There was much excitement when the Headmaster made the official announcement: Thurin would participate in the Inter-School Competition.

“It’s late, but we still have time,” Nox said during a meeting with the student council. His duty never stops even while he is still recovering.

Erian nodded. “We’ve been preparing for this while you’re in the infirmary.” He scanned a sheaf of papers then handed it to Nox. “For your review. The first page lists all the students who would participate in the competition, from all seven academies. The second is for VIPs, while the third is the activities schedule.”

Nox read the list with interest. Most of the names were unknown to him, but they were quite a few that he was familiar with. “Zalthor Brugg. I’m not surprise he’s joining.” He paused as he turned to the next page, his eyebrows rising. “Lord Alzeron, wasn’t he the High General?”

“No, that’s his twin. General Vizeron. Alzeron is the former High Mage and current principal of the Thurinian Academy.”

“Ah.” Their names were so similar that Nox often mistook one for the other.

Much of the meeting was spent discussing their strategy against each Academy. Though this was a friendly tournament done every odd year to strengthen ties with the other kingdoms, it was still a tournament that would pit Wielders from one school to another. And since Faven was the host for this year, the Academy wouldn’t allow itself to be humiliated, especially against Thurin.

Such a rivalry dated back during the foundation of the Seven Academies, and from what was recorded, it was the result of the Seven Wielders’ own competitiveness with each other. Apparently, the other six were jealous of Faven.

It’s a silly rivalry. Faven was undoubtedly the strongest among them.

How do you know that?

There was no response. Nox had already expected that, so he didn’t press any further. He knew when he was being avoided.

The meeting ended an hour later, and with a strategy centering around Wielders with high endurance. “It will be an attrition,” Nox had said. “And we need to stay until the final rounds, especially against Thurin.”

The competition occupied Nox’s thoughts as the days passed, so much that during one of Estella’s lectures, it took him nearly a minute before he could realize that his lover was asking him a question.

“I’m sorry?” he said after jumping a little when Ireela nudged him.

Estella sighed. “Look, love, I know you’re daydreaming about me, but please focus on my lecture for now.”

Nox rolled his eyes while some of classmates, including Erian, snickered. “Yes, Teacher.” You don’t have to tease me like that.

Yes, but you know how much I love to tease you. “Now then, who can tell me about the advantages and disadvantages of transforming an Animarta to another form…”

The days passed swiftly. Nox continued training for the competition, and Ireela as well. She was even more driven now, her desire to make him proud evident in her rapid progress.

By the start of the third week, students from the other academies began to trickle. They arrived in batches, mostly by carriages, some in skyships. First, the Damirans, strong of body and will. Many of their Wielders were towering giants; legends said they were the descendant of a tribe of one.

The Zakrarians, meanwhile, was the exact opposite, lithe and graceful just as their skyship was. The Pantosians wouldn’t arrive until the day before the tournament, however, their ship still sailing on the river Sadir.

Accommodations were already prepared. Most would stay in Sildas’s numerous inns, while others, like the Zakrarians, would sleep on the vessels they had arrived on.

An initial welcoming feast was held, though it was simpler compare to the actual feast that would be held at Thurin’s arrival. “This competition is also a sign of friendship from Faven to Thurin,” Estella explained during dinner. The great hall was more crowded than usual, on account of the feast being held there.

“Because Faven lost the war ten years ago?” Nox said, after chewing his slice of roast rabbit.

Estella snorted. “We didn’t lose the war, love. We agreed to a truce.” She glanced around furtively, then lowered her voice. “No one else knows about this except my parents, the Headmaster, and a few people in their council, but apparently there had been a duel between my father and the Headmaster against Principal Alzeron and his twin. Guess who won?”

It wasn’t hard to guess judging by his girlfriend’s smirk. “Us,” Nox said.

“Yes! I heard that the twins surrendered after three minutes.”

Nox raised an eyebrow. He had heard about Headmaster Garion’s prowess in battle, but he never knew the king was just as skilled. It would explain Estella’s talents. “Wasn’t Thurin the one who attacked first?”

She nodded. “Just because we refused to let them annex a nearby vassal state. Brave of them, but also idiotic.”

Thuri’s people are idiots. They never learn how to determine success in battle.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Are they strong?

Yes. And without me, you’ll lose.

It wasn’t reassuring, but Nox knew that fighting was the only way to find out if their training was worth the time and effort they had spent.

The next day dawned, and with it arrived a messenger bearing great news: the Royal Family would attend the grand welcome feast.

“WHAT?” Estella’s screech filled the dining hall, prompting Lady Lyris to scold her. When the princess finally calmed down, her forehead thumped against the table. “No, no, no…” she mumbled.

“You’re acting like your father would kill me,” Nox said.

He might, considering all the things you have her do for you, and you do to her, most nights.

Shut it.

“You have no idea.” Estella looked at him, her head still on the table. “Besides, he’s the least of my worries.”

“Your sister and your stepmother can’t be worse.”

“Worse!” Estella exclaimed. “Forget about my father killing you. Those two will ruin our relationship just by talking to you!”

“You mean telling me about the embarrassing things you did in your childhood.”

He chuckled at how Estella’s face reddened. She turned away, continuing her lament about their doomed relationship.

***

On the third day, two more skyships descended from the sky.

All had gathered in the courtyard, their faces upturned. To Nox’s side, Estella was stiff, her shoulders tense. Her anxiety rolled across their Resonance like a wave. “Relax,” he murmured.

“I’m relaxed,” she said flatly. “You’re just going to meet my family. Of course I will be relaxed.”

He sighed, smiling faintly, and continued to watch the ships. A makeshift port, courtesy of Zakrarians, had been built outside academy grounds—a special privilege for both the Royal Family of Faven and the students of Thurin Academy.

Faven’s skyship arrived first, a sleek transport built for speed and leisure, though Nox could see two cannons at the fore and aft. In contrast, Thurin’s was weaponless but heavily armored.

Estella shifted on her feet as the minutes dragged on. Soon the skyship lowered into the berth, and the sails were folded. A gangplank was laid, and the red-clad Royal Guards, six of them, strode to the platform in disciplined footsteps.

And then followed the Royal Family.

Tall, broad-shouldered and proud, draped in white cape and wearing a stately gold-stitched tunic, Nox could see now whom Estella had inherited some of her traits from. Even at this distance, his face indistinct, Nox felt the king’s presence, strong and unyielding. It was enough to silence the crowd.

Two women trailed behind King Esaros. To the right was easily recognizable from her blonde tresses, almost as golden as the sun’s rays: Queen Elena. And the one beside her was most certainly the crown princess. Tall and willowy, but possessing the same proud stance, the same steel in the eyes, it was evident who was Princess Luciana’s parents.

Nox frowned. Her eyes were scanning the crowd, widening in excitement as she located Estella, then widening even more when her gaze landed on Nox. She leaned on the Queen’s ear, whispering something, and the two seemingly burst into uncontrollable giggles.

“I’m going back to my room,” Estella said. Before she could leave, Nox grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward, suddenly overcome with boldness.

I won’t forget you.

Ignoring the comment and his lover’s quiet protests, Nox waited as the Headmaster and several of the teachers, including representatives from the other academies, greeted the king. They conversed for several minutes, the Headmaster smiling and gesturing animatedly, the king nodding as he listened. When they finished, they approached the crowd, who parted before them.

Lacing his fingers with Estella, Nox strode forward, ignoring the rising murmurs. They passed a grinning Erian, then Ireela who was blushing but nodding in encouragement.

“What are you doing?” Estella whispered fiercely. Nox!

His only response was a smile.

They stopped before the procession, and all had gone silent. Queen Elena and Princess Luciana were still whispering excitedly, acting for all the world like little girls. But Nox focused his attention on the king, whose eyes bore into him like a flaming lance.

Nox bowed. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I am—“

“I know who you are, Nox Stigan.” King Esaros’s voice was calm, devoid of emotion. “My daughter has spoken highly of you.” He turned to Estella, who stood as still as a statue. “And you, daughter. Is that any way to greet your family?”

She made a faint noise in her throat. It might have been a terrified squeak, but Nox couldn’t be certain; she hid it so well, bowing immediately. “Father.” She faced her stepmother and sister, and bowed again. “Auntie. Sister.”

“Hello, dear,” Queen Elena said, smiling.

“What a charming Knight you have, Ella,” Princess Luciana was smiling even wider.

Before Estella could respond, the two women approached Nox. He bowed. “Your Majesty. Princess Luciana.”

They gasped, looking ready to faint. The queen waved a hand. “Please, just call me Auntie. Or Mother, if you prefer.”

The princess nodded vigorously. “Lucy will be fine. You’ll get used to it. Actually, you have to get used to it this instance. It would be strange if my brother-in-law treats me so formally.”

Raising an eyebrow, Nox glanced at Estella, but she was busy hiding her face with both hands. He chuckled. “Very well, Lucy. Mother.”

The women squealed in delight. Nox could almost see the crowd’s mortified expressions, including his lover, but the queen and princess had thrown their arms around him, blocking his view.

“Elena! Luciana! Composed yourselves! We are in public.” The king’s voice was firm, but weary.

They retreated immediately. “My apologies, my son, for letting my emotions get the better of me.” The queen’s expression, however, was far from apologetic. He finally understood Estella’s warning. Perhaps he should have listened, but it was too late now.

“Forgive them,” the king said, sighing. “They are simply happy that Ella has finally found someone she loves. Her skills with romantic relationships is somewhat… lacking.”

Nox nodded. “I know. She can be intimidating and aggressive.”

“A fault of mine, I’m afraid. I taught her to get what she wants no matter the cost. I didn’t teach her to respect boundaries.”

“I’m right here,” Estella interjected. They ignored her.

The king continued, “Still, I can’t accept your relationship with her, Nox Stigan. Not until I’ve seen how capable you are.” His eyes gleamed.

Estella stood in stunned silence, as did Queen Elena and Princess Luciana. Headmaster Garion and the other teachers silently watched from the side.

“You want me to become champion of the inter-school competition.” It wasn’t difficult to guess what the king wanted. It may even be the reason why he was here.

He nodded. “Just as you fought for my daughter’s honor last year as her Squire, so must you fight now for her hand, as her Knight. That’s the only way I’ll accept your feelings for her.”

Nox looked at Estella, whose eyes were wide with both shock and fury. She took a step, and through their Resonance he already knew the tirade that was forming in her mind, her lips parting to deliver it.

Do you trust me? he asked, holding her gaze firmly. She stopped to stare at him, her own fears warring with the trust she had for him born out of the obstacles they had faced last year; obstacles they had overcame together.

Yes, she answered. She opened her thoughts to him fully, making him see her fears, her hopes, her love. And he knew that she was placing everything to him, just as she did the last time.

Smiling reassuringly at her, Nox turned his attention back to the king. He saluted, fist to heart.

“Consider it done, Your Majesty.”