Morning.


    As I gathered everyone on the training grounds the next day, a myriad of emotions danced across the faces of those assembled.


    Each individual seemed lost in their own thoughts, their expressions a tapestry of uncertainty and anticipation.


    One particr gaze caught my attention—that of Alex, whose eyes widened as they fell upon Aria and Louise.


    "H-Hi Alex…"


    "L-Louise you were here? Miss Aria as well…"


    It was clear that their interactions were fraught with tension, despite their attempts at cordiality.


    The air between them crackled with unspoken words, lingering attachments, and a palpable sense of difort.


    I couldn''t help but feel a pang of disappointment as I observed their strained interactions.


    After all, weren''t they supposed to be friends, or at least acquaintances, from their time at the academy?


    I guess it was only natural for it to be like this now huh?


    After everything that has happened so far, a loving reunion wasn''t exactly something they needed or expected… time and circumstances had driven a wedge between them, leaving behind only awkwardness and unresolved feelings.


    As for Be, her demeanor remained unchanged.


    Uninterested in making pleasantries, she stood aloof, her indifference a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air.


    It was a characteristic response, expected of someone like her—aloof, distant, and unapologetically herself.


    As our group gathered, Be''s attention was drawn to the magnificent staff clutched in Aria''s hands—a relic reminiscent of ancient legends. The staff of Estelle It was only natural for someone of Be''s caliber to be intrigued by such a powerful artifact.


    Afterall even an ordinary mage could rival an archmage''s fire power once they take hold of that staff.


    In a country where formidable weapons were scarce, Aria''s staff stood out as one of the few that could rival even the most renowned relics, like Elena''s Sun relic in the shape of a baton ''Tonatiuh,'' the grand pdin''s Spear of dawn ''Sria,'' or my own holy sword.


    "Hey, Aria, want to exchange staffs?"


    "No."


    Even their brief exchange was tinged with the same tension that seemed to linger between them.


    Aria''s straightforward refusal didn''te as a surprise; she had always been blunt in her interactions. Even when Be made a sad face like that…


    Despite my expectations, Be''s demeanor towards me was unexpectedly different.


    Given our tumultuous history, I had anticipated questioning or scrutiny from her, especially after ourst encounter and the less-than-favorable memories of our time together at the academy.


    After all, I had resorted to using my sister''s authority to ckmail her—a decision I didn''t really mind back then.


    However, as I observed Be, I detected something unexpected in her gaze—trust.


    Hidden beneath the surface, there seemed to be a newfound eptance, even a hint of respect.


    It was a something that caught me off guard, yet filled me with a sense of relief.


    As I contemted this subtle shift in Be''s demeanor, I realized that the notion of me being associated with the dark side was beginning to fade.


    Perhaps, in assuming the role of the hero, I had inadvertently earned a degree of trust and understanding from her.


    Buka''s unexpectedment caught me off guard, his tone implying a sense of admiration mixed with a hint of envy as he observed the women surrounding me—Louise, Aria, and Elena. His words,den with cultural context, reflected his upbringing as a barbarian from a tribal society.


    "I guess it is only right for a warrior of your level," he continued, his expression thoughtful. "I could only impregnate two women back in my tribe."


    The remark was jarring, to say the least. I couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow at his blunt admission. While I understood that his perspective was shaped by his tribal customs, I found myself questioning the necessity of such personal revtions.


    Nevertheless, I reminded myself that Buka hailed from a culture vastly different from my own. In his society, notions of rtionships and family likely differed significantly from what I was ustomed to.


    I recalled hearing about marriage rituals in his tribe, where men fought for the women they desired as partners—a tradition that undoubtedly influenced his perspective on rtionships.


    As I mulled over Buka''s words, Darius, the wise and seasoned dwarf, chimed in with his ownmentary.


    "HuHu, as expected of you, kid. It is only natural for the hero to have this many women in his life. Even the stories of the heroes of old foretold the hero having hundreds of wives in their harem hahaha I am greatly jealous as I can only enjoy the presence of my wife back home."


    His mention of ancient hero tales, where heroes boasted hundreds of wives in their harem, elicited a chuckle from him, as he looked at me with admiration…


    Despite his diminutive stature, Darius exuded a sense of wisdom and authority, his words carrying weight among our group. Afterall in this party he was probably the oldest.


    I couldn''t help but feel a sense of difort at the conversation''s direction. While I appreciated their perspectives, I couldn''t shake the feeling that my rtionships with Louise, Aria, and Elena were being reduced to mere numbers—a notion that didn''t sit well with me.


    But I can''t realin.


    As mypanions continued their discussion, I couldn''t help but smile inwardly at their perspectives. After all, their understanding of rtionships and dynamics was shaped by their own experiences and cultural backgrounds.


    The thought of revealing Aria and my familial connection crossed my mind, but I decided to save that revtion for another time.


    For now, our focus remained on training and preparing for our uing journey.


    With training as our priority, I began to consider the diverse talents and abilities within our group.


    Each member brought their own unique strengths to the table, and I was eager to harness these talents to their fullest potential.


    Crafting strategies and tactics that would optimize our collective abilities would undoubtedly take time, but it was a challenge I was prepared to tackle head-on.


    As I pondered our next steps, the sound of a creaking metal door interrupted my thoughts.


    For so long, those imposing doors had remained a mystery to us, but now their purpose became clear.


    The Pope''s promise of assistance was about to be realized as arge, panther-like monster emerged from the doorway.


    Without hesitation, mypanions sprang into action, assuming their positions and awaiting mymands.


    ….


    As the grueling training session came to an end, Aria, Louise, and Elena walked alongside me, their exhaustion evident in their weary eyes and slumped postures.


    "I''m tired...!" Aria eximed suddenly,tching onto my arm and squeezing it tightly. "Adrian, rejuvenate me~"


    I chuckled softly, feeling a warmth spread through me at her affectionate gesture. "Sure," I replied, gently patting her head.


    Aria''s response was immediate—a contented purr escaping her lips as she nestled closer to me, shooting a mischievous nce at Elena.


    Not to be outdone, Elena seized the opportunity to vie for my attention.


    "Me too!" she chimed in, wrapping her arms around my other side and looking at Aria with a yful gleam in her eyes.


    It was clear that the two of them enjoyed teasing each other, their friendly rivalry evident in their every interaction.


    I obliged Elena''s request with another gentle pat on the head, earning a radiant smile from her. Despite receiving equal affection, there was an undeniable sense ofpetition between the two, each vying for my attention in their own way. When had my affections be apetition between them?


    Meanwhile, Louise watched the exchange with amusement, herughter bubbling up as she observed the yful banter between herpanions. It was a relief to see that she wasn''t the jealous type, her easygoing nature adding a sense of levity to the situation.


    Not wanting Louise to feel left out, I extended a hand to pat her head as well.


    To my amusement, she reacted in much the same way as the others—her smile widening as she basked in the affection


    Looking at the three the sight of two yellow cats and one white cat trotting along beside us brought to mind a peculiar thought—did I also own a ck cat, as I had Analise waiting for me back in my room? It was a whimsical notion, but one that lingered in my mind nheless.


    Before I could delve further into my absurd musings, Aria''s voice cut through the air, pulling me back to reality. "So, that Alex bastard is really with us now, huh?" she remarked, her tone tinged with disdain.


    Louise, interjected immediately. "Don''t call him a bastard, he''s our friend, you know," she chided gently.


    Aria''s response was sharp and unapologetic.


    "Huh? Your friend maybe, but for me, he was just a creep." Her words carried a hint of anger, and I couldn''t help but feel a twinge of difort at her harsh assessment of Alex. After all, despite any past grievances, he had only ever expressed his feelings for her


    "Isn''t that a bit harsh...?" Louise questioned her eyebrows furrowing in concern.


    Aria and Alex had shared aplicated history, filled with ups and downs, but I couldn''t shake the feeling that her words were overly harsh.


    "Weren''t you close back then Aria?"


    "Well, not exactly there were a bunch ofplications which made me need his presence by my side but I didn''t really consider him a friend… nor a potential lover" she whispered at the end.


    She didn''t really have to reassure me.


    "That''s a bit cruel, you know, Aria," Luise said with disapproval to which I somehow agree with.


    Even I can agree that it was a bit of a bitchy move to use Alex back then a s a marriage shield form potential nobles that would ask for her hand.


    While acknowledging theplexities of Aria''s rtionship with Alex, Louise couldn''t help but feel that her friend''s dismissal of him was unjust.


    As Louise''s expression hardened, Aria attempted to find the right words to express herself, but ultimately remained silent, sighing deeply in acknowledgment of her own shorings.


    She couldn''t deny the selfishness she had disyed in her interactions with Alex, but she also couldn''t ignore the frustration she felt at his persistence despite herck of feelings for him.


    It was a situation fraught with mimunication and unspoken expectations, a fault shared by both parties.


    "Sorry," Aria finally uttered, her voice tinged with sincerity and remorse.


    Though Louise remained visibly discontented, she chose to let the matter rest for the time being.


    Aria''s blunt nature was well-known among their group, and attempting to force her to change her feelings towards Alex would only lead to further tension.


    With the conversation shifting, Elena''s voice broke the silence, her words sparking a mix of reactions among us.


    "If Brother Alex is here, I wonder if we''ll see Brother Tristan soon..." she pondered aloud.


    Aria''s expression remained indifferent, her disinterest apparent in her nonchnt demeanor.


    Meanwhile, Louise mirrored the same reaction she had disyed earlier when I mentioned Alex—concern and a hint of apprehension.


    As for Elena, her curiosity outweighed any other emotion, her eyes gleaming with anticipation at the thought of seeing Tristan again.


    ''Now that I think about it where exactly is that guy?''


    …..


    In the unforgivingndscape of the North, amidst the relentless onught of a blizzard, a small group of people pressed on, their determination matched only by the ferocity of the storm.


    Princess Christine, leading her band of knights and mages, pushed forward despite the harsh conditions, her resolve unyielding even in the face of adversity.


    One of her knights, concerned for their safety, voiced his apprehensions. "Your Highness, I don''t think moving forward is the best option right now," he suggested, his voice barely audible over the howling wind.


    Princess Christine shook her head resolutely.


    "No, we have already traveled quite a long distance. Going back to our original base would only lead us to our deaths."


    The snow fell relentlessly, obscuring their tracks and engulfing thendscape in a sea of white. With each passing moment, the drifts grew deeper, threatening to swallow them whole. Three members of their group had already been lost to the storm, their figures disappearing into the blinding whiteness.


    Even the mages, with their formidable abilities, struggled to maintain their magical barriers against the relentless onught of the blizzard. Princess Christine herself, casting a protective barrier around their group, could feel her mana reserves dwindling with each passing moment.


    As the storm raged on, Princess Christine couldn''t help but feel a pang of worry for Sir Tristan, their most skilled knight.


    "Is Sir Tristan not back yet?" she inquired, her voiceced with concern.


    "No, Your Highness," he replied, his tone reflecting the gravity of the situation.


    With each passing moment, their hopes of survival dwindled, their only sce lying in the faint glimmer of hope that Sir Tristan would return to lead them to safety.


    Amidst the biting cold and swirling snow, Siena''s irritation was palpable as she expressed her frustration at the absence of her disciple.


    Despite the harsh conditions, she seemed unaffected, her nonchnt demeanor a stark contrast to the difort of those around her.


    Her mastery of the sword was evident in the ethereal white aura that enveloped her, a testament to her skill and resilience.


    Princess Christine, mindful of their precarious situation, hesitated to send anyone out into the storm to search for Sir Tristan.


    Before she could respond, however, a voice cut through the frigid air—a voice familiar yet unexpected.


    "Princess," Sir Tristan''s voice rang out, his figure emerging from the swirling snow.


    With his dark blue hair dusted with frost and his piercing cerulean eyes filled with determination, he offered a solution to their dilemma.


    "There''s a forest nearby, Your Highness. I think it would be best to set up camp there."


    His words breathed new life into the somber atmosphere, offering a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered group.


    With a sense of renewed purpose, they followed Tristan''s lead, trudging through the snow-coveredndscape towards the shelter of the nearby forest.