The day after the dinner at the restaurant.
As the martial arts tournant in the royal capital officially began, the academy entered a long holiday. Excitent buzzed in the air, with the streets bustling as everyone anticipated the tournant's spectacle. Even the academy, usually full of life, now felt eerily quiet, with only the occasional teacher or staff mber bustling about.
With so students competing and others traveling to the royal capital to support their friends, regular classes beca impossible. Teachers remained behind, catching up on tasks that couldn't be postponed.
In the break room, Xue Lan, the biology teacher, smiled warmly as she flipped through her lesson plans. "Well, it's wonderful that nineteen of our students passed the general qualifiers this year. It speaks volus about their dedication. I'm sure they will all beco exceptional knights in the future," she said, her voice filled with admiration.
"Yes, it wonderful," Grayson's usually reserved expression softened as he leaned back in his chair. The results were undeniable: a total of fifty-one students from the academy had made it to the main event.
Thirty-two were recomnded based on their outstanding performance throughout the year, and the remaining nineteen had fought tooth and nail to win their spots through the brutal general qualifiers.
Of the sixty-four competitors in the Under-18 division, more than half were from the Royal Academy, making it clear who the favorites were.
"I have to admit," Lucan said as he quietly stacked a few papers on his desk, his attention still split between listening and working, "we've had more students make it through the qualifiers than in previous years. Is it Grayson's influence, or maybe Alec's inspiration?"
Xue Lan glanced over at him, her bright eyes glinting with curiosity. "You think Alec played a role in motivating them?" She placed her quill down, giving her full attention to the conversation. "That's an interesting thought. He does have a certain... presence."
Lucan shrugged, not fully committing to the idea. "Possibly. Students tend to look up to the strongest among them, and Alec's been leading by example, moreover he was teaching so students."
Grayson cleared his throat, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alec has certainly have huge role, but it's the result of everyone's efforts. That being said, he's likely to be the champion this year. His skill is unmatched."
Lucan nodded silently, though his mind wandered elsewhere. Alec was undoubtedly strong, perhaps the strongest student in the academy if they don't count Maris, but Lucan knew the tournant wouldn't be so simple. In his mind, he could already picture a few key players—the wandering swordsman, a one ti character that appeared , one of the strongest opponents Alec would face.
Would Alec still win? That outco, Lucan knew, wasn't entirely in Alec's hands—it depended on Maris.
Maris's choices would ultimately decide who won the tournant. However this isn't ga world anymore, so the outco is Alec's hands, which is good.
Lucan was pulled from his thoughts when Xue Lan spoke again, her tone now lighter. "Teacher Lucan, aren't you planning to go cheer on the students? You've been working all morning."
He glanced up from his papers and smiled faintly. "I might, after I finish up here. There's still a lot to prepare."
"I'll probably head over this afternoon," Grayson chid in, picking up a small stack of papers from his desk. "Alec's match is later, and I don't want to miss it. It's bound to be sothing spectacular."
Xue Lan nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Alec's match is going to be the highlight, no doubt. I can't imagine anyone standing a chance against him, especially not this early in the tournant."
Lucan suppressed a chuckle. He knew better than to assu any outco too soon. The wandering swordsman had yet to make his entrance.
Just then, a knock ca at the door. "Excuse ," a familiar voice called from the hallway. "Is Lucan-sama here?"
Lucan looked up as the door opened, revealing Maris standing gracefully in the doorway.
"Oh, Lucan-sama," she said, her eyes lighting up as she saw him.
Lucan placed the last of his papers in a neat stack and stood from his desk. "Yes, I'm here. Let just finish up."
With a nod, Maris stepped back, allowing him a mont to gather the final few docunts. After quickly tidying up, Lucan walked over to her, offering a slight bow in apology for the delay. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we?"
Maris smiled, her delicate fingers brushing against the fabric of her skirt as she turned to lead the way. "Of course. Let's go."
Lucan walked down the quiet hallway alongside Maris after they left the staff room. The usual buzz of the academy was absent, replaced by the soft echo of their footsteps. Since it was a holiday, the halls were mostly empty, save for the occasional group of students lingering around for committee etings or club activities.
Even the faint sounds of their chatter seed distant and hollow in the vast, empty corridors.
The sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long, golden beams across the floor, creating a serene and almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Lucan glanced at Maris, who walked beside him with an effortless grace. Despite the break, she made a point to co in every day, usually with a lunch in hand—sothing Lucan appreciate.
Today was no different. The familiar basket she carried swayed slightly with her steps.
"Since there aren't many people around," Maris spoke up, her voice light and filled with suggestion, "why don't we eat lunch in the courtyard?"
Lucan turned his head slightly to look at her, considering the idea. The courtyard would be quiet, peaceful even, with most of the students gone for the day.
"Fine by ," he replied with a small nod.
A smile blood on Maris's lips, her eyes brightening at his agreent.
They made their way toward the courtyard, the crisp air greeting them as they stepped outside.
Though they often shared lunch together, they usually ate in the theology preparation room—away from the eyes of students and faculty. Despite being family, their relationship as teacher and student was a delicate one.
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Rumors had already started to spread around the academy, whispers of their closeness, speculation. Lucan didn't care much for gossip, and he knew Maris didn't either. Still, the last thing he needed was for those rumors to spiral out of control.
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