Vincent was far more serious than anyone else she had ever seen before and extremely dedicated to his education. Yes, he had provided her a tiny bit of inspiration to improve, and she did want him to recognize her efforts, but that didn’t mean it was appropriate for her to impose.
“I believe you are an earnest, hard-working person. If you put the effort in, I am sure you won’t be disappointed by the results.”
That was the first time anyone had ever said anything like that to Oriana. Now that she thought about it, she had never really put in any particular effort into anything before. Her father had an abundance of money, and thanks to that, she’d never really had to suffer. She’d even been enjoying herself quite a bit since she entered the Academy.
Oriana saw nothing wrong with that. Had she not spent her time the way she had, she wouldn’t be blessed with so many friends, and the days wouldn’t be so joyful.
But I did panic, watching him.
Although they were the same age, Vincent had his eyes on the future and was steadily moving forward. Watching from the side, she couldn’t help but be overwhelmed. He was so dazzling and radiant that she found herself wanting to match his pace and walk beside him.
Come to think of it, he smiled and said that staying at the top was his way of “struggling in vain.” At the time, it didn’t seem like he wanted to speak any further about it, but maintaining top grades for three straight years hardly seemed like struggling in vain to her. I wonder if he’ll eventually tell me why he’s doing it.
There was just one reason why she didn’t ask back then and why she didn’t want to impose on his studies either. Because I don’t want to be a burden on him. Or maybe it’s more like…I don’t want him to think of me as a burden. Inwardly, she had to laugh at herself for being so shallow.
“Yana, Azraq, have you guys given the future any thought?” The question suddenly spilled out of Oriana’s mouth as she found herself feeling like Vincent was leaving her behind.
“I have. I plan to join Amanecer’s Magic Delegation,” Yana said coolly without even pausing to contemplate her answer.
“Whaat?!” Oriana’s jaw dropped.
The Magic Delegation was a group comprised of representatives from different countries, coming together for the purpose of exchanging information on their respective fields of magical expertise.
“There’s a scout here at the Academy. By the time I graduate, I’ll be both Ete Kariman royalty and a Lagen Magic Academy alumna, making me more than valuable enough to be a member, don’t you think?”
A woman should be charming, and her circumstances were of her own making. It was up to her to primp herself enough to be desired by men, and there was no shame in using her position to her advantage. Those were the words Yana lived by.
Oriana liked Yana’s way of thinking. After entering the Academy and being faced with the class hierarchy, she’d lost confidence in herself being a mere merchant’s daughter, but it was Yana’s beliefs that had comforted her.
“I have already met with scouts a number of times. It’s been arranged so that I’ll join once I graduate.”
Oriana gawked at Yana. There was so much she wanted to ask her friend, but her brain just spun in circles. Finally, she managed to settle on the most important question of all. “So that means…that after you graduate, you’ll still be in Amanecer?!” Her eyes sparkled.
The way Yana smiled reminded her of a flower blooming. “I’m sure I will spend some time visiting various other countries, but yes. That is my intention. Does that make you happy?”
“Happy is hardly the word for it!”
“I’m glad to hear that. I was a bit anxious, to tell the truth.”
“What for?” Oriana shook her head. “I mean, ahem… I apologize for worrying you, my love, but you are the only woman I have feelings for! I swear I will never let you go again!”
“Hehe, I hate to break it to you, but I give my love to everyone, not just you.”
“Yanaaa!” Feigning the heartbroken boyfriend, Oriana pretended to sob.
In all truth, she was confused why Yana would be anxious at all. Oriana had originally expected she would go back to her homeland and return to being a princess, which would mean, being a mere merchant’s daughter, Oriana would see her connection to Yana severed. Part of her was resigned to it being out of her control, but hearing that Yana had different plans and was going to stay filled her with joy. It would be rough on Yana, going from being a princess to part of the working class—not that Oriana could fathom just how rough—but nonetheless, perhaps she could be close and offer her support.
“But that’s only if my future husband allows me to work,” Yana added.
Oriana nodded solemnly at the reminder that Yana still had that issue to resolve. She was still currently looking for a partner.
According to ancient Ete Kariman custom, she was to wed whatever man could best Azraq in a duel. That was her trial. Perhaps part of the reason she decided to study abroad in Amanecer was because in Ete Karima, there was no tradition of married women working.
“Well, Azraq won’t be losing to anyone, so I won’t have to worry about that. Isn’t that right?”
“Of course.”
“My dream is to tour the whole world with Azraq at my side, continuing the trial we have been undergoing.” She giggled and latched onto his arm, her movements as soft and flowing as that of a butterfly landing on a flower.
Azraq made sure Yana was in no danger of falling as she dangled on his arm, and as he turned to Oriana, he smirked. “Well, there you have it.”
“Makes sense. So basically, by virtue of her decision, your future is already set in stone, too.” Oriana had no way of knowing what he really thought beneath that cool mask, but at least on the surface, he looked like he had no complaints about the arrangement.
“Correct. Because I am Princess Yana’s bodyguard.”
Even though Oriana often forgot that simple fact, his indifferent statement reminded her of their reality. That’s right, she thought. He’s not a real student. He’s here as part of his job. Unlike the rest of us, he’s actually working.
A little worried, she snuck a glance at Yana, but the latter was still wrapped around Azraq’s arm, smiling calmly.