Friends & Bonds

“Hey, for your information, I’ve rejected enough marriage proposals, okay?” Elio said.

Felix followed: “And how come we’re under your command? That should wait until the academy, you know.”

Selric added, “Yeah, Felix is right. When the faction choosings start, that’s when we’ll pledge loyalty. And you know damn well it’s not even needed for us, right guys?” Selric put his fist out.

We all looked at each other.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I said, putting my fist out.

Elio added, “You guys really are cringe, you know,” he said, putting his fist out.

“Oh, and you aren’t, Elio?” Felix said, grinning as he bumped his fist out too.

“Well, let’s call this a sign of our friendship—and our future.”

“YEAH!” we shouted in unison as our fists collided.

“It seems the boys are enjoying themselves,” Seren said.

“And look who’s the reason why,” Naomi added.

“It’s none other than the one who made our precious ice queen melt,” Liora teased as she turned, looking at Lyra, who was blushing.

“Yeah, I didn’t expect that of all people, the one to break into Lyra’s heart would be Velanova.”

“And I seriously never expected Lyra to give a public confession back.”

“But at least it seems the love is mutual between them.”

They all looked expectantly at Lyra.

“So?”

“Uhhh... I-I-It seems I might like him,” Lyra said quietly.

“Might?!”

“Lyra, in all your public appearances, I’ve never even seen you stumble on your words or fiddle with your hands.”

Lyra got flustered and looked up at the girls.

“I don’t know why I’m like this...”

She had a few tears in her eyes.

“Wait, Lyra, it isn’t something bad,” Naomi said gently.

“Yes, it’s good you found someone that’s made for you,” Seren added.

“Yes, yes, they’re right,” Liora nodded.

Sniff… sniff… sniff… “Y-You think so?”

“Yes!”

They all embraced Lyra in a warm group hug.

“You know we’ll follow you no matter what.”

“Yes, but that means you all will follow me in the faction, right?”

“Of course!”

“But… I’m going to follow Vel.”

“Ohhh, it seems our princess has really fallen in love, hasn’t she?”

“Yes, she’s changed from a secluded ice queen to a little maiden lost in love.”

“Hahahaha, yes, it seems you all are right about that.”

“But I don’t want to force you all to follow Vel just because of me.”

“When did we say we didn’t want to follow Velanova?”

“In my eyes, he’s the best one to pledge loyalty to.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because he’s your man—and he is most likely to follow in His Majesty’s footsteps.”

“That’s a good point.”

“Well, no matter what, I’m just glad we’ll all follow the same person.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Me three.”

“Me four.”

“Hahahahaha!” They all burst into laughter.

Just like the kids, the adults were also split between men and women.

“Look at those boys. Don’t they remind you of us a long time ago?” Arden said.

“Yeah, you’re right. They really look just like us,” Luke replied.

“It seems your son is going to be the main man of the academy, Luke,” Orion said.

“It seems that is the case, Orion.”

“He’s still so young, and yet at his age, he’s showing visions of being a king.”

“I just hope these kids don’t have to go to war or fight before reaching adulthood. Just like we had to back then.”

A silence fell among the men.

“Well, we should make sure they don’t have to go through what we did,” Baldren said.

“Let’s hope there isn’t any trouble brewing somewhere,” Theron added.

“Look at the girls,” Zena said softly.

“I’m glad they all get along.”

“But Elara, I didn’t expect your daughter to be just like her mom,” Muri said.

“What do you mean, Sel?” Elara asked.

“She means to say that she’s a perfect copy of a certain old ice queen,” Muri said teasingly.

“I hope you haven’t forgotten how you were before you got engaged to Orion.”

“Ahem!” Elara cleared her throat. “I don’t understand what you ladies are talking about.”

“Are you sure?” Yuki smiled. “Because it seems really familiar.”

“What exactly?”

“Your daughter’s way of acting,” Zena said.

“And the way she’s love-struck,” Faye added.

“At least you know for sure she carries your blood.”

“You ladies should really stop making fun of me.”

“Hahahaha, we’re sorry. But no, really—I’m glad all the kids like each other.”

“Well, that’s mostly because of Muri.”

“Huh? Me? Why?”

“It’s your son that brought this generation together.”

“And that’s because he has two amazing parents.”

“You flatter me, Elara.”

“But yeah, I’m glad Vel is the way he is. I was scared he wouldn’t speak at all, especially in these noble settings.”

“But it seems my worries were for nothing.”

“It seems that’s true. Well, Muri, our sons are really close, so I’m glad too.”

As the night went on, I started getting more tired. So, I went back to the balcony, thinking that this time I wouldn’t be spotted.

Yet… it seems I cannot avoid people anymore.

“Hey Vel, what’s up?”

I looked behind me, seeing both Alistair and Yuna.

“Oh, hey Alistair. Big sis.”

“What’s got you so down?” Alistair asked, coming to stand beside me.

“Oh, I don’t know. It’s just… a lot. In one night, so much has happened.”

“Well, that’s true. My younger brother turned into the talk of the kingdom,” big sis said, stroking my hair.

“Well, it’s not like I don’t like it, but it’s also not like I love it. Of course there are things I enjoy about it, but…”

“I know how you feel. I had the same feeling back when we had our affinities checked.”

“Right, Yuna?”

“Yeah, me too. I was so nervous—scared I wouldn’t be good enough for our family name. But you know, in the end, your family will love you no matter what.”

“I realized that… but still, I would feel nervous. And I was always compared to Dad. So of course, it was a lot to take in.”

“But hey, at least you’ve made good friends—people you know you can trust.”

“Yeah, that’s true. It seems the academy will be fun.”

“Well, it’s five years for you, young boy. For me and Alistair, it’s only two.”

“Oh yeah, you’re right. That means I won’t be seeing you a lot in two years, huh, sis?”

“Awwww, is my little brother saying he’ll miss me?” she said, grabbing me and giving me a heartfelt hug.

For once, I didn’t mind it at all.

“Wow, what a sister-brother duo dynamic. Love to see it.”

“Thanks, Alistair.”

“For what?”

“For just being the way you are. I appreciate it. And also… please take care of my sister before I come to the academy.”

“Hahaha. Sure.”

“You can count on me, Vel.” He held out his fist.

“Thanks,” I said with a soft smile, bumping my fist against his.

And for the first time tonight… I felt at peace.