As Professor Niel's lesson finally came to an end, the heavy tension inside the classroom eased slightly. Lucas was finally allowed to return inside, his shoulders slumped and his expression gloomy. Some students laughed quietly at his misfortune, while others paid no attention at all.
Lucas scratched the back of his head and sighed deeply.
"Damn it… I was only planning to rest my eyes for a bit. I didn't expect to fall asleep. Talk about a bad day," Lucas said bitterly.
Phoebe turned toward him, tilting her head with mild concern.
"What did you even do last night to be this tired today?" Phoebe asked.
"I was preparing," Lucas replied in a low voice.
"Preparing for what?" Phoebe asked, puzzled.
Lucas hesitated for a moment before answering, clearly embarrassed.
"Preparing for the upcoming concert of Starlight. You see, she's coming here to the Empire of the Brave to hold a concert at the plaza," Lucas said, his face turning slightly red.
"W-What? Just because of Starlight?" Phoebe said, her expression turning disappointed.
"What do you mean just because of Starlight?" Lucas protested. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a ticket for her concert? Your rivals are rankers, nobles, even royalty. For a common person like me, it's extremely hard, you know!"
"I-It was that hard?" Phoebe asked, surprised.
"Well, during the night, I waited in line at the ticket office near the plaza. Six hours. Six whole hours," Lucas said dramatically. "By the time I got my ticket, it was already past midnight. Do you see how painful that was for me?"
"I-I understand now… I'm sorry," Phoebe said sincerely. "I didn't know it was that difficult to get a ticket. Now I also feel bad for Ryze."
"Ryze?" Lucas repeated, suddenly alert. "D-Did something happen to her?"
"Well… she gave me a ticket for free," Phoebe admitted. "She said we should watch the Starlight concert together. I was happy, but I also feel guilty. She probably waited for hours just to get two tickets, while I got mine so easily."
"She really worked hard then," Lucas said seriously. "Getting those tickets is no joke, especially with nobles, royals, and rankers illegally reserving them."
"Yeah… I wonder what I should do," Phoebe muttered.
Lucas thought for a moment. "Why not buy her a gift? You also work at the inn, right? That saves you a lot of coins."
"Oh!" Phoebe's eyes lit up. "You're right. She likes strawberry cake. I'll stop by a bakery later and buy one for her."
"Oh, I see… strawberry cake," Lucas said, his face faintly reddening.
"Hm?" Phoebe smirked. "Don't tell me you want to come with me and buy her a gift too~?"
"W-W-Well… if you want, I could come with you," Lucas stammered.
"Oh? Could?" Phoebe teased. "You seem busy, Mr. Rival. I wouldn't want to waste your precious time on something so trivial~"
"I-I'm not busy at all!" Lucas quickly replied. "Really! Don't mind my time."
"Pfft—hahaha!" Phoebe laughed softly. "You really have a huge crush on her."
Before Lucas could respond, he suddenly stiffened.
"U-Um—look! Professor Kate's arriving!" Lucas said hurriedly. "Be quiet unless you want to stand in the corridor again."
"Right, right," Phoebe replied, suppressing a smile.
The classroom soon fell silent as Professor Kate entered. The rest of the day passed with lessons from different professors. By the time the final subject ended, the sky outside had already begun to darken.
Phoebe and Lucas left the academy together and headed to a nearby bakery just outside the campus. Phoebe bought a neatly wrapped strawberry cake placed inside a decorative gift box, while Lucas purchased a strawberry shake in a clear dome cup.
Afterward, they walked back toward the Twin Apple Blossom Inn.
When they entered, they saw Ryze behind the reception bar, slightly dozing off. As they approached, Ryze stirred and looked up.
"Welcome to the Twin Apple Blossom Inn. Room for the night, or ju—oh, it's you, Phoebe. Welcome back," Ryze said, still half-awake.
"R-Ryze, are you okay?" Phoebe asked worriedly. "Please don't push yourself too hard."
"I'm fine," Ryze said softly. "I was just a little sleepy."
"Ryze… don't you have that unihemispheric thing?" Phoebe asked carefully. "Where you can stay awake and sleep at the same time?"
"Well, yes," Ryze replied, her smile fading slightly. "But I can't do it forever. I still need full sleep… or I'd die."
"I-I understand," Phoebe said gently.
Ryze then noticed Lucas standing beside Phoebe.
"Oh?" Ryze smiled warmly. "You brought a friend. Welcome to the Twin Apple Blossom Inn."
"H-Hello, Ms. Ryze," Lucas said, blushing. "I'm Phoebe's friend. This is actually my second time here."
"Oh, really?" Ryze asked. "What can I help you with? A room? Food? Drinks?"
Lucas froze for a moment, his heart pounding wildly. To him, Ryze's pink eyes seemed to shine brighter than everything else in the inn. He felt hypnotized, as if being gently pulled into her warmth.
Calm down, Lucas. Stop staring or you'll creep her out. Act natural, he told himself.
"Well… I think it's better if Phoebe says it first," Lucas said awkwardly.
"Hm?" Ryze turned to Phoebe. "What is it?"
"Oho~ so you can keep your cool after all," Phoebe teased Lucas before turning serious. "Ryze, please accept this gift."
Phoebe handed her the cake box.
Ryze opened it—and gasped.
"S-Strawberry cake?! This is my favorite! How did you know?" Ryze said excitedly.
"I always observe you," Phoebe said with a bright smile. "You eat it often, so I guessed."
"That's so sweet of you," Ryze said warmly, hugging Phoebe gently. "Thank you."
"You're really soft, Ryze," Phoebe laughed. "And… there's one more thing, right~ Lucas?"
Lucas wiped sweat from his forehead and stepped forward.
"Miss Ryze… please accept this too," he said, handing her the strawberry shake.
"Oh! Thank you, Mr. Lucas," Ryze said happily. "But why the gift?"
"I-It's because…" Lucas hesitated and glanced at Phoebe.
"Well," Phoebe stepped in smoothly, "Lucas is also going to the Starlight concert alone. He was hoping to watch it with us. Is that okay, Ryze?"
"Oh! Of course," Ryze said brightly. "The more people, the more fun!"
"Y-You heard that, Lucas?" Phoebe smiled.
"Thank you very much, Miss Ryze," Lucas said, bowing slightly.
"There's no need for gifts," Ryze said gently. "You're a student—you need your coins."
Lucas smiled softly. "I gave it because I wanted to form a good relationship with you."
Phoebe's jaw dropped.
Ryze paused, then smiled kindly. "A friendly relationship sounds wonderful."
"Yes… friendly," Lucas nodded quickly. "I hope to see you at the concert."
"Likewise," Ryze replied.
As Lucas left the inn, Phoebe stood frozen, blushing deeply.
Later that night, the inn remained lively with laughter and chatter. In one quiet corner, Phoebe muttered to herself with a wry smile:
"Damn that Lucas… I underestimated him."