call you to talk about that. Do you know what happened between the Headmaster and Adion?”

“They talked, and the Headmaster decided to take him as his disciple? What else is there to know?” Sellitha asked.

“There seems to have been some kind of incident high up in the Tower of Cyalis. A lot of Soul mages apparently left their positions and headed to the Headmaster’s office. I’m trying to get information about it. Did you hear anything from Adion?”

Something like that happened?

“Are you sure? I didn’t hear anything about it,” Sellitha said.

“I’m sure,” Rellitha nodded, “But if you don’t know, it’s fine. I’ll have my people ask around.”

What’s this all about? Did Adion hide it from me? He probably just forgot. I’ll ask him about it later.

“If that’s all there was, I’ll go,” Sellitha said, getting up from her seat.

“Wait,” Rell put a hand forward to stop Sellitha.

“What?” Sellitha asked.

“Er, have you thought about joining Soaring Souls yet? I can show you around and let you see what I’ve prepared for you,” Rellitha suggested carefully.

“Oh,” Sellitha said, “I’m already decided. I’m joining the Scrolls.”

“The Scrolls?” Rell asked, surprised, “Why the Scrolls all of a sudden? What did they offer you?”

“They haven’t offered me anything,” Sellitha said, “I just decided to go there.”

“Why?” Rell asked, confused.

“Well, for one, the Amyss family doesn’t have any power over that House. Do you need a second reason?” Sellitha asked, feeling her mood taking a turn for the worse.

“That,” Rell hesitated, “You know the family would only support you, right? And I’m the Head of the House, here. Let me show you what I’ve prepared. I promise, no one from the family would try to cause trouble for you.”

“Are you serious!?” Sellitha yelled out. She almost felt a tear started to form, but she held it in with all her will, refusing to cry.

Rell looked at her with a guilty expression. She didn’t say anything.

Sellitha turned to walk away again.

“Is Adion also going join the Scrolls?” Rell asked.

Sellitha stopped. Answering without turning around, she said, “Yes.”

“That’s not…good,” Rell said with a sigh. “Sell, what is your plan? How do you expect the family will react? You and Adion…This isn’t going to end well.”

“What about me and Adion? We’re friends. I don’t care about your delusions,” Sellitha said. “And if trouble comes, I will handle it.”

Sellitha continued walking away. This time, Rell didn’t try to stop her.

I can’t believe it. She dares? She dares!?

I can’t believe I even considered joining Soaring Soals before. I can’t trust anything with even the slightest association with my family.

Now my good mood is completely ruined.

Sellitha didn’t let it change her plans, though. She rented a carriage to take her to the public Academy. She had to collect Adion’s gift before their date.

Sellitha brooded the whole ride there. The thought of her sister upset her greatly.

As she arrived at the store, she tried leaving those thoughts behind. But it was hard. The anger she held toward her family was hard to shake whenever she got reminded of how despicable they all were.

“Is my work done?” Sellitha asked the storeowner as she got inside.

“Princess Amyss,” The storeowner bowed when he spotted her. “It is indeed finished. I hope you will be happy with the result.”

The store owner brought out a pocket watch. It was made from a rare type of pitch-black metal called ‘Dark Vastrian.’ The watch was also adorned with gold edges. Sellitha very much liked the look of it.

The back of the watch had the word ‘Obviously’ inscribed on it, a word that somehow always popped up in her head whenever she thought of Adion. But looking at it now, she couldn’t help but feel that it was a little too embarrassing.

Oh, well. I just hope he likes it. He should at least be able to be on time from now on.

He said he would get me a gift as well. Hopefully, it’s not anything as good as the necklace he gave me, or I will feel silly gifting him this.

Sellitha thanked the store owner for a work well done and headed back to the carriage.

I hope Felicia and Lastia have left already. I can’t handle anymore of their questions at the moment.

And I need time to figure out what to wear.

A smile finally made its way to Sellitha’s face as she thought about the day ahead of her.