A look of guilt appears on Zeff’s face — his strike actually lands on Vichel.

  Jacelin covers her mouth in astonishment.

  But a wide grin spreads across Vichel’s face.

  “Finally you did it, you bastard!”

  Zeff never expects that reaction, yet somehow he feels pleased. Vichel immediately launches a counterattack with all her strength, and Zeff answers back without hesitation. Their barehanded duel continues, growing increasingly brutal.

  Jacelin grumbles, “Where did Vichel learn to talk like that? I’ll scold her later!”

  “Since when are you her mother?” someone replies.

  “Wow, their fight is getting fiercer,” Yanzen says in awe.

  “Looks like that’s exactly what Vichel wanted,” Bertan understands. “She no longer feels belittled for being a woman or for having a small body.”

  “Do Vichel’s parents also have mysterious powers like her?” Yanzen asks with deep curiosity.

  Jacelin falls silent for a moment, a bit hesitant to answer.

  “Vichel… was raised in an orphanage.”

  That answer startles Bertan, Yanzen, and Zoi.

  Meanwhile, as Vichel and Zeff continue their fierce battle, Jacelin goes on telling more about Vichel.

  “Vichel’s mother, who was nine months pregnant at the time, came to the Loudhe territory—under Duke Lurca’s rule—seeking protection along with a group of refugees from Weldein. Back then, a great war was raging in Weldein due to the Cranoa army’s invasion.”

  Weldein is a small region nestled between Cranoa and Argoust, much like Carrion, which lies between Karsh and the barren southern plains known as the Outlander.

  At first, Weldein had its own government, just like Carrion. However, the Kingdom of Cranoa launched an invasion and took over the land. With its weak military power, Weldein stood no chance against Cranoa’s might.

  Jacelin continues her story.

  “Vichel’s mother gave birth in the refugee camp with only the most basic medical facilities. She regained consciousness briefly after the delivery and gave the name Vichella Arleith, then said that Vichel’s father and older brother would surely come looking for her. After that, Vichel’s mother passed away from blood loss.”

  “However, after the conflict in Weldein settled and the refugees had returned, no one ever came looking for Vichel or her mother. That’s why Vichel stayed in Loudhe and was raised in an orphanage.”

  No one had expected that a tough girl like Vichel would have such a sorrowful background.

  “So that means Vichel doesn’t know what her parents were like.” Yanzen mutters with concern.

  Bertan grows curious. “Does Vichel know she has family in Weldein?”

  “Yes, Vichel has already been told how she ended up in the Loudhe orphanage. But since no one from Weldein ever came looking for her, we’ve come to think… maybe Vichel’s family in Weldein had already become victims of the war with Cranoa.”

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  Everyone can understand that possibility.

  “But Vichel no longer thinks about whether her family still exists in Weldein or not. Since she was born in Karsh, Vichel has decided to become a battlemage who will protect Karsh.”

  Bertan feels like crying heard the story.

  “Thankfully, Vichel grew up to be a strong and resilient young woman. Duke Lurca has been very kind to her.”

  “Of course, because Vichel is the only friend I have in Loudhe. My father has already regarded her as his own daughter. My brother, who is a mage, also enjoys sparring with her. Vichel may have been raised in an orphanage, but Duke Lurca’s residence has already become her home.”

  Bertan smiles warmly in response.

  “If she was born a mage, then that means her parents were mages too,” Zoi concludes.

  Yanzen agrees, “Yes, it could be that Vichel’s father was a mage with a mysterious power.”

  .

  The barehanded duel between Zeff and Vichel ends in a draw. Both collapse on the floor, exhausted, drenched in sweat, breathing heavily, their faces marked with bruises.

  “You’re strong,” Zeff admits his opponent’s skill through ragged breaths.

  “You too…”

  Vichel struggles to sit up, then looks at Zeff with a wide smile.

  “I’ll train even harder after leaving the academy. Someday we’ll meet again, and I won’t lose even if you use your elemental power.”

  The gleam in Vichel’s eyes shows she isn’t joking about the resolve she has just spoken.

  For a moment, a woman like her appears dazzling in Zeff’s gaze. A tremor stirs, quickening the beat of his heart.

  Zeff rises, standing not far from where Vichel is seated.

  “Vichella Arleith…” there’s a trace of hesitation in his voice, but he quickly affirms it. “It seems…I like you.”

  That sentence startles everyone who hears it, especially Zoi.

  Vichel’s face is equally stunned. But Zeff’s expression is utterly serious about what he has just confessed.

  The young man extends his hand toward Vichel.

  “Want to try going on a date with me tonight?”

  Vichel keeps staring in silence for a moment, then she takes Zeff’s offered hand.

  .

  The artificer building is quiet at night. Yet, the light in Zoi’s workshop still glows.

  Alone, the red-haired girl sits huddled in the corner of the floor, her head buried against her knees. The moment when Zeff confessed his feelings to Vichel keeps replaying in her mind.

  Zoi’s eyes are dim, clouded with disappointment.

  Yanzen arrives. His breath grows heavy as he sees his comrade weighed down by heartbreak. He chooses to sit cross-legged on the floor beside Zoi, gently patting her shoulder twice.

  The girl lifts her sorrowful gaze to him. Yanzen responds with a sincere smile.

  “It’s okay to be sad. Things will get better.”

  Unable to hold back any longer, Zoi breaks into tears against Yanzen’s shoulder.

  .

  The glittering, bustling night atmosphere in the heart of Carrion has become a routine part of life, keeping the city alive after dark. People of all kinds gather for the many activities on offer—performances and dances, amusement rides, merchants who only operate at night, and rows of food stalls serving late-night delicacies.

  Zeff and Vichel arrive looking sharp, clearly dressed for what could be called their first trial-date. Yet there’s no blushing or shy behavior between them—only innocent, poker-faced expressions, like two people simply showing up to add to the crowd in the city center.

  “Well, we’re here. What’s your plan?” Zeff asks, leaving Vichel surprised.

  “Why are you asking me? You’re the one who asked me out.”

  “That’s the problem—I haven’t had the chance to gather any intel on what people usually do on dates.”

  “In that case, just look at the couples around us.”

  “Great idea!”

  A couple walks past them, holding hands as they stroll.

  “Looks like they’re on a date too.”

  “Yeah, they’re walking hand in hand. Let’s try it!”

  Zeff holds out his palm, and without hesitation Vichel takes it. They begin walking, swinging their joined hands back and forth.

  “Is this fun?” Zeff asks innocently, swinging their joined hands faster.

  “I don’t know.” Vichel speeds up the swing too. “Maybe it’d be fun if I could throw you into that fountain.”

  Zeff instantly lets go of her hand. “Okay, maybe that’s not such a good idea.” He decides to save himself before anything bad happens.

  “How about we try all the food stalls over there?” Vichel points at the row of snack stands in the middle of the market.

  “Oh, sounds good. If I’m not mistaken, people say dates usually involve eating together.”

  “And the guy pays.”

  “Of course, I’ll be the one paying for the food.” Cling!

  “Waaah, you’re such a good date partner.” Vichel looks delighted when it comes to anything free. “We should’ve started dating a long time ago.”

  “For free food? You eat a lot, but why does your body still look like a malnourished kid?”

  “You really want me to throw you, huh?!”

  Zeff laughs mischievously, and the two of them walk off with extra enthusiasm toward the food stalls.