Everyone was gathering in the square around the Colosseum, expecting a grand show with the use of all kinds of magic, treats, dances, and, therefore, there was nobody at the training grounds right now. Slipping past the crowd of onlookers, I went there to be alone. I walked to the farthest training ground where almost a year ago, they determined our level of strength. Here, I was recognized as the third strongest, and Katrina as the fifth. What nonsense, since then I didn't become much stronger, but still managed to defeat her.
Now I was the strongest in the Academy, but that's not what I wanted. Despite my strength, I had earned myself many influential enemies. Perhaps it's too dangerous to stay here.
You're just afraid that your friends will get hurt because of you.
Maybe, then why should I stay here at all?
Because you wanted to rule the world!
Nonsense, that's impossible.
Then you just wanted to prove that you were better than the others.
Well, I proved it, and what... It didn't make me feel any better.
Or maybe... You just wanted to be closer to her?
Yes... But now it doesn't matter; those were just silly childish fantasies.
So what now, you'll just leave?
Yes. But I'll leave her one last gift.
Lost in thought, I didn't notice how night fell over the Academy. I headed to the main building.
Though my appearance was not quite suitable for an important reception, I didn't plan to stay there for long. I was wearing the same black pants and shirt from my uniform, covered in dust and soot in some places, and I had sheaths with two swords on my back.
I arrived earlier than others, so no one could reproach me for my appearance. I immediately went to the balcony and observed from the darkness of the night as the guests gradually arrived at the reception.
The reception was not organized to honor the winner but rather as a gathering of important figures of all kinds.
First came the rectors, who began receiving the guests one by one. Kings with their entourages, wearing expensive and extravagant outfits with dozens of courtiers trailing behind them, were the first in line. Among King Henry's entourage, the High Inquisitor and the Archbishop stood out, wearing mantles that could cost as much as a decent castle in appearance.
Next came the important nobles and officials of Verania, military commanders from the north, and merchants from the south. There was already a parade of expensive outfits, all serving one purpose: to showcase how much wealth their owners had compared to others.
The best students of the Academy, the top achievers in academics and achievements, guild leaders, and the children of noble parents followed. As expected, among the invited guests, there were very few commoners from the warrior class. And that irritated me the most.
And then came the turn of the "main" guests of the reception. The ones for whom it was held, although I already doubted it.
The trio of Alfred, Miguel, and Milena entered the hall. I'm sure their faces could break walls right now; the victory of a nameless commoner must have been a blow that Alfred's pride could hardly withstand. Although, if you look at Milena closely, she was even smiling a little at the thought of the emotional torment of the Guild Master.
Next, Asura, Vivien, Miriam, and Werner entered. The girls were wearing beautiful ball gowns, obviously the work of Seleria. Asura was in a lavish dark red dress with small light-blue accents. It was unusual for the warrior to walk in such attire, and she moved awkwardly, afraid of tripping over the hem of her dress. Following her were the twins in simpler but elegant dresses. The gowns were of the same style, differing only in color for the two sisters. Werner followed the girls in a good, but not overly expensive suit.
Some time passed before the next group of guests decided to enter the hall. Apparently, Kurone noticed that I was already inside and urged the others to follow.
Yes, Seleria had clearly outdone herself; the dresses on the girls truly befitted princesses. All the gowns were custom-made with unique designs for each. The colors of the dresses matched the colors of their uniforms.
Seleria was in a red dress with dark orange accents, and she wore a beautiful necklace with rubies that could probably cover our guild's annual budget.
Katrina was in a golden-white dress that complemented her gloves. Of course, she couldn't take them off at such an event, which looked a bit strange. Golden earrings with topazes completed her look.
Hilda marched with displeasure, as if on parade, in a white-blue dress. It must have been quite an effort to get her out of her armor and convince her not to bring an axe to the reception. She also wore a reddish diadem with three sapphires, obviously brought from Nordrune, as they don't make adamantine jewelry in Leran.
Ragni's dress, like her uniform, was adorned with dragon bone ornaments; it seemed that this was a sign of her tribe that should decorate any attire. It cost a fortune, but she wore earrings and a pendant with a black diamond. I wonder if Seleria gave her the jewelry from her stash or if her father made an effort.
Kurone and Aileen followed, Kurone in an elegant blue dress and Aileen in a simpler brown dress. Most likely, Aileen chose to forgo an expensive dress and asked for a more comfortable one to be made.
Algo entered hand in hand with Leira, and Grain with Levris. Then Rumy entered, wearing a dress not too different from her usual attire, and Vina in a golden dress bought with her massive profits.
Half a minute passed, but no one entered through the open doors. Seleria began nervously tapping her foot.
"Well, I'll push you in myself!" the red princess said, full of displeasure, and went to fetch the last participant. With effort, she pushed the shy necromancer into the hall.
Rizel blushed fervently and hesitated to raise her gaze; at every opportunity, she tried to hide behind the door again, but Seleria firmly blocked her way. Rizel wore a black velvet dress with a silver belt, gray gloves, and boots. The dress was adorned with a lush collar of transparent black fabric and a deep neckline in the front, ending with a strip of the same transparent black fabric from her chest to her waist. A silver necklace and emerald earrings accentuated the beautiful eyes of the necromancer perfectly. The dress fit her perfectly despite her very slim build; Seleria's measurement-taking might have had a hidden meaning behind it.
The girls were immediately surrounded by wealthy noble offspring, seeking their influence, strength, and beauty. However, they politely avoided persistent sycophants, trying to keep Katrina in the center to prevent her from accidentally activating her protection due to excitement. As I thought, no one particularly noticed my absence, even though the reception was originally planned in my honor.
On this night, only the starry sky kept me company. At least until a familiar voice called out to me from behind.
"There you are. You know that this reception was organized in your honor?" said the girl in a white-gold dress, with her golden hair flowing down to her knees.
"Hello, Princess. I was hoping to find some solitude here," I replied.
Awkwardness and embarrassment were evident on Katrina's face. "We were looking for you, and you didn't even bother to dress appropriately."
"It doesn't matter; I don't plan to stay here for long."
"Why did you come, then?"
"To give you a little gift," I said, taking out a small bundle I had been carrying since morning.
Inside was a white silk belt with a golden plate. The plate had a shield crossed by a lightning bolt in the center, and around it were inscriptions in an unknown language.
"It's beautiful," she remarked.
"It's a consolation prize for second place. Try it on."
Katrina obediently put on the belt, and as she fastened the plate, a faint spark ran through the air. Her hair suddenly straightened and fell down.
"Huh? I feel a bit strange," Katrina ran her hand through her hair and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
"This belt will absorb your electric field. Now you can style your hair normally," I explained, running my finger over the inscription on the plate. "Strike down enemies and protect friends. Simple words, but they mean that your power will only affect those you consider enemies. Now you can safely do without gloves."
"Thank you, it's a beautiful belt."
"You wanted a coat of arms for our guild, so why not take this one?"
"Oh?" Katrina looked at the symbol on the plate. "Yes, it's a good sign."
I was about to leave, but the princess shyly took hold of the edge of my shirt.
"You're leaving already?"
"I don't want to intrude on the gathering."
The music began playing in the hall.
"That's a pity; I wanted to dance with you," Katrina said, lowering her gaze in embarrassment.
I shook my head and turned slowly. "Well, if my appearance doesn't bother you," I said, taking off the sheaths and placing them on the ground, "I can accompany you for one dance."
I politely bowed and extended my hand to her. We slowly spun in a dance on the empty balcony.
"You dance well," Katrina said, slightly shorter than me and too shy to look up into my eyes.
"I thought it might come in handy, though I don't think so anymore."
"Krito, I..." Katrina hesitated for a moment. "I've wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me."
"You don't need to thank me."
"No!" Katrina shook her head. "You've done so much. You helped me build the guild, find people who became reliable companions and loyal friends, you saved us from so many troubles, and you helped so many people, all without anyone even knowing about your deeds. And most importantly, you've always helped me, even when I caused you nothing but trouble. You've always protected me and kept me from making foolish mistakes."
"And you defeated Alfred and prevented the tournament's finale from being rigged," Katrina looked at me with fear in her eyes.
"You knew?"
"Yes, it so happened that I was in the guild that night too. Now I understand why you kept avoiding him."
"Krito, I never wanted any of this. My father made the decision for me," the princess buried her face in my chest. "But I wanted to fight; I didn't want to be subject to fate. That's why I wanted to join the Academy and establish a guild, so I wouldn't depend on my father's decisions."
"But he's still your betrothed."
"But I want to change that," Katrina lifted her face, tears visible in the corners of her eyes. "And if I succeed, I will be able to make my own decisions, be with the one I love... be with you."
The music faded, and our lips met in a kiss. I had dreamt of this moment for so long, but it felt too good to be true. If she surrendered to her feelings now, she would ruin everything. Her father would take her away from the Academy and lock her up in the palace again. I didn't want her to confess to me because I knew exactly how I should respond.
I closed my eyes and slowly pulled away from Kat.
"Krito? I... I don't know what to say, but..." she began.
"You know, someone once told me that you know nothing about me, and you think that once you confess, your courage will win me over? We are completely different, with different goals. You'd better give up your attempts," I replied, remembering how a beautiful young noblewoman had once rejected an naive village boy in a secret garden.
"Back then, I was foolish. I didn't know anything about you," Kat said.
"Just like me. But now..." I took a deep breath. "Now I know you. I know how you frown when Seleria hugs you, even though deep down, you cherish those moments. I know how you worry when someone has to risk their life because of my plans. I know how you want to be the first one to jump into battle to protect others. And I know how you sometimes sneak out to the rooftop at night, just to feel free for a while."
The princess sadly lowered her eyes, unsure of what my response would be.
"But I also know that we are different. We have different destinies and different paths. Since that time... since that day in the secret garden, I have changed. I've become wiser, and now I see clearly that we are not meant to be together. It's better for you to forget about me."
"Krito, why are you saying this?" Tears welled up in Kat's eyes; her voice trembled, but I couldn't console her.
In that moment, the sky lit up with flashes of flame as the mages began their fire performance. The bursts and explosions drowned out my last words.
"Because without me, you'll be better off," I said as the magical winds slowed my descent, and I gracefully jumped off the balcony, heading back to my room.