Uncertain Feelings
As Kathleen unleashed her powerful attack, she realized that she may have gone too far. With concern etched on her face, she swiftly moved towards Sophie and retrieved healing pills from her space ring.
"Are you alright, Sophie?" Kathleen asked with concern as she caught Sophie's body before she fell to the ground.
"I'm in pain, but I'll be fine. I didn't realize you were skilled in so many elemental techniques." Sophie replied with a small smile, the blood stained Kathleen's clothes as it flowed down from her shoulder.
Without speaking a word, Kathleen offered healing pills to Sophie, holding them near her mouth.
"Ahh, open your mouth," Kathleen said, holding the healing pills in her hand.
Sophie felt embarrassed, feeling like a child being fed by her mother as Kathleen held her in her lap.
"I-I have my own healing pills, these pills must cost you-"
"Eat!"
Sophie tried to protest, but Kathleen's firm tone made her stop in her mid-sentence. She reluctantly opened her mouth, and Kathleen fed her the healing pill without any further argument.
Sophie took the healing pills and within seconds, it had already taken effect due to Sophie's magical rank. The pill was a low-level second-tier one that could heal a 4-Star rank mage.
If Sophie knew how expensive the healing pill was, she would surely scold Kathleen for not being frugal with her wealth.
The bleeding from Sophie's shoulder had stopped, so she rose up from Kathleen's lap and sat on the hard floor. She began to meditate to heal her injuries properly and also to recover her mana.
Kathleen also took a pill which started to heal her minor injuries. She sat beside Sophie, and they both entered into a meditative state.
After a few minutes, they both opened their eyes, one after another, and exchanged a gaze at eachother.
"That was a good fight." Sophie commented with a cheerful tone. "Although I don't think I would be able to advance to the peak level 2-Star rank if I tried to make advancement today, I'm sure I improved my dagger skills."
"I could feel my swordsmanship improving as I practiced basic moves like cuts and swings." Kathleen also noted her progress, though they both knew that one fight alone wouldn't bring unimaginable advancements to their strength, Nonetheless, they both were happy with the progress they are making.
As Kathleen pondered over her magical abilities and contemplated various training strategies for the remaining ten days before the exams, Sophie appeared to be grappling with some inner turmoil. However, a determined expression soon set upon her face.
"Kathleen, there's something I need to ask you." Sophie said, her voice starting off loud but tapering off at the end of the sentence.
Kathleen emerged from her thoughts and turned her gaze towards Sophie at the sound of her voice. "Hmm?"
"Go ahead and ask," Kathleen replied, her tone gentle and encouraging.
"Are you truly okay with the marriage your mother arranged for you? I hope you don't mind me asking." Sophie inquired, aware that she might be prying but she was genuinely curious nonetheless.
Kathleen appeared puzzled by Sophie's question at first, but then a mischievous smile spread across her face as she seemed to understand the reason for it.
"Sophie, it seems you're particularly interested in this matter." Kathleen remarked, leaning in towards her friend.
Sophie became flustered at Kathleen's words, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Despite Sophie's embarrassment, Kathleen proceeded with her words, seemingly unaffected by her friend's reaction.
"Well, if you must know, I don't like the man my mother chose for me." Kathleen said. Sophie felt a sudden sense of relief upon hearing this, even though she couldn't quite explain why.
"Despite my personal feelings, as the daughter of Duchess Jessica, it is my duty to act as if I am okay with the arranged marriage. However, I am determined to find a way to stop the wedding before it takes place." Kathleen stated confidently, surprising Sophie with her resolute tone.
"Kathleen, you yourself said that Max is a capable individual who has even earned the headmaster's approval. So why are you against this marriage?" Sophie asked, though she couldn't quite explain why she felt the need to ask all these questions.
Upon hearing Sophie's question, Kathleen leaned in closer and a small smile appeared on her face as she whispered into Sophie's ear.
"Because... I prefer women over men." Sophie felt Kathleen's cold breath on her ear and suddenly blushed, jumping like a cat that had it's tail stepped on.
Kathleen let out a soft laugh as she observed Sophie's reaction, realizing that Sophie had developed romantic feelings for her.
She had been uncertain before, but now she knew it was true. 'Hehe, it seems like my charm hasn't diminished even in a different world.' She thought to herself. After all, her true appearance was also impressive on Earth.
Clearing her throat, Sophie rose from the firm ground beneath her.
"L-Let's get back to training. I need to make progress before the final exams." Sophie said with a stuttering voice, and Kathleen sensed that Sophie was trying to change the subject. So she also stood up and began preparing for another round of training.
Sophie was a bit surprised by Kathleen's confession, but in this world, it was not uncommon for people to be homosexual. In fact, it was said that some swordsmen who followed the ultimate Sword path even married their own swords. So, Sophie didn't find it too surprising that Kathleen liked the same gender as her.
She had noticed that she felt more at ease after learning about Kathleen's views on marriage and sexual orientation, Suddenly, a thought crept into her mind.
'S-so, do I actually have feelings for Kathleen? B-but how can that be? We've only know each other for three days.'
"Sophie, are you prepared?" Kathleen's voice echoed, jolting Sophie out of her reverie.
Sophie shook her head, determined to think about her feelings later when she was alone in her dormitory. She then turned her attention to Kathleen, who had taken her battle stance on the opposite side, and walked towards her own position.