The walk out from the final floor of the Sanctioned Veil of the Royal Academy wasn't as triumphant as one might think. While yes they were quite victorious, and they did celebrate, the mood quickly died down the moment Marilyn broke her only weapon, that being her treasured family heirloom.

“You know Marilyn, you can always repair the staff yourself right? Didn't we have a class about that?” Adrian spoke out, rubbing his chin as his eyes glanced at the girl.

“I mean, when you put it like that…” Marilyn responded by trailing off, as if she's trying to think of something.

She could indeed repair the staff if she wanted to, it wasn't that complicated at all. Considering this was her weapon, she would understand its contents quite well. However, she had other reasons not to.

“Don't tell me…” Elysia tried to guess, “You're using this as an excuse to explore the capital to find a replacement!?”

“What? No!” Marilyn blurted out, “But yes, I do want to go to the capital! It wouldn't hurt to try and find some shops where I could both sell the crystal, as well as weapon maintenance right?"

“Hmm…” Adrian hummed, contemplating her words, “That is true…”

“Still! You're trying to replace your staff? That's your heirloom!” Elysia retorted.

“Again, no, Elysia.” Marilyn said, sighing, “But when I see the chance to try and repair the staff in the capital, I will.”

“Ohhh, alrighty! Just messing with ya!” She said, grinning, “You seem to have a free schedule compared to us, no close quarters combat classes and all. So I guess it’ll be your responsibility to haggle some sales for the loot we’ve gathered, yeah?”

Marilyn pouted, but relented. That would basically be the plan as of now, to sell their loot to the capital city of Albion, the city of Leandon. Adrian and Elysia couldn't really accompany her considering they have extra classes themselves, so the burden was upon her alone.

The city was said to be quite the spot for businesses, so there would be a much higher chance they could get rich off of this. Beforehand, they sold loot in the neighbouring town near the Academy's outskirts, where Bethany had been staying for the past year or so. For some reason though…

“Can’t believe they would run out of funds for the more expensive loot. They should have more than enough since the Veil was so near, but I guess no one had been able to clear it recently…?” Adrian commented.

“Possibly? Well, we have other reasons why we choose the capital…” Marilyn said in turn, “Better opportunity for higher prices, the sightseeing, plus potentially meeting Helena along the way too…”

Elysia perked up, turning around and walking backwards to face Marilyn, “Oh yeah! Your sister got knighted a few months ago right, prestigious fourth year and all? Pass the congrats to her once you go there!”

“Well, it’s going to be my first time going there in person…” Marilyn replied, “But sure, I will pass them when I see her!”

That time when she arrived at Leandon exactly one year ago from now, she didn't actually stay there. She stayed at a nearby inn outside of the city, which could actually be the place where Vincent would be staying in now too, with no dorms and all for him. So truly, this would be her first time going to the city proper.

But with nothing that could be said afterwards, eventually the trio would arrive at the end of the long winding labyrinth that was the Sanctioned Veil. The environments that were the floors were essentially pocket dimensions themselves, from jungles, plains, caverns, and more.

And the moment they left them all, the air around them quite literally changed. It truly felt like they stepped out of another world, such was the nature of Veils.

The light at the end of the tunnel could be seen, and it won't take long until—

“So, how's the effort?” A young lady, of ruby-red eyes and silver hair, spoke up, crossing her arms as she leaned against a stone wall.

The environment that they're in now is akin to a rural forest, with signs of overgrowth everywhere. The princess' smile was a confident and prideful one, as if…

“You're the one to talk! You didn't even do anything, princess!” Elysia would fire out her complaint, quite upset at her absence.

She was spreading her stance and pointing angrily at Cecilia, bearing her sharper-than-normal teeth. It was quite a comical scene.

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“If you were there, we wouldn't have taken half an hour to whittle that golem down to half health!” Elysia continued.

“Sooo?” Cecilia was just taking this as a jest, closing one eye as she smiled teasingly, “You guys still succeeded, I shall offer you my congratulations.”

“Well, I’d say she's correct on that one, isn't she?” Adrian said, “Still, it ended this fast only because of Marilyn managing to do her gamble well. I fully believe the fight would have taken hours if it weren't for that.”

Adrian was always the voice of reason, even in scenes of banter, Marilyn thought to herself. For the past year or so his relationship with the group had become something akin to the diplomat and mediator, always the one to know what words to say in tense situations.

Elysia on the other hand…

“She at least shouldn't talk like she's some big shot! You were this close to actually celebrating with us legitimately!” The dragon girl said, miming how narrow of a chance she had.

The dragon-kin of the group had gotten increasingly comfortable with the rest of them, to the point she treated people like this at times, before switching to being rather silly afterwards. Her anger, from Marilyn's eyes, was one that could be deemed fake and cutesy. It could essentially be counted as her way of offering affection to those that tease her.

Honestly, she was quite adorable because of it, Marilyn thought to herself once more.

“Cecilia, I think you should quit teasing Elysia,” She said, “I heard it's not healthy for dragon-kin to get angry all the time, they could go on a rampage, you know?”

“Huh, is that so?” She said, humming, “Hmm….don’t worry, dear Marilyn, I’ll keep on doing it, for your sake!”

Marilyn forced herself to not chuckle as she turned to Elysia, “I guess anger management classes are due for you…?”

“Grrr….” Elysia could only respond with that, before setting herself up straight again, “Welp, I guess that'll be it then! Princess, I will kiss you now!”

“H-huh!?” Cecilia was definitely caught off-guard by that. A clear blush was seen, in fact, she was as red as her eyes, almost.

“Elysia…are you being serious right now?” Adrian responded.

“....” Elysia was silent.

“Hmm…” Marilyn was really just observing the two right now, it was quite the interesting prospect to comment on, however. But alas, she had no words to say.

“....nope! I am not!” Elysia finally replied, laughing, “However…”

She turned to Adrian, who could see her smiling. And despite his diplomatic skill…he really did not get what she was implying here.

“Are they…?” Marilyn tried to think of this situation, and what it could lead to.

Adrian seemed to be quite the dense man when it came to things like this, from what she could observe. It could perhaps be her imagination though, but Elysia seemed visibly pissed at him not getting the hints too here.

“Uhhh…however what?” Truly, he was dense towards women offering hints, even though it was quite obvious.

“Bahhhh! Nevermind, I’ll definitely find a way eventually!” Elysia said afterwards, sighing, a bit frustrated.

Marilyn looked at Cecilia, who was equally frustrated by the notion in front of them. And she could only respond with a sheepish smile at that. Adrian was not frustrated however, he was just confused.

“Well then…” Marilyn turn towards the others, “I guess—”

“Your Highness, pardon my intrusion.”

The group had suddenly been interrupted by an elderly voice. It was the voice of a man, a butler to be more precise, with grey hair and tall stature.

“Sebastian?” Cecilia questioned, “What are you…?”

“I have come here to offer a personal message from Her Majesty, the Queen.” He said, bowing towards the group, “You have been summoned to the Royal Palace, and must arrive so in haste.”

Cecilia furrowed her eyebrows, slightly concerned. She sighed, “Very well, tell her I would do so shortly.”

Marilyn was equally concerned, “What is this for…?”

“Not sure…” Cecilia answered, “Sebastian, may I inquire for the purpose of the summoning?”

He shook his head, “You cannot, it is of confidential nature.”

“Hrk-” Cecilia held her breath. If this was what she thought it was… “Very well.”

The princess turned towards the group, “Welp, I guess my time here would be cut short?”

“W-wait! I was trying to say that I would be departing too, but can I go with you?” Marilyn spoke up, a bit hastily due to Cecilia's sudden declaration.

She raised her eyebrow, “Huh? To the palace?”

“No, to the capital. No need for me to follow you to the palace and all, but I think this could be a good idea?”

Cecilia turned to Sebastian, trying to confirm if this could be acceptable or not. He replied with silence, which usually meant…

“Yeah, I guess that'll be doable.” The princess answered.

Marilyn clapped her hands together, “Great! Let's go ahead and prepare then!”

Adrian, who had just been observing them here, trying to think of the implications of this, would be met with an arm wrapped behind his neck.

“Well then, Mr. Leader! Looks like we’re off on our own journey, riiight??” she said, flashing a desperate, toothy smile mixed with a spark of excitement.

He sighed and responded with a smile of resignation, “Sure, Elysia, sure.”