53: The Truth

Chapter 53: The Truth

As **Division 10** continued their journey, the teasing of **Synoh** grew louder and more playful. Amid the banter, **Ursa**, always one to be fiercely protective of her comrades, didn't quite grasp the full context. She furrowed her brow in confusion and quietly began her own investigation, observing Synoh and the knights with suspicion, determined to uncover whatever secret was being kept from her.

Meanwhile, inside the carriage, **Princess Akane** and **Captain Elara** were enjoying a much more intimate conversation. With **Yana** seated quietly beside them, Akane leaned in with a gentle smile.

**Princess Akane:** (softly) "You know, Captain, I've always thought you'd look incredible dressed up. I'm glad you let me help you today. You really should embrace this side of yourself more often."

Elara, normally composed and confident, seemed a bit unsure, her fingers fidgeting with her cloak.

**Captain Elara:** (nervously) "I've thought about it… but I've always been afraid. Afraid of what others would say. The last thing I want is to be laughed at or mocked."

Akane's eyes softened as she listened closely, sensing there was more to Elara's reluctance.

**Princess Akane:** "People are going to admire you, Elara. No one would mock you now, especially not after seeing how strong and capable you are. Besides, didn't you tell me last night that you've always wanted to dress up properly?"

Elara blushed as she recalled their conversation from the previous night. It had started off innocently, but after a few moments of vulnerability, Elara had opened up to Akane about her long-buried insecurities. She had confessed her desire to dress more like a traditional woman—one who could still be seen as strong, but also feminine. Yet that desire had been dampened by a painful experience in her past.

**Captain Elara:** (quietly) "I never really told anyone before, but… back at the magic knight academy, I tried once. I had a crush on a guy. I thought maybe if I looked prettier, more feminine, he'd notice me. So, I dressed up. But when I confessed, he laughed… and so did everyone else. I became a joke. The academy never let me live it down."

Akane's expression darkened as she listened, a protective fierceness growing inside her.

**Princess Akane:** "That's awful… Elara, no one should ever make you feel like that."

Elara nodded, her face tight with the memory of her first love and the embarrassment that followed. It wasn't just that one boy who mocked her—it was the entire academy. After her failed confession, she became the subject of ridicule, her attempts to look more feminine twisted into a running joke among her peers.

But amidst the storm of mockery, there was one person who stood by her side: **Captain Alistair**.

**Captain Elara:** (softly) "The only person who stood up for me was Alistair. He protected me from all the teasing and helped me regain my confidence. It's part of why I look up to him so much… like a big brother. He helped me find my strength again, but… ever since then, I've never felt comfortable trying to dress like that. I guess part of me is still afraid."

Akane reached out, gently placing a hand on Elara's arm.

**Princess Akane:** "Elara, you don't have to be afraid anymore. You're strong, not just as a captain but as a woman too. And trust me, no one is going to laugh at you—not when they see the real you."

Elara smiled, a mixture of gratitude and hesitation crossing her face. It was comforting to have someone like Akane in her corner, someone who genuinely wanted to see her embrace all sides of herself.

Akane's eyes sparkled with mischief for a moment.

**Princess Akane:** (playfully) "And Synoh… he won't know what hit him when he sees you properly dressed up. You should have seen his face earlier when you stepped out."

Elara blushed deeply, averting her gaze for a moment.

**Captain Elara:** (bashfully) "You think so?"

**Princess Akane:** (teasing) "Oh, I *know* so."

The carriage continued on, with Elara feeling a bit more at ease, though the memories of her past still weighed on her. She wasn't sure what the future held for her, but with Akane's encouragement and the growing bond she had with Synoh, perhaps it was time to let go of those old fears and finally embrace her true self.