Bellver quickly finished his own practical magic demonstration and headed to the waiting room to cheer on Bellatrix’s practical sparring session.
Today’s sparring match would be her debut stage, still considered by many as lower-tier despite training with others who are higher.
Because her opponent was a student ranked in the mid-tier, seen as top of that group.
He couldn’t leave, worried she might get hurt.
Even though Bellatrix reassured him multiple times that she’d do well.
Being overly anxious, compounded by hormonal timing, made him extremely emotional.
“Can you do it?”
“Of course. I’ll win splendidly.”
“I’ll specially cheer for you too.”
Ultimately, seeing this, Roho had no choice but to step in.
Observing warmly, he thought Bellver’s worry was excessive.
“Should you leave, Mr. Roho? You might just be in the way.”
“I’ve decided to curse you. Consider it a thank-you.”
“We’re leaving now. Do your best.”
“Yes.”
Bellatrix caught on perfectly and responded.
Knowing their exchange meant Bellver would soon excuse himself and leave.
Sure enough, Bellver, looking troubled, left with Roho, finally exiting the waiting room.
Roho subtly turned back before leaving, mouthing “Lie” and departed.
“So worried? Bella’s boyfriend is pretty strong, you know.”
“But how can I not worry?”
To Bellver, Bellatrix still seemed like an early-stage protagonist.
Only after reaching upper ranks would she become a proper force.
In his knowledge, she wasn’t there yet.
Thus, worrying was natural.
While absent, Roho couldn’t empathize.
Though Bellatrix was clearly weaker than both him and Roho, the lower-tier student she faced had improved significantly from being near last place.
This match would be tough, but victory seemed calculable.
“Do you know how strong Bellver is?”
“Yeah. He’s never shown.”
“Aha. That’s why.”
Bellver had never witnessed Bellatrix’s true strength.
Only light training.
She promised to reveal it when the time came, keeping it hidden.
Watching from the sidelines, Roho understood the situation.
Once strong enough, she’d surprise everyone.
This practical sparring was the perfect moment.
Roho assessed Bellatrix as shamelessly romantic despite her attitude.
“What number is it?”
“The one after next.”
The audience seats were packed with students and external guests eager to watch the rare public sparring session.
Arriving early after finishing quickly, the two managed to secure a good view of the arena.
After two preliminary matches, Bellatrix finally stepped up.
Her expression remained calm as ever.
Meanwhile, Bellver beside Roho prayed fervently, appearing more serious.
Despite Bellver hoping for a slow start, the match began immediately once the opponent arrived.
“Start the duel.”
The two seemed to converse briefly before leaping into combat.
Clang! The sharp metallic clashes made Bellver flinch repeatedly.
Yet he secretly rejoiced at the ear-splitting sounds, proof of successful blocks or attacks.
“I can’t see.”
“Still worried? I think this will end quickly.”
“Where? She’s getting pushed back!”
As Bellver tried to close his eyes, Roho stopped him.
From his analysis, Bellatrix’s chances of winning exceeded seventy percent.
True, the opponent pressed aggressively.
But Bellatrix only defended deliberately, not missing opportunities to strike.
As if testing her limits.
“She’s handling it easily. I saw several chances for her to win already.”
“Then why didn’t she finish it?”
“Part pride, part show.”
“Show?”
“To leave an impression. And maybe someone specific.”
“Who? Me?”
“Wow. Not this time. Stop worrying and cheer.”
Roho perceived Bellatrix’s actions as arrogant.
Testing her limits indicated she didn’t view her opponent as equal.
Still, she seemed ready to switch to offense.
Having confirmed the opponent’s attacks were ineffective.
Next, she’d unleash overwhelming pressure.
Dramatic shows stick better.
How did she grow so strong in less than a year since entering as bottom-tier?
Roho grew curious about this arrogant commoner’s origins.
Starting a relationship with the unapproachable Bellatrix on day one, standing equally with high nobility like himself without bending, even arguing back confidently.
Not merely riding Bellatrix’s influence—her nature resisted subordination entirely.
Like high nobility.
“That doesn’t feel like a commoner. A fallen noble, perhaps?”
“Maybe…”
“Bella doesn’t know? Well, it’s not something to boast about.”
“That’s right. I’m considerate.”
Bellver was shocked by Roho’s murmurs.
Though incorrect—still a noble—it was a close guess.
He resolved to be more careful.
Had they met shortly after his body changed, he’d have surely been exposed.
Back then, shouting strangely in a quiet street while attending lectures could’ve drawn attention.
Fortunately, rumors of Bellatrix and Bellver hadn’t spread yet.
Roho found Bellver’s sudden stammer suspicious until noticing the celestial sign above the arena.
A star descended upon Bellatrix.
Her sword glowed with brilliant aura.
Recognizing it, the crowd erupted instantly.
No one expected this first-year commoner to manifest aura.
Not just manifesting, but highly skilled aura.
The opponent followed suit with aura, but it paled compared to Bellatrix’s brilliance.
The two clashed again, concluding decisively.
Bellatrix’s blade stopped inches from her opponent’s throat.
Acknowledging defeat, the opponent retracted their aura and lowered their sword.
“Winner: Bellver!”
After shaking hands and exchanging brief words, the two smiled and returned to their respective sides.
The audience cheered wildly, celebrating such a radiant and heartwarming conclusion.
Who among them rejoiced most?
“Hweeeng…”
“Excuse me? Why are you melting? You’re a person, not slime!”
“Tension’s gone…”
Bellver melted away as tension released.
Worried for Bellatrix and shaken by Roho’s near truth, he lost all strength.
Unable to manage his expressions, his constant smiling face showed openly.
He was overjoyed Bellatrix won.
Roho stealthily recorded this priceless moment with his video storage magical tool.
Showing it later would be hilarious.
Perhaps sharing it with Bellatrix if asked.
“Let’s go meet her.”
“Yeah. Let’s hurry.”
“Phew. Let me help. What would you do without a friend like me?”
“Thanks.”
“It’s fair trade since I gained something too.”
Supported by Roho, Bellver approached the waiting room where Bellatrix remained.
Crowds parted miraculously upon spotting Bellver.
Thinking how convenient Bellatrix’s body was in moments like these, he entered.
“What are you doing?”
Bellver’s calls went unanswered.
Bellatrix meditated deeply, focusing on insights gained during the match.
Unaware of surroundings, she wouldn’t notice a kidnapping.
“Oh my. Bold much?”
With a jelly-like body, Bellver left Roho’s support, sat on Bellatrix’s lap, leaned back, and relaxed.
Warmth and comfort made him drowsy.
Unable to resist, he yawned and started dozing off.
Roho seized another recording opportunity with a different magical tool.
How could he miss capturing Bellatrix cuddling like a cat with her boyfriend?
“They’re kind of enviable. This must be what ‘lovebirds’ look like.”
Roho mumbled, amused by Bellatrix unconsciously embracing Bellver despite not realizing he was there.
It was an unexpectedly chilly early summer.
