Chapter 4 — Blades and Blunders

The bell rang, marking the end of their first magic class.

Kael stretched, still half-asleep, while Julius looked far too energized for someone who had spent the last hour flirting with every girl who dared meet his eyes.

“Sword practice next,” Julius said cheerfully.

“Fun,” Kael muttered. “Another chance to sweat for no reason.”

“Come on, my shadow,” Julius teased. “You might actually learn something.”

The two made their way to the training grounds — a wide, sunlit field surrounded by stone walls and weapon racks.

Two instructors stood at the center: Instructor Thane Arclay, a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair tied back and a scar across his jaw. His tone was sharp, military-like.

Instructor Seris Velan, a lean woman with silver-blonde hair tied into a braid, known for her speed and unorthodox fighting style. Her crimson training skirt fluttered lightly in the wind as she held a wooden practice sword.

“You’ll spar against us,” Thane announced. “We’ll see how much you actually know about swordsmanship.”

A murmur ran through the students. No one wanted to go first.

Julius smirked. “Go on, Kael. Impress the lovely lady instructor.”

Kael gave him a flat look. “Pass.”

Seeing no volunteers, Thane split the group.

“Fifteen with me. Fifteen with Seris.”

Kael and Julius ended up on opposite sides.

Each match went about as expected — students charged in, shouted, swung, and got promptly floored.

Then Lelia Valium stepped forward. Her calm expression didn’t change as she picked up a wooden sword.

She faced Thane, their blades tapping once before they began.

Wood struck wood in a blur of clean precision. Lelia’s movements were elegant yet efficient — refined by noble training and countless duels.

When the clash finally stopped, neither side had landed a decisive blow.

“Draw,” Thane declared, lowering his sword with a faint smile.

Gasps and whispers followed. She was the first to match an instructor.

Next, Julius approached Thane with his usual confidence, though his smile was a touch more restrained.

He fought smoothly, gracefully even, but clearly held back — avoiding any unnecessary display of skill.

Thane noticed, but didn’t press it. Julius was the Crown Prince, after all.

Lelia, watching from the sidelines, noticed too.

He’s holding back… like he doesn’t want to stand out.

Finally, it was Kael’s turn.

Seris tilted her head, sizing him up. “You look half-asleep. Think you can stay awake for a few minutes?”

“I’ll try,” Kael replied dryly, picking up his practice sword.

They faced each other in silence.

Seris moved first — a blur of motion as her sword cut through the air.

Kael barely shifted his weight, dodging with minimal effort.

Her strikes grew sharper, faster. She was testing him now.

Kael’s eyes followed her movements calmly, each dodge more effortless than the last.

Then she spun and launched a roundhouse kick aimed for his ribs.

Kael ducked — instinctively — and found himself staring up at a flick of red fabric.

He froze.

Then quickly stood straight again, expression unreadable.

Seris stopped mid-stance, blushing furiously as she pressed one hand against her skirt.

“D-Did you see—?” she asked.

Kael blinked once, paused for dramatic effect, and said flatly:

“No.”

The students watching tried — and failed — to contain their laughter. Julius, from across the field, was nearly crying from how hard he was laughing.

Seris sighed in defeat, clearly flustered, and declared the match over.

“Class dismissed!”

As the students packed up, Julius walked beside Kael, still smirking.

“So, red, huh?”

“Drop it.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You’re saying too much.”

Kael sighed, rubbing his temples. “Why do I attract trouble without doing anything?”

“Because trouble likes you,” Julius said. “Or maybe because you look like you’re hiding something interesting.”

Kael ignored him.

As they approached the academy gates, someone blocked their path — a girl with silver hair and piercing blue eyes.

Lelia Valium.

The afternoon sun caught her hair, making it shimmer faintly like frost.

She stared at Kael for a long moment before speaking:

“You’re not as lazy as you pretend to be.”

Kael raised an eyebrow.

“And you’re not as cold as you pretend to be.”

For a second, their eyes met — quiet tension crackling between them — before Lelia brushed past them without another word.

Julius grinned. “Oh, this is going to be interesting.”

Kael sighed again. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”