Winter was approaching the Light Tempest Kingdom
A cold wind swept through the capital, stripping the trees of their leaves and leaving them bare against the bleakndscape. In the distance, the mountains had donned their snowy caps, and the townspeople beganyering themselves in warm clothing to fend off the chill.
While the country braced itself for the early signs of winter, the capital was buzzing with excitement. The annual martial arts tournament was just around the corner.
"Everyone''s putting in so much effort. It makes me feel young again," remarked Xue Lan.
Lucan, standing beside her in the academy''s staff room, sipped his coffee thoughtfully. "I hope they don''t push themselves too hard and end up injured. The excitement is overwhelming."
The two of them looked down at the training grounds from therge window, where students, aspiring to be knights, were practicing tirelessly with swords and spears, despite the biting cold.
"Many general participants enter the tournament, but the academy''s students are also eager topete. They''re working so hard to pass the preliminaries," Xue Lan observed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
The martial arts tournament was one of the biggest events of the year. There were two categories—Under-18 and Over-18—and those under 18 could be rmended by the Royal Academy. The top 32 students were automatically qualified to advance to the main event without needing to fight through the preliminaries.
"The tournament is a big deal for these students," Lucan said, leaning back. "If they make it to the main event, their chances of joining the knight order skyrocket. So, naturally, everyone''s desperate."
The tournament wasn''t just limited to academy students. It attracted participants from all walks of life, includingmoners and adventurers. Many hidden talents emerged from the general pool, which made thepetition even fiercer.
Xue Lan nodded, her demeanor calm as ever. "I hope they don''t lose themselves in that desperation."
Just as they spoke, a loud voice echoed from the training grounds below.
"You''re cking off! Do you think you can enter the martial arts tournament like this?"
The booming voice belonged to Alec, one of the academy''s star students and a key figure in the uing tournament.
"Come on, who''s next?!" Alec shouted.
"I''m ready!" a student responded.
Alec effortlessly disarmed his fellow students one after another, his victories decisive and swift. He barely broke a sweat, his movements precise and measured.
"Don''t hold back because of fear! That''s your biggest enemy!" Alec reprimanded one student, and then turned to another. "You''re too tense. Rx your grip!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Next!" Alec barked, already moving on to the next student eager to test themselves against him. Despite being one of the top contenders, Alec still found time to help others improve, even if they were his direct rivals.
"Alec has changed a lot," Xue Lan said, her tone carrying a hint of admiration. "He used to be more self-centered, buttely, he''s been mentoring the other students. He''s matured."
Lucan smiled faintly, watching Alec''s growth. "He has grown."
Xue Lan sighed, her voice barely above a murmur. "Lucan, even though we won''t be participating in the tournament, we still need to watch over these students. Over-enthusiasm can cause problems."
Lucan nodded, his eyes still on the training grounds. "I''ll keep an eye out."
---
In the game, Alec''s participation in the martial arts tournament was a major event, with Maris supporting him from the sidelines. But the tournament wasn''t just about thepetition. Behind the scenes, foreign powers were plotting, with enemy spies infiltrating the country under the guise of participants. Their goal? To assassinate members of the royal family and steal valuable national treasures.
There was also the introduction of a new character, who would inevitably fall for Maris at first sight, adding anotheryer ofplexity to the story.
"That should do it," Lucan muttered to himself as he finished writing several anonymous letters.
These letters were sent to the capital''s constabry and knight order, warning them of the potential threats during the tournament. Lucan had outlined the enemy''s ns, though the source of his information would remain a mystery.
(These anonymous tips might seem suspicious, but if the officials take them seriously, it could prevent a disaster. If not, well... it won''t be my fault.)
He had sent multiple copies of the letter to various officials, including the captain of the knight order and the chief of the constabry. Whether they believed the warnings or not was out of his hands. He had done his part.
The letters were untraceable—he''d written them withmon paper and ink, taking extra precautions to ensure no identifying marks were left behind. There were no fingerprints in this world, but Lucan wore gloves anyway, leaving nothing to chance.
"Lucan-sama, are you finished?" a familiar voice called from behind him.
"Maris," Lucan greeted her with a soft smile as he turned to face her.
She returned his smile, shy but full of warmth. "Shall we go on walk?"
Lucan nced at her and chuckled. "Calling it a walk sounds a bit formal... it''s more like a date, isn''t it?"
Maris blushed, looking down as her fingers nervously twirled a strand of her pink hair. "A date... yes, it is."
Though they weren''t doing anything extravagant, the simplicity of their time together made it feel special. The capital was lively, with the uing tournament creating a festival-like atmosphere. Stalls lined the streets, and performers entertained the bustling crowds.
"So, where should we go next?" Lucan asked, holding out his hand to her.
"Anywhere is fine, as long as I''m with you," Maris said softly, her hand slipping into his as they continued down the bustling street.
The two walked side by side, Maris clinging slightly to Lucan''s arm as the crowd grew thicker. She used the excuse of the festival''s chaotic atmosphere to stay close, but it was clear that she simply enjoyed being near him.
With the excitement of the martial arts tournament looming, the city was alive with anticipation.