Chapter 16

“And the winner is Audrey Celestine!” The announcer called out.

I shook my opponent’s hand and smiled brightly. “Thank you for the fight!” The young lady’s face flushed red as she looked down. “Are you feeling alright? Should we get you to the doctor?” I asked worriedly, but the lady only shook her head vigorously

“N-No, I’m perfectly fine! Thanks for the concern!” She said quickly before rushing off the field and cradling her hand. I hope she isn’t injured… I soon followed suit and was greeted by my friend. It feels fantastic to say that!

“Great job out there,” Lucia said with a smirk. “Though it seems you’re just as adept at winning hearts as winning fights.” I quirked my head in confusion as I wiped my face with a towel, and the knight only sighed. “You’re so dense, I swear.”

I opened my mouth to object when I heard someone call my name from behind.

“Lady Audrey!” My little sister rushed up to me and threw her arms around me. “Your magic is so amazing! Congratulations on your victory!” She said excitedly while looking up at me. Her large green eyes sparkled so much that I had to turn my gaze away. How can she be so adorable!?

“Thank you so much, Sasha. I’m surprised you recognized me.” I said while twirling my newly brown hair around a finger. Sasha smiled at me while breaking the hug. “Ah, I wasn’t sure at first, but once I got closer, I just knew it was you! Why did you change your hair, if I may ask?” I hummed in thought for a moment before responding.

“I’m in disguise!” I raised a finger to my lips and winked. “But you can’t tell anyone, okay?” She giggled a little and nodded, so I gave her a couple of pats on the head.

“Alright! But you know I’m not a kid, right?” She pouted a little as I removed my hand from her soft-brown hair.

“You’re only twelve; that qualifies,” I said, and she looked away.

“I guess it’s fine if it’s you,” she muttered, and I couldn’t help but smile. I had some time to rest before my next match, so we moved to sit under a canopy that had been set up on the sidelines. Lucia stood guard behind us as we chatted about nothing in particular and watched as the next set of matches started.

“I wonder who my next opponent will be!” I said excitedly. I was having so much fun today, fighting so many different people. As Lydia had said, none of them were as skilled as my regular sparring partners, so I had been winning quite handily. Even so, I still put in my best effort. I haven’t thought about it, but my friends are truly exceptional… I got so lost in my thoughts I didn’t even notice a fourth person join our group.

“Hello, Lady Celestine,” Yuzuki said with a smile as she sat on the other side of Sasha. “It seems you and I will compete in the next round.”

“Really?! I wasn’t aware you were participating, Yuzuki!” My enthusiasm seemed to shake her, judging by her expression. Sasha covered her mouth, and I heard Lucia break into a sudden coughing fit. “W-What?” I asked indignantly.

“You’re usually quite cheerful, Lady Celestine. But you seem especially full of energy today.” the dark-haired girl said, and my sister cut in.

“Is this your first time seeing her fight?” Sasha said while still trying to stifle her laugh. “Lady Audrey is quite the battle junkie.”

“I-Is that so?”

A groan escaped me at her words. “Not you, too! Lydia said the same thing!” I hugged my knees to my chest. “Just because I enjoy fighting doesn’t make me a junkie!” And the other girls shared an amused look at my denial.

“Well, as I was saying.” Yuzuki continued after clearing her throat. “If we both continue our winning streaks, we’ll meet in the finals.”

“I’ll look forward to it!” excitement laced my voice again. “Oh, what kind of magic do you use?”

Yuzuki looked at me with a strange smile. “Why would I give away information like that to my opponent?” I thumped my fist to my other hand.

“That’s a good point! Never mind, don’t tell me!” The prospect of fighting and overcoming the surprise started getting my blood pumping.

“You really are quite strange, Lady Celestine,” Yuzuki said amusedly before she covered her mouth in realization. “Pardon me, that was rude of me.”

“Not at all! We’re friends, after all, right?” I said with a grin.

“Friends?” she paused momentarily before a slight smile appeared. “I suppose we are.”

Sasha pulled on my sleeve, her eyes swirling with anxiety. “Are we friends, as well?” she asked, and I patted her head again out of reflex.

“Of course we are, but you’re also more like a little sister to me.” She beamed happily at my response.

A while later, Yuzuki and I stood to report to our respective matches

“You better not lose to anyone else.” She said.

“Of course not. I’ll see you in the final round!” I mentally prepared myself for the next match. I had three more until I faced Yuzuki. I can’t wait! I thought as I faced my next opponent.

“Match, Start!”

***Meanwhile***

“I wonder how Audrey’s faring,” I said aloud while waiting for my next match. Leah handed me a cup of water before replying.

“I’m sure she’s having no trouble.”

“Well, I doubt she’d lose… I just hope she’s keeping her excitement in check.” Leah smirked at my remark, and I couldn’t help but laugh a bit as well. I ran my hand over the hilt of my sword and focused on the ongoing matches. Both tournaments should be wrapping up soon, and I would be one of the finalists for physical combat.

I leaned back in my chair and let out a sigh. “I’m exhausted…”

“Will you be alright for the finals?” my lady-in-waiting asked, concerned.

“Oh, yes. I’m fine physically. I know it was my idea… but I would’ve loved to cheer Audrey on.” I had been breezing through the competition but didn’t have the same love for fighting as my girlfriend, so I’d been a bit bored all day. That’s mean of me to say, though…

“You’ve got the look of someone missing their lover, my lady.” I glared at her accurate but unnecessary statement. “Ah, young love is so sweet.” She sighed dramatically with a hand on her cheek.

“You know, maybe I’ll have you switch with Lucia. At least she keeps the teasing in her head.”

“Just give it time, my lady. Would you like me to get her, then?”

I saw her brown eyes dancing with amusement, and I resigned myself. “No, it’s fine. Be thankful your master loves you so.”

“I am every day.”

Silence fell over us as the current matches wrapped up, and the students shuffled around the fields. Suddenly, a shiver moved down my spine, and my mind sharpened to focus on my surroundings. The quiet between my servant and I wasn’t the source of my apprehension. I sensed Leah’s wind magic move quickly through the area and waited a few minutes before asking.

“Did you find them?”

“My apologies. I could not locate the source; It felt like it was coming from everywhere and nowhere at once.” She bowed, her black hair falling over her face. The feeling had faded, so I waved it off with a hand. Nobody else seemed to notice, so there was no point in making a big deal of it.

“It doesn’t seem we’re in immediate danger. Just keep an eye out while I win this tournament.” I heard the announcer call for the final matches but paused on my way to the field. “Inform Lucia and have Audrey wait in the dorm. I don’t want her anywhere near this.”

“With all due respect, my lady. Audrey would be a massive help, and she won’t like being kept in the dark.” We stared at each other for a few seconds while the announcer made the last call for participants. Finally, Leah averted her eyes and bowed. “Understood, my lady.”

I turned, went to the field, and waited for the announcer to start the match. My eyes widened as I saw who my opponent would be.

“Let the finals begin! Her Highness, Lydia Venyth, against Isaac Beldonna!” So many feelings whirled in my chest as I looked at my childhood friend. I haven’t interacted with him since the opening ceremony, and who knows how long before that? He’s always avoiding me… At the thought, one emotion rose above the rest.

“Match, Start!” At the call, I launched myself at him. I usually take a calmer approach, but I just couldn’t hold myself back anymore. He dodged the initial sweep of my blade, backing up a couple of steps, But I didn’t allow him any time to recover as I lunged forward with a quick stab. He parried my blade and sidestepped the following swing.

“Stand still and let me hit you, you jerk!” I yelled unconsciously while another of my attacks was blocked. The tournament itself faded away as I focused on him alone.

“You seem a bit upset, Your Highness. Have I done something to offend you?” His cold response only infuriated me more. Even through the haze of anger, my training ensured I made no mistakes. After all, I had been trained by the best since I was little. While I was much more proficient with magic than the sword, I could still beat someone like Isaac on muscle memory. Yet I haven’t landed a single blow…

“Don’t play dumb with me. You know exactly why!” my flurry of strikes never let up, but his defense was nearly perfect. It’s almost as if he knows exactly where my blade is going! He caught an overhand swing on the hilt of his sword and spoke.

“I know you’re angry with me, Lydia. But please calm down. You are still a royal, and we have an audience.” His eyes softened as he said my name, and I froze in shock. It lasted only a moment before I jumped backward for some distance.

“W-Why? How can you still look at me like that? After all this time?” Ever since we entered the academy, he’s given me the cold shoulder. Only interacting with me to maintain the bare minimum of noble etiquette. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Now isn’t the time for this… The anger coursing through me faded, and I calmly raised my blade. “Never mind, it no longer matters.”

I moved slowly towards him, looking for any opening in his stance. A swing at his side was parried, and he finally counter-attacked. I let his blade collide with mine as he briefly struggled for the upper hand.

“I know I hurt you. Please know I had no other choice.” He spoke again as we exchanged a few light attacks.

“You threw away our entire relationship! You told me you loved me, then discarded me, and that’s all you have to say!?” Isaac’s movements started to slow as our fight wore on. He’s tiring out…

“But I’m not the person you’re meant to love!” His voice was raw, filled with frustration. “You must know that by now!” I delivered a hard underhand swing, knocking his weapon out of his hands. He fell backward to the ground and looked up at me as I held the tip of my weapon over his throat.

“You’re right. But there’s no way you could have known that back then.” The announcer called my victory, and I sheathed my blade. “Even now, you refuse to be honest with me, Isaac. I guess our friendship meant nothing to you, after all.” I turned my back on him and walked away. I couldn’t even appreciate the cheering of the crowd as I left the field, yet I didn’t cry. He doesn’t deserve any more of my tears.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

***

I watched as Lydia walked away, leaving me on the ground. The pain in my chest threatened to burst out, but I held it back as I slowly stood and dusted myself off. Even now, you look so beautiful to me… But this is for your sake. When we were younger, I had tried desperately to find a different path, but this had been the only way to ensure she would be genuinely happy in the end. There will be a lot of grief and pain ahead of her, and only one person will be able to heal Lydia when the time comes. Even if it isn’t me… I would do anything to make her happy.

“Because I never stopped loving you, and I always will,” I muttered as I gazed at the setting sun.

***

“The final match is Yuzuki Hina against Audrey Celestine!” I waved excitedly to Yuzuki across the field as the announcer set up the match. The black-haired girl returned a small wave, and we both moved into a ready stance as the announcer called out. “Match, Start!”

I threw a few water blades at her to see her response, and she met them with an identical attack. The blades collided mid-air and exploded into a fine mist. So, water magic, is it? But something about her attitude before made me keep my guard up. My attacks were being met with perfect defense, putting us at a standstill. I’m not using my stella, but even still. It’s impressive she’s able to match me so well. After having an easy time through most of the tournament, finally having a challenge was exhilarating!

As we ran around the field, launching various spells at each other, a dirt wall suddenly appeared in my path. I managed to stop in time but was slow to react to an oncoming water arrow. While I softened the blow by creating a thin barrier to disperse the impact, it still knocked me to the ground. Was that a duel cast? Amazing! And she was two affinities! I also had affinities besides water, but holy magic was more suited for support, and we couldn’t figure out my third one. Needless to say, my focus in training had been on my primary magic.

I scrambled to my feet to avoid a follow-up attack and moved to close the distance. I also have tricks up my sleeve! I rolled under a waterblade, and Yuzuki’s eyes widened as she realized my intent. I sensed mana moving under my feet and jumped to the side as an earth spike shot from where I had been standing—water shot from my feet, launching me in the air to close the remaining distance. I’d come to understand that most mages preferred to launch spells from range, but it was probably due to my sword training that I developed a close-quarters combat style, even with magic.

I readied to launch a water arrow directly into her, but as I touched the ground, something emerged from the earth and wrapped around my body.

“Wha-What? Are these tree roots?!” I sputtered, completely bound in place. Yuzuki swiftly moved away from me before talking. There goes my plan…

“It’s plant magic, a specialty of the Hina clan. I hadn’t planned to use it today, but you really forced my hand.” She smiled wryly at me, and I couldn’t help but be amazed.

“You’re incredible, Yuzuki! First with the duel casting, and now a combination magic?! I’d hate to go against you in a real fight!” I was trying to escape while we spoke, but the roots were tough, and it seemed cutting them with base water magic wouldn’t work.

“You really are unbelievable… The other girls were right.” I gave a pout at her smirk. What if I pull the water out of the roots? When I tried, I could feel my mana colliding with hers. Ah, I almost have it! Sorry, Yuzuki, I’m going to cheat a bit! I infused a touch of stella into my magic and felt her mana give way. “Apologies, Lady Celestine. I don’t want to hit you while you’re immobilized; it would be best if you forfeit—” She froze in shock as the roots started to decay, and I broke the now brittle restraints.

“You almost had me there!” I said with a grin. “But I made a promise to Lydia, so I can’t go losing now!” Her eyes widened as I launched a water bird her way. It shattered through a dirt wall she had created, forcing her to dodge to the side. My attack adjusted course to pursue her, but multiple layers of roots shot out of the ground, and the bird only managed to pierce one layer before losing its form.

“What in the heavens was that!?” She shouted at me, her usual demeanor nowhere to be seen. “Water magic shouldn’t be that strong!” I smiled sheepishly at her and scratched my cheek. I infused it with my stella… but I can’t tell her that.

“Let’s just say you’re not the only one with hidden talents!” I raised my hands in the air, and soon, a lake’s worth of water was hovering over the field. Maintaining that much water was difficult, but I used my divinity to reinforce it. “Let’s see if you can defend this!” Before I could release it, however, Yuzuki held her hand up frantically.

“I-I Surrender! Surrender!”

Frowning in disappointment, I dispelled the water. “Aw, I was having so much fun, too!”

“That’s absurd, Lady Celestine!” Yuzuki rushed up to me, her black eyes distraught. “I’ve never met a mage who could conjure so much magic!” It was then I realized that the announcer had yet to call the match, and as I scanned the crowd, everyone was in silent disbelief, and Leah and Lucia were facepalming. Oh, Leah’s here! The foolish thought distracted me from realizing I may have gone overboard.

It took a few moments, but the announcer finally called the match. “A-And Audrey Celestine is the victor!” The crowd broke out into a rowdy cheer as Yuzuki and I made our way to the attendants.

When we arrived, Lucia took my hand, dragging me to the dorm room to escape the crowd trying to get my attention.

“What were you thinking?” Leah lectured me as soon as the door closed. “The deal was that you could participate as long as you didn’t draw attention to yourself!”

I shrunk in on myself. “I-I’m sorry! I was just enjoying myself so much! And I promise Lydia I’d win!” My excuses only garnered a sign from the lady-in-waiting.

“Well, we should have expected as much… Luckily, the royal family should be able to smooth things over.”

Realizing that I caused trouble for Lydia’s family made me feel even worse. “I’ll be more careful next time. I’m truly sorry…”

“As long as you understand.” She patted me on the head in consolation.

“You make such a good older sister, Leah,” I said, and she only laughed.

“I’m well aware. My lady has always been quite the handful.” She and Lucia moved to leave. “Speaking of, my lady wants you to wait for her here. She needs us to help her with something, but we’ll be back soon.”

“Huh? I can’t come with you?” My sadness was evident as both Lucia and Leah shook their heads.

“Not this time. Please just wait for us.” There was something in her tone that worried me, but if that was what Lydia wanted…

“Oh… Alright then.” And I sat on the bed as they left. A few minutes later, I decided to get myself cleaned up. I took my time showering and washing the dye out of my hair, But when it came time to change, I wore a fresh uniform instead of getting ready for bed. The restlessness in my chest just wouldn’t go away, and my ears listened intently for any noise in the hallway, but I heard only the occasional student.

“What could they be doing?”

***

“I’m happy to report that Audrey won the magic branch. Though she caused quite the commotion while doing so.” Leah said when I met up with her and Lucia. I smiled at the news.

“She’s quite a troublesome one, huh? I’m sure she’s excited about her victory.” We walked to the forested area right behind the academy campus and chatted. The royal family technically owned it, but the academy used it for training exercises.

“That she was, my lady.” Leah paused and bit her lip. “Forgive me for asking again, but are you sure it was wise not to involve her?” Her question caused me to grit my teeth. I knew rationally that having Audrey here would dramatically increase our chances of success. Still, I just couldn’t bring myself to put her in harm's way, especially against an enemy with unknown capabilities.

All my brothers' reports said he could create duplicates of himself and escape through shadows. The assassin only exchanged a few blows with my brothers before fleeing once the rest of his group was routed, so we didn’t even know his full capabilities.

“How can I protect her if I can’t even defend myself?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

“My lady…” I raised a hand to stop Leah from speaking, and all three of us quickly put our backs together. That feeling was back and even stronger than before. Lucia drew her blade, preemptively covering herself in a strong water barrier. Gusts of wind blew all over the little clearing we had entered, searching for our assailant while flames wreathed my body. I kept the intensity down and directed the heat away from my attendants as my eyes scanned the trees.

The sun was nearly set, dyeing the world orange and stretching the shadows all around us.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.” A cackling voice echoed throughout the trees, and a figure slowly emerged from behind a tree. I launched a fireball into him, and it dispersed like a veil of mist. “Is that how you royals always greet your guests? The princes did the same thing.” My tongue clicked in frustration.

“Though, you won’t fare as well as they did.” A glint flashed as a knife flew from the treeline toward me, but it soon lost all momentum as the wind gathered and redirected it.

“You’ll have to get through us first!” Leah shouted. “I won’t let you hurt my lady.”

“On my honor as a knight, it’s you who won’t see the sun rise again.” My attendant's resolve was plain to see, and I smiled to myself. Laughter filled the forest as the assassin mocked us.

“Do the three little ladies think they can do what the princes and the whole royal guard failed at? How… admirable.” Projectiles launched from the forest again, this time towards Lucia. She quickly deflected them with the flat of her blade, and three needles fell to the grass.

“Poison needles, Your Highness. Please be careful.” Suddenly, a volley of knives flew our way from all directions.

“Get down!” I shouted, and my attendants hit the dirt as I whirled in a circle—a storm of fire shot from my hand, melting some of the weapons, while the rest seemed to fade away like the figure from before. He can create duplicate weapons, too?!

“Hey! I only have so many knives on me! I’d appreciate it if you didn’t melt them like that!” I flared in anger at his taunts.

“Then show yourself, and I’ll only melt you!” It was childish of me to respond, but I couldn’t help it. I despise being underestimated!

“Oh? Is that all you want?” Leah gasped in shock, and I turned to see a knife lodged into her lower back. The black of her uniform started to turn red as I screamed.

“No! You bastard!” Leah fell to her knees, reached around, and pulled the knife out with a cry of pain. Where did the attack come from?! I frantically moved to stop the bleeding. “I’m sorry, Leah. This is going to hurt.” I cauterized the wound with my magic while Lucia stood guard.

“D-Don’t worry, he didn’t hit anything vital,” Leah said between haggard breaths. “I am still able to fight!” She tried to stand, but her legs had no strength. The assassin's voice echoed around us again, this time in unhinged laughter.

“Do you think I would strike her with a clean blade?” he said before suddenly quieting.

“Of course, it was poisoned. Damn it!” I struck the ground in frustration.

“P-Please, my lady. I will help as long as I am conscious, even if I cannot stand.” She held herself sitting, still circulating wind magic in search of our attacker. “I’m sorry I won’t be of more use.” I nodded reluctantly. I didn’t know how long the poison would take to circulate through her body, so I had to end this fast.

“Oh, how touching! Would you like another try at catching me?” And that's when I saw it. Lucia’s shadow became darker, and a blade struck out at her. Luckily, I didn’t have to say anything, as the knight had also noticed it. She swung downwards, hitting the knife away and grazing the shadowed hand that held it. The hand retracted, and her shadow returned to normal.

“Those are some quick reflexes you got there, Miss Knight! I almost lost a finger!” His tone was manic, and it sent shivers down my spine. This man is genuinely insane! Any respectable assassin would have killed us already. But this man is toying with us and enjoying every minute of it. “You did say the attendants would have to go first, so sit back and watch as I kill them!” A shadow from a nearby tree elongated and launched itself toward Lucia.

It rose above the ground, solidifying into a spear as it flew, but the knight was able to deflect it with her sword. But she was soon under a barrage of attacks from shadow spears and physical weapons.

“Don’t worry about me, Your Highness!” She shouted as I moved to help. “Take Leah and get out of here!” Lucia was only just barely holding her own, and I’m sure it would only take a second for the assassin to finish her off if I tried to escape.

My head was filled with a million thoughts, and I couldn’t focus. I stared at my bloodied hand and began to get dizzy. W-What is happening?! The world spun around me, but my attention was drawn back to Lucia as she cried out in pain. In no time, she was covered in cuts, and one of her eyes was squeezed shut as blood ran down her face. I stood frozen as a knife buried itself into her leg, and she knelt in agony.

Was I always this helpless?

Lucia raised a tired arm and barely deflected an incoming shadow.

Did I really think I could accomplish anything?

Leah collapsed onto her side, her breathing coming in shallow gasps as she finally lost consciousness.

I knew nothing of real combat… How horrifying

A shadow flew at an exhausted Lucia, aimed right at her heart.

No. no. no, please! NO!

I screamed and reached toward my knight.

Is this the end? All I did was lead them to their death!

Suddenly, a knife flashed. It was different from the rest, and it collided with the shadow, redirecting it just before it could pierce Lucia’s chest. The attacks ceased as the assassin made a confused sound.

Pull yourself together, Lydia! You wanted to change the kingdom, right?! How could you let yourself die here? Think! How can you fight back?!

The shadows… he is materializing shadows to attack!

But what if there were no shadows to use?

I had no idea if it would even work, but it was the only option I had. I raised a hand and released my magic. White hot flames shot into the air and spread over the three of us in a dome. I pushed all the heat towards the outside and focused on burning the fire so bright it erased all the shadows within.

The assassin cursed, and I could see shadows attempting to break through my barrier, but the light was so intense it erased them. Any physical weapons evaporated before even hitting the fire.

“This won’t stop me! How long do you think you can possibly keep up such powerful magic? All I have to do is wait for you to tire yourself out!” I ignored his words as I carefully dragged Lucia to the center, where Leah was.

“M-My apologies, Y-Your Highness. It seems I was too weak.” She forced out while I gave her wounds the same treatment I did for Leah. I shushed her while fighting back tears.

“Nonsense, it was simply a bad matchup.”

“F-Forgive me…” I brushed her sky-blue hair as she passed out, and I laid her head gently on the ground. The intense mana requirement to keep up the barrier was already affecting me as I tried to think of a solution. I still had no idea where his real body even was, and I had no way of attacking without releasing the barrier. I had essentially trapped us. All I could do was hope the light from my flames would draw attention.

***

How long has it been? I’m almost out of mana... The sun was no longer visible, and as the curtain of night fell, so did my barrier start to weaken. The only upside was that it made my flames even more visible, but it didn’t seem like it was going to matter. I strained the last of my magic as the flames started to flicker out.

“A valiant effort, but I’ve lost interest in our little game. Goodbye, Princess.” The assassin’s voice rang out one last time as multiple shadows rushed towards us, able to break through the weakened fire. I stared up at the stars, my tears mixing with the sweat of maintaining the barrier.

I’m so sorry, Audrey. Please forgive me for leaving you behind…, and I closed my eyes as the end approached.