Rumors and Rivalry

– Were you waiting for me?" Harumi walked toward them.

Leila, eyes half-closed, replied – No. Celine's been frozen since this morning. She stopped here, so I stopped too.

– Ah… – Harumi smiled, lowering her head. Leila crossed her arms, watching her. As Celine approached, she looked at Harumi and smiled – Harumi, can I see your ring?

Harumi raised her right hand, revealing it proudly. Celine and Leila both stared at the delicate ring on her finger. Celine blinked – An engagement ring?

Harumi nodded enthusiastically. Leila gazed at her, a faint smile forming but never quite reaching her lips. After a pause, she sighed – Your parents don't know about you and Ikuto, right? My father probably does, but he hasn't said anything. At the pace you're going, your father's bound to find out. What are you going to do about it?

Harumi froze. Celine had wondered the same.

Would the Emperor of Yuugen allow his youngest daughter to marry a mere disciple? Even if Ikuto was a powerful mage and the disciple of the King of Waterfall, he was still an orphan with no noble background. Both of Leonar's disciples were. Despite their power, outdated royals wouldn't approve a union between a noble and a commoner. Only in places like Nairot or Kelet did such love stories unfold, where, for instance, a princess fell in love with a fisherman and later convinced her father that noble marriages shouldn't exist solely for political gain. After all, no matter one's status, everyone felt love. Was it really worth sacrificing someone's happiness for a foolish tradition?

Harumi still hadn't answered. Leila sighed again and looked at Celine – We should get to class.

They walked together through the corridor. Leila led the way, as Celine wasn't familiar with the place, and Harumi walked silently with her head down.

A soft murmur broke the silence. They both turned to Harumi, who had raised her head, her expression now calm.

– I trust Ikuto – She said – He promised to speak with the Emperor and Empress himself. It'll be okay.

Celine smiled. Leila covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking almost imperceptibly. Harumi squinted and gave her a light slap – Why are you laughing? I'm serious!

Leila dodged the gentle hits with a laugh. She took a deep breath, smiling – I know, I know. Everything will be fine.

Harumi, cheeks slightly flushed, stepped behind Celine, using her as a shield. They all laughed as they walked.

– Oh, the teacher's already here… – Harumi muttered as they stopped outside a classroom, the door closed.

Leila pressed her lips together, then glanced sideways at Celine – We'll use you as an excuse. We were showing you around, that's why we're late.

Celine blinked – But class just started. Would he tease you for being only a minute late?

Leila looked thoughtful – Wouldn't exactly call it teasing...

Harumi sighed and went to the door, knocking before opening it. They stepped inside, the room was filled with chatting students, the teacher hadn't arrived yet. Harumi quickly guided Celine to some seats. Leila sighed with relief – Looks like he's not here yet.

– Who? – Came a soft voice.

Everyone turned, not to Leila, but to the person behind her.

Leila rubbed her face with both hands and muttered – Good morning, Professor.

The man behind her smiled, drawing a few dreamy sighs from the students – Good morning, Miss Waterfall. Sorry for the delay. Were you worried?

– Of course not – Someone chimed in – You're never late. We're just early.

– You're all so sweet – He smiled and walked to the front of the room.

Celine observed him closely. His attire was elegant and tailored, his short hair casually messy. Though his aura was gentle, something in his eyes contradicted it. Their eyes met, and she suddenly saw it: a strange black mist curled around him. It clung to him like a shadow, pulling her in.

– Celine – Harumi whispered, snapping her out of it. She looked around, everyone was staring.

– Oh...

The teacher smiled kindly – Please introduce yourself. Most students here will be sharing classes with you. It's good to know each other.

Standing up, Celine lowered her gaze – I'm Celine, from Celestia, Northern Kingdom. It's an honor to study here with you all...

No sound.

Celine glanced up, the room was frozen. All eyes locked onto her. Then her gaze met the teacher's again, his look was curious, calculating.

– It will be an honor to teach you, Celine – He finally said.

At once, whispers erupted:

"The daughter of Sorceress Isleen?"

"Are you sure? I can't feel any magic from her."

"She's the daughter of the Great Witch of the Nine Realms. Obviously, she can hide her power."

"She's pretty."

"She looks kind of plain to me. Just like a regular human."

Professor Weilyn cleared his throat. The murmurs died instantly.

– I'm Professor Weilyn, your Weapons Studies instructor.

He let the silence linger, scanning each student.

– Since you're all so excited, let's see if you keep that energy in my class.

The lesson proceeded smoothly. Weilyn's voice was calm, fluid, yet focused. He explained the mechanics and purposes of various weapons, emphasizing how each type suited different fighters.

For close combat: swords, daggers, axes.

For ranged attacks: bows, staves, and wands.

And the material? That depended entirely on the user's strength and magic. The wrong match could lead to weapons breaking mid-battle.

With a few minutes left, Weilyn sat, quietly eyeing his students. Around the room, students lowered their heads, muttering:

"Damn."

"He's doing it again."

"Please don't pick me..."

Celine tilted her head, confused.

– Any questions, Miss Celine? – He asked suddenly.

Startled, she quickly shook her head – No, Professor.

He sighed – Then why that expression?

– Ah… – Celine scrambled for an excuse.

Weilyn smirked, resting his chin on his hand – Let's test that. I'll ask a simple question, we'll see if you don't have doubts.

Sympathetic glances fell on Celine.

She nodded, bracing herself.

– This should be easy: how does the magic flow inside a staff?

Celine smiled, beginning confidently – A staff works as a channeler. Magic is stored and directed through it by the wielder. The flow depends on their strength, the more powerful the mage, the more magic the staff channels. The core point where magic flows is small and can be hidden anywhere in the staff, making it hard to detect. Wood is commonly used due to its ability to conduct magical energy, but a stone or gem is usually embedded to force the flow at a specific point, helping control and cast spells. It's practical, magic is harder to use without it. Only truly strong mages can use magic freely without a staff.

She paused thoughtfully, then continued – Wands work similarly, but both require compatibility. A strong mage might shatter a weak staff. Conversely, a weak mage can't handle a high-tier staff.

Silence.

Professor Weilyn was still smiling, as if he'd been waiting for the whole explanation.

– Very well – He said at last, glancing out the window. After a moment, he stood – You may all go.

He left quickly. Students followed, murmuring, many casting glances at Celine, some admiring, others skeptical.

– Humph. Jealousy. I'll take care of it! – Harumi walked ahead of Celine, flailing her arms as if swatting the stares away.

Celine laughed – It's fine.

Leila smiled – That was really good. Great explanation.

– Yes, yes! Really good! – Harumi nodded.

As they walked, Celine looked out the windows. A class was training outside. A teacher circled, observing.

– That's Professor Mysie – Leila explained – She teaches combat and weapon handling. Pretty much everything.

The teacher moved gracefully among the dueling students. Suddenly, they noticed someone approaching the training area and froze.

– What is Professor Weilyn doing? – Harumi asked.

Before anyone could answer, Mysie spotted him. She casually picked up a rock and hurled it. It struck Weilyn right on the forehead. The students gasped.

He collapsed dramatically. Blood trickled down. Then, suddenly, he stood, smiling eerily.

– My sweet Mysie – He called – Your greetings never change, so affectionate.

She scowled – To what do I owe this... visit, Master Weilyn?

Wiping his face, blood streaking down his cheek, he grinned – Just came out for a stroll. Who'd have guessed your looks and charm would pull me here, along with your adorable rocks.

The entire field stood frozen in disbelief.

– You're all dismissed. Get to your next classes – Mysie said, deadpan.

Students vanished in record time.

– A moment alone with me, dear Mysie?

He stepped closer, but a blade flew past his face, nicking his cheek. He turned. A small dagger was buried in the ground behind him.

Still smiling, he looked back. But Mysie was already in his face, cold as ice.

– You still carry that? – He asked softly.

– It's a good dagger. It would be a waste to throw it away.

She walked past, retrieved the weapon, and left him standing alone, bloodied, dazed, and perhaps slightly in love.

– They seem to hate each other – Celine observed.

Harumi nodded – Probably. But… it kind of feels like one of those love-hate things.

Leila gave them a weird look, shook her head, and started walking again. The girls scrambled to follow.