--AN) 15+ Chapters up on https://www.patreon.com/c/invayne --
"As you spend the next three years here at the Academy, you will learn everything there is to know about Card Masters. Where you go from there is your choice. But those of the select few may get a chance to work for the Royal Family.
"But remember one thing." Fenia looked over the crowd with a stern gaze. "As a Card Master, it is your duty to protect this kingdom and its people from dungeon breaks. Never forget this. We would not be alive today if it were not for the Card Masters who had given up their lives to protect all of you. Tens of thousands of Card Masters have died during dungeon breaks, doing their best to protect everyone. If there is ever a day an EX-rank dungeon breaks, we can only band together and hope we are able to deal with the situation. So work hard and always strive for the top! No matter what your reason for being here is, whether it be money, fame, or just for the love of battle, I hope you will never stop striving for strength.
"I will now pass you, to whom some of you already know, Elder Hill, who has a few things to say." Fenia smiled before turning and walking back to her seat. Elder Hill walked to the crystal and tapped it a few times before starting his speech.
Leo listened attentively. No matter if what was being said was common sense or not, or something he had long known about he had to make sure he took everything in. His goal was to become strong and give his family a better life. He would never waste the chance he was given in coming here.
Bella also clenched her fists. She had one goal for coming here, and that was to grow so strong that she would never be used as a political tool. She wanted to live like a normal girl. Live a life where she could fall in love with whom she wanted and never look back. She was born into being a princess, but that did not mean she liked it.
In all her fifteen years, she tried too hard to live up to her father's expectations, but in the end, she had no choice but to wager her entire future on this Academy, especially when all she could conquer was a Rock Salamander. But now… Bella looked to her side at the young man sitting next to her and smiled faintly. She had hope.
The boy next to her said she could reach D-rank in her first year. This was something she had never imagined possible. Frankly, it was insane to say that it was possible. But she felt she could believe Leo's words. She wanted to put her faith in the fact that he was not lying to her. This was why, if they did reach D-rank by the end of the term she was willing to grant him any wish. No matter what the wish may be.
After the assembly, Bella and Leo got up to leave their seats. When Bella stood up, the person in front of her also stood up, pushing their seat back hard, hitting her and causing her to lose her balance and begin to fall over. 'Leo! Catch her!'
Leo reacted quickly to Liana's yell, turned to his side, and grabbed Bella's hand, pulling her into his embrace. Bella's eyes were wide in surprise as Leo hugged her. A familiar scent filled her nose. This scent made her feel safe and secure. It was a strange feeling. She did not move at all and just stood there with her forehead pressed against his chest.
"You okay?" Leo asked gently as he turned and glared at the young man who had almost caused Bella to fall, only to be ignored as the young man walked away. Leo did not call out to him but instead turned back and noticed Bella not saying anything. He was confused since he did not think she was hurt at all. "Bella?"
"Huh? Ah! Yes… Yes, I am fine thank you." Bella's cheeks turned red. She only now realized she had been taken in by Leo's scent. She hoped he did not realize this.
"This place is packed." Leo sighed as he saw how hard it was to move. 'Be a man and help her out. Hold her hand!'
Liana's words rang in his ears, making him chuckle inwardly. 'I already planned to.'
'Humph! You need to always watch out for those you wish to protect. If I had not said anything she would have fallen and really gotten hurt. As our future husband you need to take care of us properly!'
Leo did not know what to say. Liana kept calling him husband this and husband that and even bringing Bella into it. This was not to say he did not like Bella at all. In fact, he had a very good impression of her. He just did not want to overstep any bounds he should not overstep. The last thing he wanted was to make Bella mad at him. But he knew now was not one of those times where he would be overstepping.
Leo held out his hand to Bella. "Just until we get out."
Bella looked at Leo's outstretched hand and blushed even more before nodding slightly and taking it. She couldn't help but stare at the hand that held hers as she was led through the crowd. His hand, which was bigger than her own, gripped her hand tightly but not too tightly. He was making sure he would not lose her. Bella's heart began to flutter. She was having more and more of these types of experiences, and it had only been less than two days! 'Get it together Bella! Leo is just kind! He would do this for anyone!'
Bella did her best to calm down and try not to think about it. But as they reached the front and met up with the others, Anna and Abby were both staring at her with their mouths wide open.
"Oh my god! Bella has become a woman!" Abby screamed out, catching everyone's attention.