Amy’s scream echoed in my mind as we returned to the VIP room.
I slowly sat on the sofa, and Ariana asked with concern.
Thankfully, she seemed unharmed.
“Are you here? How’s Amy? Is she okay?”
“Hmm… She’ll be fine.”
“Yeah… She’ll probably be alright…”
“Why do you guys look so serious?”
Ariana furrowed her brow at us, but we couldn’t respond.
When we remained silent, she looked around towards the door.
“Where’s the Assistant Professor?”
“She’s giving Amy a massage. She has severe muscle pain and can’t move.”
“What did she do to get muscle pain? Anyway, a massage? Does the Assistant Professor even know how to do that? I want one too.”
She had been complaining about body aches lately while rubbing her shoulders. I shook my head.
Senna added awkwardly,
“Ah, it might be better not to… It looked really painful…”
“How painful could a massage be? The Assistant Professor doesn’t seem that strong anyway.”
True, as an assassin, she avoided direct confrontations whenever possible. Ariana probably never had a proper strength test with Black Wolf.
You’d think someone like that wouldn’t have much power, considering Black Wolf is smaller than Ariana. But there’s something they’re missing…
Black Wolf is a “Wolf Shaman.”
“If you want, I can offer. You should experience it firsthand to truly understand.”
Smiling, I saw Ariana’s eyes light up.
“While we’re at it, can you do it tonight? I hope I’m not being a bother?”
“He’d probably love it. Though he doesn’t seem like it, he enjoys helping.”
Such a kind person by nature. Despite his usually stoic demeanor, he’s very affectionate. He’d definitely help a student if asked.
“But still, isn’t Assistant Professor Black Wolf a bit…”
“Scary, right?”
“Hey. If Black Wolf heard that, she’d be sad. You act casual with me but why not with her?”
“But you’re different; you’re you.”
“That’s true.”
Watching the two nodding their heads as if stating the obvious, I couldn’t help but feel bemused.
It’s strange… I remember being quite intimidating during training too. What exactly makes Black Wolf and me different?
“Oh, it seems like it’s starting!”
Senna shouted looking towards the arena.
Seeing the brown-haired boy approaching from Lux’s side, Ariana said,
“Ge… Gel… What was it again?”
“Gailen Romanov. Second son of the Romanov Margrave.”
“Huh? How do you know so much?”
“Well, we fought together on the battlefield once.”
More accurately, I observed him fighting from afar. Our unit was moving to raid a barbarian stronghold then. While stealthily climbing the mountains, I happened to witness his battle below.
“Ooh~ So you also know what magic he uses?”
“Ice magic. In fact, most of the northern war involved ice magic due to the environment.”
Although flame magic wasn’t entirely impossible, its power was halved. On the other hand, ice magic became at least 1.5 times stronger.
Even I, who can barely freeze a glass of water now, could freeze a whole bucket back then.
Of course, flame magic dropped to mere matchstick level. Starting a campfire took ages, and our efforts often went to waste when combat situations arose just as the fire caught.
Those terrible memories resurfaced, so I shook my head to clear them.
“If I’m not mistaken, the Romanov family’s main magic is Ice Sculpting. Especially the Ice Dragon of the Margrave was incredible—freezing an entire barbarian village solid.”
The sight of the dragon made of ice breathing its frosty breath remains vivid in my mind. To compare it with past memories, it’s somewhat like an air force conducting aerial bombings.
While less practical, it was certainly more majestic.
“Oh… Can he summon a dragon too?”
“Come on. That’s only possible for Archmages… Gailen fought using cold weapons. He created swords, spears, arrows, and used them either at range or in close combat. You could call him a ‘Magi-Swordsman.'”
To be precise, he was a Magic Swordsman. If my aura is ‘main’ and magic is ‘support,’ then his was the opposite—magic ‘main’ and swordsmanship ‘support.’ Back then, he seemed stronger than me. I wonder how he compares now.
“Still, Lux will win, right? The one who defeated me won’t lose here.”
Ariana snorted confidently. Senna nodded cutely.
“That’s right. Though there is a variable…”
In previous matches, he clearly held back.
But this is the semifinal, against Lux. There’s no way he’ll hold back now.
This promises to be an exciting match.
“…Still, Lux will win, right?”
That day, Lux’s determined expression when she said,
“To Professor and me. Alone.”
Recalling that face, it’s unimaginable…
For her to lose.
***
On the arena stage, Lux and Gailen faced each other.
Even after the host announced the start of the match, neither moved.
They simply stood facing each other, creating an eerie silence.
Finally, Gailen made the first move.
“Behold the brilliant starlight of the Empire.”
With his right hand over his chest and a slight bow, his appearance resembled a wild man more than a noble—his untidy brown hair tied carelessly.
Yet his etiquette was gentle and disciplined despite his rough exterior.
Lux lightly nodded in response.
“There’s no need for formalities. I’m here as a representative of Minerva Academy, not as the Imperial Princess.”
Her cold tone prompted Gailen to lift his head, his expression equally emotionless.
“It’s impossible as a noble of the Empire.”
“…Do as you wish. Someone should observe and learn.”
Contrasting with the person who screamed because they didn’t want to see their friend happy, Lux sighed inwardly. Even so, it seemed like they both became aware of their feelings after that match.
Having a powerful rival increase wasn’t pleasant for Lux.
Facing Lux’s irritated expression, Gailen made a surprising proposal.
“Would you consider making a deal with me?”
“What?”
Caught off guard by the unexpected words, Lux slightly narrowed her eyes. Though her expression remained neutral, it was evident he wasn’t joking around.
“I don’t mind losing. I don’t seek attention from others. Truthfully, I’m rather introverted.”
“Then why participate in the tournament?”
“The Headmaster earnestly requested it. He mentioned substantial donations would come with high achievements… Reaching the semifinals is enough to save face.”
Of course, not everyone participates aiming for victory. Still, for someone who reached the semifinals not to aim for the top is quite unusual.
“Hmm…”
Lux scrutinized Gailen carefully with her crimson eyes.
‘This doesn’t seem like a lie…’
His neutral expression now appeared filled with boredom.
Gripping her staff lightly, Lux asked,
“What kind of deal are you proposing?”
“I request support for the Romanov family, specifically the Margrave.”
“I thought the Royal Palace already provided sufficient backing.”
Despite being a Count’s family, the Romanovs enjoyed privileges akin to a Marquess family.
This was because the Royal Palace recognized the importance of guarding the frontier. These privileges increased significantly after the Northern War.
They were granted the authority to operate a knight squadron on par with a Duke’s forces.
Thanks to this, the Romanov Snowflower Knights ranked among the top five strongest in the Empire, essential for maintaining stability along the barbarian frontlines.
“Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the details. My decision to propose this deal to Your Highness is solely based on my judgment.”
“So this isn’t the Margrave’s intention?”
“Yes. This is purely my own decision.”
Lux realized this was Gailen’s minimal safety net. He planned to claim it as his personal action if things went wrong.
Which implied how dangerous this proposal was.
“…I cannot casually agree to this as the Imperial Princess.”
“A verbal promise will suffice.”
“Surely you know this isn’t something to be taken lightly.”
The commitment of the Royal Family’s direct line, especially the sole Imperial Princess, carried immense political weight even as a verbal agreement.
Thus, it couldn’t be given lightly. A misstep could harm the Royal Palace greatly.
Exhaling deeply, Gailen replied,
“Sigh, this is difficult. I suppose politics isn’t for me.”
Staring at Gailen’s face, Lux slowly began,
“However… As a friend, not as the Imperial Princess, I can make a promise. If you honestly explain your situation, I vow to assist within my capacity.”
Though extremely risky upon deeper inspection, Lux trusted her instincts. Gailen wasn’t someone who’d exploit this politically.
All she saw in his face was genuine concern for his family.
As a side note, Lux’s ability to read people was acknowledged even by the Emperor for its accuracy.
“…Thank you. That lifts a great burden off my shoulders.”
Relieved, Gailen bowed his head. Once the situation settled, Lux raised her staff toward him.
“Fight without restraint. We’ll discuss after I win.”
The audience murmured, likely due to the prolonged conversation. The host hesitated whether to intervene.
Glancing around, Gailen nodded. Surrendering now might lead to disqualification for both due to match-fixing suspicions.
“One thing to learn.”
“Go all out if you wish.”
[Star Magic: Angelus Stellae (Angel of Stars)]
Behind Lux, a colossal angel manifested.
“Since I’ll win anyway.”
Gazing at her confident beauty, Gailen faintly smiled as he gathered mana.
“It won’t be easy.”
[Ice Magic: Romanov Ice Sculpture]
Behind him emerged a knight wielding a greatsword. Impressed by the detailed full plate armor, Lux complimented,
“Incredible craftsmanship. You have a sculptor’s talent.”
“Unfortunately, I’m merely a fool who knows nothing but combat.”
Smiling at each other, both unconsciously unleashed their mana.
BOOM!
As the angel’s spear clashed with the ice knight’s greatsword, a shockwave swept through the arena.
