After finishing lunch, Luna and Aria strolled back to their classroom, their footsteps echoing through the corridors of the Neoforge Academy. The cool air and calm atmosphere complemented Aria's noticeably enthusiastic mood, her thoughts still buzzing over the scene they'd witnessed in the cafeteria.

"Luna! You realize what just happened back there, right?" Aria asked, her tone bubbling with excitement.

Luna gave her a sidelong glance, maintaining her usual calm expression. "Which part are you talking about, Aria?"

Aria waved her hand as if Luna had just said something absurd. "Obviously, Akira's confession! He practically declared his interest in you in front of everyone!" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if waiting for a dramatic reaction from Luna.

Luna offered a small smile, carefully masking her true emotions. Though outwardly calm, she'd been caught off guard by Akira's unexpected words in the cafeteria. Still, she knew it was best to keep her composure—no one could suspect who she truly was.

"He's probably just curious," Luna replied nonchalantly. "Maybe he felt something strange around me."

Aria scoffed, clearly dissatisfied with Luna's dismissive response. "Curious? Are you kidding me? He openly said he was interested in you! That's not something you just say lightly, especially with so many people around."

Luna kept her soft smile, her expression unchanging. "You're overthinking it, Aria. Besides, I know why Akira felt that way."

Aria's eyes widened, her interest piqued. "Wait, you know?"

Luna nodded slowly, reaching into a small pouch tied to her waist. She pulled out a small, crystal-like object shaped like an oval. It looked unassuming but shimmered subtly in the light. "This," Luna explained, showing it to Aria.

Aria gazed at it with intense curiosity. "What is that, Luna? It looks really old."

"It's called a liotin," Luna said in a soft, clear voice. "It's a family heirloom. The magic Akira sensed earlier probably came from this. Sometimes, it gives off a powerful magical energy."

Aria's eyes widened with amazement. "So the powerful magic Akira felt... wasn't from you, but from this liotin?"

Luna nodded, her gentle smile persisting. "Exactly. Akira just misinterpreted it. This liotin is an ancient magical artifact passed down in my family. It's strong enough to cause misunderstandings like this."

Aria sighed in relief. "Thank goodness… I was worried you were hiding something. But I guess Akira really did misunderstand." She paused, then her eyes sparkled again. "But wait, Luna! What if Akira isn't only interested because of the magic—what if he's actually drawn to… you?"

Luna looked at her, slightly confused by the turn in the conversation. "What do you mean, Aria?"

Aria skipped ahead a bit, walking faster so she could look Luna directly in the eye. "Look at you, Luna! You're graceful, polite, and elegant… almost like a noble, even though you said you're just an ordinary person. Your long black hair is so beautiful, and the way you carry yourself… it's so refined. It's no wonder Akira would be interested!"

Hearing Aria's enthusiastic praise caught Luna a little off guard, though her face remained composed. She wasn't used to receiving compliments like this, especially not with the intensity Aria was showing. But inside, she felt a hint of anxiety. Did she really stand out as much as Aria said, even though she tried to blend in?

"Aria, you're exaggerating," Luna replied in a calm tone, trying to defuse the situation. "Akira probably just felt the magic and got curious. Nothing more than that."

"No way, Luna!" Aria came closer, her voice turning serious. "I mean it. You're a very attractive person. Even as your friend, I can see there's something special about you. You're so calm and confident, even here in Neoforge. And trust me, Akira must have noticed it too."

Luna paused, processing Aria's words. Deep down, she knew Aria wasn't entirely wrong. She had indeed worked hard to maintain a calm and controlled image, just as she used to as a princess. But it was essential for her not to draw too much attention—especially from others like Akira.

"Aria, I appreciate your thoughts, but I don't think I'm that special," Luna finally said, humbly. "Besides, I'm here to learn, not to stand out."

Aria chuckled lightly and shrugged. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. But still, don't be surprised if more people start showing an interest in you. Akira's probably just the first in a long line, especially if you keep acting like this."

Luna took a long breath, trying not to dwell too much on Aria's words. "I really hope there won't be any unnecessary drama. I prefer a peaceful life."

"But if any drama comes up, I'll be right there to back you up!" Aria replied with a big smile. "We're friends, after all!"

Luna couldn't help but smile back, her heart warming a bit. Aria's sincerity and boundless energy made her feel a little relieved. Though she couldn't share all her deepest secrets with Aria, it was comforting to have a supportive friend by her side. Yet a pang of guilt lingered within her, knowing she had to keep her true identity hidden from Aria.

When they entered the classroom, the atmosphere shifted to one of excited anticipation. Within seconds, their classmates crowded around Luna, bombarding her with eager whispers and questions, all about the scene in the cafeteria with Akira.

"Luna, is it true Akira Yoshitsuki confessed his feelings to you in front of everyone?" one girl exclaimed, clutching her hands excitedly. Her eyes sparkled, as though watching a scene from a romance novel.

"We heard everything from people who were there! How did you two get so close all of a sudden?" chimed another girl, her curiosity palpable.

"He couldn't have mistaken you for someone else, right? I mean, this is Akira Yoshitsuki we're talking about—the great mage from one of the founding families!" added yet another, fueling the crowd's excitement even more.

Though Luna felt a flash of irritation, she kept her face calm. Inside, she couldn't help but think of Akira. This was all his fault, she thought. If only he hadn't said something so strange in front of everyone.

In the corner of the room, Aria watched the commotion with a wide grin. "Look at you, Luna! I've trained you well!" she said jokingly, while Luna shot her a deadpan look. Relishing the moment, Aria joined her with renewed enthusiasm. "You know, Luna, this is the first time I've seen you surrounded like this! You're truly popular now."

"Aria, stop exaggerating," Luna replied quietly, trying to keep her embarrassment in check. "This is all because of Akira Yoshitsuki and his... ridiculous comments."

"But, but…," Aria giggled. "They're all curious, and it's not every day you see this happen. You know Akira is usually so reserved. Seeing him talk to anyone outside his family is rare!"

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"Well, I guess I should feel honored, then?" Luna joked dryly, her tone laced with sarcasm. Meanwhile, the girls around her bombarded her with more questions about Akira's "confession."

"Come on, Luna! What exactly did he say to you?" one girl pressed eagerly.

Luna sighed. "Honestly, he didn't say it the way you think. I'm pretty sure there's been some kind of misunderstanding."

But logical explanations weren't what the girls wanted. The story that had been spun was far more interesting, and Luna could only offer a small, strained smile as she wracked her brain for a way to escape this attention she'd never asked for.

***

Meanwhile, in another hallway, Akira was walking to class, with Kurumi by his side, grumbling non-stop.

"I can't believe you actually did that, Akira," Kurumi scolded, her tone a blend of frustration and worry. "You have no shame. Don't you realize the girls in this school are probably buzzing with gossip by now? Why did you go and say something so strange to Luna?"

Akira flashed a small, guilt-free smile. "I didn't say anything strange. I just wanted to know more about her powers, Kurumi. She's not an ordinary mage, that much is obvious."

"'Wanting to know more'?" Kurumi echoed skeptically. "That's no reason to approach her like... like someone infatuated!"

"But that wasn't my intent. You know I was only intrigued by her abilities. When I sensed them, I realized she wasn't just any student here at Neoforge. Her energy is different."

Kurumi let out a heavy sigh, trying to temper her irritation. "Akira, listen. This isn't just about power or abilities. You spoke to a girl without considering the consequences. Anyway, I didn't feel anything particularly unusual about her. To me, Luna just seems like an ordinary Neoforge girl." Kurumi paused, then reluctantly added in a softer tone, "Well… maybe a bit prettier and more graceful... but just a bit."

Akira chuckled at the hint of jealousy in her voice. "Oh, only a bit prettier?"

Kurumi turned away, her cheeks flushing slightly. "That's beside the point! What's important is that you need to be more careful with your words! You rarely leave home or interact with others, so maybe it's understandable, but you can't just say things like that to a girl!"

"Kurumi, I get what you're saying," Akira replied with a sigh. "But I can't ignore my own abilities. I can sense people's emotions and energy. When I first encountered her at the entrance ceremony, I felt a powerful energy from her—one she may not even realize she has."

"But is that really enough of a reason?" Kurumi countered. "Akira, this isn't just about power. It's about understanding boundaries when talking to others, especially in public. You can't act so mysteriously and make everyone think you're interested in her romantically."

Akira looked ahead thoughtfully, taking in Kurumi's words. "Kurumi, there are things in this world far greater than social boundaries. If Luna has hidden powers, I can't just let that go. And… maybe this is something that's just hard to explain."

Kurumi sighed in frustration. "Maybe so, Akira, but... you still need to be more careful. You didn't have to say anything in public. Now look—everyone's talking about you and Luna. You know that's not something you can just ignore."

Akira suppressed a smile, imagining the reactions of his classmates and realizing he'd unintentionally stirred things up. "Alright, Kurumi. I'll be more careful. Maybe you're right; I was a bit too blunt. But I just want to know more. If Luna truly possesses that level of power, it could change a lot of things."

Kurumi looked slightly relieved, though a trace of worry remained on her face. "I hope you mean that, Akira. Even though magical power is important, remember that we're more than just mages—we're people with feelings and connections to others. So… maybe take some time to learn about how to interact with others."

Akira offered a warm smile. "Kurumi, thank you. You always remind me of what really matters. Maybe… I do need to learn to be a bit more careful."

Kurumi gave a small nod, looking reassured by her brother's words. "Good. Now, let's head to class, and please try not to cause any more commotions, okay?"

Akira just smiled and followed her lead. Despite the unintended stir he'd caused, he couldn't help but remain curious about Luna. That power… could it be that she really didn't know?

***

Class finally ended, and Luna and Aria walked out of the school together. They chatted briefly along the way, exchanging a few words about today's lessons and laughing about the cafeteria incident that morning.

"This morning was pretty wild, wasn't it?" Aria chuckled. "The whole school was buzzing about you and Akira."

Luna sighed, shrugging as she slipped her hands into her pockets. "I just hope I can forget about it soon. It was all just a misunderstanding anyway."

Aria laughed, giving Luna a playful pat on the back. "It's a good story, you know? You're lucky, Luna. Most people would love that kind of attention."

Luna simply smiled a little as they continued on their way home. When they reached the familiar intersection where their paths diverged, Aria tapped Luna's shoulder in a farewell gesture.

"We go our separate ways from here. See you tomorrow, Luna!"

"Yeah, see you," Luna replied briefly, waving to Aria.

Once home, Luna—or rather, Ellora, her true name—placed her bag neatly by the door and walked into the cozy living room. The house was modest, but warm and comfortable—something she deeply appreciated after leaving the grand halls of Evernoir Palace. She noticed the house was empty and guessed that Arianne, who always returned with her, might be picking up Lily from school.

Soon after, the front door opened, and Arianne's gentle voice filled the room. "Lady Ellora, we're back."

Arianne stepped into the living room with a young girl at her side—Lily, who looked mildly disinterested. With her straight black hair and serious expression, Lily glanced briefly at Ellora with a cool gaze before heading to her room without a word.

"Lily…" Ellora glanced after her and offered a faint smile, though Lily quickly looked away and walked off.

Ellora sighed, giving Arianne a puzzled look. "Arianne, did something happen with Lily at school? She seems a bit upset."

Arianne looked down, worry clouding her expression. "Lily… she's doing fine at school, Lady Ellora. It's just… she's been different since we left Evernoir. Life here is very different, and she might not be used to the new environment yet."

"Even if that's the case, she acts as if she resents her own sister." Ellora shook her head, feeling a bit helpless. "I just don't know what to do about her attitude."

Arianne lowered her head, looking guilty. "I'm sorry, Lady Ellora. I feel that maybe I haven't been able to help her adjust well enough. But I'll keep trying."

Ellora gave her a soft look. "Don't blame yourself, Arianne. You've helped more than enough. Maybe she's only managing to feel at ease here because of you."

Arianne looked reassured, a small smile lifting her face. "Thank you, Lady Ellora. I'll do my best."

Night fell, and when dinner was ready, only Ellora and Arianne sat at the table. As usual, Lily preferred to stay in her room. After a while, Arianne got up to bring Lily's meal to her, leaving Ellora alone at the table.

With the quiet settling around her, Ellora lowered her head slightly, then murmured softly, "Katya."

Almost instantly, a woman with long black hair and a poised, sharp gaze appeared beside her. Katya was a mysterious figure who had loyally served Ellora since her days in Evernoir Palace, and, as always, she appeared swiftly and silently.

"Lady Ellora, is there something I can assist you with?" Katya asked, her voice respectful and calm.

Ellora looked at her with a serious expression. "I need information on the Yoshitsuki family, one of the major mage families in Aurelius. Specifically, about two family members, Akira and Kurumi."

Katya listened attentively, then nodded without hesitation. "Understood, Lady Ellora. I will gather the information you need."

Just then, soft footsteps sounded on the stairs. Arianne reappeared, having finished delivering Lily's meal. She looked surprised to see Katya, then quickly smiled. "Oh, excuse me, Katya. I didn't know you were here."

Katya returned Arianne's smile, her usual stern face softening a little. "Not at all, Arianne. You're not interrupting anything."

Arianne gave a small, shy nod. "Alright, then. I'll head to my room. Have a good night, Lady Ellora, Katya."

Ellora nodded. "Thank you, Arianne. Rest well."

After Arianne left, Katya watched her go briefly before turning back to Ellora. "She's still as shy as she was back in Evernoir. But that might be why Lady Lily is comfortable around her."

Ellora gave a small smile. "True. Arianne has a kind heart. I hope her presence can help Lily open up a bit."

Katya nodded and then bowed slightly. "Then, Lady Ellora, I will promptly handle the investigation on the Yoshitsuki family—Akira and Kurumi of the Yoshitsuki mage line."

Ellora nodded firmly, meeting Katya's gaze. "I appreciate it, Katya. I need the information as soon as possible."

With a final nod, Katya replied, "Of course, Lady Ellora." In the blink of an eye, her figure vanished soundlessly, leaving the room in her typical, elegant silence.

Ellora sat there in the quiet, mulling over the conversation that had just taken place. She knew there were many mysteries in the magical world, including Akira Yoshitsuki's power, which she had sensed earlier in the cafeteria. What did Akira perceive in her? How was he able to sense something that should have remained hidden?

Lost in thought, Ellora looked out the living room window at the dark night sky. Deep down, she sensed that her connection to the Yoshitsuki family was more than just casual curiosity. There was a mystery to be unraveled, and she was determined to learn more about the powers and secrets that lay behind that distinguished family name.

***