End of Inter-Academy Festival V

The final day of the Inter-Academy Festival was meant to be a joyous celebration—a day to unwind, revel, and build memories worth cherishing.

That, at least, was the idea.

Instead? I found myself entrenched in a scenario I wouldn't have wished upon my worst enemy.

Rachel arms were wrapped around mine, her expression one of quiet triumph. Cecilia stood nearby, arms crossed and glaring daggers at a rather pale and trembling Elara. Seraphina and Seol-ah exchanged glances that could have set the ground between them alight, a mix of icy indifference and underlying fire in their eyes.

So here I was, flanked by three princesses, an heir to the Moyong family—practically nobility of the East—and a daughter of an archduke, caught in the midst of what looked suspiciously like a war council.

'What's next?' I groaned internally, 'Tomorrow's headlines? "Arthur Nightingale: Young Genius and Prodigy, or the Heartthief Behind Five Nobles' Obsession?"'

Ridiculous. But news agencies, I reminded myself, had a unique talent for taking a modest fire and turning it into a roaring inferno if it meant headlines and profit.

I wasn't naive enough to think Elara or Seol-ah had fallen for me just because we shared a few dances, or because I'd saved Seol-ah's life. No, this wasn't love.

But apparently, the three princesses saw even the faintest hint of interest as a threat, and they responded accordingly—like animals guarding their territory.

Or perhaps like cats, I mused, imagining them with ears and tails twitching in possessive defiance. The thought amused me enough to bring a slight smile to my face.

Back to reality, though. I had a tense situation to defuse.

"Cecilia, relax," I said, reaching out to touch her arm.

She looked up at me, her crimson eyes flashing with a vulnerability that, for a moment, twisted my heart. Hurt? Cecilia? No way. I knew better than to fall for her innocent act again; I'd fallen once before.

When I didn't release my grip, Cecilia clicked her tongue, clearly annoyed that her little attempt to unsettle me had missed its mark. Meanwhile, Elara's violet eyes sparkled, her expression visibly brightening as if I'd somehow "rescued" her from Cecilia's scowl. A smile crept onto my face before I could stop it. There was something undeniably endearing about Elara Astoria—the kindness and sincerity that set her apart in this world.

Truth be told, she was a favorite of mine even before I'd had a chance to meet her here. She was a character I'd looked forward to encountering, only to discover that fate had sent her to Slatemark Academy instead of Mythos. Still, it didn't make navigating these unexpected dynamics any easier.

Of course, my immediate concern was the cold, appraising silence hanging between Seraphina and Seol-ah. They stood almost like mirrors, each carefully taking in the other, each with a hint of something fierce and unyielding behind their gaze. Both hailed from the East, and as the princess of the Eastern continent, Seraphina held a status that undoubtedly rivaled Seol-ah, the heir to a prominent family there. 

They were more alike than either would probably admit. Both tall and formidable, both masters of the sword—but Seol-ah's skill level and talent for swordsmanship went unmatched among most of her peers. A genius second only to Ren. Had she chosen Mythos, she'd likely sit comfortably as Rank Four, just behind Ren and ahead of Rachel.

This wasn't really a problem; I was certain Seol-ah had come simply to thank me for saving her back in the valley during the Inter-Academy Festival. My instincts were soon confirmed. After Seraphina stepped back, following a silent look from me, Seol-ah spoke with her usual stoic tone, "I would like to formally extend my gratitude, Arthur Nightingale. You saved my life, and the Moyong family will see that debt repaid."

One reason I'd saved her life personally was precisely for this: an alliance, however slight, with the Moyong family was valuable. Although the Moyongs were the least powerful among the Five Great Families of the East, they wielded considerable influence. And with a talent like Seol-ah at their helm, they were destined for greatness. Her unmatched skill could very well elevate her family's Grade 5 art to a Grade 6, a rare feat that could transform their standing.

While the Moyong family might never dethrone the Kagu family or the Mount Hua sect as rulers of the East, their power was set to grow tremendously. If Seol-ah reached her full potential, her name would echo across the continent as the Sword Goddess.

I inclined my head slightly. "It was the least I could do, Seol-ah. I'd hardly leave someone to die when I can help it."

A faint, almost imperceptible nod was all the acknowledgment she gave, but it was enough to convey her respect—and perhaps a hint of her guarded trust. This, of course, only seemed to fan the simmering looks from the others around us.

Seraphina was the first to break the tension, casting a glance my way that I knew was meant to convey the impatience beneath her calm exterior. "Arthur, don't you have plans with us today?" she asked, her tone polite but laced with subtle possession.

Seol-ah, unfazed, responded coolly. "I have no intention of interrupting your time. I simply needed to convey my gratitude. I'll take my leave." She gave a formal nod, graceful and poised as ever, before turning to leave with Ava, who cast a quick smile my way.

As Seol-ah and Ava disappeared into the crowd, Seraphina's demeanor softened, though her gaze lingered in their direction. "The Moyong family certainly raised her to hold her ground," she muttered.

"Seol-ah's reputation is well-earned," I replied, steering us away from any brewing rivalries. "She's not just skilled—she's focused. Besides," I added with a wry smile, "a little less intrigue would make my life far too simple, don't you think?"

Cecilia snorted, folding her arms. "Intrigue seems to be your natural habitat, Arthur. You don't exactly discourage it."

Rachel laughed softly, leaning a bit closer, her blue eyes twinkling. "Arthur doesn't have to discourage anything. Trouble finds him on its own, drawn to him like iron to a magnet."

For a brief moment, the tension dissolved into laughter, lightening the mood and the air around us. I was grateful, as ever, for their company—even if it sometimes felt like standing at the heart of a storm.

Elara fidgeted, her voice barely a whisper. "I… I don't mean to intrude or take up your time."

She looked so unsure, so timid that I had to suppress a chuckle. The three by my side watched her with an intensity that could only be described as predatory. Honestly, it seemed a bit unfair, like three panthers eyeing a bewildered rabbit.

"Don't worry about it," I said, giving her an easy smile. "Why don't you join us, if you'd like?"

Immediately, Rachel's grip on my arm tightened, her blue eyes flashing with something between indignation and reluctant acceptance. I leaned in to murmur, "You do realize I need some friends too, right?"

Her eyes met mine, accusatory yet softened by a reluctant sigh. "Fine," she muttered, looking away, though her cheeks reddened ever so slightly. "But don't whisper like that."

Cecilia leaned in, her crimson eyes alight with curiosity. "Oh? Are we keeping secrets now?"

Rachel turned a deeper shade of red, and I chuckled, shrugging. "Nothing of the sort. I just think Elara would be a good addition to our little adventure. Assuming she's interested, of course."

Elara's face lit up, her nervousness melting into a grateful smile. "Thank you, Arthur. I'd love to." 

And so, with an entourage slightly larger than before—and perhaps more interesting—I braced myself for whatever mischief and mayhem this festival day might bring.