525 Leaving (Part 1)

"During my fourth year at the White Griffon, I only approached him because I needed a friend. I was tired of everyone around me, even my family, trying to turn me into the person they believed I was meant to be." Phloria cast a Hush spell, to make sure no one would eavesdrop.

"Over time, I came to like Lith more and more not because he was powerful or talented, but because he was the only one that saw me for who I was and accepted me anyway. He never cared if I always had a sword with me or if I wore pants instead of a dress.

"It was liberating after being weighed, measured, and found wanting all my life, no matter how much effort I put in."

Aside from Quylla, they could all relate to her words. Belonging to a noble family meant a life of duty, and competing with everyone from birth, no matter if they were peers or family members.