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In her quiet room, Riveria slept soundly, her breathing steady, and her face serene. The green cloak projected earlier by Shirou draped over her was used as a soft blanket to cover her nightgown. Behind her closed eyes, she was lost in a beautiful dream of the day she had just spent with Shirou.
In the dream, she relived every moment of their "first date" in the Dungeon—how Shirou guided their journey, his warm smile as they shared their packed lunch, and the small gestures of care as he helped her with her training. In her dream, Riveria felt like a young girl again, free to forget her status as royalty and simply enjoy time with someone she admired.
The dream slowly faded as the morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in her curtains, illuminating her still-sleeping face until she began to stir gently. Her eyes fluttered open, half-lidded, as she stretched slightly.
Sitting up in bed, Riveria turned to the cloak she had used as a blanket. Her eyes widened in shock. The edge of the cloak was damp with drool—a rare occurrence for someone as composed as her. Her cheeks flushed deeply, and she quickly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Oh no... I actually drooled... she thought, staring at the cloak in embarrassment.
As her thoughts cleared, Riveria glanced at the clock on her wall. A sudden panic hit her. "Oh no! I'm late for magecraft training with Shirou!" She shot to her feet, grabbed her staff, and without a second thought, headed straight for her balcony.
Outside, the morning sun bathed the garden below in golden light, but Riveria had no time to appreciate the view. With the grace of a High Elf, she leaped over the fourth-floor balcony railing, landing lightly on the garden floor. Dust scattered faintly under her feet, but she was already sprinting toward the storage shed in the corner of the garden.
As she ran, her thoughts raced with worry. Is Shirou still waiting for me? Or has he already left because I'm late? No, I have to get there as fast as I can! Her pace quickened, her cheeks still slightly flushed as she rehearsed explanations for her tardiness.
Reaching the shed, Riveria flung the door open, hoping Shirou would still be there. Instead, she was met with silence—the room was empty. Her heart sank. He must've left already. I should have woken up earlier…
Trying to think of where Shirou might be, she remembered his habit of helping Lefiya prepare breakfast for the Loki Familia members. Without wasting a moment, Riveria dashed toward the Manor, determined to find him before he got busy with other tasks.
When she arrived at the combined kitchen and dining area, the room was lively with activity. Loki Familia members were enjoying breakfast, some chatting casually while others ate with gusto. Among them, Shirou and Lefiya sat side by side, their camaraderie as evident as ever.
"Shirou!" Riveria called out firmly, drawing everyone's attention. "I'm sorry… I overslept," she admitted, her face reddening with embarrassment.
The room fell silent. All eyes were on Riveria, but not because of her apology. The Loki Familia members, especially the Elves like Lefiya and Alicia, were stunned by the unusual sight of their princess, who was always so elegant and composed. This morning, Riveria looked uncharacteristically disheveled. Her usually pristine hair was slightly messy, and she was still wearing a light blue nightgown with thin straps over her shoulders. The gown's flowing skirt reached her ankles, but its low-cut neckline and soft fabric highlighted her slender figure in a way that was very different from her usual dignified attire.
Shirou, equally surprised, quickly rose from his seat. "It's alright, Riveria. I—"
But Riveria interrupted him, speaking quickly. "Let's just continue the training later after you finish breakfast," she said, trying to keep Shirou's focus on the matter at hand.
Shirou hesitated, then replied, "Actually… I'm sorry, Riveria. I have another commitment after this. How about we reschedule for tomorrow morning?"
Riveria froze for a moment, her expression uncertain. "Oh, I see…" she replied softly. "Tomorrow, then."
Noticing something off, Shirou furrowed his brows. "It's unusual for you to be late. You're usually the first to arrive," he said curiously.
Riveria's face grew even redder. She gripped her staff tightly, her body stiff. What can I say? I can't possibly admit I slept too soundly and drooled on the cloak Shirou projected!
As Riveria struggled to find an answer, Finn, seated at the end of the table, cleared his throat gently, drawing everyone's attention. "Riveria," he said with a polite smile, "perhaps you'd like to return to your room and change before we proceed with today's activities?"
It was only then that Riveria realized her unkempt appearance. She glanced down at herself and finally took in how out of place she looked. Her face turned scarlet, and she gave a stiff nod. "I-I'll do that right away. Sorry for the disruption."
Without waiting for further response, Riveria turned on her heel and hurried out of the dining room, hoping to bury the morning's embarrassment. Why did I have to look like this in front of everyone… and Shirou? she lamented as she rushed back to her room.
Meanwhile, Shirou finished the last of his drink and stood up from his chair. As usual, he began clearing the table and bringing the dishes to the kitchen for cleaning. This time, however, it wasn't just Lefiya assisting him. Several Elf members of the Fairy Force—Alicia Forestlight, Sylvie, Alinda, Arwen, and others—joined in as well.
The Fairy Force was an elite squad of Elf mages led by Riveria. The unit was formed around Riveria's unique skill, Alf Regina, which allowed her to recover some of the magical energy used by Elves nearby when they cast spells. This energy could then be reabsorbed, enabling prolonged battles. The squad's prowess was recognized across Loki Familia, and being a part of it was a great honor for any Elf.
Drying his hands with a towel, Shirou looked at the gathered Elves and raised an eyebrow. "It's rare for all of you to help. Usually, it's just Lefiya."
Alicia, Riveria's second-in-command, smiled faintly. "Don't overthink it, Shirou. We're just lending a hand today."
Sylvie nodded quickly, adding, "That's right. No particular reason. Today just feels… different."
Melina, holding a plate in her hands, added in a calm voice, "And don't you always work so hard to cook and clean? It's about time you had some extra help."
Despite their lighthearted tone and smiles, Shirou felt something was off. They rarely, if ever, helped out like this before. Usually, they focused on their individual tasks or serious discussions about magic under Riveria's guidance.
Tilting his head slightly, Shirou narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "This has something to do with Riveria earlier, doesn't it?" he asked directly.
Sylvie, arranging the utensils, chuckled softly. "Shirou, you're overthinking it. What Lady Riveria did this morning has nothing to do with us."
"Exactly," Arwen chimed in while wiping down a table. "No need to dwell on it anymore."
Shirou sighed, realizing there was no point in pressing further. They're definitely hiding something. But never mind… better to focus on finishing this work.
With that, Shirou resumed cleaning the dishes and the dining area, occasionally hearing small bursts of laughter from the Elf girls, who seemed to be enjoying their time in the kitchen more than he'd expected.
As they worked, the atmosphere warmed considerably. Alicia, typically composed, was unexpectedly relaxed as she carried a tray of dishes to the sink. "Shirou," she began, breaking the silence, "you're amazing, you know. Teaching Magecraft to Lady Riveria, the strongest mage in Orario. Or… perhaps that title suits you better now?"
Shirou paused momentarily and offered a small smile. "Ah, don't exaggerate, Alicia. Riveria is still the best. I'm just lending a little help, that's all."
"So humble," Sylvie muttered, peeking at Shirou as he diligently dried the dishes. "Then what kind of lesson made Lady Riveria so flustered this morning?" she asked, grinning mischievously.
Sensing the direction of the conversation, Shirou carefully replied, "I'm teaching Riveria about Magecraft from my world. It's something quite different from the magic here in Orario."
"Oh?" Arwen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So Lady Riveria is learning magic from your world? I'm curious what Magecraft is like."
Sylvie, with a playful tone, added, "I'm jealous. It must be nice to learn directly from you alongside Lady Riveria."
Lefiya, who was wiping a nearby table, finally spoke up. "Actually, I've asked Shirou to teach me Magecraft before."
"Oh?!" The other Elves turned their attention to Lefiya in unison.
"Then why didn't he, Lefiya?" Melina asked, her tone curious. "Isn't Shirou usually bad at refusing requests?"
Lefiya lowered her gaze, looking somewhat dejected. "I… don't have magic circuits that can be used for Magecraft. But Lady Riveria does."
Alicia, Arwen, Melina, and Sylvie exchanged glances, their admiration evident. "Our princess truly is incredible," Alicia said with a proud smile. "Not only the strongest mage in Orario but also talented enough to master magic from another world."
Shirou simply smiled to himself as he listened to their discussion. They really respect Riveria. I understand why… but if they knew how hard she works to master Magecraft, their respect for her would grow even more.
Choosing not to comment further, he focused on finishing his task. Meanwhile, the Elves continued their light gossip, clearly curious about Shirou's relationship with Lady Riveria.
Before long, their work was done. The kitchen and dining area were spotless. Shirou turned to the Elves with genuine gratitude. Bowing slightly, he said, "Thank you so much for your help. Because of you, everything got done much faster."
As Shirou prepared to leave, Alinda, speaking in her usual monotone voice, asked, "Who's this other person you said was more important? Someone you'd decline Lady Riveria for, even when she was so eager to learn?"
Alicia added, her expression a mix of curiosity and surprise, "Exactly, Shirou. Lady Riveria almost never runs late. You know how valuable her time is for an Elf, don't you?"
Sylvie, with a sharp look, chimed in, "You should feel honored, Shirou. Lady Riveria made time just for you."
Lefiya tried to defend Shirou. "B-but… I'm sure Shirou has his reasons," she stammered, though her argument lacked conviction.
Shirou let out a long sigh, attempting to calm the growing tension. He met their gazes one by one and spoke firmly yet gently. "It's not that I don't appreciate Riveria's enthusiasm, but I had already promised someone else beforehand. And I know Riveria wouldn't want me to break that promise just for her. That's not who she is."
The Elves fell silent, digesting Shirou's explanation. Some of them seemed to understand his perspective. However, Arwen quietly remarked, "But… if that person knew you couldn't come because of Lady Riveria, I think they'd understand."
Shirou pictured Ryuu's respectful demeanor when she mentioned Riveria's name the day before. She probably would… but still, he thought. Shirou shook his head lightly. "I still need to keep my promise," he said with quiet resolve.
Bowing once more, Shirou added, "Thank you for understanding. I really must go now," before turning and leaving the kitchen.
The Elves exchanged looks, still curious, but they decided not to stop him. Meanwhile, Shirou walked away calmly, determined to maintain balance in his relationships with both Riveria and Ryuu.
As Shirou stepped out of the Manor, carrying a small bag over his shoulder, his destination was clear: the dormitory near the Hostess of Fertility, where Ryuu lived. The crisp morning air and brightening sky brought a sense of peace, helping Shirou feel more relaxed.
Just as he passed through the Manor gates, he spotted a familiar figure approaching from across the street. It was Aiz Wallenstein, looking slightly tired but still as graceful as ever. Her sword rested neatly at her waist, and her blonde hair was a bit disheveled from sweat, likely from training.
"Aiz," Shirou greeted warmly, waving at her. "Just finished training Bell?"
Aiz stopped in her tracks and nodded slightly. "Yes. We ran a little later than usual," she replied succinctly, in her typical reserved manner.
Shirou gave a small smile. "In that case, you must be hungry. I've left some breakfast in the kitchen—it just needs to be warmed up. Hopefully, it'll be enough to recharge you after your training."
Aiz's eyes lit up slightly at the mention of breakfast. "Thank you, Shirou. I'll head to the kitchen right away," she said with a polite bow. Without further delay, she hurried toward the Manor, her steps noticeably quicker.
Watching her go, Shirou could only smile. As usual, she really likes my cooking, he thought. He was happy to help, even if it was just by preparing a simple meal.
Once Aiz disappeared into the Manor, Shirou continued on his way. Hands in his pockets, he walked at a leisurely pace, enjoying the peaceful Orario morning. However, his mind began focusing on the upcoming training with Ryuu. "I need to make sure this goes smoothly," he murmured, his steps growing more purposeful as he approached their meeting spot.
Shirou eventually arrived at the dormitory for the staff of the Hostess of Fertility. Situated in a quieter corner of Orario, the dorm was a modest yet well-maintained building surrounded by a low fence and a small gate. He carefully opened the gate to avoid making noise.
"Excuse me," Shirou called out softly, ensuring he didn't disturb anyone inside.
Walking around the building, he followed a narrow stone path leading to the backyard. There, he found a small hidden courtyard surrounded by the dormitory's walls, creating a private and secluded space. In the middle of the courtyard, Ryuu Lion was training with intense focus, wielding a simple wooden sword with an air of reverence.
Shirou paused, silently observing Ryuu's movements. Her swordsmanship was precise, swift, and controlled, each slash and thrust purposeful as if she were battling an invisible opponent.
Curious, Shirou activated Tracing on the wooden sword. Instantly, information about the weapon flowed into his mind. The sword's name was Alvs Lumina. From the Tracing, Shirou learned it wasn't just an ordinary wooden sword. Alvs Lumina bore witness to Ryuu's journey of protecting the weak, slaying monsters, and exacting vengeance against the Rudra Familia—a story Ryuu had shared with him before.
As the sword's history unfolded in Shirou's mind, he felt a swirl of emotions: pride, sorrow, and regret, all woven into its essence. He gazed at Ryuu, who continued her disciplined training, and his thoughts lingered on the trials she had endured in her past.
"Shirou," Ryuu's calm voice broke through his reverie, bringing him back to the present. She had noticed his presence all along, though her practice remained undisturbed.
Startled, Shirou snapped out of his thoughts. He met Ryuu's gaze and offered a small smile. "Ah, sorry if I was distracting you, Ryuu," he said softly, still carrying the weight of what he'd learned from the Tracing.
Lowering her wooden sword, Ryuu approached Shirou, her expression gentle. "It's fine. I've been waiting for you. Are you ready to train?" she asked, her tone formal but with a hint of warmth.
Shirou nodded, pushing aside the lingering emotions from the sword's history. "Yes, I'm ready," he replied, though part of him still reflected on the depth of the story hidden within the unassuming weapon.
Reaching into his small bag, Shirou pulled out a blunt training sword he had projected earlier. The weapon was unremarkable—plain, unadorned, and slightly unbalanced, resembling the kind of sword used by an inexperienced adventurer.
He held the sword cautiously, adjusting his grip based on the memories from his Tracing. Then, adopting an awkward and exaggerated stance, he pointed the sword at Ryuu. "I'm ready," he declared with an overly serious tone.
Ryuu tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at him. "That stance… what are you doing?" she asked, her voice calm but filled with subtle criticism.
Shirou stared back blankly. "What stance? Isn't this the correct one?" he replied, feigning confusion.
Ryuu sighed deeply and walked over to Shirou, adjusting his posture. She repositioned his feet for better balance and rotated his torso slightly for stability. "If you fight like this, you'll trip over yourself before the enemy even touches you," she explained.
"Oh, I see. Thanks, Ryuu," Shirou said obediently, like a diligent beginner. Inside, he held back a grin, knowing he was purposefully downplaying his abilities.
Ryuu stepped back to her position and pointed her wooden sword at Shirou. "I'll start with slow attacks. Focus on your opponent's movements and avoid unnecessary actions," she instructed firmly.
But before they began, she added, "One thing to keep in mind—I often struggle to hold back during training. That's why Anya, Chloe, and Lunoire avoid sparring with me."
Hearing this, Shirou put on a mock-panicked expression and pleaded, "Ryuu, please don't go too hard on me."
Ryuu looked at him with mild confusion, then sighed and shook her head. "Don't worry. I won't hurt you," she replied with a serious tone.
However, Shirou knew that Ryuu had no idea of his true intentions. He planned to show only minimal ability, mimicking the clumsy movements of a novice adventurer prone to mistakes, ensuring his true strength remained hidden.
Ryuu swung her wooden sword with quick but measured movements, beginning their training session. "Get ready, Shirou," she said calmly, though her gaze was sharp and focused.
Shirou, gripping his blunt sword awkwardly, deliberately mimicked the mannerisms of an inexperienced adventurer. Each step, swing, and even the way he held the sword seemed to scream inexperience and lack of training. Inside, Shirou smiled faintly, pleased with how well he was masking his true abilities.
Ryuu frowned as she noticed Shirou's incorrect hand positioning. "Your grip is too weak. Like this, your sword would fly out of your hand with just one hit," she said, stepping forward to adjust Shirou's hand placement.
"Ah, thank you, Ryuu. It seems I still have much to learn," Shirou replied with a shy tone, deliberately adding a touch of guilt to his voice.
The training continued, with Ryuu frequently pausing to correct Shirou's technique. "Your steps are too slow. Try to be lighter on your feet," she said, shifting his stance slightly. "And stop raising your shoulders so much when you attack—it wastes energy."
Shirou nodded obediently. "Got it, Ryuu. I'll try harder," he said, pretending to exert himself while intentionally making his movements slow and error-prone.
After dodging and attacking clumsily for a while, Shirou decided it was time to feign exhaustion. He let his foot slip slightly and dropped to the ground, sitting with an exaggerated pant. "R-Ryuu… can we take a break?" he asked between labored breaths.
Ryuu sighed deeply, setting her wooden sword aside. "Alright," she said, though her tone carried a hint of disappointment. She looked at Shirou as if trying to understand why someone so diligent and responsible could have such poor combat skills.
"You need to train your basics more," she added after a pause, sitting near Shirou. "But I know you can improve if you really put in the effort."
"Thank you for understanding, Ryuu," Shirou replied with a small smile, feeling slightly guilty for disappointing her. But he knew this was the best way to keep his secret safe.
Ryuu stood and went inside the dorm. A few moments later, she returned with two bottles of water. "Here," she said, handing one to Shirou before sitting back down beside him.
"Thanks, Ryuu," Shirou said, opening the bottle and taking a few gulps of cold water. The refreshing sensation was welcome after his 'grueling' training session, even though it was all an act.
Ryuu looked at Shirou seriously. "Shirou, you have a lot to work on. Your technique is raw, and your basics are weak. You need more practice," she said bluntly.
Shirou, still drinking, could only nod, swallowing his guilt. "I'm sorry, Ryuu. I'll work harder," he said before taking another sip.
Ryuu took a deep breath, as if making a decision. "Because of this, I've decided to take the night shift at the Hostess of Fertility. That way, I can train you every morning without interruptions," she declared with firm resolve.
Hearing that, Shirou choked on his water. He coughed, trying to compose himself, while his mind raced. Training every morning? How am I supposed to keep pretending like this? It's just going to waste Ryuu's time! he thought.
"R-Ryuu," Shirou stammered, his voice slightly shaky. "I appreciate your dedication, but… maybe we could cut back on the training? I don't want to take up too much of your time."
Ryuu immediately stood, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Shirou. "What are you saying, Shirou? Do you think the dream of becoming a Seigi no Mikata is just empty words? You're slacking off even with daily training?" Her voice rose, laced with clear frustration.
Shirou froze, stunned by her reaction.
Ryuu continued, her voice trembling slightly. "Do you think upholding justice is easy? With your current skills, you wouldn't even be able to save a single person! You have to push yourself harder, or that dream will remain nothing but a fantasy!"
Shirou lowered his head, guilt washing over him as her words sank in. "I… I didn't realize how much you believed in my dream," he said softly.
Ryuu fell silent for a moment before sitting back down beside Shirou. This time, her tone was gentler. "Shirou, your dream is something I couldn't achieve in my past. I just want to help you reach it," she said quietly, her gaze distant.
Shirou was struck by her words. Inside, his guilt deepened. Ryuu is so supportive, while I'm hiding my true strength from her. I've made her believe I'm weak, he thought.
Looking at Ryuu, Shirou whispered, "Thank you, Ryuu. I'll do my best to improve."