“We’ll be arriving at the campus shortly, Growly,” Nicky informed after peeking through the window.

“Ok,” Growly acknowledged it.

The transport made a final turn and then stopped at its regular stop, right in front of the campus gates, letting the students that rode it to get off. Everyone stepped out of the carriage with Narias and Emilia being the last ones to get out.

“I had a lot of fun today. Thank you, partner,” Flavia was the first one to give him the goodbye kiss.

“I’m glad to hear you had a good time, Flavia,” Narias said, showing a smile.

“Next time I’ll win for sure, so be ready to do all kinds of things for me, you Mastermind Hero Pervert,” Flamiris stated with a mischievous grin on her face, touching Narias’s chest with her finger before leaning forward to give him a kiss too.

“Ah, ok,” was all Narias could say in response.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Narias,” Ileena was calm and composed, and looked more confident than she usually was.

“Yes, see you tomorrow, Ileena,” Narias said after receiving a kiss from her.

“Well, goodbye all and... I hope we will see each other again soon,” Emilia finally spoke to her friends.

“Of course,” Flavia said, grinning wide.

“You better,” Flamiris stated with a smirk on her face.

“Ahhh... I’ll miss you, Emilia,” Nicky pouted her lips, looking sad.

“You should know this by now, but... you can always ask for help when you need it, Emilia,” Ileena added, adjusting her glasses.

“Yes, sorry. I... huh?” Emilia was about to say something but froze in her spot when her eyes saw someone standing in the distance.

“Is something wrong, Emilia?” Narias noticed her looking distressed for some reason.

“Who are you looking at?” Ileena asked, turning to face the direction Emilia was looking towards to.

“Who’s that?” Flavia asked, noticing someone standing near the campus gates.

“Hey, is he another creep like that Louneus guy? I’ll burn him right where he stands,” Flamiris was about to go pick a fight.

“No, no. He’s not anyone bad. That’s... my dad,” Emilia said, her heart starting to pound really fast for some reason.

“Your dad?!” The girls exclaimed.

“Yes, but... why is he here?” Emilia asked, although, she probably already knew the reason behind it.

That’s... Emilia’s dad? Narias froze in a spot himself.

Rickward Frizz was by himself, wearing the same extravagant steampunk style suit he was wearing when he visited Jean Sweetbell and then met up with Emilia at her office earlier this week. He didn’t move from his spot, but was patiently waiting right where he stood.

“That’s... your dad?” Nicky asked, looking at the man in the distance.

“Wow, that’s a cool suit he’s wearing,” Flavia was impressed.

“Dang... I want one in a similar style for myself too,” Flamiris was impressed so much she wanted one for herself.

“Aren’t you going to talk to him, Emilia?” Ileena asked her.

“Ah, I...” but Emilia was hesitant for some reason.

“Is something wrong, Emilia?” Narias asked, noticing hesitation in Emilia’s eyes.

“Ah, no. I was just... surprised to see my dad... being there,” Emilia said, pressing her right hand close to her chest.

“Ahm... Do you mind introducing me to your father, Emilia?” Narias suddenly asked, making himself stand taller than before.

“Huh? You want to meet my dad, Narias?” Emilia asked, turning to face him.

“Well, yes. You have told him we are dating, right?” Narias wanted to confirm.

“Yes... Yes, of course,” Emilia finally got a hold of herself. “Yes, let me introduce you to my dad, Narias. Do you girls and Growly mind waiting here for now?”

“Of course,” Ileena said.

“No problem,” Flavia added.

The others agreed as well, so the two of them went to meet Emilia’s dad. Narias offered his hand to Emilia to hold on to while they walked. Rickward Frizz, noticing Emilia and her escort approaching him, turned fully to face them and showed a warm smile to his daughter when she was close enough to see it.

“Hello, dad,” Emilia greeted him with a smile.

“Hello Snowflake, you look absolutely lovely today,” her dad spoke to her.

“Thank you, dad,” she smiled wider.

“And who is that with you?” Emilia’s father asked in a polite tone of his voice.

“This is Narias Talrone. My boyfriend,” Emilia introduced him, forcing herself to sound strong when delivering the message.

“Good evening, sir. My name is Narias Talrone. It is an honor to meet you,” Narias bowed down respectfully.

“Good evening, Narias Talrone. My name is Rickward Frizz. I am Emilia’s father,” Rickward returned the greeted, being polite and respectful as well.

“May I ask what you are doing here, dad?” Emilia brought up the courage to ask.

“What do you mean, Snowflake? I have been waiting for you, of course,” her father answered, adding a kind smile.

“Waiting for me?” Emilia was a little surprised by his answer.

“Yes. I have come to get you. We’re leaving today,” he told her.

“Today? But...” Emilia gasped, a frosty white jumping on her cheeks. “But I thought we’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? No. The Magic Power Games start tomorrow and we agreed that you could stay until they start,” Rickward Frizz reminded her.

“Yes, but... but I thought I could stay until tomorrow. Please,” Emilia begged him.

“You want to stay until tomorrow? Why?” Her father asked in a calm voice. He looked curious but it was a given that Emilia’s dad would know the reason behind her request.

“That’s because...” Emilia wanted to answer his question, but became too flustered and her red face showed it.

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“Excuse me, sir. May I say something?” Narias stepped in.

“Yes, of course, young man,” Mr. Frizz said, turning to face him.

“I don’t know why Emilia has to leave Reina’s Magic Academy, and I have learned of her leaving only today, but... but I would like to ask you to approve of our relationships and I promise I will take good care of her no matter what,” Narias spoke confidently and was honest with his intentions.

“I love him, dad. And I want to be with Narias,” Emilia suddenly declared, clinging to Narias’s arm.

“Humph,” Rickward smiled.

“Huh?” Narias had no idea what to make of his smile.

“Do you mind a short walk with me, Narias Talrone?” Emilia’s father finally asked before turning to face his daughter. “Why don’t you stay with your friends for now until we come back, Emilia?”

“Ah? Yes, dad,” Emilia agreed, a ray of hope entering her heart.

“Come, Narias Talrone,” Rickward Frizz said, turning to go while placing his hands behind his back.

“Yes, sir,” Narias followed him.

The moment the two of them started walking, Ileena and the others rushed to Emilia’s side to learn what was happening.

Did I say something I shouldn’t have? Is he gonna scold me and forbid me to ever see Emilia again? Narias was sweating in his head, silently walking next to Emilia’s father.

“Tell me, Narias,” Rickward Frizz finally spoke. “Who is my daughter to you?”

“Emilia? Emilia is...” Narias was about to give him a cookie cutter answer about how much he loved her, but forced himself to stop and think. It’s not that he didn’t love Emilia, because he did. However, even with the short amount of time that he had to answer the question given to him right now, Narias was able to realize there was more at stake here and he’d better not to mess it up or else. There had to be a really serious reason why Emilia’s dad decided to pull her out of the academy. That’s why Narias took his time to think before giving his answer to Mr. Frizz. “Emilia is my Princess.”

“A princess?” Rickward Frizz raised an eyebrow, Narias’s answer surprising him even if a little bit.

“Yes. She is someone I am willing to devote myself to and I would give my life for her,” Narias added with a strong conviction in his voice.

“I see,” Emilia’s father smiled, yet again, it was a smile that made Narias wonder what it could mean. “Emilia told me she had visited your home and had met your parents too.”

“Ah, yes, sir. We have spent our school holiday together at my parents’ estate,” Narias gave an honest answer.

“She also said your father grows Grapily berries and your mother is expecting another child. She also said your mother is a wonderful and kind woman,” Mr. Frizz shared what his daughter apparently told him.

“Yes, that is true. They are... the most wonderful parents I could’ve asked for,” Narias admitted, warm and loving emotions enveloping his heart.

“Hmm... I’m very happy to hear that,” Rickward Frizz commented in a calm voice. “Tell me, Narias, what are your plans for the future?”

“My plans...” Narias started to speak, but then his mind became blank.

Ironically, that was one question Narias was not prepared to answer simply because... he had no idea what his future plans were. A flashback from his previous life hit him all of a sudden, reminding him of his life when he used to live as Anthony. In the corner of his mind, Narias saw himself voraciously reading books day after day, but when he thought about it, he realized he never did anything with his knowledge, nor he ever had a single thought about what he would like to do in the future. Neither then, nor right now. After all the studying, training, exploring Magic Dungeon and many other things he was able to experience after reincarnating into this new magic filled world, he had no idea what his plans were for the future.

Narias obviously had his love and passion to read and study, learn magic and explore the Magic Dungeon, but in terms of what he wanted to do as an adult, and as a provider for his future family, his mind couldn’t offer him a clear answer. He couldn’t believe how unprepared he was to live a life as an adult until Emilia’s father had asked him about it and it scared him to death. Unfortunately, sulking or making excuses about it right now was the last thing Narias could do and he knew that his answer to Emilia’s dad would have serious consequences in terms of whether or not Narias and Emilia could be together in the future. Narias knew he wouldn’t be able to fake he had it all figured out and lying was not something he would resort to, because it would definitely backfire on him sooner rather than later. So, Narias being Narias, he decided to take the only approach he was comfortable with.

“May I be completely honest with you, Mister Frizz?” After a prolonged pause, with Rickward Frizz patiently waiting for his answer, Narias finally spoke up.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less. Neither from you, nor from anyone else,” Emilia’s father stated in a serious tone of his voice this time.

“I don’t know what my future plans are yet, Mister Frizz,” Narias said calmly but with a confident determination in his voice. “However, I am very serious about my feelings towards Emilia and I am not saying it just to say it. I know there is more to loving someone than a few fancy words. The truth is, there are too many things that fascinate me in this world for me to choose one single path. Life is never still. It is always changing which is the most beautiful thing about it. I love reading books and I love studying in general. I am mesmerized by the concept of magic and the mystery behind Magic Dungeons. I am still a teenager, a kid if I am being honest with myself, really. And I would lie if I said I have it all figured out and that I know what I want in life. You probably already know this sir, but I am dating other girls and women too. As unbelievable as it sounds, I love all of them yet I love each and every one of them differently. Emilia has a special place in my heart and all I want for her is happiness. I don’t know how I will make it happen, but I know I will do everything in my power to make it happen. That... I can promise to you, Mister Frizz.”

Rickward Frizz was looking at Narias intently, listening to his words and staying silent even after Narias stopped talking. He blinked before turning his face away, not showing a smile this time and then started walking again.

“Thank you for such an honest answer, Narias Talrone,” Rickward finally said with Narias simply nodding in response as he started to walk next to Emilia’s father again. “In return of your honesty, I will be honest with you too. As it stands now, I cannot approve of my daughter being together with you.”

“I... I understand, sir,” Narias was already prepared to hear that kind of answer, but it still hurt like hell. The moment he heard those words, Narias felt like his heart was being squeezed so hard, he thought he might faint. The confirmation that Emilia will be taken away from him hit him harder than Narias could’ve ever thought it would.

“Prove yourself,” Narias’s heartache was suddenly overshadowed by the man’s following words. “If you want my approval... No, if you want to ever see Emilia again, you must prove yourself first, Narias Talrone. You said it yourself that words are not enough. Prove to me that you are the person I could trust my daughter’s future with and that I can be certain she will be safe with you. Then, and only then, I will allow her to see you again.”

“Prove myself to...” all kinds of thoughts flooded Narias’s mind, but he got a grip on himself the next second. “Yes, sir, I will.” He stated confidently.

“Humph,” Rickward Frizz showed one of his kind yet puzzling smiles again, but then turned away, putting his hands behind his back and making an impression he was done talking. “I believe it is time for us to go back now.” Without saying anything else, he started walking back to where he left Emilia to wait for him.

“Dad,” Emilia rushed to meet her father when she saw him and Narias coming back.

“I’m sorry for taking a longer walk, Snowflake. Are you ready to go?” Her dad asked with a smile, showing he was not willing to waste any more time.

“To go? I...” Emilia looked at him before giving a look at Narias who was standing a step away from her father. “I understand.”

“I will give you a minute to say goodbye to your friends,” Rickward Frizz said before stepping away.

“Narias...” Emilia spoke to him after a short while, tears gathering in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Narias. I...” Emilia was smiling, but couldn’t stop her tears from running down her cheeks.

“Your father is a wonderful man, Emilia,” Narias said, showing her a smile, his words forcing her to look directly at him. “Please, don’t be sad. Remember, I love you and I promise we will see each other again, and it might be sooner than you think.”

“Narias...” she said, her voice trembling. “Narias!” Emilia fell on his neck the next moment, hugging him so tight she could feel his heart beating in his chest.

“Emilia,” Narias spoke into her ear, hugging her back. They stood like that for a brief moment without wanting to let go of each other. Time stopped and they wished the seconds wouldn’t start ticking again. Unfortunately, Emilia had to go, so she pulled away only to give Narias the most passionate kiss she had ever given him.

“I promise I will wait for that day to come, Narias,” Emilia said, smiling happily.

“I’ll see you soon,” Narias said, sounding like they will see each other tomorrow again.

After that, Emilia turned to say goodbye to the rest of her friends one las time.

“I’ll be off now. Make sure to work hard and win the Magic Power Games everyone,” Emilia spoke to the rest of the group.

In all honesty, Emilia had already said goodbyes to everyone before her dad and Narias came back. Still, the hugs and tears in her eyes didn’t make it easier for anyone. However, nobody accepted Emilia leaving today as if they would never see her again. All of them made it sound like it was a temporary thing and Emilia will be back before anyone knows it. Everyone kept the act up until Emilia stepped into the carriage her father was waiting for her in and even until it rode off. Only then Ileena, Flavia, Flamiris, Nicky and Growly turned to Narias with a rather sad expressions on their faces. To their biggest surprise, Narias wasn’t looking sad at all. He had a new determination burning in his eyes and everyone could see it.

“The Magic Power Games start tomorrow. We need to be fully prepared for it and I intend to win,” Narias stated, his words sending shivers down everyone’s spines.

“You mean... we will win it, Narias,” Ileena corrected him.

“For sure, partner,” Flavia added with the biggest smile on her face.

“Emilia might be your girlfriend, but she is our friend too,” Nicky pointed out.

“We’ll blast our way to victory,” Flamiris declared, flames jumping into her eyes.

“Let’s win,” Growly added last, feeling pumped,