The three of them strolled down the sunlit cobblestone road, the warm breeze of spring brushing past as they left the small diner behind. It wasn't exactly a glamorous place—wooden tables, chipped ceramic bowls, and a lazy cat curled up near the entrance—but the food had been filling, and Noah had paid without a second thought.
Lys walked just behind the other two, hands behind her back, humming lightly to herself. Amelie was quiet, lost in thought, her eyes scanning the road ahead. Noah, meanwhile, walked with his hands in his pockets, his katana gently bouncing at his side.
"Hey, Lys," Noah said suddenly, glancing over his shoulder. "How's it going with your new roommates?"
"Roommates?" she blinked, confused.
"You know," he smirked, "your three oversized spirit babies."
"Oh—right." Lys giggled awkwardly, brushing a lock of short blue hair behind her ear. "Well… Aqua's the easiest. Calm, obedient, kind of lazy, but still listens. Gaia's a bit too zen for my taste. And Fire—well, Fire's a menace."
"Still giving you trouble?" Noah asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah," she sighed. "He only listens when I threaten to tell you."
Noah snorted. "Smart bastard."
"I'm still getting used to them all," she said, her voice softening. "It's a lot. But… I think I'm getting the hang of it."
He didn't say it aloud, but a part of him felt oddly proud. 'Good. That's what you're supposed to do now. Be stronger. Keep your fate in your own hands.'
Amelie finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "Handling three legendary spirits… It's honestly kind of impressive."
Lys smiled faintly. "I just got lucky."
Noah shook his head. "Nah. Luck doesn't make legendary spirits kneel."
The three continued walking, their shadows stretching in the light of the lowering sun.
They kept walking quietly, the dirt path winding gently back toward the academy. Spring breeze rustled the branches overhead, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, dotting the road with gold.
Amelie broke the silence.
"Noah," she said, her tone quieter than before, "are you from Valden?"
Noah glanced at her, eyebrows raised. "That's… oddly specific. What makes you think that?"
Amelie didn't answer right away. Her eyes were on the ground now, voice just above a whisper. "Almost two months ago… someone broke into my house."
Noah's steps slowed.
"It wasn't a robbery," she continued. "At least, not a normal one. He didn't go for gold or jewelry. He was looking for something specific. Something I can't really talk about."
She clenched her hands slightly, jaw tightening. "He tried to kill me. I wasn't prepared. I didn't have my staff and I froze."
Noah said nothing, gaze unreadable.
"But someone showed up," Amelie said, looking straight at him now. "A boy. Red eyes, black hair. I coldn't see his face because it was covered."
Noah looked away, pretending to focus on the distant academy spires. "I think I heard about something like that," he said lightly. "But it wasn't me. I was still stuck doing missions for pocket change back then."
Amelie didn't argue. She just stared at him for a moment.
"You're a really bad liar," she said softly, almost with a smile, it was audible only for her.
Noah shrugged. "I'm being honest."
She laughed under her breath, then said nothing more. But Noah could feel it—she knew.
The sun had begun to dip toward the horizon by the time they returned to the academy. The path was quiet, only a few students scattered here and there, enjoying the last golden light of the day.
Amelie and Lys walked ahead, chatting in low voices. Noah trailed slightly behind them, silent, hands in his pockets.
Once they reached the front courtyard, the three slowed to a stop.
Noah glanced at them both with his usual smirk, eyes half-lidded.
"Well then... see you tomorrow."
Amelie gave a short nod, still thoughtful from earlier. Lys waved gently, though she lingered with her eyes on him a moment longer.
As they walked off toward the girls' dorms, Noah stood alone for a moment. His gaze drifted up toward the tower spires, then to the folded paper in his pocket.
'Three weeks,' he thought. 'I've got the suit… now it's just a matter of waiting.'
He turned on his heel, steps steady as he headed back to his room. Whatever came next, he'd be ready.
—
The sun bathed the academy gardens in a soft amber hue as Cordelia Ross sat on a marble bench under the blossoming Cercis tree. She flipped through her notes absentmindedly, the light breeze toying with the ends of her silver-blonde hair.
"Hey, you're Cordelia Ross, right?"
Cordelia looked up, expression flat. Two second-year boys stood before her, one tall and lanky with styled brown hair, the other short and grinning far too wide.
She gave a slow nod, tone dry.
"Yes. Can I help you?"
The taller one stepped forward, puffing his chest.
"We were just thinking, you know… a girl like you shouldn't study alone. You want some company?"
Cordelia blinked. Then blinked again.
"No."
The shorter one chuckled nervously.
"Aw, come on. You're strong, pretty, and top of your class. Surely you've got time for a little fun."
She exhaled through her nose.
"I have a boyfriend."
Both boys froze.
"You do?"
Cordelia crossed her legs elegantly, back straight.
"Yes. So, please don't bother me again."
"…Who is he?" the tall one asked, a bit too curious for his own good.
Cordelia's eyes narrowed just slightly, but her answer came with a smile too sweet to be sincere.
"Noah."
Their faces contorted in unison.
"Noah?!"
Cordelia returned to her notebook as if they weren't even there.
"Yes. Noah. Now unless you want him to 'thank' you in person, I suggest you leave."
They exchanged glances and backed away without another word.
As the garden fell quiet again, Cordelia allowed herself a small grin.
'Well... not exactly a lie,' she thought, then quickly added, 'Kind of.'