Aina [1]

Aina has always been considered a genius since a young age, whether it was her studies, etiquette classes or even dance lessons she exceled in everything she did. Although she was from a mid-ranked noble house, she was even said to have the potential of a king which they had no way of proving yet since she just turned 6. She was in the spotlight, admired by all and she liked it, that was until rumors about a much more talented boy.

She didn't know when it started, maybe it was because the people who praised her before started comparing her with the boy, but she awakened a sense of competitiveness, she didn't want to lose to a boy who was said to be younger than her.

The two had never met before but she already him as her rival, he was an obstacle she had to overcome at all costs and with that determination she spent 2 years improving in any way she could. At this point, she had already given up hope of ever meeting her 'rival' but as luck or perhaps fate would have it, her family was lucky enough to be invited for his 6th birthday. 

Finally, after 2 years of hard work, she was going to show the world who the real genius was. She had already painted an image of her so-called rival in her mind. According to her, since he was considered a genius, he was already confident which would give her the chance to overtake him even if it's with hard work.

The party started in the evening hours which gave her enough time to prepare since her plan was no to give any reason for nitpicking when she finally stands proudly before him.

 The carriage that was escorting them stopped for a security check at the mansion gates, showing exactly how important this family was, which impressively, didn't make her nervous. Aina was in battle ready mode (well more like rivalry mode) so all these little details were unimportant to her.

 The carriage dropped them off at the mansion, this time Aina was really impressed after the servants greeted and escorted them in the ball room where the party was going on. Although the mansion had a simple looking interior, the simplicity gave off a majestic feel to the interior.

This was her first time visiting the Goldsworth mansion, not because the family took hierarchy very seriously (at least not like most other nobles), but because it's very rare for them to celebrate.

When they entered the hall, they saw that, although they came quite early, the room was packed with noble (mages) ranging from high to low ranks. This was a chance for most of them to personally verify the rumors.

Aina turned towards where the nobles were looking and that's when she saw him, her motivation for improving for the past 2 years and what was her reaction on seeing him for the first time? She froze, she could've sworn her heart skipped a beat. The rumors always called him a genius but no one told her he was this handsome. 

The boy, Ethan, was wearing a green cloth with golden accents along with golden pants but that was the least she noticed. He had white hair and golden eyes which made her doubt he was human, his aura made people feel he was more mature than he looked.

 Aina was intimidated, the lazy bum of a genius, image she had of him completely shattered. 

'W-why can't I even sense him?' she thought, looking intently at Ethan who turned towards her and smiled. Seeing his smile caused Aina to blush, seriously that face was dangerous for a young maiden's heart.

The party started after Ethan, his fiancé (Leah), his sister and their parents came to the hall. The nobles took turns in wishing Ethan and they then got back to eating and drinking, after a few hours, it was time for dancing. Ethan first danced with his sister and then his fiancé before everyone else started selecting dance partners.

Aina danced with a few kids her age before she saw Ethan approaching her.

"Good even Miss Aina, care to dance?" Ethan asked since they already did introductions when the gifts were being given.

"It'll be my pleasure Master Ethan" she answered taking his outstretched hand. He then led her towards the dance floor and they stared swaying to the sound of instruments.

"You have a really special mana, Miss Aina" he suddenly said in the midst of dancing which caused her surprise.

"Y-you can sense mana?" she asked.

"I guess? Anyway, your mana feels warm and welcoming but at the same time wild just like nature" he spoke and before she could comprehend what he just said, he spoke again.

"Why don't we become friends? Your parents said you were also a genius with the sword, how about we exchange pointers" he had a light smile on his face while speaking.

She was totally lost, this was not how she imagined him, she though he'd jus be another spoiled noble but he feels way more mature. From then on, they became friends and they would regularly exchange points which she quickly realized that the rumors of him being a genius was true. 

----------Present-------------

"Are you sure this is how you want to spend your date?" Ethan asked with surprise.

"Yep, and since you can use magic now, we're going all out" Aina replied while putting on a flexible training suit.

Ethan could only sigh, put on his own training suit and picking up a sword. He came here expecting a normal date but she requested for a spar instead. Although he didn't mind sparing with her, he was surprised that she chose to spend her date with him like this.

A few minutes later, they were inside a big hall in her mansion. This was a battle arena, which they usually used for spars. The arena was imbued with light based mana barrier so that any dangerous cuts and wounds would be promptly healed. There were some knights in the arena and since their Mistress and her fiancé were about to spar, they made their way to the observer's stand.

"I hope you're ready to go all out" Aina asked with a smile on her face while standing opposite Ethan on the arena.

"Sure, just don't lose quickly" he playfully taunted.

"Begin!" the butler who was acting as the referee shouted.