That morning, Irelith opened her eyes earlier than usual. Sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, casting a soft glow over her study desk filled with spell notes and strategy books. She let out a quiet breath, rose from her bed, and tied her silver hair into a simple ponytail.
Perona, who shared the room with her, was still wrapped in her blanket.
> "You're up too early again," Perona mumbled, her voice heavy with sleep.
> "You know I can't sleep when my mind is full," Irelith replied as she picked up a small towel and headed for the bathroom.
A few minutes later, the two of them stepped out of the room and made their way to the dining hall.
> "Are you thinking about the 'First Pillar' again?" Perona asked, biting into her toast.
> "Yeah... and Windorn. I feel like everything is moving faster than it should."
> "But aren't we supposed to just carry on with our days like normal?"
> "True, but... I can't shake the feeling that our time is limited."
As they chatted, Rose caught up from behind.
> "Hey! Don't hog all the cheese rolls! I need energy for class today," Rose protested, snatching a tray from Perona's hands.
> "Wow, someone's loud this early," Perona replied with a laugh.
Irelith simply gave a small smile and sat down. Moments later, Kael arrived along with Leinhardt and Yuki.
> "Morning, future queens," Leinhardt greeted casually as he plopped into his seat.
> "Morning," Irelith responded. "Sleep well, Kael?"
> "I did. But I still had the same nightmare—forgetting my spell during the exam and blowing up Professor Veynor's hair," Kael said with a straight face.
Yuki burst into laughter.
> "Seriously? Same here! Except in mine, Taylor launched me out of the arena because I miscast a defense spell."
> "You're always reckless, Yu," Rose commented with a shake of her head.
> "Hey, don't air out my dirty laundry in public, please," Yuki replied, pretending to be offended.
Perona leaned in.
> "By the way, did you guys hear? Professor Algen is supposedly planning a surprise test in nature magic this afternoon. Better be ready."
Leinhardt raised an eyebrow.
> "A surprise test? Great. It's been a while since I used my lightning-water combo."
> "You usually just soak the floor, not your opponent," Kael teased.
> "Hey, that's part of my strategy! I make them slip!"
Laughter erupted around the table. For a moment, everything felt... normal again.
---
Nature Magic Class
Professor Algen, a bearded old man in a robe of enchanted leaves that changed color with the seasons, stood at the front of the class.
> "Today, you'll be tested on your control of nature magic. Partners will be assigned randomly. One of you will grow a plant from a seed, and the other must protect it from outside magical interference."
> "Try not to let your partner die, okay?" he added with a small chuckle.
Partners were assigned: Kael with Irelith. Leinhardt with Rose. Yuki—unluckily—with Taylor. Lancer was paired with Ciel.
> "You'll behave today, right?" Taylor asked flatly.
> "I'll try… to not be annoying," Yuki replied with a fake sweet smile.
Kael planted a small seed, channeling energy into the soil.
> "Can you focus?" Irelith whispered.
> "As long as you're protecting me, always."
Meanwhile, Rose raised a wall of earth to shield Leinhardt's plant.
> "You know, you're actually kind of cool when you're serious," Rose said while checking the barrier.
> "I'm always cool. You're just late to realize it. But don't fall for me—I'm already engaged," Leinhardt joked.
> "Don't flatter yourself. Just focus. That plant's going to wilt with all your talking," Rose shot back sharply.
Elsewhere, Yuki and Taylor were busy arguing.
> "Why'd you plant it on the edge of the arena?!"
> "It's for dramatic effect! When it gets attacked, I can leap in heroically!"
> "This is a magic test, not a theater stage, Yuki!"
---
Afternoon – Academy Courtyard
After class, they gathered under the large tree near the small lake. A gentle breeze brushed against them, and the sound of water brought a calm mood.
> "Today was exhausting... but fun," Perona murmured as she lay down.
> "I like days like this," Rose added. "We're starting to really click as a group."
> "But it seems like these days will come to an end soon," Irelith said. "The First Pillar might change everything."
> "Yeah," Kael agreed. "Which is why we should enjoy moments like this while we can."
Yuki stood up and struck a dramatic pose.
> "Then let's make this group official! We'll call ourselves... 'The Aethelgard Aezrith Team'!"
> "Sounds like a royal T-shirt fan club," Taylor muttered.
> "Better than 'Team Yuki and Friends'," Yuki shot back quickly.
Laughter rippled once again.
---
Evening – Main Hall
As the academy bell rang, all students were gathered in the main hall. Vice Principal Virellia stood on the stage.
> "Students, after evaluating the current state of the kingdom and your academic progress, we have decided... the next major exam will be held in two weeks."
> "Prepare yourselves. This exam will determine the next phase of your training... and possibly, your future."
Silence filled the hall.
Glances were exchanged.
And for the first time, the laughter from earlier was replaced by resolve.
The next exam was coming.
And everyone knew...
Their ordinary days were over.
After all the students slowly dispersed from the main hall, I didn't head straight back to the dormitory. My steps instead led me toward the back garden, to the large tree and the little lake—the same place we had visited earlier that afternoon.
And somehow, Kael was already there. Sitting on a wooden bench, half-hidden by bushes and night-blooming flowers. The moonlight touched his face gently, making him look… peaceful.
I quietly approached.
> "Still can't sleep either?" I asked, sitting beside him.
Kael turned to me, a small smile tugging at his lips.
> "I thought I was the only one who needed some night air."
I chuckled softly. "The night air here really is… calming."
We fell silent for a moment. Only the sound of the lake's ripples and the breeze brushing past the leaves accompanied us.
> "Two weeks from now... everything will change," I murmured, more to myself than to him.
Kael looked at me. "Are you afraid?"
I met his gaze. "Yes… but not because of the exam."
> "Then what is it?" he asked gently.
I hesitated. But in the end, I chose honesty.
> "Because I don't know… if we'll still be together after all of this. The world is changing so quickly, Kael. Sometimes, even feelings get left behind."
He was quiet for a while. Then, in a voice soft as the wind, he replied:
> "I don't know what the future holds either… but there's one thing I do know for certain."
He turned his eyes to me—clear, deep, and sincere.
> "I want you to stay by my side, Irelith."
My heart skipped a beat.
> "What do you mean…?"
Kael looked down for a second, then back at me—closer now, and more serious.
> "I know this may not be the best time. But ever since we met, since the days we started living and learning here at the Academy... since our training sessions, shared meals, and the laughter we had earlier today... I've realized something."
He took a deep breath.
> "I feel completely at ease when I'm with you. And it's not just because you're smart, strong, or dependable. It's because… you see me. You see me—not just 'Kael Rynthier.'"
I was speechless. His words struck deeper than I expected. I opened my mouth to respond, but the words just… didn't come right away.
> "Kael…" I finally whispered.
I lowered my gaze, trying to hide the warmth rising to my cheeks.
> "I feel the same way. I tried to deny it, tried to stay busy, to avoid facing it… but when I'm with you like this, I feel… calm. Like I'm home."
Kael reached out his hand slowly.
> "May I hold your hand?"
I looked at him. Long and hard.
And then, gently, I placed my hand in his.
Warmth.
Peace.
Kael smiled, and I found myself smiling back—genuinely, uncontrollably.
> "Would you be my girlfriend? My… fiancée?" he asked with a half-teasing tone, though his eyes were serious.
I gave his arm a playful pinch.
> "Don't ruin the moment, idiot," I whispered, laughing softly.
He laughed too, and in that moment, everything felt light—as if the world beyond this garden no longer threatened us.
We sat there, hands entwined under the moonlight that seemed to bless the night. No more words were needed. Just silence… a silence more meaningful than a thousand conversations.
And that night, even as the world prepared for war, my heart—for the first time—felt truly at peace.
> I loved him. So, so deeply.
And I felt… lucky.
Lucky to have met him.
Lucky to share the same world.
And most of all… lucky to be his fiancée.