Morning arrived, soft and golden. With no academy duties, both Shiro and Sato were still deep in sleep, free to laze the day away. It would have been a perfect day for lounging, if not for Arien's determined plans. Thanks to her, both boys were reluctantly obligated to join her for a day out in the city.
Sato woke up a little later than usual—around 8 AM, which was late for him. He rose and opened the curtains, allowing the bright morning sun to flood the room. Shiro, still in his academy uniform, slept on obliviously, his body precariously close to the edge of the bed.
Sato: Shirooo. Wake up. We've got... forced plans today.
Sato tried everything—shaking, calling, even a light punch—but Shiro didn't stir. Ultimately, Sato gave up.
Sato: Well, it's not me who'll get in trouble.
With that, he left the room.
Some time later, Shiro finally began to stir from his coma-like sleep. The sun was now blazing directly into his face. He shifted, and—BAM—with a loud thud, he landed on the floor, jolting instantly awake.
Shiro slowly got up, rubbing his head as he looked around the room for Sato. His eyes fell on his roommate's neatly made bed and a note left on the desk beside his own.
Still groggy and slightly annoyed, Shiro walked over, picked up the note, and sat back down on his bed to read it.
Read this when you wake up. Well, you didn't wake up—I tried everything. I'm leaving. Remember we have to meet Arien today at 10 AM at the gate. Be there.
Shiro stared at the note.
Shiro: Ohhhhhhhh...
He tossed the note aside and stood up, walking to the window. Outside, students were already enjoying their day off, laughing and chatting under the clear sky.
Shiro: There's still time.
After a quick shower, he got ready to leave. That's when a thought struck him.
Shiro: How much do I have?
He grabbed his money purse and looked inside. It was surprisingly full of gold coins.
Shiro: Well, that should be enough, but...
As he headed out, he also grabbed his katana, slinging it over his shoulder.
Shiro: Wonder how I got this money?
Meanwhile, Arien was waiting at the academy's main gate. She wore a beautiful white and yellow dress, simple yet elegant, without any flashy details. Her hair was styled softly, with two small sections tied back, and the rest flowing freely. Her katana rested gently near her wrist. Just as she arrived, Sato showed up.
He wore a simple dark tunic over fitted trousers, practical yet well-made. His katana was secured across his back with a traditional leather harness that showed signs of careful maintenance.
Arien: Oh, right on time.
Sato: Well, I always try to be. And you look beautiful today.
Arien: Well, thank you. You look... put together.
Sato: Some of us actually plan our outfits.
Arien: So... where's Shiro?
Sato glanced away, pretending not to hear.
Arien smiled, but there was a dangerous glint in her eyes.
Arien: So. Where. Is. Shiro?
Sato: Well... he was still sleeping when I left.
Arien: Wh—
Sato: (cutting in quickly) BUT I guarantee he'll be here!
An awkward silence fell. As time passed, Sato tried to break the tension.
Sato: So... how's Shiro been lately?
Arien went still.
Arien: Nothing. Just as usual, I guess. He's the same old guy who CUTS CLASSES.
That single line told Sato everything—Shiro hadn't gone to practical class yesterday after all. No wonder he was still in his uniform.
More time passed, and there was still no sign of Shiro. Arien's anger was reaching its boiling point. Then, a flash of white appeared from around the corner of the academy building. There he was.
Sato: Finally, you're up.
Shiro: Well, I'm a man of my word.
Arien: I'll forget what you did yesterday... for now.
The three of them began to walk through the city, and Arien quickly noticed they were drawing attention—and it wasn't directed at her or Sato. It was all for Shiro.
People stopped and stared. Girls whispered and glanced his way as if he were some celestial being—and for good reason.
Shiro wore a long-sleeved shirt in a soft yellow-white, similar to Arien's dress, paired with tailored brown pants. Over it, he wore a thin, knee-length robe that flowed lightly as he walked. His usual white hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and the four-and-a-half-foot katana at his side completed the striking image. He looked nothing short of breathtaking.
As they walked through the bustling market district, the contrast between the three friends became even more apparent. Sato with his practical, understated look; Arien in her elegant dress; and Shiro who seemed to have stepped out of an ancient legend. Street vendors called out, selling everything from steaming buns to shimmering Artificer charms. The air was filled with the scent of grilled meat and fresh bread.
Arien: Let's start with the market square! I heard there's a new stall selling honey-glazed pastries.
Sato: The line will be long, but probably worth it.
Shiro: As long as there's a place to sit. This robe is more cumbersome than I expected.
Arien: You chose to wear it! Now come on, I want to try everything!
They moved through the crowded streets, the morning sun warming the cobblestones. Arien led the way with determined steps, occasionally glancing back to make sure Shiro hadn't wandered off. Sato kept pace beside her, his eyes occasionally scanning the crowd with a watchful expression.
Meanwhile, back at the academy, in a distant private room, a knock echoed softly.
A voice from inside called, Come in.
The door opened, and Professor Kareth stepped inside.
Prof. Kareth: You wanted to speak with me?
She walked forward confidently.
Prof. Kareth: Professor Veylor.