The morning continued as Elwyn and Nahira carried on their discussion. The young girl was surprised to discover how much Elwyn knew about magic, especially for someone who wasn’t a magician himself.

  The young boy, in turn, was quite impressed by the energy she displayed, the speed with which she changed topics before returning to the original one, and the many distinctive expressions that could appear on Nahira’s face and in her body language. She reminded him a little of his little sister, Le?na.

  Between two fascinating subjects, they went together to get a teapot at the cafeteria to refresh themselves after so much talking.

  On the way, Nahira stopped for a moment as they passed by the girls' dormitory.

  — By the way, Elwyn, did you know there was an incident the day before classes resumed?

  The young boy then recalled the Entity from the Domain of Chaos, the Mischievous Goblin.

  — Yes, I heard something about a thief. Why?

  — Because we never really knew what happened, even though we managed to get our things back.

  — Really? Didn’t Vice-Director Nalinaya tell you anything about it?

  Suddenly, Nahira turned to him, her expression showing genuine surprise.

  — What do you mean? You know what happened?

  — Yes, in fact, I was involved in resolving the issue.

  — What do you mean? she pressed, her gaze sharpening slightly.

  — The thief was an Entity I chased to its hideout, where I recovered all the stolen items after eliminating it.

  — I see… Wait! You were the one who recovered the stolen goods?

  — Yes, and I also delivered them to the Vice-Director. Why?

  — Did you know what was inside? she asked gravely, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

  — Yes, since I didn’t know what he had just stolen or what he had taken before, I looked inside his three bags to find out the contents and return them properly.

  — So, if I understand correctly, you saw the contents of the girls' dormitory bag.

  At these words, a brief image of women's underwear crossed Elwyn’s mind.

  — Indeed, and seeing its contents, I thought it best to return it directly to the Vice-Director to avoid any potential issues with the girls.

  Without any warning, Nahira burst out laughing, doubling over, unable to contain her hilarity.

  — Hahaha… You… Hahaha… found… Hahaha… underwear… Hahaha… I would’ve… Hahaha… loved to see that… Hahaha, she said, her voice oscillating between mockery and genuine amusement.

  The young girl ended up with tears in her eyes from laughing so hard, her face lighting up with contagious joy. Meanwhile, Elwyn stood still for a moment, not knowing what to do, except wait patiently for his conversation partner to calm down, which took a good minute.

  — What is it with you all laughing about this? he finally asked, gently resuming the conversation.

  — Well, you tell it as if it’s perfectly normal to find a bag of stolen underwear in a girls' dormitory and bring it back as if nothing happened.

  — Well, that’s what happened. What did you want me to do with it? Keep it?

  At these words, a glint of mischief appeared in Nahira’s eyes. With a quick motion, she pointed her finger at Elwyn, as if to underline an obvious truth.

  — That’s what a normal guy would’ve done, or at least tried to do! she exclaimed vehemently, with a tone of challenge.

  Elwyn blinked, slightly surprised, and tried to understand the implication of her remark.

  — Why would a guy do that? It doesn’t make sense. Those clothes aren’t meant to be worn by a man, he answered seriously.

  As he said this, a brief image of Elwyn trying on women’s underwear flashed through Nahira’s mind. The absurd and irresistible thought triggered another burst of laughter.

  — Hahaha… Stop… Hahaha… saying… Hahaha… stupid things… Hahaha… like that… Hahaha… I can’t… Hahaha… take it anymore… Hahaha…

  — Uh… Are you okay? Elwyn asked hesitantly, as the moment seemed suspended around them.

  In response, the young girl continued to laugh, a genuine spark of joy lighting up her face. With a light gesture, she waved off her laughter, giving him a mischievous smile that betrayed her amusement. Finally, her laughter tapered off, and she calmed down, her expression becoming both playful and gentle.

  — Elwyn, you need to stop being so serious about these things, she said in a laughing voice, or I might die of laughter.

  Her teasing tone mixed with a slight amused exasperation, as if reminding him that sometimes, one just needed to let go.

  — But it was you who started laughing out of nowhere, he replied with a shrug.

  — Yes, but it’s you who says silly things too, she said, rolling her eyes with a mixture of mockery and affection.

  — What do you mean? Elwyn asked, intrigued, trying to understand the origin of her jibe.

  — You seriously think a guy would so easily return a bag of women’s underwear if he found it by chance and without any supervision?

  Nahira shook her head, her eyes sparkling with irony, as she punctuated her sentence with a casual shrug.

  — Normally, yes. That’s what should be done. What else would he do with it?

  — Keep it for himself and, I don’t know, do some guy stuff with it!

  The young girl couldn’t help but roll her eyes and make her remark with a familiarity tinged with sarcasm. Her expression revealed both astonishment and the conviction that some behaviors defied logic.

  — What do you mean by that? Elwyn asked, a bit puzzled, still trying to grasp the deeper meaning of her words.

  — You know very well! she replied immediately, with a mischievous smile and a conspiratorial wink, as if the answer was obvious.

  — Uh… no, not really, he admitted.

  — Rhoooo, forget it then, let’s move on, she concluded with a laugh, deciding to change the subject.

  Once they had their teapot and two cups, Elwyn and Nahira returned to the Grand Library and continued their conversation calmly.

  When the noon bell rang, Elwyn set his book on the table before turning to Nahira.

  — Well, it’s time to go. Want to have lunch with me? Elwyn asked.

  — If it’s offered so kindly, I won’t refuse.

  They both got up, leaving the peaceful atmosphere of the library for the lively buzz of the cafeteria.

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  On the way, they ended up crossing paths with Loyd, Arimélia, and Sylaria.

  — So, how was your morning? Elwyn asked.

  — Probably not as well as yours, Loyd teased, his gaze falling on Nahira with a sly little smile that said it all.

  The young girl then took the initiative to introduce herself to the three of them.

  — Pleased to meet you, my name is Nahira. I’m a third-year student and part of the special class.

  The sincerity of her introduction, coupled with the sweetness of her smile, captured the attention of the small group. Surprised by her initiative and charmed by her straightforwardness, the three exchanged a brief glance before responding in turn.

  — Nice to meet you, I’m Loyd, he replied nonchalantly, a mischievous grin on his lips.

  — Nice to meet you, I’m Sylaria, she responded in a formal tone.

  — It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Arimélia, she added, also in a formal tone.

  Once introductions were complete, Loyd turned to Elwyn.

  — So, you finally decided to talk to her? he teased gently.

  — Yeah, after a month, it was getting a bit long.

  — Uh… What are you two talking about? Princess Sylaria asked, completely lost.

  — Oh, nothing. Just that this girl has been watching him for a month, and he didn’t want me to step in, Loyd explained.

  — Well, you’re not exactly the type to handle these things peacefully, Elwyn pointed out.

  — Oh, come on, a little intimidation never hurt anyone.

  — Except that it doesn’t make anyone want to come see you or talk to you again with your rude manners, Sylaria retorted.

  — Pfff! Loyd huffed, before kicking a small stone on the path.

  At that moment, Nahira lowered her gaze slightly, clearly feeling a little embarrassed.

  — By the way, I’d like to apologize if I’ve disturbed you in any way, she said softly, her tone full of sincere regret.

  — Don’t worry about him, he’s a specialist when it comes to complaining, especially when he hasn’t eaten, Princess Sylaria reassured.

  — Well, since the introductions are over, how about we go eat? Elwyn suggested.

  And so, the five of them walked through the cafeteria doors, where the warm atmosphere mixed with the tantalizing aromas of freshly prepared dishes. They walked lightly to the counter, got their plates, and served themselves carefully, each following their usual habits. Once they were sure they had everything they needed, they made their way to their usual table, where Nahira, initially hesitant, eventually sat beside Elwyn.

  Conversations around the table naturally turned toward Nahira, who shared the same story she had told Elwyn about her intentions and her troubles with her classmates.

  — I see… It’s really terrible that they’ve gotten to the point of treating you like that, Princess Sylaria lamented.

  — Well, people don’t like the “Miss know-it-all and do-it-all” who corrects them all day, Loyd remarked sarcastically.

  This comment earned him an immediate withering look from Sylaria.

  — Nahira, forget what he just said. He’s just a rude idiot who doesn’t know how to put himself in other people’s shoes, she snapped.

  — Tsss… Loyd clicked his tongue.

  A short awkward silence settled around the table, before being swept away by Elwyn, who remained unfazed by such tensions.

  — By the way, Nahira, what are you planning to do after the Academy?

  This question immediately made Nahira’s sharp eyes sparkle with excitement.

  — Do you really want to know?

  Elwyn simply nodded in response.

  — I’m going to Ordalia to join the ranks of the Paladins.

  Everyone looked at her in surprise, though Elwyn’s reaction was the most fleeting.

  — You really want to serve the Domain of Justice? Arimélia, who had been quiet since their meeting, asked.

  — Yes. That way, I can use my skills to help others, and I won’t be alone when traveling and completing missions.

  — I see… That’s quite unexpected, Elwyn replied.

  — Why is that? Loyd asked, surprised by his friend’s reaction.

  — Becoming a Paladin isn’t easy. They’re in charge of capturing and escorting criminals who are too dangerous for simple soldiers and sometimes have to face Entities and monsters well beyond the abilities of adventurers. It’s not a job for the faint of heart.

  — I know all that, but it’s the path I want to take. When you have great power, you must use it to help others, or else you’re no better than demons and all those who use their strength and status to abuse the weak, Nahira said with a slightly moralizing tone.

  At these words, Loyd clenched his fists, torn between anger and frustration.

  — Hey! Don’t go pretending to be some model of virtue with your pretty words when you know nothing about the outside world, he replied in a voice tinged with slight hostility. However, he made sure not to raise his voice, mindful not to attract attention from other tables.

  — What do you mean by that? Nahira retorted sharply.

  Elwyn, sitting between them, leaned back slightly to give them space to face each other, all while remaining attentive, ready to intervene if the situation escalated.

  “What's he getting at? I hope he doesn’t push her too hard… but well, considering her current state…”

  — A magician can’t defeat an Entity, even with rigorous training and close combat training. I could beat you without using a single power from my Domain, and yet, I’m not wearing your white armband, Loyd said coldly.

  “That’s true, an Entity can use its ether control to prevent a magician from channeling properly and casting a spell, or even sabotage them...”

  With a glance, Elwyn signaled to Princess Sylaria and Arimélia not to intervene. He wanted to see where his Nephilim of War friend was going with this.

  — You think I’m weak, is that what you’re saying, Nephilim?

  — Yes, and I also find you quite arrogant for someone who doesn’t even dare speak to a simple guy, alone and perfectly approachable, in a library, he added.

  “Is he talking about me?”

  Nahira narrowed her eyes, her piercing gaze fixed on him.

  — And what does that have to do with anything? she asked, her voice betraying a hint of annoyance.

  — It has everything to do with it. You talk about strength and duty as if they were obvious, but you hide as soon as something is out of your control. You think you're ready to face criminals and Entities, but you can't even manage a conversation with a stranger?

  “He’s right, as a Paladin, she should be able to assert herself and face anything at all times...”

  Nahira opened her mouth, but no words came out immediately. The remark had caught her off guard.

  — It’s not the same, she finally retorted. It’s not the same thing.

  — Oh really? I think it is. A Paladin can’t afford to run away from reality. Sooner or later, you’ll have to face people, whether you like them or not. And worse… you’ll have to confront the horrors they’ve committed. Because in this world, the real monsters are not always the ones we expect.

  — And you think you know everything about the outside world? she shot back, her gaze burning with defiance.

  Loyd crossed his arms, his expression tightening slightly.

  — I never claimed to know everything. But unlike you, I know what it’s like to fight for survival, and it’s not just about strength. It’s about instinct, sacrifices… and difficult choices. Do you really think you're ready to do that?

  “What has Loyd seen and had to do before?”

  A heavy silence settled over the table. Arimélia averted her gaze, uncomfortable, while Princess Sylaria watched the scene with a displeased look.

  Nahira took a deep breath, trying to calm the torrent of emotions rising within her.

  — Maybe I’m not ready today… But that’s exactly why I want to become a Paladin. Because I want to learn. Because I want to be able to do what’s necessary, no matter the sacrifices, she finally admitted.

  Loyd stared at her for a few moments, his gaze unreadable. Then, slowly, a smirk appeared on his face.

  — Hmph. That’s a start.

  And, without further ceremony, he straightened up and grabbed his drink for a sip, effectively ending the verbal confrontation.

  Elwyn, who had been following the exchange without flinching, also straightened up.

  — Well, now that your little confrontation is over, maybe we can enjoy the meal?

  Loyd raised an eyebrow, while Nahira, still slightly tense, nodded before looking away.

  — For once, I agree with you, Loyd replied.

  A relative silence settled around the table as they resumed their meal. The plates became lively again, and only the soft cacophony of other diners filled the air. However, the tension between Nahira and Loyd had not fully dissipated.

  Elwyn, for his part, ate with natural indifference, as if nothing had happened. Arimélia, however, occasionally cast worried glances at Nahira, while Princess Sylaria wore a still-displeased expression, likely irritated by Loyd’s attitude.

  Loyd finally broke the silence.

  — Honestly, I wonder how someone as rigid as you plans to survive in Ordalia.

  Nahira paused briefly in her meal before looking up at him.

  — I’ll adapt, she replied firmly.

  Loyd smirked.

  — We’ll see about that.

  Elwyn suddenly set down his utensils and looked up at Nahira.

  — Do you already have an itinerary? Or are you planning to improvise once you’re there?

  Nahira thought for a moment before answering him.

  — I’m going to leave once I finish my training at the Academy. The Order of Paladins is always recruiting, but they are demanding. You have to pass a series of tests before being accepted.

  — And what if you fail? Arimélia asked, her voice slightly hesitant.

  Nahira clenched her fists before breaking into a determined smile.

  — Then I’ll try again, as many times as necessary.

  Sylaria nodded approvingly, while Loyd raised an eyebrow, as if assessing the sincerity of her words.

  — You’re stubborn, he commented as he took another bite of his meal.

  — I prefer to say persistent, Nahira replied.

  — Same thing, he muttered, rolling his eyes.

  Elwyn observed their exchange with a vaguely entertained expression before turning his attention back to his plate.

  — Well, as long as you have a plan, that’s the most important part, he concluded.

  Finally, the rest of the meal proceeded in relative calm, with each of them returning to a lighter conversation. Yet, in some way, Elwyn found this last altercation rather entertaining.