“Politics is like a poison that taints even those who wish to have no part in it, yet even in this poison, some see salvation.”

  [ 25th Aquanis 1749 | Talven | Academy of Duality ]

  For the following weeks, I maintained a calm, reserved posture regarding Ren, who habitually violated the boundaries of our informal group. However, perhaps I need not have worried: in my presence, Nova behaved very reservedly with Ren and even periodically corrected her behavior, while Catherine tried not to succumb to her influence and the imposition of her interests.

  Catherine and I devoted a great deal of time to Lilian, visiting her first in the hospital and then helping her adjust after her injury. Of course, visiting Lilian and giving her so much attention was Catherine’s desire, but I could not refuse her requests to do it together, especially given her persistent references to my perceived heroic role. When Lilian gave her word never to employ Chaos magic again, I fashioned an eye patch woven from threads of order—a simple stabilizing enchantment designed to suppress chaotic energy. For Lilian, however, it appeared to acquire the status of a relic.

  I often began to notice her following Catherine and me through the academy corridors, as if seeking in us the support she seemed to have lost from the other students. Catherine gave her this care; as for me, I only gave advice, but it seems that even that she perceived as something valuable, extending beyond the bounds of goodwill.

  Besides Lilian, our relationship with Nova had also changed significantly. She began visiting our room frequently under various pretexts, attempting to cultivate a connection not only with me but also with Catherine. The latter was gradually treating Nova with more benevolence, apparently setting aside old grievances and even considering attending magical duels.

  The first Veytra of spring and the first Veytra of the new year in Illumora arrived as quickly as the days on the calendar changed. Aquanis brought with it warmth, the melting of ice, and the singing of spring birds. Nature was slowly awakening from its slumber, although I did not appreciate it. For me, it was just the return of the familiar chaos that life brings. And along with spring came the first surprises, which I might have guessed.

  『 ?? 』━━━???━━━『 ? 』

  [ 32nd Aquanis 1749 | Miren | 11:22 | Academy East Wing ]

  Time passed at a measured and unhurried pace, day after day, and on one such day, Catherine and I were walking through the academy corridors to our alchemy lesson when Gloria Alrane came toward us. She stood in our path and, without a greeting, addressed me:

  “Artalis, may I have a moment?” her voice held a hint of expectation, and she probably thought I should easily agree to her proposal.

  However, her motivations were transparent, her trajectory easily calculated. I was not interested in private conversations, nor in fencing with épées, which was likely what would be discussed next.

  “Gloria, if you need something, say it now. We are in a hurry to get to class and do not have much time,” my answer was calm and measured; I had no intention of offending or provoking her.

  Catherine, apparently interpreting my intention for her to remain, smiled gently at me and began to study Gloria intently.

  Gloria, realizing that a one-on-one conversation was not going to happen, looked at Catherine appraisingly and, taking a deep breath through her nose, voiced the objective I had already deduced.

  “Artalis, I want us to train. To start, at least once a week. I will take care of the space and everything else.”

  “Gloria, you know that I am a very busy person? I have many things to do, and unfortunately, I must refuse,” I replied in a measured tone, understanding that extra activities were unnecessary for me.

  A strained smile touched Gloria's lips and, shaking her head, crossed her arms.

  “Artalis, do you even understand that you are burying your talent? Do you understand that you could become the best fencer in Valtheim? What am I saying, in all of Illumora!” Gloria’s tone conveyed the profound importance fencing held for her, though she failed to comprehend her audience.

  “I see no need for that. I do not strive for titles. I am sorry, Gloria,” I replied dryly, looking her directly in the eye.

  Gloria’s mouth even fell slightly open in surprise. Perhaps her world had been shattered, or perhaps she was just gathering her thoughts.

  “No, Artalis! You can’t! You do understand that your talent is not something you can just brush aside!” Gloria began to gesture actively in an attempt at persuasion, though her efforts lacked efficacy. “I am ready to go to Evelina right now and ask for you to be freed up for at least one hour a week. I will arrange everything for you to participate in championships and competitions.”

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  Before answering, I put on an ironic smile:

  “Gloria, understand me correctly, I do not strive for competitions and awards. Yes, I can fence, but that does not mean I am ready to dedicate my life to it. Do not forget that I am Her Highness’s mage-guardian, and I have a very active academic schedule due to my transfer to a higher year.” I nodded toward Catherine so she could confirm my words, as she, more than I, understood how much time she had to spend studying the material to keep up with her peers.

  At that moment, Gloria, apparently concluding direct persuasion would fail, turned her attention to Catherine..

  “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name, but please, help me convince your friend! It’s important, such a talent is going to waste in her!” she addressed Catherine in an almost pleading voice.

  At Gloria’s address, Catherine froze for a moment. Her shoulders tensed, and her gaze darted first to Gloria, then to me, and back again. She was silent for some time, perhaps thinking about what to answer, or reasoning about how such training might affect our joint schedule. Or perhaps I was wrong, and she had once again plunged into her “romanticization” of fencing with épées.

  “My name is Catherine Edward Holu,” she said, uncharacteristically timidly, addressing Gloria. “Arta is, indeed, very busy, but…” Catherine paused awkwardly, and Gloria, obviously sensing her internal struggle, intercepted her speech.

  “Catherine,” Gloria’s tone became softer, but no less confident for it. “I understand Artalis’s position, but you must also understand: I not only want to spar with Artalis, I want her to become a famous fencer. And, to be completely honest, I am doing this not only for her. I have reached my ceiling. Only duels with an equal, with someone who sees fencing as I do, can make me stronger. Artalis is my only chance for growth.” Finishing her phrase, Gloria smiled gently, understanding that she had had a sufficient influence on Catherine.

  Catherine stood silently for a few seconds, processing the information, and then addressed me.

  “Arta…” her voice was calm, but I perceived that Gloria’s arguments had resonated with her. “Perhaps there is some sense in Gloria’s words? Why not take the opportunity? You are a talented fencer, Gloria is a famous fencer; she will help demonstrate your talent to the whole world! Is that so bad?”

  Catherine’s comment was obvious to me: she still could not let go of the thought of épées and the “twin queens,” but I was not going to be led by her and Gloria.

  “As I have already said, I have no time for such events, and I doubt the situation will change in the near future,” I replied, shaking my head.

  “But, Arta,” Catherine continued, “wasn’t it you who said that opportunities should be used? Or do you think such chances are given to everyone?” She paused, and her voice became quieter. “Is it not a weakness to refuse an opportunity?”

  She attempted to employ my own logic against me, failing to account for a critical variable: I am not only Order, but also Darkness.

  “When there are too many opportunities, one must give something up. Or do you think serving Evelina is less important than training with épées?” My voice was firm and confident; I was not going to enter into long discussions on this matter.

  However, Catherine, it seemed, was not going to back down. Her gaze became sharper, and her voice firmer:

  “Arta, you speak logically, but your words would only make sense if serving Evelina took up all your time.” Catherine shifted her gaze to Gloria. “I did hear correctly that we are talking about a few hours of training a week?”

  Gloria hesitated before answering, “Well, yes. A few hours, but perhaps at competitions, it will take a little more time.”

  Catherine was not satisfied and continued to question Gloria, “And how often are the competitions held?”

  Gloria frowned. She clearly had not expected a student she barely knew to begin interrogating her. “Well, there are different competitions. In general, if we take only the important ones, then perhaps one tournament every two Veytras.” Gloria paused, anticipating the next question, and answered in advance. “In terms of time, such competitions probably take one or two days, not including travel.”

  Catherine smirked with satisfaction. “Arta, of course, I don’t know your whole schedule,” her smile became wider, “but it seems to me you can quite well set aside a little time once every two Veytras.”

  I shook my head.

  “I will think about it, Gloria. I am not ready to make a decision under pressure.”

  Gloria's expression registered perceived success. She smiled at Catherine and only then answered me.

  “Of course, think about it. I will come to you in a little while. I hope nothing serious will happen, and we will begin our training in this academic year.”

  “Alright, Gloria,” I replied without interest, but apparently, that was enough for her. She bowed politely to us and, with a satisfied look, left, disappearing into the corridors of the academy.

  When she was out of sight, I looked at Catherine, who was standing as if she would be allowed to join my training sessions with Gloria.

  “Catherine, please, next time you want to plan my time, consult with me,” I said coldly.

  Catherine, hearing my comment, tensed and answered with a challenge, “But, Arta! This is a good chance! Besides, when else will I be able to see such magnificent duels as yours with Gloria?” She smiled broadly.

  “Catherine, épées are just a theatrical performance. How many times do I need to repeat it for you to remember?” I replied to her, hoping that she would understand this someday.

  “Nevertheless, Arta, fencing is structure. What difference does it make what weapon it is, if we are talking about structure? And is structure not a part of the Order magic that you are so actively teaching me?” she replied, smiling again.

  “Yes, structure is an important component of Order magic, but that does not negate the fact that I have no time for theatrical performances,” I remarked, emphasizing that my time is not unlimited.

  “Well, we’ll talk about that when time is really short!” Catherine commented cheerfully, not at all understanding that for me, fencing with épées is a useless waste of time.

  “When it is short, I know what I will sacrifice. And first and foremost, it will be our training,” I replied with a playful threat, so she would calm down.

  “Arta! That’s not fair!” she began to protest.

  “Too late, I have already decided.” With these words, I went to my classes, leaving her to ponder my words for the entire next lesson.