Interlude

After reporting to the guild and officially becoming fully-licensed Sweepers, Vincent suggests we celebrate by relaxing in the Upper Ward of the capital. Arthur, however, skips out.

While we walk, I mention to Vincent my struggles with martial aura. He takes me to the crossbow game I had previously played, and has me recreate my previous performance. It turns out, I had used perception aura without even realizing it, and thanks to his guidance, I figure out how to call it forth at will.

After I finish shooting, the cart owner gestures toward the prizes. “So, what will it be?”

My eyes are drawn to a pair of teddy bears, each with a glowing heart-shaped stone on its belly.

A sign beneath them reads: Pairing Bears—Gift a bear to that special someone, and the two will glow whenever they’re near each other.

I point. “I’ll take that!”

I turn around and hand one to Lucas.

“Here you go!” I smile.

Lucas’s face turns bright red. “N-N-Nora, I—”

“Oh? I didn’t know you had it in ya, Nora.” Petra smirks.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Petra tilts her head. “Didn’t… didn’t you read the sign?”

“Yeah, and Lucas is special to me. I wanted to thank him for how supportive he was today.”

Petra puts a hand on Lucas’s shoulder. “You poor, poor man.”

Lucas gives her a defeated smile.

My heart sinks.

“I… I thought we were special to each other. Do you… not want it?”

“No, I do! I do want it!” He snatches it from my hands. “I’ll treasure it, Nora, truly.”

“Heh, I’m glad to hear!” I beam.

Lucas smiles too… until he looks up at Vincent, who’s giving him a menacing look.

“I hope I don’t have to tell you what I’ll do to you if you ever break her heart.”

Lucas's face changes color again. “I-I-I—”

“Why would Lucas ever do that? He’s nice.”

Petra grins. “I think what he’s trying to say, Nora, is—”

“Hey, what’s that over there?! Let’s go check it out!” Lucas grabs my hand and hastily pulls me away.

Petra chases after us. “You—get back here!”

Vincent pursues too. “Hey! I wasn’t finished threatening you, kid!”

I can’t help but giggle as we race through the streets.

We should explore the city together more often!

***

We spend the rest of the day shopping, playing games, and even pay Vivian a visit!

On our way to the academy, I pay back Vincent all the money he spent on me—all except one silver that is.

“Oh no. Looks like I still owe you. Darn. Just when I thought I was finally free. Guess you’ll just have to keep hanging onto that charm I gave you. But I’m warning you, it could take a really long time to repay you. Years! Decades, even! You might never be able to die!”

“You—” For a second, Vincent looks like he’s getting teary-eyed—until he grabs me and starts tickling me. “Come here, goofball!”

I’m sent into uncontrollable laughter until I’m finally able to break free, sprinting away.

“Help! The tickle bandit’s after me!”

I sprint toward the academy, the other three following close behind.

After everything that’s happened recently, this trip to the capital… really went a long way toward lifting my spirits. Words can’t describe how much fun I had with the others. These past several hours… have been some of the happiest of my life.

***

After a week or so of practice, I’ve officially hit 2nd Order in the perception school, and I’ve even made good progress in the defensive school, though I’ve had zero luck with the other two.

Now that I’ve qualified for the tournament, I’ve switched to improving my spellcasting. Coldheart’s even been nice enough to help me when I come to her with questions. However, with only a couple weeks left to go until the tournament, I won’t have the time I need to become well versed in 3rd Order magic for any of the spellcasting schools.

At the very least, I need to figure out some way to increase my firepower. I’ve started accepting duels to gain more experience and raise my rank further. However, even though I’ve only been accepting invitations from people significantly below my rank—I’m already running into summoners whose defenses I’m seriously struggling to pierce.

I just wish—

“Woah!” Petra exclaims.

The cafeteria erupts with excitement as a flurry of Magipies come flying in, bearing official invitations for all those who’ve snagged a spot in the tournament. Thankfully, Lucas, Petra, and I have all made it in.

I take my letter from Racket and give him a few head scratches.

“It’s really happening… I have to admit, it’s all a little scary. There’s going to be so many people watching us, so many powerful summoners participating. How are you guys feeling?” I ask.

“Pfft, I’m not scared!” Petra thumps her chest.

“I’m scared! I’m scared!” Racket cries in Petra’s voice.

A handful of people nearby giggle, and Petra blushes a little.

“Why, you—”

Petra tries to grab him, but he keeps blinking away until eventually he appears on top of her head and decides to roost.

Petra sighs.

As I look around the cafeteria, I notice that Nettle hasn’t gotten a letter.

That… can’t be, right? She’s number two in our year.

I decide to follow her into the library, where I find her studying in a corner.

“Hi, Nettle.” I whisper as I sit down.

She startles, but after a moment of hesitation, she replies. “H-hello… N-Nora.”

“I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t receive a letter… Are you not entering the tournament?”

“I… c-couldn’t meet the m-martial requirements. M-my body, it’s always been rather f-frail. Even meeting the requirements by the end of our first year will be t-tough, so doing it before the tournament… just wasn’t possible.”

“Did you want to fight in the tournament?”

For a brief moment, her eyes light up with an excitement I’ve never seen from her before. But just as quickly, her expression falls.

“I… I did. Miss Boldheart wanted me to as well. She didn’t scold me, but… I could tell how disappointed she was. She’s taught me so much… she deserves to see her magic shine at the tournament—to know how impactful her teachings are.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that, Nettle. I wish there was something I could—”

Then it hits me.

“Nettle… when I was down after my fight with Lucas, I can’t even begin to describe how much your words helped me—how much they changed the trajectory of my life here.

“Now it’s my turn to help you, and I’ve got just the idea. We might need Miss Cold—I mean, Miss Boldheart’s permission first, but… I think I know a way we can make sure she gets to see just how good of a teacher she really is! Would you be willing to trust me?”

She nods.

“Glad to hear it.” I smile. “Now, here’s the plan…”