The morning air in the city of Aezrith felt unusually fresh. Not because of the wind, nor the change of seasons. But because today was special—the day when students of Aezrith Academy were allowed to leave the academy walls to enjoy a day off and spend time in the city.
Kael stood at the main gate alongside Irelith, Rose, Perona, and Leinhardt. They had changed out of their uniforms into casual clothes: Kael wore a deep blue coat with dark leather trousers, Irelith donned a knee-length white dress with a blue ribbon around her waist, her silver hair tied half up. Rose and Perona looked lively in modern citywear, while Leinhardt... for some reason still wore his gloves as if ready to fight at any moment.
"I haven't gone out to the city in ages!" Leinhardt exclaimed, stretching his arms.
"Last time you went to the city, didn't you buy a wooden sword and get into trouble with the shopkeeper?" Rose teased.
"Eh? How'd you know?!"
"Two months ago, I happened to witness a foolish boy causing a scene."
"Still young and learning!" Leinhardt replied proudly, thumping his chest.
Everyone laughed, and the day began with light, happy steps.
---
Aezrith City Main Market
The city market was a burst of color and sound. Merchants shouted out their goods—silks, magic stones, sweets, and even toys that floated in the air. Street music flowed from a masked fox-flute player, while children ran after colorful magic birds.
"This feels like a small festival," Perona murmured, her eyes shining.
Kael nodded. "I can't remember the last time I got to relax like this."
Irelith tugged on his arm. "Then let's make the most of today."
They stopped at a magical candy stall.
"You like sweet things, Irelith?" Kael asked, eyeing the candies flying out of a glass jar.
Irelith nodded slightly, a little shy. "A bit."
"In that case, this is for you." Kael paid for one and handed it to her.
"A bunny-shaped candy...?" Irelith smiled as she accepted the tiny gift. "Thank you... so much."
Leinhardt cut in with a loud voice, "Then I want the dragon one! The one that breathes little flames!"
Rose rolled her eyes. "If your tongue burns, don't come crying."
Perona bought a few small pendants from the next stall. She gave one to Irelith and one to Kael.
"For luck," she said. "Let's keep these until the next exam."
"Thank you, Perona," Irelith replied sincerely.
They moved from stall to stall, occasionally stopping just to taste the city's special treats—hot cheese-filled bread, magical ice that changed flavor with each bite, and even rice balls that meowed if left uneaten too long.
---
Antique Bookstore "Elder Quill"
They entered an old bookstore at the end of the street. The walls were lined with dusty wooden shelves, and soft light glowed from hanging crystal lamps. The scent of aged pages and ink filled the room, giving off a peaceful and mysterious aura.
Kael was deeply absorbed in the "War History and Strategy" section. From another aisle, Irelith quietly watched him, seeing the way he frowned slightly in concentration.
Rose approached her. "Watching your prince again?"
Irelith flinched. "He's not a prince... just—ugh, never mind."
Rose chuckled softly. "Look at your face. It's so red."
"I just... like seeing him focus like that," Irelith whispered, barely audible.
Perona, on the other hand, was looking at a book titled "100 Ways to Enchant Your Hair So It Doesn't Puff During Duels."
Leinhardt? He had fallen asleep hugging a pile of action novels.
After finishing his book, Kael noticed Leinhardt asleep and mischievously whispered a little chant beside him.
"Wahhh! I am the Herooo!!" Leinhardt suddenly shouted, arms raised high.
Everyone in the store turned to look, confused at first—then burst into laughter.
Irelith walked over to Kael, gently holding the sleeve of his shirt as she said with a sweet smile, "You're so mischievous."
"Haha, who told him to fall asleep here?" Kael replied casually.
Irelith leaned in close and whispered in his ear, "We should go out alone like this sometime... just the two of us."
Kael turned to her, gazing softly into her eyes.
"I will make sure that happens... my love."
Irelith looked down, cheeks glowing red, unable to hide her smile.
---
Sunset by the Aezra River
After a day full of wandering, they walked along the Aezra River, its waters reflecting the golden evening light. On the riverbank lay a soft grassy field, inviting them to sit and rest.
They sat in a circle. Leinhardt played a small bamboo flute he had bought at the market, though the notes often came out wrong.
"At least... today we got to feel like normal kids," Perona said, lying on the grass and gazing at the sky.
"Not noble heirs. Not future warriors. Not academy students. Just... us," Rose added.
Irelith rested her head on Kael's shoulder. No words, just peace.
Kael looked up at the orange sky and murmured, "If the outside world is this beautiful, I want us all to protect it."
Leinhardt raised his flute.
"Then let's make a vow. That someday, we'll create a more peaceful world. One where everyone can smile like this."
They exchanged glances. And one by one, they nodded.
Kael looked at the hands joined in the center of their circle.
"Yes. That world... we'll build it together."
---
> And as the sun slowly dipped beneath the horizon, on the banks of that river, five young souls made a quiet promise—not to the world, nor to the academy, but to themselves.
That when the storm returns... they will still stand. Together.