The midday sun cast a pale glow over the academy's dining hall as Subaru, Tekka, Renwald, and Fob sat around one of the long wooden tables. The hall buzzed with chatter and clinking utensils as students enjoyed their lunch. Among them, Fob was the picture of distracted chaos, twirling a quill between his fingers like a miniature sword.
"Careful with that, Fob," Renwald said dryly, adjusting his uniform with his usual precision. "Knowing you, it'll—"
The quill suddenly slipped from Fob's fingers, spinning like a dart across the room. It flew at an alarming speed, narrowly missing Professor Erlon, who was obliviously shuffling through a stack of scrolls at the far end of the hall.
The boys collectively froze, their breath caught in their throats as they waited to see if anyone had noticed. When Erlon continued unbothered, Fob slumped in relief, muttering, "Phew, close one."
Renwald buried his face in his hands. "Why are we even friends with you?"
"Because I'm entertaining," Fob grinned, grabbing another quill as if nothing had happened.
Tekka rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "Anyway, let's talk about something important—like the exams coming up. Man, I'd hate to be one of the newbies right now."
Renwald shot him a pointed look. "Tekka, you're acting like you're some seasoned veteran. You're not any better than we were on the first day."
Tekka puffed out his chest in mock offense. "Excuse me, I've come a long way. Besides, we were amazing from the start. Right, Subaru?"
Subaru, poking at his food absentmindedly, gave a distracted hum.
Renwald smirked and continued, "If you're so amazing, Tekka, why do I have to lend you my notes every time? And don't think I didn't notice Algol handling her first few lessons better than you ever did."
Tekka groaned. "That's not fair! She's probably one of those genius types who studies for fun. Who even does that?"
Renwald gave a half-shrug. "Maybe someone who doesn't waste half their free time complaining about exams."
"Speaking of Algol," Tekka said, shifting gears with a mischievous grin. "What's the deal with her and Subaru? Huh? Is she your girlfriend, Subaru?"
Subaru nearly choked on his drink, waving his hands frantically. "What?! No, no, no! That's not—what are you even talking about?"
Tekka leaned forward, his grin widening. "Come on, you were talking to her the other day. Pretty brave, considering how quiet she is. You've gotta admit, there's something there."
"There's nothing there!" Subaru protested, his face flushing slightly. "I was just being polite!"
Fob, ever the instigator, leaned in with curiosity. "Okay, then, Subaru. What do you think of the girls here? You must have an opinion."
Subaru hesitated, glancing around as if looking for an escape. "Uh… none of them compare…"
Tekka raised a brow. "To what?"
Subaru sighed and scoffed lightly, leaning back in his chair. "The girls at home."
Renwald raised an eyebrow in surprise, while Tekka crossed his arms, looking suspicious. "Oh? And do you have anyone in particular in mind?"
Subaru felt his face heat up as he quickly shook his head. "No! I mean, it's not like that. I just… I've got priorities, okay? Girls come after spirit training."
The table went silent for a moment before Tekka snorted. "Oh, yer no fun, Subaru."
Renwald smirked. "Sure, priorities. But you know we're going to tease you about this for the rest of the day, right?"
Subaru groaned, covering his face with his hands. "I should've just kept my mouth shut."
The boys lazily leaned back in their chairs, their laughter from earlier subsiding as they took in the scene around the dining hall. Groups of students clustered together at various tables, chatting animatedly or sharing notes. Across the room, Johnan and his lackeys sat with their usual air of superiority, gesturing dramatically about something that probably only mattered to them. A table full of girls nearby exchanged whispered gossip, punctuated by bursts of giggles that echoed across the hall.
Then there was Algol. The white-haired girl sat alone at the far corner of the hall, her pale, delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of the winter sun filtering through the windows. Her red eyes were fixed on her tray, methodically cutting her food with precision, as if the act of eating was a ritual rather than a necessity. Her posture was rigid, her movements mechanical.
Subaru frowned, tilting his head. "She's like a robot," he muttered under his breath.
Tekka raised a brow. "What's a robot?"
Subaru realized his mistake and waved it off. "Never mind. Just… she's really stiff, y'know?"
Tekka grinned mischievously, his Karagan accent thickening as he leaned closer. "Y'know what ya should do, Subaru? Go talk to er again. Maybe she'll warm up to ya now. She looks awfully lonely."
Renwald rolled his eyes, pushing his tray aside. "Don't be rude, Tekka. She's clearly not interested in entertaining anyone, least of all Subaru."
Subaru sighed deeply, standing up and grabbing his tray. "I don't need the commentary, thanks. Besides, I'm not exactly in the mood to be rejected again."
Tekka shrugged. "Yer loss."
The boys shuffled toward the cleaning station, their trays clinking softly as they stacked them neatly for the kitchen staff. Subaru was halfway to the exit, his mind wandering to how much longer he'd have to endure Tekka's teasing, when something small and fast darted toward him from above.
"Whoa!" Subaru stumbled back, nearly dropping his bag as a flying ferret-like creature with wings swooped down in front of him. Its fur was sleek and silvery, its eyes a bright green, and in its tiny claws, it held a tightly rolled scroll.
"Uh… hello?" Subaru said hesitantly, watching as the creature hovered in front of him.
The winged ferret chirped softly and extended the scroll toward Subaru, dropping it into his hands before darting off into the rafters of the hall.
Renwald and Tekka, having witnessed the strange delivery, walked up behind Subaru.
"What's that?" Tekka asked, leaning over Subaru's shoulder.
Subaru unrolled the scroll, his eyes scanning the neatly written text. His brow furrowed slightly as he read aloud, "Natsuki Subaru, you have visitors. Please proceed to the main entrance immediately."
Tekka raised an eyebrow. "Visitors? Who'd be visiting you?"
Renwald crossed his arms. "You don't exactly have a fan club, Subaru."
Subaru sighed, rolling the scroll back up and stuffing it into his bag. "I don't know, but I guess I'll find out. You two better not start any trouble while I'm gone."
Tekka grinned. "No promises."
Subaru gave them a wary look before heading toward the exit, the scroll's message nagging at the back of his mind. Visitors? In all his time at the academy, nobody outside his immediate circle had ever bothered to come looking for him. Whoever it was, they had to be important—or, Subaru thought with a grimace, trouble.
Subaru strolled down the hall toward the main entrance, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. He kept his hands stuffed in his pockets, his posture casual, but his mind was far from it.
Visitors? Subaru thought to himself. Who would even bother visiting me here? His thoughts darted through a list of possibilities. Maybe Irene had come to check on him, though that didn't seem like her style. Perhaps it was Professor Guini, but he'd have sent a messenger before just showing up. Was it Clind? Subaru shivered at the thought of the overly peculiar butler.
As he neared the towering double doors of the main hall, Subaru took a deep breath. Whatever it is, just act natural. They can't rattle you if you're already one step ahead.
The doors creaked open, sunlight spilling into the dim hallway and momentarily blinding Subaru. He blinked rapidly, trying to adjust as his heart gave an unexpected skip. When his vision cleared, his eyes widened ever so slightly.
Standing there, framed by the bright winter light, was Elsa. She was dressed in a peculiar maid uniform that looked slightly too big for her, the fabric folding awkwardly at her sleeves and waist. Yet, despite the odd fit, Elsa smiled at Subaru—a shy, hesitant smile that softened the usual sharpness of her features.
Beside her stood Lublik, his usual composed demeanor intact as he rested a hand on the hilt of his sword. He wore a polite smile, though the faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes didn't escape Subaru.
"Yo." Subaru raised a hand in casual greeting, masking the jolt of surprise he felt. "What are you two doing here?"
Elsa hesitated for a moment, fidgeting with the hem of her uniform before responding. "Clind… allowed me to have some leeway," she explained quietly. "But only for a short while." She glanced at Lublik, who gave her a subtle nod of encouragement. "I'm here in the capital to serve Sir Lublik while he handles some… affairs."
Lublik confirmed this with a calm, approving pat on Subaru's head. "It's true. Thought it might be a good opportunity for her to get some experience outside the manor. And, well," he added with a faint smile, "I figured we'd check in on you while we were here."
Subaru blinked, caught off guard by the gesture. "You came all this way just to visit me?"
Lublik chuckled softly, removing his hand. "Don't flatter yourself, kid. You're just a stop on the itinerary."
Subaru narrowed his eyes in mock irritation, but he couldn't hide the faint grin tugging at the corner of his lips. He turned back to Elsa, his gaze lingering on her slightly awkward posture. "Well, uh, it's good to see you… though I have to ask…" His eyes flicked to her uniform. "What's with that getup?"
Elsa glanced down at herself and tugged at the oversized sleeves. "This? Clind insisted. He said it's… appropriate for a servant accompanying a knight."
Subaru couldn't help but snicker. "Yeah, that tracks. Clind would think something like that is appropriate."
Elsa's cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked away, mumbling, "It's not like I had a choice."
"Well, you make it work," Subaru teased, flashing her a grin.
Lublik cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "If you're done with your reunion, Subaru, perhaps you could show us around? Elsa hasn't seen much of the city, and I'll admit, I'm curious about this academy of yours."
Subaru shrugged, his grin still in place. "Sure, why not? Just don't expect a grand tour. This place is about as exciting as watching ice melt."
The scene shifts to a different corner of the academy grounds, where Tekka, Renwald, and Fob were huddled awkwardly behind the edge of a stone pillar, their heads poking out just enough to catch a glimpse of Subaru and his visitors.
Tekka's mouth twitched with excitement, and before anyone could stop him, he almost blurted out, "What tha hell? Subaru has a girlf—"
Renwald, ever the composed one, quickly clamped his hand over Tekka's mouth, dragging him back into the shadows. "Keep your voice down, you fool! Do you want to get caught?"
Tekka struggled for a moment before prying Renwald's hand off his face. "Ow! What was that for?"
Renwald gave him a sharp glare. "We're trying to figure out what's going on, not broadcast our presence to the entire academy."
Meanwhile, Fob, standing just behind them, let out an audible burp. Tekka turned with a look of pure exasperation and shoved him lightly. "Fob, man, keep it together!"
Fob grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry, I had too much bread at lunch."
Renwald sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is ridiculous." Then, with a tone of determination, he added, "We must get to the bottom of this. Who is that girl with him? And why is Lublik here? Something doesn't add up."
Tekka's face lit up with excitement. "Yeah, yeah! Maybe she's, like, a princess or somethin'. She does have that mysterious vibe, y'know?"
Fob nodded enthusiastically. "Or a secret spy sent to recruit Subaru for some big mission!"
Renwald shook his head. "You two are hopeless. Let's just follow him and figure it out. Quietly."
The three boys crept along, peering around corners and ducking behind pillars as they trailed Subaru and his companions.
Meanwhile, back with Subaru, he paused mid-stride, suddenly feeling a strange sensation like someone—or several someones—was watching him. He furrowed his brow, glancing over his shoulder, but the courtyard seemed empty.
Elsa, walking beside him, noticed his hesitation and tilted her head. "Something wrong?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.
Subaru shook his head, shrugging it off. "Probably just my imagination." He turned back to Elsa, and her smile was practically beaming.
"Do you have some spare time?" Elsa asked, her tone hesitant but hopeful.
Subaru scratched the back of his head, then glanced down at his wrist as if checking a watch he didn't have. "Hmm… yeah, I think I can squeeze you into my busy schedule," he teased with a grin.
Elsa giggled, her earlier shyness melting away. "Great! Because we're going shopping—with Irene."
Subaru perked up at that, his grin widening. "Irene's here? Since when?"
"She's at her apartment," Elsa explained. "She said we should meet her there first."
Subaru nodded, his interest piqued. "Well, let's not keep her waiting. Lead the way."
The scene shifts back to the trio of stalkers, who were crouched behind another wall, their eyes glued to Subaru and Elsa as they walked off together.
Tekka whispered, "Didja hear that? They're goin' shoppin' with another lady! Who is this guy? He's been holdin' out on us!"
Renwald frowned, his curiosity clearly piqued but his composure intact. "It's not like Subaru to keep secrets. We're following them. Quietly."
The trio exchanged a determined nod, and with Tekka leading the way, they began their covert pursuit of Subaru, Elsa, and the mystery of the day.
The scene shifted to a shadowy courtyard, its usual pristine glow dimmed by the overcast skies and the faint flicker of distant lanterns. Jonah Belvoir, tall and poised as always, strode through the dimly lit path with his trademark bored expression. His black hair was slicked back impeccably, and his sharp gray eyes held the usual blend of disdain and disinterest. He exuded the air of a noble who thought himself above all, his mind adrift in thoughts far removed from the quiet stillness around him.
Jonah's inner monologue was a mixture of criticism and arrogance. This academy, he thought, the so-called pinnacle of spirit arts education, yet its security is laughable. Anyone could slip in unnoticed. No wonder commoners think they belong here. His lips curled into a faint smirk. Perhaps it's time I showed someone like Natsuki Subaru their proper place. A lesson in hierarchy is overdue.
He turned a corner, his pace slow and calculated. But then, something unusual caught his attention. Whispers—faint and indistinct—floated through the still air.
Jonah paused, his sharp eyes narrowing. His curiosity piqued, he crept closer, his polished shoes making barely a sound against the stone path.
Around the next corner, he spotted her: Algol. The white-haired girl stood in the shadows, her back partially turned to him. Her delicate hands held a curious object, a metia, its faint glow illuminating her pale complexion. She was speaking in a language he didn't recognize, her tone soft but purposeful. Jonah couldn't understand the words, but the cadence sent a chill down his spine. It wasn't something one casually overheard.
What is that? Jonah thought, his confidence shaken for the first time that evening. And who is she speaking to? His instincts told him to leave, to pretend he hadn't seen anything. Yet his pride urged him to linger a moment longer.
He leaned slightly forward to get a better view, but his polished shoe scuffed against the stone, the faint noise echoing in the stillness. Jonah froze, his heart skipping a beat. Slowly, he began to back away, deciding it was best not to intervene.
But as he turned to leave, a creeping sense of dread enveloped him. He froze again, his breath catching in his throat. She was there. Algol had moved silently and now stood directly behind him, her crimson eyes locked onto him with a piercing, lifeless stare.
Jonah turned around, forcing himself to meet her gaze. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a stiff, uneasy expression. The girl's face was unreadable, her expression devoid of emotion, and yet something about her presence was suffocating.
"I have no business here," Jonah muttered, trying to mask his unease. He forced himself to stand tall, his voice carrying an edge of false confidence.
Algol tilted her head slightly, her deadpan stare unwavering. "Smart," she replied simply, her tone as cold as the winter breeze.
Jonah swallowed hard and nodded, retreating a step before turning to walk away. As he did, he muttered under his breath, "They'll let anyone into the academy these days." His words, though meant to reassert his arrogance, rang hollow as his steps quickened, eager to leave the courtyard behind.
Behind him, Algol stood silently, her crimson eyes fixed on his retreating form. The metia in her hand dimmed, and she slipped it into her pocket, her gaze lingering for just a moment longer before she vanished into the shadows.
The scene shifted to the bustling shopping district, where the streets of Glacia were alive with chatter and the clamor of merchants selling their wares. Snow fell lightly, dusting the cobblestones and the roofs of the market stalls. Subaru and Elsa walked side by side, a quiet atmosphere lingering between them. Elsa's awkward strides were faintly hesitant, while Subaru stuffed his hands into his coat pockets, attempting to appear as casual as possible.
Behind them, at a safe distance, three very suspicious individuals trailed the pair. Renwald, Tekka, and Fob had gone all out with their disguises—poorly crafted fake beards, comically oversized mustaches, and mismatched headpieces. The trio shuffled awkwardly through the crowd, blending in surprisingly well, despite their absurd appearances. For some reason, their disguises seemed to work, and no one gave them a second glance.
Tekka, in his heavy Kagaragan accent, whispered, "This is perfect, I tell ya. Subaru doesn' suspect a damn thin."
Fob nodded, his fake mustache wobbling precariously. "I think we've got this," he said, nearly tripping over his own feet as he tried to keep pace.
Renwald sighed, adjusting his ill-fitting beard. "I can't believe this is working... This is utterly ridiculous." Despite his disdain, he couldn't help but keep a sharp eye on the pair ahead.
Meanwhile, Subaru broke the silence between himself and Elsa, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "So," he began, his voice casual but tinged with curiosity, "how's your sword training going?"
Elsa hesitated for a moment, brushing a strand of her long black hair behind her ear. "It's... going well," she replied softly. Her purple eyes stayed fixed on the path ahead, her tone even. "Clind says I've got a natural talent for it, but there's still a lot to learn."
Subaru grinned, his usual playful demeanor slipping into his words. "Well, knowing Clind, he's probably making you swing that sword until your arms feel like they're going to fall off. He's kind of a perfectionist, right?"
A faint smile tugged at Elsa's lips. "That's... not far off." She glanced at Subaru for a brief moment before looking away again. "But it's not as bad as I thought it would be."
Subaru gave her a thumbs-up. "Good to hear. I mean, at this rate, you'll be a master swordswoman in no time! You can probably even show me a thing or two."
Elsa tilted her head slightly, her expression softening just enough to show a hint of amusement. "Maybe one day. But right now, I think you'd just get in the way."
Subaru chuckled, raising his hands in mock defeat. "Ouch. You wound me."
As the two continued walking, Lublik followed closely behind, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings with an air of vigilance. The trio of "disguised" boys in the background crept closer, still eavesdropping with varying degrees of subtlety. Tekka nearly lost his balance as he crouched low, causing Fob to stumble and bump into Renwald.
"Will you two keep it together?" Renwald hissed, barely keeping his irritation in check. "You're going to blow our cover."
"I'm trying!" Tekka whispered back, his mustache now slightly crooked. "It's not my fault these streets are so damn slippery."
Subaru, oblivious to the trio's antics, glanced at Elsa again. "Hey, what about your life at the manor? Is Clind still being... well, Clind?"
Elsa's smile faltered slightly, but she nodded. "He's strict, but... I think he means well."
Subaru shrugged. "Yeah, I get that. Still, if he gives you too much trouble, you can just tell him you've got me on your side. Not that he'd be scared or anything, but, y'know, moral support."
Elsa looked at Subaru, her eyes softening slightly as she replied, "Thanks... Subaru."
The brief moment of sincerity hung in the air, but it was quickly broken by the sound of Fob sneezing loudly in the background. Subaru turned his head sharply, narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "Did you hear something?" he asked Elsa.
She shook her head, looking confused. "No... Why?"
Subaru squinted at the bustling crowd behind them, but the trio of boys had already ducked behind a nearby stall, their ridiculous disguises somehow still intact. Tekka, barely holding back a laugh, whispered, "I told ya, we're invisible!"
Renwald pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered under his breath, "Invisible, my ass..."
The bustling streets of the Glacia market hummed with activity as Subaru and Elsa walked together, the icy chill of the day offset by the warm energy of merchants and citizens milling about. Lublik paused beside a grand, frost-rimmed building, its polished sign denoting it as a commission office. He turned to Subaru and Elsa, his sharp eyes scanning the two.
"I need to step in here for a bit. You two going to be alright on your own?" Lublik asked, his tone brisk but protective.
Subaru waved dismissively, a cheeky grin plastered across his face. "We'll be fine, Sir Knight. Don't worry about us."
Lublik eyed Subaru skeptically before nodding and disappearing into the building, leaving the pair to their own devices. Subaru, emboldened by his freedom, looked at Elsa with a casual smile. "So, where were we? Talking about how I could totally beat Clind in a sword fight one day?"
Elsa's expression was unimpressed. "Not even in your dreams, Subaru."
Subaru laughed but didn't press further as the two strolled down the icy cobblestone path. As Subaru chatted animatedly, Elsa listening with mild amusement, he failed to notice the massive shadow approaching until it was too late. He bumped directly into a towering figure—a seven-foot-tall polar bear demi-human. The impact felt like running into a wall, and Subaru stumbled back a step, wide-eyed.
The polar bear demi-human turned his broad shoulders to face Subaru, his fur-covered face contorted in annoyance. His deep voice rumbled like distant thunder. "Watch where you're going, pipsqueak."
Subaru blinked, and for a moment, he considered apologizing. But his pride as a spirit arts user—and perhaps a bit of his Gustekan upbringing—kicked in. "Pipsqueak? Do you even know who you're talking to?"
The polar bear narrowed his eyes, his massive arms crossing over his barrel chest. "Doesn't matter who you are. A little runt like you needs to learn some manners."
Elsa tugged at Subaru's sleeve, her voice low but urgent. "Subaru, don't—"
But Subaru, in his usual brash manner, didn't listen. Instead, he straightened his posture and pointed defiantly at the towering demi-human. "Maybe you're the one who needs a lesson!"
The polar bear growled, stepping closer, his towering frame casting a shadow over Subaru. "You're asking for it, kid."
The bear raised a paw, clearly intending to "teach" Subaru a lesson, but before he could move, Subaru's eyes lit up. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he summoned a swirling blue orb—a wind spirit. The orb circled Subaru briefly before zipping toward the polar bear, releasing a powerful gust that lifted the massive demi-human off his feet. The crowd gasped as the bear was launched into the sky, his startled roar echoing before he crashed back to the cobblestones with a resounding thud. He lay sprawled on the ground, groaning and unable to move.
Subaru turned to Elsa, pumping his fist in victory. "Ha! That'll show him!"
But Elsa wasn't impressed. Her arms were crossed, her expression a mix of disapproval and frustration. "Are you serious right now? That was completely unnecessary, Subaru."
Subaru blinked, the adrenaline of the moment starting to wear off as he noticed the skeptical stares of the crowd gathering around them. His earlier bravado evaporated, replaced by an awkward, embarrassed chuckle. "Uh… maybe I went a little overboard…"
Before anything else could happen, Lublik rushed out of the commission building, his sharp eyes immediately narrowing on the commotion. "What in Od Lagna's name is going on here?"
Subaru scratched the back of his head sheepishly, pointing to the downed polar bear. "Uh… self-defense?"
Before Lublik could respond, a pair of city guards pushed through the crowd. Their armor gleamed in the winter sunlight, and their stern expressions demanded answers. "What's going on here?" one of them barked.
Lublik stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative. He pulled out his knight insignia, the polished emblem glinting in the light. "Sir Lublik VinBerg, Gustekan Knight. The boy acted in self-defense. He's a spirit arts user."
The guards exchanged glances, their stern demeanor softening. Upon hearing that Subaru was a spirit arts user, they immediately bowed in deference. "Our apologies, Sir Knight. We'll make sure this matter is resolved peacefully."
Subaru blinked at the sudden shift in tone, feeling both relieved and a little embarrassed by the attention. Elsa, however, crossed her arms and muttered under her breath, "Unfair."
Subaru turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "What's unfair?"
Elsa sighed, her crimson eyes fixed on the ground. "You hold such a high position because of your heritage and abilities. People treat you like you're untouchable."
Lublik, overhearing this, glanced at Elsa and spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. "That's how it works here. In Gusteko, strength, status, and ability command respect. It's the way of things."
Subaru, still a little rattled from the whole ordeal, looked at Elsa and gave her a lopsided grin. "Well, unfair or not, I'm glad you're here to keep me grounded."
Elsa rolled her eyes but couldn't help the faint smile tugging at her lips. Lublik gestured for the two to follow, and they quickly moved on, leaving the crowd and the groaning polar bear behind.
The scene shifted to the trio of Tekka, Renwald, and Fob, who were poorly hidden behind a wooden cart in the bustling marketplace. Their disguises—a mismatched collection of fake beards, scarves, and oversized hats—had somehow gone unnoticed, though they looked completely ridiculous.
Tekka, still sporting his thick Kagaragan accent, nearly exploded with laughter, gripping the edge of the cart for support. "Didja see that? The lil' bastard launched a bear like it weighed nothin'! Subaru's got guts, I'll give 'im that."
Renwald sighed, his arms crossed as he watched the spectacle unfold from their hiding spot. "Guts, maybe. Common sense? None whatsoever. He's lucky those knights bowed instead of hauling him off to the nearest cell."
Fob, leaning against the cart with wide eyes, chimed in, "I thought that bear guy was gonna crush him! Then—WHAM!—up he went!" Fob mimed the polar bear soaring into the air, his hands flailing dramatically. "I mean, who even does that? Subaru's insane."
Tekka shook his head, a grin still plastered across his face. "Insane or not, you gotta respect it. The guy's got guts. I'd never stand up to someone that big."
Renwald raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, really? And here I thought you were fearless, Tekka. Weren't you the one bragging about how you'd take on anyone with your bare fists just last week?"
Tekka huffed, crossing his arms defensively. "Yeah, well, that's different. I was talkin' about guys my size, not a walking snow monster!"
Fob nodded enthusiastically, his face lighting up with another thought. "Did you see how the knights bowed to him? Like, they apologized! How does Subaru even get that kind of respect?"
Renwald tapped his chin thoughtfully. "It's not respect; it's status. Spirit arts users are held in high regard here, especially in Gusteko. And Subaru… well, he's not your average student."
Tekka squinted at Renwald, his expression curious. "You think he's hiding somethin'? 'Cause there's somethin' about him that doesn't add up."
Renwald hesitated for a moment, his icy blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Maybe. He's talented, no doubt about that, but there's something… unusual about the way he carries himself. Like he knows more than he lets on."
Fob gasped, clearly not keeping his voice as quiet as he should. "You think he's, like, secretly a noble or something? Or maybe a prince in disguise?!"
Tekka facepalmed, groaning loudly. "Fob, stop readin' those stupid storybooks. Subaru's no prince. He's just… Subaru."
Renwald shook his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Either way, we'll have to keep an eye on him. He's bound to stir up more trouble sooner or later."
The three of them watched as Subaru, Elsa, and Lublik moved further down the marketplace, their silhouettes disappearing into the crowd. Tekka glanced at his two companions, his grin widening mischievously. "You know what? I say we keep tailin' 'im. Could be fun."
Fob, nodding excitedly, adjusted his crooked fake mustache. "Yeah! Who knows what kind of crazy stuff he'll get into next?"
Renwald sighed, shaking his head but ultimately following along as Tekka and Fob began to sneak through the crowd. "This is going to end poorly, isn't it?"
Tekka turned back with a wink. "Poorly? Nah. This is gonna be great."
The streets leading back to the academy were quiet, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. Subaru walked alongside Lublik and Elsa, the latter bowing deeply as they reached the academy gates.
"This is where we part for now," Elsa said softly, her voice carrying an unusual gentleness. Subaru scratched the back of his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Next time, let's try to meet without... you know, the usual chaos and near-death experiences," he replied with a sigh. "Just once."
Elsa's lips quirked into the faintest of smirks. "Fine, but only if you promise to try not to blow up half the city."
Subaru groaned. "Hey, that was one time! And it wasn't half the city!"
"Sure," she teased, turning to leave with Lublik, who gave Subaru a brief nod of approval before guiding Elsa back toward their waiting carriage. Subaru lingered at the gates for a moment, watching them disappear into the distance before letting out a long breath.
As he began making his way back to his dorm, his thoughts drifted. The warmth of reuniting with Irene, the subtle weight of the tension between himself and Elsa—it all lingered like an echo in his mind. His footsteps slowed when he turned a corner and saw a familiar figure waiting, leaning casually against the wall near the entrance.
Jonah Belvoir.
Subaru groaned internally, rubbing his temple as he approached. "What now…?" he muttered.
Jonah straightened, his sharp gray eyes narrowing as he cut straight to the chase. "I've come to collect that favor you owe me."
Subaru blinked, then frowned, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You can't be serious."
"Dead serious," Jonah said curtly, briefly glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one else was around. His demeanor was uncharacteristically tense, his usual air of arrogance replaced with something more guarded. "It's about Algol."
Subaru raised an eyebrow. "Algol? What about her?"
Jonah hesitated, lowering his voice as he stepped closer. "That girl… she's more than meets the eye. There's something off about her. Earlier, I saw her with this strange device—a metia—and she was speaking in a language I couldn't understand. It didn't seem… normal."
Subaru crossed his arms, eyeing Jonah skeptically. "So, what, you're telling me she's some kind of secret agent or something? Why don't you just tell the teachers?"
Jonah's lips twisted into a grimace, his tone growing sharper. "Because if I do, and I'm wrong, it'll come back to bite me. And if I'm right… well, I'd rather keep this quiet for now."
Subaru tilted his head, still unsure where Jonah was going with this. Jonah, sensing his reluctance, leaned in slightly, his next words dripping with veiled accusation. "You can keep a secret, can't you, Natsuki Subaru?"
The way Jonah said it—his tone, his expression—it sent a shiver down Subaru's spine. It wasn't trust that Jonah was placing in him, not really. It was suspicion, like Jonah was testing him, prodding for something beneath the surface.
Subaru scowled but ultimately nodded, his voice low and begrudging. "Fine. I'll keep it quiet—for now."
Jonah straightened, his sharp features softening just slightly. "Good. Don't make me regret this."
Without another word, Jonah turned on his heel and walked off, leaving Subaru alone in the hallway, his mind racing with questions. Whatever this was, it was bound to pull him into something far more complicated than he wanted.