Wednesday.
It was finally time to start the magic training under William's teaching. Everyone from Section C has gathered around their room so early in the morning. It was unlike the other day when everyone is not that interested in learning more about magic. The affection and influence that William has completely overturned the reflection of their insecurity. Many did have an affliction with the ideology, but the most common problem that they need to worry about is how do they get to improve their own stability and will without relying too much on his partial teaching?
Aran and Huck were in their room, trying to appreciate the beauty of the ceremonious clothes that Mahrisse have purchased. It was fairly valuable to him but the thought of not having to pay for it because of his lack of funds is getting in his way of valuing it. His expression turned out to be more grouchy than usual.
"How do I look?" He asked Huck while examining his whole attire.
"Mmm! You look nice, uh... very professional, I think?" Huck gave a small remark, enough to make Aran feel some confidence in his league.
"I didn't get that much look when I wore this in the shop. The people bombarded my space and privacy," He replied still while looking himself into the mirror.
"Eh, I could see why they will do that, I mean, you look like an emperor with this attire. It is charming and those people might have probably been to a lot of officials. Just don't let them cheapen you or something. I think they are nobles." Huck claimed as he sat on his mattress with his legs crossed on top of each other. He relaxed for a while.
"Yeah, though, I am still feeling a bit erratic. I am not used to these kinds of thick clothes. Why do they even have to wear this every day? It is so damn hot." Aran complained.
"Personally, I don't really know as well. It must have been a matter of culture between rich people or generally the nobles. But yeah, it is pretty damn hot to wear that kind of thing when you're going outside."
After a little bit of checking, Aran finally closed his closet and headed outside along with Huck who is also preparing for the training.
"It has gotten late, why don't you go ahead?"
"Nah, I'll go with you. I don't really have to be in that training session anyway. Oh yeah, what time you guys are going to be back?" Huck asked.
"Hmm, let's see... Apparently, the Duchy of Silvestre is halfway across the map through the northern region. If we are going in a carriage it might take like half a day so I think tomorrow would be the time. I am still not sure about it, I don't know if Mahrisse does have any knowledge on what routes to take." He answered.
"That's pretty vague but I do hope that you guys have a safe trip. I'll take care of the things here in your stead. I will also keep an eye on William and the others."
"Haha! That's going to be tough, but yeah, I will leave it to you." Aran replied with a smile. Both of them passed the hallway and fist-bumped.
Time has passed and the training started. Aran and Huck entered the room to see what the session is capable of. Upon entering through the main door, he was greeted by an intense stare veering right through his skull with their mouths dropped, though they are not saying anything in particular. William also did the same as if someone or a ghost just walked by and froze them. Confused by the sudden turn of their reaction, Aran questioned them.
"Uh... Is there any problem?" With that single mention, everyone including the other girls has screamed in their seats after seeing Aran in his formal outfit. The boys were enraged at some point but the girls have it all clear in their throat.
"KYAAAAAA! HE IS SO GOOD!"
"DAMN, THERE HE GOES AGAIN, STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT!"
"OH MY GOD, IS THAT REALLY THE HERO?"
Multiple excessive opinions resonated throughout the room, their unwavering reaction ignited a spark in their hearts after seeing him with his new-fashioned change. Aran continued to walk in the center as well as Huck making a weary smile while protecting him from the exaggerated confrontation of the girls.
"Hmm... That looks good on you." William's smile was a bit oppressed, almost looks like he is teasing him and making fun of him with his smug expression which is pretty much obvious to Aran.
"Shut up..." Aran muttered in distress.
Eunice didn't pay any heed to the attention that Aran keeps on getting as she has already seen him with that outfit already. Despite the tough front that she's been keeping on, she can't help but feel attracted with her lips being twitchy by the time Aran entered the premises. Nikki on the other hand was completely frozen in place. Her hands were shaking at that time.
Hearing the section's room in a complete mess, Julia finally decided to shut them up by making a subtle cough. They already know how scary she is when she's mad at some point.
"Let's continue the basic implementation of mana transferring for a while..." Soon after that occasion, they were back on board with William explaining the other concept of magic generation in order to keep them composed whenever they are trying to cast a spell.
Nikki and Eunice stood up from their seat and approached Huck and Aran at the front door. They went into the hall to greet them out.
"Finally out..." Eunice sighed as she stretches out her arms.
"You look tired, did you get enough sleep last night?" Aran asked.
"Mm? Oh, y-yeah, just not having the enthusiasm for today, I guess?"
"You look really good in that, Aran." Nikki complimented Aran in her own way but her gaze is far from his direct position as if she was embarrassed to look at him. Either way, her cheeks are experiencing the same euphoria that Eunice is feeling right at the moment.
"Haha! Thanks, it was actually Mahrisse who bought this though. I only choose what's the best fit for me. Anyway you guys, are you going to be okay?"
"Huh? O-Oh yeah, we're just kinda bored. We're going to have another session in the afternoon so we can execute the things that we learned for today." Nikki answered.
"Well, I do hope that that training grounds will be packed for today," Huck responded.
"Yeah, it will be nice to show them that we are also doing our best for the event. After all, they were kinda ignorant for the past few days and it is bothering me and Miss Julia. We can't let them have that throne if we didn't try our best." Aran agreed.
"Oh! Lisa and Mahrisse are here..." The two other girls who are preserved in the other sections finally go down the stairs.
As Aran turned his head, something caught his attention more than anything in the area. It was the newly changed format of Mahrisse's elegant appearance. She looks like a completely different person, there were sparks of particles swallowing up the spaces and swarming her dress in a way that is eye-catching.
"W-Wow..." Eunice complimented the view as well with a worried smile on her face.
"She looks very lovely." Nikki followed Mahrisse as she reached the ground floor.
Aran was struck by the view that he didn't notice the subtle drool on the left side of his cheek. A different person? A different value? Who is this girl?
As she approached the hall, she immediately confronted Aran by hopping up a few steps and then getting in his front. Aran was still fazed at that moment and noticing this reaction made Mahrisse giggle in a cute manner. Eunice and Lisa were pouting as they stared at the two. Hearing her laugh, Aran returned back to reality and realized that he has been daydreaming. He panicked for a moment.
"A-Ah! Sorry!" He exclaimed as he stepped back.
"Hahaha!" Mahrisse continued to laugh.
"Oh! You look stunning, Mahrisse— Oh wait, no... I mean, Lady Louise Silvestre." Huck also noticed the formal dress that princesses used on an important occasion. The change of her outfit from a thick-coated fashion to a more professional and colored aspect gradually pictured the realistic concept of being a noble with a powerful influence.
Her gestures are more fluid and professional, her manners and aura completely changed, defeating the old bubble personality that she has been putting on whenever they are hanging out with them. Aside from that, she also changed her hairstyle and removed the braided design on her side. Her beauty was illuminated more than once after that peck of makeup and glossing lips as her cover.
(Is she really Mahrisse? She is more of a queen...) Aran coughed for a second and remembered the etiquette that he has been told. He bowed in front of the princess with his left knee touching the ground and his right leg positioned to bend. His head was lowered down and his cape flapped downwards as well.
"U-Um..." He whimpered as everyone turned their attention to him with a slight gasp.
"I will stand by your side, Your Ladyship..." He followed. Mahrisse's eyes glistened for a second while feeling a lot of mixed emotions. The others were also pursued with his figure of respectfulness in regards to addressing someone higher than him. She kept herself composed by the time that Aran said the greeting, she smiled maturely and gave her response as a noble.
By dipping her body downward, she did a curtsy in front of her so-called 'prince' or 'knight in shining armor'. Perhaps one of the most forward and rational greetings that they have done for a while. It is very wholesome and respectful and it is full of faithfulness. The others smiled, seeing that they are manually perfect for the right time. But then again, they still feel this uneasiness bringing out the inner insecurity of possessing their prince as well.
After that little practice, Aran stood up and smiled. It looks like everyone was in a good mood for some reason.
"F-For some reason, I feel like I shouldn't have let Aran go with her at all..." Lisa whispered to Eunice and Nikki. Her expression was a combination of disappointment and jealousy. But still, she smiles like there's no problem.
"I have to agree with you, but this one is important." On the other hand, Eunice felt the need to agree because she is on the same page as Lisa.
(These two...) Nikki sighed.
"Mmm, what is that?" As they stalled on the hall, the barkings of footsteps running through the field with accountable neighs of the horses arrived on the front of the gate of the academy.
"I guess our ride is here..." Mahrisse stated as she looked at everyone with a smile.
Aran was reluctant at first but then he just kept himself composed the entire time. Once again remembering the etiquette of being a prince or a knight, he extended his left elbows inviting Mahrisse to take hold of it. His reaction was pretty much paranoid at first but then he got the hang of it. Mahrisse was surprised by this fact because she didn't expect him to act more professionally. Insisting from his movements, she took advantage and grasped his arms like what real nobles are supposed to do.
"This is making me sick at some point..." Lisa displayed a morbid facade in front of her expression, always grungy about how Mahrisse and Aran acts.
"Can't help it, she's a Lady," Eunice replied, feeling the same.
The two walked together in a slow and precise manner, the mood was settling them for the best of the moment. Aran looked back to greet them goodbye.
"See you later, guys!"
"We'll be back soon!" Mahrisse followed
The two reached the big front door and headed outside. They were greeted by the enriched design of the big carriage with horses in armors rode by knights. It was clearly a special ride for the two of them. The group followed them outside to see them off. Eventually, William left the room for a while and joined them as well with Julia being on his side.
"Oh my god, I think this is the first time that I had seen such a powerful carriage designed for nobles." Huck was in awe as he submerged himself in the beauty of the ride.
"He is lucky, that boy..." William ganged up on them, surprising them in an instant.
"Jeez, you startled me," Lisa exclaimed.
"Sorry!" William apologized.
"The Duchy of Silvestre, owned by Frederick. He is a good man by all means and Aran is pretty lucky to be invited by him. I can't wait for what kind of gift he will have to receive from that generous person." William followed.
"Eh? What do you mean? Aran said he will be only going on for a dinner." Eunice asked.
"That's just the front of how nobles offer. Of course, they will not tell you the real details or purpose of the invitation. If there's anything that he can give for saving the life of his daughter, he will do so by how much grateful he is. Like, we are talking about lives here, my friends. If he hadn't saved that girl back then, I don't know how the Dukedom will manage." William answered.
"I see, what do you guys have in mind?" Eunice asked them.
"Money?" Lisa answered.
"Territory?" Nikki answered.
"Pieces of jewelry or treasure?" Huck answered.
"Or perhaps the hand of the maiden..." William stepped in again.
"W-What?!"
"Hey, are you saying, 'Marriage'?!" Eunice exclaimed.
"I mean, yeah, of course. That's pretty much how they play anyway. It is inevitable at this point." William followed.
"B-B-But Aran can still decline on that, r-right?" Lisa asked while shaking.
"Hmm? Ah, of course, he can. The nobility can't put someone in a predicament, you know? Leaving them with such a fate or forcing them into marriage is pretty much redundant and impulsive but that is not true in political influence. Since Aran is not a noble by birth, he can pretty much decline the offer. But then there are a lot of advantages and things that Aran can get if he took the hand of the Her Ladyship. Such things are those you guys have mentioned earlier. Treasure, money, territory, I mean he can inherit something. And that will be of course depending on his situation. Either he can pursue the young princess to gain that profit, or stay on his career and dreams and decline the offer. In the end, everything will be holding forth on his own back." William answered with a smile.
Everyone's mood was half baffled and half worried about the things to come. It is such a feat that they weren't able to fully play the game with someone on a higher advantage because of the ranking. William noticed the deafening hopelessness on their faces and realized that he shouldn't have said the correct details and facts.
"I'm not gonna lose..." However, perceiving the situation as fully positive, Lisa's eagerness to win the heart of his is on top of the world. Everyone heard her mutter and agreed.
"Does he know anything about this at all?" William leaned on Huck's left side and whispered.
"Nope, he is a complete idiot. A dense one..." He answered.
"I see..." William smugged.
"See you guys!" Aran finally boarded the luxurious grand carriage alongside Mahrisse. He waved outside and the group has noticed it. They did the same and waved back with a forced smile upon their front.
Mahrisse leaned a little closer to him, perhaps subjected to getting intentional with the movements of her own accord. After leaning she then waved back to all of them with a bright grin on her face.
The carriage moved and they finally departed.