The day after the dinner at the restaurant.


    As the martial arts tournament in the royal capital officially began, the academy entered a long holiday. Excitement buzzed in the air, with the streets bustling as everyone anticipated the tournament''s spectacle. Even the academy, usually full of life, now felt eerily quiet, with only the asional teacher or staff member bustling about.


    With some studentspeting and others traveling to the royal capital to support their friends, regr sses became impossible. Teachers remained behind, catching up on tasks that couldn''t be postponed.


    In the break room, Xue Lan, the biology teacher, smiled warmly as she flipped through her lesson ns. "Well, it''s wonderful that neen of our students passed the general qualifiers this year. It speaks volumes about their dedication. I''m sure they will all be exceptional knights in the future," she said, her voice filled with admiration.


    "Yes, it wonderful," Grayson''s usually reserved expression softened as he leaned back in his chair. The results were undeniable: a total of fifty-one students from the academy had made it to the main event.


    Thirty-two were rmended based on their outstanding performance throughout the year, and the remaining neen had fought tooth and nail to win their spots through the brutal general qualifiers.


    Of the sixty-fourpetitors in the Under-18 division, more than half were from the Royal Academy, making it clear who the favorites were.


    "I have to admit," Lucan said as he quietly stacked a few papers on his desk, his attention still split between listening and working, "we''ve had more students make it through the qualifiers than in previous years. Is it Grayson''s influence, or maybe Alec''s inspiration?"


    Xue Lan nced over at him, her bright eyes glinting with curiosity. "You think Alec yed a role in motivating them?" She ced her quill down, giving her full attention to the conversation. "That''s an interesting thought. He does have a certain... presence."


    Lucan shrugged, not fullymitting to the idea. "Possibly. Students tend to look up to the strongest among them, and Alec''s been leading by example, moreover he was teaching some students."


    Grayson cleared his throat, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alec has certainly have huge role, but it''s the result of everyone''s efforts. That being said, he''s likely to be the champion this year. His skill is unmatched."


    Lucan nodded silently, though his mind wandered elsewhere. Alec was undoubtedly strong, perhaps the strongest student in the academy if they don''t count Maris, but Lucan knew the tournament wouldn''t be so simple. In his mind, he could already picture a few key yers—the wandering swordsman, a one time character that appeared , one of the strongest opponents Alec would face.


    Would Alec still win? That oue, Lucan knew, wasn''t entirely in Alec''s hands—it depended on Maris.


    Maris''s choices would ultimately decide who won the tournament. However this isn''t game world anymore, so the oue is Alec''s hands, which is good.


    Lucan was pulled from his thoughts when Xue Lan spoke again, her tone now lighter. "Teacher Lucan, aren''t you nning to go cheer on the students? You''ve been working all morning."


    He nced up from his papers and smiled faintly. "I might, after I finish up here. There''s still a lot to prepare."


    "I''ll probably head over this afternoon," Grayson chimed in, picking up a small stack of papers from his desk. "Alec''s match ister, and I don''t want to miss it. It''s bound to be something spectacr."


    Xue Lan nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Alec''s match is going to be the highlight, no doubt. I can''t imagine anyone standing a chance against him, especially not this early in the tournament."


    Lucan suppressed a chuckle. He knew better than to assume any oue too soon. The wandering swordsman had yet to make his entrance.


    Just then, a knock came at the door. "Excuse me," a familiar voice called from the hallway. "Is Lucan-sama here?"


    Lucan looked up as the door opened, revealing Maris standing gracefully in the doorway.


    "Oh, Lucan-sama," she said, her eyes lighting up as she saw him.


    Lucan ced thest of his papers in a neat stack and stood from his desk. "Yes, I''m here. Let me just finish up."


    With a nod, Maris stepped back, allowing him a moment to gather the final few documents. After quickly tidying up, Lucan walked over to her, offering a slight bow in apology for the dy. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we?"


    Maris smiled, her delicate fingers brushing against the fabric of her skirt as she turned to lead the way. "Of course. Let''s go."


    Lucan walked down the quiet hallway alongside Maris after they left the staff room. The usual buzz of the academy was absent, reced by the soft echo of their footsteps. Since it was a holiday, the halls were mostly empty, save for the asional group of students lingering around formittee meetings or club activities.


    Even the faint sounds of their chatter seemed distant and hollow in the vast, empty corridors.


    The sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long, golden beams across the floor, creating a serene and almost dreamlike atmosphere.


    Lucan nced at Maris, who walked beside him with an effortless grace. Despite the break, she made a point toe in every day, usually with a lunch in hand—something Lucan appreciate.


    Today was no different. The familiar basket she carried swayed slightly with her steps.


    "Since there aren''t many people around," Maris spoke up, her voice light and filled with suggestion, "why don''t we eat lunch in the courtyard?"


    Lucan turned his head slightly to look at her, considering the idea. The courtyard would be quiet, peaceful even, with most of the students gone for the day.


    "Fine by me," he replied with a small nod.


    A smile bloomed on Maris''s lips, her eyes brightening at his agreement.


    They made their way toward the courtyard, the crisp air greeting them as they stepped outside.


    Though they often shared lunch together, they usually ate in the theology preparation room—away from the eyes of  students and faculty. Despite being family, their rtionship as teacher and student was a delicate one.


    Enjoy new chapters from м??


    Rumors had already started to spread around the academy, whispers of their closeness, spection. Lucan didn''t care much for gossip, and he knew Maris didn''t either. Still, thest thing he needed was for those rumors to spiral out of control.