The Adventurers' Guild buzzed with activity as Aina walked through the doors, her presence drawing immediate attention. Emiko, the friendly assistant who managed quests and assignments, greeted her with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Miss Aina!" Emiko's voice was bright and full of admiration. "You look stunning as always. That smile... those eyes... you brighten up the room."
Aina smiled widely, her natural charm shining through. "Good morning to you too, Emiko. You're looking great as well." The compliment was genuine, but there was a hint of teasing behind her words.
Emiko blushed, her cheeks rosy. "Thank you!" she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "So, are you ready to help out today?"
Aina's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! What do we have on the list for today?"
Emiko sifted through a pile of papers, scanning the list of tasks before glancing up with a thoughtful look. "Well, it's a bit light today, but tomorrow's the Royal Academy Festival. The king himself is attending this year." She paused and looked at Aina with a hopeful glint in her eyes. "Do you think you could head to the academy tomorrow and help the students get ready? They could use some encouragement and guidance."
Aina felt her chest swell with pride. The academy was where she had grown as an adventurer, and she was always glad to give back. "Of course! I'd be happy to help. I'll do everything I can to make sure the festival is a success."
Emiko's smile widened, her gratitude evident. "I knew you'd say that. The students really look up to you. Your presence will mean a lot to them."
As Aina walked to the academy, she found herself wondering about Riku. Despite his peculiar and guarded nature, there was something about him that intrigued her. She smiled softly. It was hard to imagine him getting swept up in the festival, but she couldn't shake the thought that maybe, just maybe, he would surprise her.
The grand entrance of the Royal Academy loomed ahead, its towering stone walls etched with symbols of old. Aina stepped into the bustling courtyard, her presence immediately noticed. Whispers rippled through the crowd like wildfire, and a few students even shouted excitedly.
"Guys, it's Miss Aina! The Miracle Maiden is here!"
Within moments, a small crowd had gathered around her, their faces filled with admiration and awe. Aina's reputation had spread far beyond the academy. She smiled warmly, offering a few kind words to boost their spirits.
As she continued her walk through the halls of the academy, her thoughts turned to Haruto. A young man who had risen to the position of head despite his youth, Haruto was a skilled fighter and a confident leader. Aina respected him, but their bond was also one of friendly rivalry.
As soon as Haruto spotted her, he called out with a grin, "Yoo, Aina! Good morning!"
"Good morning, Haruto," she replied with a teasing smile. "You still haven't toned down that fire of yours, huh?"
He laughed, the sound full of energy. "Never. I'll be ready for anything tomorrow. I bet I can set up faster than you!"
Aina rolled her eyes, knowing full well that Haruto was as competitive as he was skilled. "We'll see about that."
Together, they toured the academy's halls, strategizing and preparing for the festival. Their teamwork was seamless, and their camaraderie evident. Aina was more than happy to contribute to the academy's success, knowing how much the students would appreciate it.