A FEW MINUTES AGO

"So Lily, which clubs do you plan on joining?"

After slipping through the crowd before them, a certain red haired girl turned to her friend.

"Hmm… I'm still thinking. I plan on joining the student council, but I want to see if I can fit in any other clubs along with it."

Kaera raised an eyebrow at her friend's response.

"You do know that the student council members are almost completely swamped with their workload right? Balancing school with that kind of work isn't easy."

"While that is true, most of the student council members still find the time to join other clubs too. For example, the Verlice family's heir is in the astrology club. Look, the stall for their club is right there."

Reaching out her hand, Lily pointed at a nearby stall.

"Pfft! I forgot about that! I still don't get why someone like that would be interested in looking beyond the clouds. He would be completely powerless up there."

Lily frowned and flicked her friend on the forehead.

"OWWWW! What was that for Lily?"

"It's not nice to make fun of people's dreams Kaera. Plus, you're not any different. You wanted to learn how to surf on the sea when you were younger. For a fire mage, there's nowhere worse to fight."

"Hey! Bringing up childhood aspirations doesn't count! We haven't gone to the Mayfield dutchy in years. I only thought that since the people there looked cool while riding on them."

"Right… The Mayfield family."

Lily exhaled softly as her eyes slowly glossed over.

Seeing her friend in that state, Kaera frowned slightly.

'Idiot. Why bring that up in the first place if you're going to get all mopey about it.'

Racking her brain for a way to change the topic of the conversation, Kaera pointed to a nearby stall.

"By the way Lily, I'm probably going to join the alchemy club."

Snapping out of her daze Lily turned to Kaera.

"That's kind of obvious though? Your whole family is full of alchemists, and have close ties with the alchemist association. You becoming one yourself is kind of to be expected."

"Yeah… If I don't become one, my mother is going to eat me alive."

"Ha ha, you're right about that. Your mom isn't one to be crossed."

"Trust me… What you've seen is only the tip of the iceberg."

Walking over the stall, Lily picked up a flyer for the alchemy club and handed it to red-haired friend.

"Here, you should go sign up."

"I can't just go and leave you on your own! I'll join later."

"Sigh… Kaera I know you are protective about me, which makes me really happy, but I'm not a child who can't take care of herself." Lily flashed a smile at her friend, "Leaving me on my own for a little bit won't kill me you know."

"But, there are lots of flies that will swarm around you! Just take a look, and you can see them eyeing you as we speak!"

​ Kaera flashed a glare at some of the parties watching them, causing them to lower their heads.

"See, I'm the only reason they are backing off! If I leave you on your own they will do anything and everything to get close to you! All those selfish bastards care about is your status as a princess."

Lily flashed her friend a soft smile.

"Kaera, I'm a princess. Things like this are just part of everyday life. I can't rely on you like this my whole life. I need to become capable of doing things on my own."

"But, but-"

Lily placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Please trust in me. We're friends right? Can't you have a little bit more faith in me?"

Kaera paused for a moment before reluctantly nodding her head.

"... I'll go."

"Thank you."

Lily gave Kaera a quick hug before breaking off.

"I'll see you in an hour alright? Let's meet up in front of the female dorms."

Lily waved goodbye to her friend before turning her back to Kaera.

Seeing her friend walk away, Kaera pulled out the flyer for the alchemy club.

"Hmm… Next to the academy's onsite hospital? If I recall, it should be in that direction."

***

PRESENT TIME

Sensing Arvell's gaze, Kaera scowled.

'Hey Lykos, is it just me or does it look like she's on her period.'

'Arvell you do realize that menstruation aren't the only reason why a woman would make those kinds of expressions right? Factors like constipation play a crucial role as well.'

'Well whatever it is, she looks pissed. And… she's on her way here.'

Walking through the hall, Kaera appeared before Arvell.

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"Hey, why are you here? I'm talking to you, you grey-haired geezer."

Arvell threw her a disinterested look.

"Are you the boss of this place? What's it to you?"

"Shouldn't you not be able to use fire magic? Why are you in the alchemy building?"

"Again, why do I need to bother answering you?"

After pausing for a moment to think, Kaera's scowl warped into a mocking smile.

"Don't tell me… You plan on using a magical artifact to perform alchemy! Hahaha, please, that's just too funny!"

Kaera's words seemed to have been caught by the nearby students, causing them to turn to Arvell with mocking looks.

A few of the nearby students looked down with apparent shame as well from her proclamations.

Not everyone here was a fire mage after all.

'Great! Just great! This hot headed bitch just has to come pick a fight with me for no reason.'

Arvell's forehead bulged, threatening to pop a vein.

Not hearing Arvell retort her claims, Kaera pressed on with her taunts.

"Am I right? I am, aren't I! If you're going to try that, I suggest just giving up right now. Compared to true fire mages like me, someone like you isn't worth anyone's time of day. After all, your products would be inferior anyways."

'Ok, this is getting out of hand. Lykos, I'm going to use 'that'. I can't tolerate this any longer.'

Lykos's eyes glimmered while a mischievous smile formed on his mouth.

'Things are about to get interesting!'

***

Author's Note:

Sorry for not updating in a while!

After my vacation, I contracted COVID-19 and became bedridden for a couple of days.

I have started recovering now, so I should be good to write again.

However, my first day back at university is tomorrow, so my updates may be a bit slower as I try to balance writing and school.

I also plan on writing a few chapters for my other book, too (it's called Vampire Plunderer System, and I suggest you all check it out!).

Thank you very much for putting up with the 2-week hiatus, and once again, I'm sorry for denying you new chapters for this long.