Let's Stop and have a Chat

The party continues as the two returned to the hall. Seeing the two conversing and perhaps reminiscing about their time together as students, Fei decided to her congratulations for later. Everyone was thrilled as the two returned, pestering them with praises and questions, typical for aspiring mages. Fei went ahead and got herself a glass of weak liquor.

"Oh? You're not going to congratulate her?" asked Principal Steibern as she spotted Fei in her lonesome.

"Yeah. I think they have many things to talk about, considering their previous rivalry," she said.

While watching their match, Princilap Steibern explained to her that Sofia and Vivian are actually the President and Vice-president of the Student Council of Ancdam Academy of Sorcery and Magic. It is only natural that have opposing ideas to each other, so they would frequently have debates and duels, just like the one they are having.

Despite that, they are closer to best friends than that of rivals. They were considered the prodigy students of their time, and people can't help but compare the two. This became a hot topic, and right before their graduation, the then-head of the academy decided to hold a tournament of sorts to figure out who is the best student. As compensation, the winner will be given a letter of recommendation by the principal himself. Possessing one is equivalent to having a secured future. Of course, Sofia wasn't vying for the price, since she doesn't plan on working on a white-collared job. The two easily made it to the finals, but for some reason, Sofia did not show up. Vivian defaulted as the winner and got the recommendation.

"I think she only wants the best for her friend," Fie said as she tilts the glass she was holding, its contents swerving to and fro.

"Yeah, I have the same thought," Principal Steibern agreed with her. "I have never seen anyone so close become so distant in just a short span of time. Still, I believe that you two coming here is all part of a grander plan. That's what I believe," she added.

"Haha, you're exaggerating too much, Sensei~" Fei commented.

As the two continued their conversation, a man's voice can be heard at the center of the hall.

"Is Fei Guillard here?" he asked. He is wearing a grey and black outfit. An Eastern-style sword can be seen hanging at his side.

Fei looked toward the owner of the voice. To her surprise, she almost spewed out whatever it is she was drinking.

"Eisen!?" she blurted out the name of the man. It was none other than Esein, the risk assessor who she formed a temporary party with back at Presling Grove. She wasn't expecting him at all to come looking for her, especially not here in the academy.

Hearing the sudden development, some of the students caught sight of the two.

"Hey, hey, look. She is speaking with Ms. Fei."

"Yeah. Are they related?"

"He's quite handsome."

"No way! Don't tell me he is Ms. Fei's!"

"I'll curse him,"

Seeing that they have gathered unwanted attention, Fei descended from her seat and came right up in front of him. Eisen was oblivious to the students gossiping. Fei appreciates his indifference when it comes to things like this.

"Hey. It wasn't long since we last met. Why are you looking for me?" she asked him. Esein did not answer her questions. Instead, he held her right hand and tugged her outside the hall.

"Come with me," he said.

The students who were watching them let out squeals upon seeing Eisen firmly holding her hand and leading her away.

"I knew it! So those two are a 'thing',"

"Oh! Fei-sama! Please come back!"

"I'll definitely curse him!"

Surprised by the sudden request, Fei asked him where they are going.

"To Drethia," Eisen answered her question.

"Drethia? But we haven't even reported back to the guild yet. Besides, I have someone with me. I can't just leave her alone and head somewhere else," she responded.

"My orders are to bring you with me. The sooner, the better," he explained.

"Yeah, I get you, but still ..."

"Let's go,"

"No, seriously though, I have to get my things first,"

"Do it later,"

Her hands were securely held by Eisen. Dei started thinking about what to do to make him listen to her, and only one thing came to mind.

"Hey," she called him. Eisen, without stopping, only gave a glance towards her.

Without delay, she pulled him by the hand and threw him into the floor. A deafening crash can be heard across the hall. At the center of it was Esein, lodged several inches deep into the ground.

"Ehhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! 3x"

Everyone was surprised at Fei as she suddenly raised him to the air, then slammed him into the ground.

"I'm sorry, but I can't make you stop, so I had to do that. Can you stand?" Fei apologized to Eisen quickly, offering her hand to help him. Eisen was clearly surprised, given his dumbfounded expression. Seeing her hand held out to him, he declined the offer and propped himself upright.

"It's alright. I apologize. I may have come off as a bit ... forceful ... earlier," he said as he analyzed his earlier antics. He bowed his head as an apology.

"It's fine, as long as you understand," Fei replied.

"Still, it wasn't for long but, haven't you gotten ... stronger?" he asked her. Clearly, Fei in his memories was able to lift her own weight in battle. But the earlier exchange showed a tremendous increase in her battle prowess.

"Really? I don't feel any different though," was her honest reply. "Well, maybe because I've been to a number of battles since we last met" she added.

Earning actual experience thru real battle is certainly a way to increase one's proficiency. Eisen was well aware of this fact. But if that is true, then he can only imagine what sort of battles Fei had been through to get stronger in just a few days. He decided to not press further with the thought.

"Still, we must go to the palace immediately," he said to her.

"The palace? As in the place where the King lives?" she asked him. Eisen nodded.

"The king's orders," he added.

Fei contemplated for a bit, thinking of what reason could it be that she was being summoned by the king himself. With no thoughts coming to mind, she decided to just see it for herself.

"OK, I'll go. But I have to prepare my things first. Also, you wouldn't mind if I bring my party member along, right?" she asked him.

"Yes. I'll be waiting at the academy gate," he said.

"OK, we'll be there shortly,"

Eisen left for the gate, so Fei started to search for Sofia. Luckily, she was still having a conversation with Vivian, and Principal Steibern was there as well. She runs toward the group.

"Sofia, sorry for butting into your conversation, but will you come with me to the palace?" she asked her. Sofia was baffled at the sudden mention of the word 'palace'.

"The palace? Why are you going there?" she asked.

"The king sent for me. I don't have a clue as to why though," Fei answered.

" ... OK, I'll go with you," was Sofia's reply.

They explained the reason to Principal Steibern and Vivian, the two were surprised but nonetheless understood the importance of the matter.

"Have a safe trip," Principal Steibern said as she waved them goodbye.

"Come by sometime. I want a rematch," Vivian said as she set Sofia off.

The two assured them that they will be back some time.

The two change into their usual attire, assisted by the servants of the academy. In no time, they arrived at the academy gate. Eisen can be seen standing with his back on one of the gate's posts. As soon as he heard them, he lifted his face. Was he sleeping just now? Fei wondered.

"Sorry for the wait," Fei said.

"No worries," Eisen replied. He then looked at Sofia. Noticing his gaze, Fei started by introducing her.

"Oh, right! This is my party member, Sofia Cheele, a B-rank mage!" she introduced her. "And Sofia, this here is Eisen. We formed a temporary party when we were in Presling Grove. He works as a Risk Assessor for the kingdom," she added.

"Nice to meet you," Eisen said to Sofia.

"You too," was Sofia's curt reply.

"Now that we've been introduced, let's set off for the capital!"

The trio are now on their way to the capital, where the king awaits.