Night, the airship
Inside the cabin a long rectangular table was set, the surrounding area cleared out. Sylutia and a group of apprentices came to the airship where the third-year students were having a gathering.
Professor Vekos had chestnut, messy hair and showed signs of balding, but he looked healthy. He wore a loose deep-green brocade robe, a golden ring-shaped ornament hung at his chest. Raising his goblet high, he welcomed the attending apprentices.
During the event a few teachers and professors reminisced and said encouraging words to the students. The atmosphere was lively and relaxed.
“Now then, let us indulge in the food and drinks, and spend the night with music and joy~” Finally Professor Vekos announced the meal with a smile. With a grand wave of his large hand, the table that had only been covered by a cloth immediately displayed row after row of prepared dishes: a roasted suckling pig with a crisp, oil-glazed skin, golden roast goose sprinkled with spices, neatly cut pastries, sweet and delicious puddings, fresh tasty fruits, and so on — all foods of Third Tier quality or higher, tempting and delectable.
Sylutia held her plate and stood by the table, picking out the foods she liked along with the other students, while listening to their chattering.
After taking a duck leg, a slice of meat, a small serving of baked pudding and some chilled fruit juice, Sylutia slowly stepped back and sat at a small table beside the main one.
At that moment Og and Reginson were still fighting over the prime cut of the roasted pig at the dining table. They decided to play rock-paper-scissors to settle it, and once again Reginson won, seizing the thick hind leg of the pig.
Holding the oily hind leg in one hand and his plate in the other, Reginson walked out with a grin. Most of the small tables were occupied now, only the seat at Sylutia’s table was empty.
“Chief, mind if I squeeze in?” He brightened when he saw the empty seat and called out loudly, then came over.
Is he always this presumptuous? Sylutia thought, but she didn’t object and nodded faintly.
He carried his plate over, sat down like a heroic roguish figure, and began to chew on the hind leg in large, hearty bites.
Sylutia sipped her juice in small mouthfuls, still leisurely enjoying the food, occasionally glancing around the venue and watching everyone’s laughter and teasing.
During the gathering, some third-year students came over to chat, curious about the progress of this year’s cohort, sometimes taking out small items they had obtained by chance to exchange with others.
“This staff isn’t something I use much. If you want it, I can give it to you, though the core stone in the middle is a bit old. If you want it to regain full power later, you can replace the stone.” One third-year student spoke cheerfully as he produced a slender staff and handed it over.
[Impact Staff] (Third Tier · Excellent), contains a specially made “Impact Gem,” can cast “Impact Technique”/“Shock Technique,” responds extremely fast and packs considerable power.
“Although it’s not an extremely powerful staff, it’s very practical. It can be activated in a second and is useful for all kinds of sudden situations,” the student explained.
“Thank you, senior!” The receiving student accepted it excitedly. Even though he had his own staff and weapon, suddenly getting a Third Tier item was still a pleasant surprise.
“Ha ha, it’s nothing. You can join us for Shadow World exploration later. There are many treasures down there~” The senior patted his shoulder with a smile.
What a nice atmosphere, Sylutia thought.
By now Reginson had finished the pig leg and the food on his plate and was going to get more.
“Chief, save my seat for me, I’ll be right back.” Saying that, he dashed back into the crowded dining area with his plate.
Sylutia could only smile helplessly and continued eating the remainder of her food.
A few minutes passed, and the petite Hedra returned again, not only filling her own plate with food but bringing back two large baked puddings for Sylutia and Imei.
“Don’t worry, Chief, I put a napkin under them to keep them clean and hygienic~” She said as she placed the baked puddings on the table.
Seeing the golden puddings steaming slightly and smelling fragrant and cool, Imei nodded in thanks. Hedra explained she had brought them because Sylutia had eaten so little earlier.
Earlier, Fan Qun and Peline and a few boys had come over and joined Imei; they gathered by Fan Qun’s chair to chat. The others stared at Hedra, making her feel awkward. She finished slowly at first, then hurriedly fled.
“He finally left.” One boy put his hands on his hips and watched the direction Hedra had gone, then walked over to clear the chair and tabletop she’d used.
“Such a little person, still squeezes into Professor Vekos’s table.” The group teased in support of Imei.
“Well, it’s not a big deal.” The girl shook her head to calm them.
“Why did you all come over together all of a sudden? Is there something going on?” She turned to ask curiously.
“It’s like this: a representative from the third-year side wanted to meet you.” Imei leaned in and whispered into the girl’s ear.
“That representative might have a liking for you, and wants to court the Chief.” Her warm breath made Sylutia’s ear tingle slightly.
“Oh? Is that so?” Sylutia recalled the scene from earlier in the afternoon — a blond youth had been standing beside Professor Vekos, and the professor had introduced him.
“Is his name Fynden?” The girl touched her chin and considered.
“Yes, that is him.”
“I see.” Sylutia blinked her enchanting black eyes and suddenly understood.
It seemed part of the reason for this gathering was connected to her. Professor Vekos probably intended to help his student find a match and had created a suitable opportunity.
Although she felt nothing for that youth, out of consideration for Professor Vekos’s feelings, it would be impolite to be overly cold.
Well, she might as well meet him. Even if she refused, it would be better to let him give up quickly rather than string him along.
Sylutia returned her finished plate and rose to go to the place Imei mentioned — the upper deck of the airship, where they could bathe in the evening breeze and look out at the starry night sky. It was a very nice spot for a date.
The location was well chosen, no doubt, but Sylutia had no intention of a date. Still, she went up with several apprentices.
Climbing the stair along the small superstructure, the night wind strengthened, the sails flapping and whistling above them.
Sylutia held the railing with one hand and lifted the other to shield her hair from the wind as she climbed onto the airship’s upper rooftop.
A tall, handsome youth stood not far away, a small round table beside him with a lit candle, accompanied by wine and glass goblets.
When he saw Sylutia approach, he brightened and took a step forward, but when he noticed the figures trailing behind her, his expression stiffened and his advance halted.
Sylutia found it a bit amusing, wondering if she had hurt his feelings. She signaled for the group to stay where they were and walked over alone.
“Good evening, Fynden senior.” She placed her hands lightly on her lower back, holding her hair and skirt against the wind, and smiled as she spoke.
“Good evening, Hedra.” He recovered and returned a smile.
“The night is lovely tonight, and this view is quite nice.” Sylutia continued, glancing at the small table with the candle.
Hearing this, he momentarily brightened and then nodded with slight excitement, likely thinking there was still hope.
“Perhaps I’m overthinking, but thank you very much for your kindness, senior.” Sylutia stepped forward and looked at the tall youth.
“I’m aware that you are an outstanding person, senior, but I haven’t thought about romance yet, so I can’t invest in that area.”
“I’m sorry, then. I’m afraid I’ve disappointed you tonight.” She shook her head.
“However, I truly thank you for hosting this gathering and giving everyone such a pleasant evening. If in the future there is any other way I can help you, please feel free to ask.”
“Well…” Though somewhat disappointed, how could he get angry at such a cute and beautiful girl?
It was simply that she had no interest in him, Fynden thought.
The two exchanged a few more brief words before Sylutia waved goodbye and led the apprentices down the steps.
Back in the banquet hall the tables had been cleared. Many students gathered to play chess or card-battle games and were very enthusiastic.
Even with differences in rank and strength, older and younger students were not that far apart in these games, and the relaxed atmosphere helped everyone get acquainted quickly.
When Sylutia returned to the hall, someone waved at her.
“Hedra Chief, over here~” She walked over.
“Want to play a round with us?” Marg excitedly waved her deck of cards.
“The winner can get a nice reward~”
Sylutia’s gaze moved to the various scattered cards on the table, which listed costs and effects to simulate different creatures and spells from First to Eighth Tier — quite rich and interesting.
“All right, but first you have to teach me.”
Sylutia listened to the explanations and then sat down, fingertips lifting a beautiful, recognizable card.
[Tirayan Young Cavalry] (First Tier · Castle), [Attack 2, Health 1]
These young riders chase each other in the wind. This is their game, and also their training to one day become proper knights.
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