As the final day of preparations for the Moonlit Festival dawned, Verdant Dawn Academy buzzed with excitement.
The entire school was alive with activity as students put the final touches on decorations, displays, and performances.
Alaric found himself deeply involved in the setup, working alongside Cedric and Natasha. The camaraderie between them was palpable as they focused on perfecting every last detail.
"Do you think the lanterns will hold up?" Cedric asked, his brow furrowed in concentration as he helped string them across the courtyard.
"They'll be fine," Natasha replied confidently, adjusting her grip on the rope. "As long as you don't tie them like you did last time."
Alaric chuckled at their banter, steadying the ladder while Cedric climbed higher. "Don't worry, Cedric. This time, I made sure you won't send the whole thing crashing down."
Cedric shot Alaric a mock glare, though there was a playful glint in his eyes. "Easy for you to say, Mr. Magic Performance Star. I'm still struggling with basic mana control, and here you are, getting to perform in front of the whole academy tomorrow."
Alaric could sense the underlying tension in Cedric's words.
There was a twinge of jealousy in his friend's tone, though Cedric tried to mask it with humor.
Alaric's selection as the only first-year student to perform during the festival had been a point of contention for Cedric, who had tried but failed to qualify due to his weak magical control.
"Don't beat yourself up over it, Cedric," Alaric said calmly. "You'll get there with practice. The festival's just one event. You'll have plenty of chances to improve."
Cedric sighed, hopping down from the ladder. "Yeah, but it's still frustrating, you know? Watching you control magic like it's second nature while I can barely sense the mana in the air. Sometimes, I wonder if I'll ever get it."
Alaric didn't respond, simply giving a half-smile as he resumed helping with the setup. He wasn't one to care too much about others' insecurities, though he understood Cedric's feelings. Cedric's magic was abysmal, to say the least, and although Alaric could offer words of encouragement, he knew they wouldn't mean much.
Natasha, noticing the tension, decided to break the silence. "Hey, enough of that. Let's focus on what we can do. Cedric, you may not be in the performance, but you're still part of the festival, and you'll enjoy it."
Cedric grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, yeah. I guess you're right."
As the sun began to set, the courtyard and surrounding areas started to glow with lantern light, giving the academy a mystical aura. The practice for the magic performance was set to begin soon, and Alaric made his way to join the senior students for one last rehearsal before the big day.
---
That evening, Alaric noticed a shift in Rosalind's behavior during practice. There was something different about the way she interacted with him.
She had always been flirty and teasing, but now, there was an undercurrent of something deeper. She laughed a bit more freely at his jokes, leaned in closer when they spoke, and, at times, touched his arm gently when offering advice.
"Alaric, you're still rushing your movements here," Rosalind said as she stood behind him, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder as she guided his stance. "You need to take it slower, let the magic flow naturally."
Alaric felt her warm breath on the back of his neck as she spoke, and he smirked inwardly. Rosalind's touch lingered a bit longer than necessary, and she seemed more attuned to his presence than ever before.
"Like this?" he asked, following her instructions with exaggerated slowness, earning a playful swat on his arm.
"Don't be cheeky," Rosalind teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. But there was something more behind her playful exterior—an almost possessive edge.
Alaric caught her casting disapproving glances at Mariel, Viviana, and Isolde when they flirted with him. Rosalind seemed more protective of him now, and he couldn't help but notice how her feelings for him were beginning to deepen, even if she hadn't fully realized it herself.
After the practice wrapped up, Alaric bid the seniors farewell and began making his way back to his dorm. He was halfway there when he heard soft footsteps approaching from behind.
"Alaric, wait!" Rosalind's voice called out.
He turned to find her rushing towards him, her expression a mix of uncertainty and determination.
"Would you...like to take a walk with me?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
Alaric smiled and nodded. "Sure, why not?"
They walked in comfortable silence for a few moments before Rosalind broke it.
"Has Harlan...done anything to you today?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.
Alaric shook his head. "No, nothing. He just glared at me the whole time, but he didn't try anything."
Rosalind let out a breath of relief. "I'm glad. I was worried after what happened yesterday."
Alaric glanced at her, his expression calm. "Actually, I sent a letter to my mother earlier today, asking her to send eight years' worth of fees to Harlan's family, along with some extra compensation. That way, he won't have any more excuses to trouble you."
Rosalind stopped in her tracks, staring at him with wide eyes. "You...you did that?"
Alaric shrugged nonchalantly. "Of course. I don't want him bothering you anymore. And besides, it's just money. My family can afford it."
Rosalind's eyes filled with emotion as she whispered, "I don't know how I'll ever repay you for this."
"You don't need to," Alaric said simply. "I think of you as a friend, Rosalind. And who knows? You might become a famous mage one day, and this will have been a great investment."
She smiled at his words, nodding slowly. "I'll never forget this, Alaric. And...even after I graduate, I'll make sure to visit you."
"Good," he said, his tone light. "I'll be expecting it."
They continued their walk, exchanging lighthearted conversations about the festival and their studies, but there was an undercurrent of something more. As the night deepened, Rosalind hesitated before speaking again.
"Alaric...after the festival, will you be free?"
Alaric raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why do you ask?"
Rosalind glanced away, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "I was thinking...maybe we could visit the lake. Just the two of us."
Alaric's smirk widened as he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "A lake, huh? That sounds...interesting. We could swim, perhaps?"
Rosalind blinked in surprise. "Swim? But...the water will be cold, and it might be too late. Plus, we might not have enough time..."
Alaric met her gaze, his expression playful but firm. "I still want to swim. And I wouldn't want to go if we're not swimming."
Rosalind stared at him for a moment, her lips parting as if to argue, but then she sighed and smiled. "Alright, fine. If you insist."
With that, they parted ways, both of them lost in thought about the upcoming festival—and the lake visit that followed.
---
Later that night, back in the dormitory, the excitement for the Moonlit Festival was palpable.
Students were bustling around, trying on traditional clothes and preparing for the big day.
Some borrowed outfits from friends or made last-minute purchases, ensuring they looked their best for the festival.
Alaric, having brought plenty of traditional clothes from his mansion, lent some of his garments to Cedric and a few others in the dormitory.
Cedric admired the fine fabrics, a mix of awe and gratitude in his voice. "Thanks, Alaric. I'll try not to ruin it."
Alaric smirked. "You'd better not. That one's from my personal collection."
Natasha, meanwhile, in her own dormitory, had chosen a sleek, elegant traditional outfit that accentuated her slender frame.
As everyone settled in for the night, the excitement for the festival was undeniable.
Tomorrow was the 15th—the day of the Moonlit Festival—and for Alaric, it promised not just a chance to perform but perhaps an opportunity to deepen more than one relationship.
~~
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