------------------------------- Elea -------------------------------
"Welcome back Princess Eleanor."
"Ah yes. I'm back."
The maids greeted me as soon as I passed through the main door of my home. I think I want to take a bath after being a little bit late coming back from the academy today. Why is this castle so big by the way? Huh…Just walking to my room is already a hassle.
"Let me carry your bag, Princess."
"It's fine, I can do it, Carla."
"As your highness commands."
As soon as I arrive at my vast, luxurious room, I put down my bag and enter the bath.
"Ah….! This feels good… nothing beats a hot water after a day of hard work."
I am Elea. Princess Eleanor Maximillian Stardust, the first daughter and first child of the current emperor of Azaria Empire.
"Ah, I'm refreshed!"
My father, The Majesty Emperor Reynold Maximillian Stardust. My mother, The Majesty Empress Emory Maximillian Stardust, my younger brother, Prince Richard Maximillian Stardust, and me lives in a magnificent, grand castle, built on a high ground located near to the heart of the city, Azalea. We have hundreds of maids and butlers, basically we live with complete basic needs. But I don't feel complete. Why? Because living as a princess makes me sick. I have a responsibility to lead the kingdom when I grow up. I believe as the first princess of the empire, I need to… but… huh… I don't know anymore…
"Okay let's stop there for today's diary."
I had studied on subject I've learned today for two hours and write my diaries for about 15 minutes. Writing more would make my hands crammed.
"Alright… I guess I can continue to read the novel a little before go to sleep…"
I take a sip from a cup of tea beside me study table before grab on my favourite novel entitled "Notorious Red Blade". It's an old story but some company still have them sold in some book shop with better cover.
"Evans Reinhard… I didn't think there would be someone who read the same novel as me… Nah, maybe there are more but I sure there is no one would look up at the sky and suddenly read the line from the novel hahaha… looks like a dreamy guy… how cute…"
-------------------- [Azalea Shopping Complex District] --------------------
"Lovely armament shop… cute shop name but maybe it's not fit for a weapon shop I want to do some refinement on my weapon and SACRED device here. Fetch me back later in one hour after you have sipped some coffee!" I ordered to my driver.
"Understood your highness. Take care."
My driver starts moving from the front of the shop. The car is quite grand and long, so I don't want that car to hinder the traffic by stopping at the side of the road later. It'd better if he can find another parking spot to fit that car.
-------------------- [One hour later] --------------------
"Ah, sorry Evans I've got to go now! See you later at the tournament. Make sure you do enough preparations for that! Bye!!"
I rushed outside and get into the car as my driver already waited.
Huh…that was unexpected! He is in my team for the tournament. Do I look weird just now? I tried to inspect my cloth if there are any problems with it.
"Ah, did he ask me if I have a boyfriend back when he slapped himself?" I just remembered.
My driver suddenly hit the break and it almost get me a heart attack.
"Eh!! What are you doing stopping the car like that?" I asked to him.
"Tell me who asked you that, I will deliver his head for you, your highness!" He offered after turned his face to me with worried expression.
"Eh!!! No don't! Sheesh… he's my friend…" I replied.
"Male?" He guessed.
"Yes, he is," I replied with a nod.
"That's the more reason why I should capture him."
"No!! He is the only male friend I can talk to! Do you want me to be forever unsociable?" I explained.
"…"
"Um… please forgive my ignorance, your highness," he apologised while bowing his head a little.
"It's okay, let's just go back…" I replied.
Everyone in the castle is really loves to take everything too seriously. We, the main royal members such as father, mother, Richard, and I is quite friendly with all the maids and butlers in the castle. Even every other staff is also have been in good terms with us. But me and Richard are the most casual with them, so this kind of respond is their usual behaviour.
-------------------- [Academy gate] --------------------
"Hey…"
"Elea…why are you not going back yet?" Evans replied to me.
"Hm… I have a question…"
He was standing there, waiting for my question to come out from my mouth as the dusk illuminating us with the reddish light upon our skin. His little scruffy black hair and beautiful brownish eyes are the attractive spot that prevented me from averting my gaze from him since the first time I have seen him.
"Hey?"
"Ah yes!! Sorry... what is the question?" He responded in a startled way.
He replied clumsily. Was he lost in thought for a second? Well, it's okay, I should just ask him…
"Why did you not use the sabre that I have bought for you?"
"Um… that was…" he tried to reply while rubbing his hair.
"Was?"
"Well, I rarely use sword in my battle, so for today, I think I will just go with the bow, the sabre is very strong too so you don't have to worry, when I'm in disadvantage, I will draw the sword," he answered.
A very considerate response. I kind of expected that since Evans is always like that.
"Really?" I asked for his confirmation.
"Yes," He assured me.
"Thank God, I thought you don't like it…"
Ah!! I'm so relieved! I thought he did not like the sabre… That day when I just pushed him to take the weapon while he might have other preferences could be one mistake I took. Besides, I also afraid he will feel guilty for accepting the sword and will never draw it in battle… I should have asked him earlier…
"Eh, n-n-no! Impossible! Of course, I love it! It's just too special to me, so I just don't want to use it yet!" He cleared my misunderstanding.
Eh… special? Re-really? He treasured my gift that much!? My heart's starting to race!
"Ah… I-I see…well… then, s-see you tomorrow!"
I turned back and run back home. My heart is racing furiously! What is this feeling?
-------------------- [Grand Arena] --------------------
"He's late, where did he go?"
"I don't know, I tried to call him a few times, but it did not get through him!" Quinn replied.
Today is our second match and it is almost started but Evans is still not here after going somewhere. He got a call from someone, I wonder who… I wonder what has happened… the match could start any second now…
"Hey!!!"
'Ah, Evans! Finally, you arrived! Where did you go?' I want to ask that, but I guess I should keep my cool and let Quinn ask that. My heart is still racing from yesterday. Got to keep my cool.
"Quinn, you called me, right? Sorry I'm late, I just run without thinking, so I don't even get to answer the call because I'm too rushing," He replied.
I understand, maybe he already knows he has taken a lot more time than he should… but he sweats a lot… can he continue like this? Besides… he seems like unusual… is something happened? But still the fight can't be neglected.
"It's okay, you are already here, but… you are sweating a lot, Evans…can you fight like this? Maybe you should take a rest and…"
Before I can finish my sentence, Carl start calling out the contestants.
"So, let's start our final battle for today! Team C versus Team F, who will grab the title of victor for this round and march to the last stage tomorrow? Let's summoned them on the stage now! From C team, I call forth, Reeve, Sophie, and Star!"
"Star is pretty much a nickname," Evans said.
"Yeah, that's Rigel. Last year participant that succeeds to reach the last stage. He is pretty strong," I claimed.
"Eh, really? This got to be hard than we expected then…" Quinn forwarded his worries.
"Don't worry Quinn, we have Elea after all," Evans encouraged us while pointing out to me.
"You two need to be prepared as well alright! Maybe there are times I can't save all of us simultaneously but…"
"But…?" Evans looked at me, wondering my next sentence.
"But… we will emerge victorious for sure! We are the main star!" I try to convince them.
Evans and Quinn look at each other for a moment then suddenly burst into laughter. Did I say something strange?
"Elea! That's pretty cool coming from you!" Evans said.
"Eh, really?" That was kind of unexpected reaction I'd say.
"Yeah, that's true!" Quinn supported Evans's statement.
"Well then, let's show them!" Evans is looking ready than ever.
That passion I see in his eyes is dazzling. Every time he is serious, I can see his eyes sparkles with determination as if something is pushing him forward. I don't know but, it's kind of cool…
"Now from team F, I call forth Princess Eleanor, Quicksilver, and stuntman of yesterday match! Arch-Sabre!!"
"Eh!? I am!?"
Evans was shocked out of his own achievement. He started gaining some fame since yesterday stunt action. There were even some classmates of mine asking about him, but I just let it out of my concern and replied casually as it was just coincidence. It was coincidence after all. But it was actually cool though. I didn't think he will do that. I wonder what he will show me today.
"Looks like you are popular, my man!" Quinn said to Evans.
"Hahaha, shut it, Quinn," Evans brushed off the compliment.
"Well, it's tr—"
Oops, better not say that I thought and immediately break my sentence.
"You've got something to say Elea?" Evans asked.
"Eh no, nothing."
"Well… okay…"
"Oh, there is a thing, for your information, Sophie right there is one my best friend, a student in Magic Analysis Program," I pointed out to the girl named Sophie on the opposing team.
"Your best friend? Then you are also from…"
"Yeah, I am a Magic Analysis Program Student. I thought I've told you yesterday?" I replied to Evans who is looking quite surprised.
"E-eh… of-of course I know! Hahaha…"
He obviously forgotten about it.
"O-okay…" I replied.
"Well, everyone! Looks like our contestants are ready to start! How about we announced the count together in…" Carl is announcing to start the battle.
This is it.
"THREE!"
"We will win," Evans encouraged us.
"TWO!"
"Yeah," Quinn replied.
"ONE!"
"I will do the usual," Evans added.
I and Quinn nodded.
"START!!"
Right after the MC and audience announced the 'start', Evans immediately jump upwards and start targeting the enemy, same as the first skill that he performed yesterday.
"Bow Skill: Multi Arrow Technique, Scarlet Rain!!!"
As Evans shouts his skill name, the shower of arrows which dyed in scarlet colour directed to the enemy location. But the enemy seems to be well prepared and manage to deflect the attack with their weapon. They must have been expecting that.
"Tch! They blocked it! They must be good," Evans lamented right after he landed.
"They sure are!" Quinn replied and started a quick dash to the enemy.
"I will cover you, Quinn!"
"I will go too! Can you cover us Evans?"
"Consider it done!" He replied.
"ELEA!!"
The voice that called my name was Sophie. I look at her.
"I will try that here alright!!"
That? Oh that…
"Yeah sure!" I answered.
Before the tournament started, I thought of asking her to be in my team, but she refused. She said she knew I was strong, so she wants to face against me instead. I'm proud of her but, I won't give any mercy. Judging by her position with currently following in the back of the two guys, she will handle the support for her team with magics. Staff and wand are the same weapon for magical attack conjuring, but wand usually have faster conjuration, but staff have the larger magical energy pool and stronger effect. Reeve who is using a Warhammer will most likely face with Quinn since they are running towards each other and Rigel with face me. It's better for me to get Sophie to end this quickly, but…
"LOOK AT THAT!! STAR MOVEMENT IS SO SHARP! THAT ATTACK NEARLY SLICES PRINCESS ELEA NECK!"
Carl's commentaries are followed with loud echoing shriek from the audience, perhaps they are worried about me. Unfortunately, they don't have to. I can dodge it quite fairly. That was a quick swing despite using a greatsword. Rigel may have been training with that greatsword for a long time.
"You've got good reflexes, princess."
"Yeah, your swing is not too shabby too, Star," I replied to Rigel with his nickname.
"Yeah, that's just warmup. I will show you my efforts for this tournament."
"Entertain me."
"As you wish, your HIGHNESS!!" He raised his greatsword upward and give a heavy swing.
Rigel's swings are much faster than the first one this time. Every swing is full of focus and accuracy. Well, let's do this then.
"CARL! LOOK AT THAT! LOOKS LIKE THE PRINCESS HAS ACTIVATED HER ATTACK MODE!!"
"Yes Hana, the princess has begun using her mighty 'Splitting-Ground Thunder-God Spear' to deflect the attacks from Star! If we went back to last year performance, she just uses her 'Flash Step' techniques and end the battle!"
"That's true, perhaps she doesn't want to end it early?"
Of course, I would not show my ace when against someone who already seen it several times at last year tournament! I know well that Rigel is capable of handling fast movement attack, he has good sense of his surroundings. To my analytical data from his previous battle, his reaction skill is as good as Ace, but his skill with sword is inferior. But still…
"Maybe you can deflect my slashes, try deflect this! Sword Skill: Heavy Slash!"
His greatsword start brimming with red-orange colour. That's not good. A direct heavy attack may leave a bad effect on my weapon if I receive the attack. I need to dodge!
"Bow skill: Charged Arrow!"
The red arrow is coming from behind me which went directly to Rigel greatsword, pushing it to missed from slicing me.
Nice cover Evans!
Evans covered me while supporting Quinn and shooting arrows to repel Sophie's magical fireballs attack. He's got some serious skill.
"Sorry, that was careless of me! Thank you, Evans!"
"I got your back, Elea! Don't worry!"
From the thick dust caused by the impact from Rigel heavy strike to the stage, Rigel himself cleared the dust with a single-hand swing of his greatsword.
"You need others to cover your back now huh, Princess…"
"I just getting started."
"Maybe that is not the case," Rigel replied.