Chapter Text
The royal capital of Lugunica stretched proudly beneath a clear sky, its towering walls protecting lively streets, with the royal castle rising majestically in the distance.
At one of the Knights’ training grounds, a group of apprentices had gathered. At the center stood two figures: Subaru Natsuki and Emilia.
From the stands, Petra and Meili watched closely. Both appeared to be around fifteen, though their demeanor hinted at something beyond their age.
Emilia stepped forward, her posture straight and her voice firm.
—To be prepared for any situation, whether in combat, magic, or even daily life, you must learn to remain calm —she explained serenely—. That was the most important lesson imparted to me by the elves of Elior… and my dear mother.
Subaru raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly.
—“Impart”? Who even says that in this day and age?
Emilia shot him a sidelong glance, mildly annoyed.
—This isn’t the time, Subaru.
—They’re flirting again in front of everyone… —one of the apprentices muttered.
—Gabriel… —his companion whispered in reprimand.
Emilia cleared her throat, regaining control.
—Moving on. It’s time for a demonstration. Form pairs. Those who are not participating, observe and learn. It's your turn, Subaru.
The boy stepped forward into the center of the field, drawing a pair of metal tonfas from his belt. He spun them smoothly, adjusting his grip before settling into a fighting stance.
Emilia, meanwhile, summoned a staff of ice, which formed in her hand with a soft glow.
—Shall we dance, my knight? —she asked with a faint smile.
Subaru responded with an exaggerated bow.
—With pleasure, my lady.
Emilia made the first move. Her staff came down with force.
Subaru reacted instantly, leaping to the left to evade. The impact shattered the ground violently.
He countered with a right hook.
Emilia intercepted it with a precise spin of her staff. The clash of metal and ice rang sharply through the field.
Without stopping, Subaru chained a side kick into a downward strike. Emilia blocked each attack, her staff spinning with practiced mastery.
The exchange continued, fast and relentless, until a downward axe kick forced Emilia to guard with both hands. The impact pushed her back half a step.
Adjusting her grip, Emilia thrust her staff forward. Subaru flipped backward, creating distance.
But he left himself open.
A second downward strike came without delay.
Subaru crossed his tonfas. His only option was...
—Block.
The impact stopped just inches from him.
For a brief moment, they stood face to face… and smiled.
Then the fight resumed.
Subaru pressed forward with a rapid combination of hits: right, left, diagonal, low, kick. Emilia deflected them all, her staff spining with the flow of a dance.
Then, the rhythm changed.
Emilia took the offensive with quick, precise thrusts, forcing Subaru to retreat. He deflected each one with minimal movement, subtly altering their angles.
Suddenly, he spun and stepped into her space, nullifying the reach of her weapon.
Emilia reacted instantly. She let the staff slide back toward her and struck sideways at his ribs.
Subaru blocked with one tonfa and countered with his free arm.
But in one smooth motion with inhuman reflexes, Emilia caught his wrist.
A light kick to his ankle was enough.
Subaru lost his balance and fell to the ground.
The tip of the ice staff pointed at his neck.
Silence.
Then the apprentices burst into applause.
The match was over.
From the stands, Meili smiled with amusement.
—As always… the older sister is the one in charge.
—You shouldn’t say that, Meili… —Petra muttered, crossing her arms, trying to preserve her hero’s dignity.
On the field, Emilia extended her hand. Subaru took it and stood up.
Without hesitation, she placed both hands on his back, releasing a gentle healing spell.
Subaru grimaced.
—This isn’t great for my pride…
Emilia smiled naturally.
—You did really well. You lasted longer than last time.
A few apprentices laughed. Meili included.
Petra, on the other hand, clenched her teeth.
—I mean the training —Emilia continued innocently—. He's very effective during se—
—Emilia-tan!
Subaru tried to stop her.
Too late.
The pure smile on the half-elf’s face clashed brutally with the unfinished implication of her words.