Gilded Crescent Restaurant

February 12th — 11:33 AM

Perspective: Leena Grelynn

The Gilded Crescent Restaurant was beautiful. High glass ceilings let the winter sun paint the marble floor, and the faint scent of cinnamon and roasted beans hung in the warm air.

I checked my pocket, ensuring my Dwarvian Phone was still connected to the Meridian Hall booth. A soft static whispered from the speaker, confirming the girls and Rigel were listening.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing pulse.

"Over here, Leena."

I looked up. Kaiser was sitting at a quiet corner table.

He wasn’t wearing his school uniform. Instead, he wore a casual, dark charcoal knit sweater with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, and black trousers.

His messy black hair was combed back slightly, making his sharp jawline stand out. He looked different—normal, relaxed, and incredibly handsome.

"Sit down." Kaiser gestured to the empty chair across from him.

"Why are you so early?" I asked, sliding into the seat.

"You’re 30 minutes early too." Kaiser pointed out, a small, amused smile playing on his lips. "The reservation is at 12 PM."

"I didn’t want to keep you waiting." I murmured, placing my hands on my lap. "But I didn’t expect you to beat me here."

"I like to observe the layout before people arrive." Kaiser shrugged. "It’s quieter."

I adjusted my posture, the silence between us suddenly feeling light instead of heavy.

"So, why did you invite me?" Kaiser asked, his blue eyes locking onto mine. "You could have asked Elfie, or even Rigel."

"Honestly? I wanted to know you better." I met his gaze, forcing myself to be honest. "We’ve been in the same class, we share strategy meetings, yet I know almost nothing about you."

"We have been pretty busy." Kaiser agreed, leaning back. "With exams, collapsing dungeons, and people trying to murder us, personal chatting wasn’t high on the priority list."

"That is true." I giggled, the tension in my shoulders finally melting. "It feels like we’ve been running a marathon since day 1."

"If we were running a marathon, I’d have taken a nap at mile 2." Kaiser retorted dryly.

I burst into laughter, the sound echoing softly off the glass wall behind us.

"See? I want to hear more of that." I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hands. "Would you mind sharing a bit about yourself? Just simple things."

"Sure, but on one condition." Kaiser raised a single finger. "As friends, it’s only fair that you answer the questions you ask first."

"That’s fair." I smiled, liking the rule. "I accept."

Meanwhile

Rigel stared at the phone screen on the restaurant table, his fingers digging into the wood.

This is wrong. His voice is too smooth, and he’s not refusing to speak like he does in class.

Why is he being so nice to her? He’s supposed to be a brick wall.

Elfie’s heart squeezed, her eyes glued to the screen as she listened to her best friend laugh with her boyfriend.

Kai never laughs like that with other people. He only makes those dry jokes with me.

I don’t like this. I want to go there right now...

"He sounds completely different from the call." Mira whispered, her grey cat tail twitching with confusion.

"Where is the scary tundra guy?"

Back to Leena

The waiter arrived, breaking our gaze as he placed two leather-bound menus on the table.

"The specialty today is the rosemary lamb chops." The waiter announced politely.

"I’ll have the Glazed Pear and Walnut Salad with a light vinaigrette." I ordered, handing the menu back.

"And I’ll take the Rosemary Garlic Lamb Chops with herb-roasted potatoes." Kaiser said, giving the waiter a polite nod.

As the waiter walked away, I looked across the table, catching Kaiser staring at me. My cheeks warmed, and I quickly looked down at the tablecloth.

"So, hobbies." Kaiser reminded me, tapping the table. "You first."

"Right, the rule." I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts.

"Well, I love cooking. Mostly salads for now, since my kitchen space is small. I also like planting flowers, crocheting flower bouquets, and watercolor painting."

I looked up, expecting him to look bored or call it a waste of energy.

"Those are impressive." Kaiser said, his eyes filled with genuine admiration.

"Crocheting requires extreme finger coordination and patience, which is rare. And watercolor painting is about controlling fluid dynamics on paper. It makes sense, given your wind magic."

He smiled, a warm, soft expression I had never seen on him before.

"You’re special, Leena. Most people don’t have the patience for handicrafts anymore."

My heart did a strange, sudden flip. I stared at him, completely dazed by his response.

"I... I just do it for fun." I stammered, my face turning bright red as I played with a strand of my green hair.

"You’re overestimating me. Honestly, most people would find an elf like me weird for liking human crafts."

"I don’t find it weird at all." Kaiser said softly, his blue eyes warm and steady.

"I think it’s rather beautiful."

"Thank you." I whispered, a shy smile spreading across my face.

"Hehe, you’re really good with words, Kaiser."

Meanwhile

"Wow." Serena leaned back, her dark horns shifting as she smirked.

"Seems he ain’t that antisocial after all. He’s a smooth talker."

"This is highly anomalous behavior." Vivienne murmured, her pen clicking in rapid-fire succession.

"Kaiser’s conversational skills has shifted from survival logic to active courtship indicators."

"He is very charming." Cressida added dryly, taking a slow sip of her tea.

"Rigel, you might want to close your mouth before a fly enters."

Rigel was shaking in shock.

He called her beautiful. That robotic bastard actually smiled and called her beautiful.

I’m going to kill him. I’m going to drag him out of that restaurant and throw him into the mountain river.

Elfie sat in complete silence, her pink hair casting a shadow over her eyes.

He smiled at her?!

I knew he was nice, but... why is he showing it to Leena? She’s my friend, but Kai is mine...

Back to Leena

"What about you?" I leaned forward, looking at him curiously. "You made me share mine, so now it’s your turn."

"I have a few hobbies." Kaiser replied, counting them on his fingers.

"Physical exercise at home, combat sports for self-defense, reading books, and cooking."

I blinked, looking at him in surprise.

"Really? You do combat sports and workout?" I asked, looking at his frame under the sweater.

"I’m not the best at them." Kaiser downplayed it, shrugging his shoulders. "You already know my combat skills are pretty nonexistent compared to you guys."

"You’re still doing your best, and that’s what matters." I countered firmly, refusing to let him be self-deprecating.

"You’re actively trying."

"Thank you, Leena." Kaiser said, his eyes softening. "You are very kind."

"Hehe, it’s nothing like that." I giggled, my cheeks warming again.

"But I’m surprised you can cook." I added, looking at him. "My mother taught me how to make salads when I was a kid, so I learned it from her. How did you learn?"

"I learned it myself out of necessity." Kaiser admitted. "Mainly so I can cook dinner or breakfast for Elfie when she is hungry."

"I do that for Rigel too!" I laughed, feeling a sudden wave of warmth.

"I guess we both have hungry childhood friends to take care of."

Kaiser carbon-copied my smile, and we both shared a quiet, understanding moment.

Meanwhile

Outside the restaurant window, the girls were huddled behind a decorative hedge, holding the phone close as they watched through the glass.

"Look at them." Serena whispered, a devious grin on her face. "They look like they’re having an absolute blast."

"I never expected those hobbies." Cressida muttered, shaking her head.

"A boy who works out, reads, and cooks? That is a very high-quality list."

"They are quite masculine for someone his age." Serena agreed, nodding.

"Most boys just talk about games and girls."

"Is it true those two cook for you?" Mira asked, her honey-brown eyes shifting to Rigel and Elfie.

Both Rigel and Elfie nodded in unison, their expressions stiff.

"Do you two ever cook back for them?" Mira asked.

"I do." Rigel bragged, puffing out his chest.

"I make my specialty: blendered fish and tomatoes-"

"Stop right there." Serena shuddered, raising her hand.

"I completely understand why Leena cooks for you now. Please never enter a kitchen again."

Serena turned her gaze to Elfie. "What about you, Class Rep?"

"I can make sandwiches!" Elfie declared braggingly, her chin raised.

"I buy bread and jam from the store, put them together, and serve it!"

The girls stared at them in blank, heavy silence.

"You two are literal red flags compared to those two." Cressida sighed, massaging her temples.

Rigel’s thoughts:

A red flag?! Me?! I’m a swordsman, not a chef! Why do I have to know how to bake bread to be a good partner?!

Elfie’s thoughts:

Jam sandwiches are perfectly fine! Why are they looking at me like I’m a failure?! I’m the number 1 beauty!

Back to Leena

The waiter returned, carrying two steaming plates that smelled absolutely divine.

My salad was vibrant and fresh, with crisp green pears and walnuts, while Kaiser’s lamb chops glistened with rosemary oil.

"This is amazing." I praised, taking a bite of the crispy, sweet pear mixed with honey vinaigrette. "The pear is so sweet."

"The lamb is cooked perfectly." Kaiser agreed, eating with quiet satisfaction.

We ate together, sharing small comments about the food, the atmosphere feeling incredibly cozy.

"Wait, Kaiser." I giggled, pointing at his face. "Hold still."

He had a small speck of rosemary herb near his mouth, and some sauce on his collar.

I reached across the table, using a gentle gust of wind magic to lift a paper tissue, wiping his cheek and collar before telling him to eat slowly.

"Eat slower." I teased.

Kaiser smiled. He stood up, leaning over the table, and gently picked up a fresh tissue.

He reached out, his warm fingers brushing my cheek as he wiped a small drop of vinaigrette from my mouth.

"You should eat slower too." Kaiser said, sitting back down with a soft smile.

My breath caught in my throat. My heart pounded against my ribs, and a flush of heat rushed from my neck to my ears.

He had actually stood up to wipe my cheek back.

Meanwhile

Rigel and Elfie stood frozen like stone statues, their mouths wide open in sheer horror.

"Oh my god." Serena burst into giggles, clutching her stomach. "Look at them! They look so great together!"

"The intimacy coefficient has surpassed 90%." Vivienne whispered, her pen clicking frantically as she watched the wipe.

"They really do make a lovely couple." Cressida agreed, a genuine smile on her face.

Back to Leena

Eventually, we finished our meals. The waiter politely stepped forward, placing a small leather folder containing the bill on the table.

"I’ll get it." I smiled, reaching into my Blossom Breeze dress pocket for my small purse.

My fingers met empty fabric. My heart stopped, and I frantically patted my sides before checking the floor.

"Is something wrong?" Kaiser asked, his blue eyes watching my frantic movements.

"I... how.. I remember bringing it..." I confessed, my face burning with embarrassment as I looked at him, bracing for his lecture.

"I don’t have any money..."

Meanwhile

Outside, Rigel leaned against a tree, a smug, highly satisfied grin plastered across his face.

I knew they were going to lunch. There was no way I was gambling on her having the money to stay.

I pickpocketed her purse right before she left for the restaurant. This test ends right now.

Elfie glanced at Rigel’s smirk, quickly catching on, and gave him a proud thumbs-up and a matching smirk.

"You two are literal red flags." Serena muttered, staring at them with her mouth open.

Mira simply facepalmed, letting out a long, exhausted sigh.

Back to Leena

I squeezed my eyes shut, expecting Kaiser to call me inefficient or walk out.

"Don’t worry about it." Kaiser said, his voice quiet and calm. "I’ll take care of it."

"How?" I blinked, looking at him in utter disbelief. "You don’t have credit here."

"I have cash." Kaiser pulled out a small black leather wallet from his trousers.

He counted out 25 copper coins, placing them neatly inside the folder before sliding it to the edge of the table.

"Thank you for the service." Kaiser told the waiter, standing up and smoothing his knit sweater.

"Let’s go out." Kaiser gestured toward the exit.

I stood up, following him in absolute shock.

Meanwhile

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Elfie’s inner monologue screamed, her eyes bulging.

Kai always tells me he is completely broke! Where did he get 25 copper coins from?!

Rigel’s jaw dropped, his face turning a dark shade of red as he stared at Kaiser’s wallet.

WHAT THE HELL?! THAT’S MY MONEY! HE BORROWED IT OVER A LOAN YESTERDAY!

THERE IS NO WAY HE IS USING MY OWN COINS TO PAY FOR HER LUNCH!

"Wow." Serena whispered, her eyes shining. "He actually paid without hesitation. That is a green flag."

"He didn’t even complain about the cost." Mira added, looking impressed.

"His financial stability score has unexpectedly doubled." Vivienne noted, clicking her pen.

"He is behaving like a proper gentleman." Cressida approved.

Back to Leena

We stepped out of the Gilded Crescent, the cool winter air hitting our faces. It was already 1:30 PM.

"What now?" I asked, looking up at him as we walked down the cobblestone path.

"Lunch was good." Kaiser said, looking around the street. "Do you want to do anything else today?"

I looked up at the blue sky, then toward the ocean sparkling in the distance.

"I want to do something, but I can’t think of any good ideas." I admitted, sighing.

"Do you know pottery and ceramics?" Kaiser asked, turning his head toward me.

"I do." I nodded, looking at him in surprise. "My mother used to make clay pots. Why?"

"Would you like to try it with me?" Kaiser suggested. "And then we can head to the orchard at the edge of the city for some fresh fruit picking."

"Really?" I smiled, my eyes lighting up. "I’d love to! Let’s go."

We began walking toward the artisan district, the conversation flowing much easier now.

"I didn’t expect you to like clay." I teased, nudging his shoulder. "I thought you only liked books."

"Clay is fun to play with." Kaiser replied, a small smirk on his face. "You mold it, apply shapes to it, and it becomes solid. It doesn’t talk back."

"Is that why you like it?" I laughed, the sound bright. "Because it doesn’t talk back like I do?"

"No, I like talking to you." Kaiser stated simply, looking forward. "You have a very honest and quiet nature that makes it easy to concentrate."

My face warmed, and I looked away, trying to hide my smile. "You’re just saying that because I am with you."

"That is part of it." Kaiser admitted, a rare chuckle slipping past his lips. "Having you with me will improve my day by 12%."

"Only 12 percent?" I scoffed, crossing my arms playfully. "I should be more special than that!"

"Then 13 percent." Kaiser bargained.

I burst into laughter, my green braids bouncing as we turned the corner.

Meanwhile

Behind a row of thick green bushes, Rigel and Elfie were giving them an intense, burning death stare.

"Hey, calm down." Serena whispered, pulling their collars back. "What is wrong with you two?"

"It needs to stop." Rigel hissed, his knuckles cracking. "I don’t like this. They’re getting too close."

"I don’t like it either!" Elfie whispered angrily, her pink eyes flashing. "Kai is mine! He shouldn’t be making those jokes with her!"

"They are just friends having fun." Serena sighed, rolling her eyes. "Let them enjoy the activities."

"You two are being awfully possessive with that gaze." Vivienne noted, her pen poised.

"We are just looking out for them!" Elfie countered, her face red.

"He is my childhood friend!" Rigel growled. "I know what that robot is capable of!"

"You care about them, yes." Cressida spoke softly, her light grey eyes landing on both of them.

"But is it love, or the fear that they won’t need you anymore?"

Rigel froze, the anger in his chest suddenly turning cold as the question hung in the air.

Is it fear? Fear that Leena won’t need me to protect her anymore if she finds someone else? But I’ve spent my entire life being the only one by her side.

Elfie’s breath caught, her hand dropping from the bush as she stared at the ground.

Does Kai really not need me? If he has money, and he can cook, and he can be so kind to another girl... what am I to him?

Back to Leena

We arrived at a small shop in the artisan district called Clay & Hearth Artisans. The studio was busy, but Kaiser stepped forward, speaking with absolute confidence to the shop owner about the thermal efficiency of her kilns.

Within 2 minutes, the charmed owner cleared a private potter’s wheel for us.

"I’ve never done this before." Kaiser admitted, looking at the grey lump of clay on the wheel. "It looks highly uncooperative."

"It just needs gentle guidance." I giggled, sitting beside him and showing him how to center the clay.

We worked together, our hands covered in wet clay as the wheel spun. Kaiser listened intently, his fingers mimicking my movements.

"Were you born in the frontier village?" Kaiser asked, keeping his focus on my hands.

"No, I was born in the Elven capital, Grelynn Manor." I explained, my tone softening. "But after my family’s downfall, I had to flee to Greenvale."

"That must have been a massive change." Kaiser noted. "How did the humans treat you?"

"It was really tough." I sighed, shaping the edge of a plate. "Humans in the frontier are very suspicious. They didn’t trust me at all in the beginning."

"How did you get them to accept you?" Kaiser asked.

"Some of the kids thought my ears were cute, which helped." I smiled at the memory. "But mostly, I tried to make myself useful to the village."

"Useful in what way?" Kaiser inquired, looking up.

"During the summer drought, I used wind and water magic to irrigate the dried wheat fields." I explained. "And when the wind died down, the windmills couldn’t grind the grain, so I stood on the hill for hours keeping the sails spinning."

"That requires extreme energy and mana control." Kaiser remarked, his eyes filled with genuine respect.

"You basically saved the village’s food supply."

"I just wanted to fit in." I murmured, looking down. "I wanted them to see me as Leena. What about your childhood?"

"Simple." Kaiser replied, centering his own clay. "I lost my mother when I was very young, and I grew up in a city orphanage with Elfie."

"I’m sorry." I whispered, looking at him. "That must have been lonely."

"It was fine." Kaiser stated. "It taught me to focus on what is practical."

We finished shaping the plates. I focused my mana, using a precise wind compression field to instantly harden the damp clay.

"Perfect control." Kaiser praised, inspecting the smooth finish. "You are highly skilled, Leena."

We packed the hardened plates and made our way to the Winterhaven Orchard at the edge of the city.

The orchard smelled of fresh earth and ripe sweetness, the trees heavy with sweet blue plums, star pears, and winter berries.

Kaiser guided me through the rows, pointing out the best branches, though I was already adept at identifying the rotten fruits.

"These star pears are perfect." I noted, picking a crisp yellow fruit. "They’ll make a great compote."

"Then we should gather more." Kaiser agreed, holding the wicker basket for me.

We worked proactively, reaching for branches and passing the fruits back and forth.

"Do you ever fear the future, Kaiser?" I asked, looking up at the high branches.

"Fear is a waste of energy." Kaiser replied, his voice calm and steady. "I focus on preparation. Why do you ask?"

"Since the duel yesterday, and Novenol’s insults..." I paused, clutching a sweet plum.

"I want to restore my family’s honor, but I’m terrified of failing and losing the friends I have."

"Why would you lose us?" Kaiser asked, looking at me.

"Because I’m an exiled elf." I confessed, my voice trembling slightly. "I don’t belong in the Elven lands, and I don’t truly belong in the human lands either. My biggest fear is that one day, I’ll be left completely alone."

"You have Rigel." Kaiser stated. "And you have Elfie and me."

"I know." I murmured. "But I worry I’m holding Rigel back. My career goal is to become a powerful wind grandmaster, so I can protect those I care about instead of always being protected."

"That is a strong ambition." Kaiser said, his tone firm. "It’s not a burden to want to protect others."

"Do you think it’s stupid?" I asked, looking at him. "An exiled elf trying to play hero?"

"Not at all." Kaiser said, his blue eyes warm and steady. "It tells me you have a strong sense of responsibility."

"What is your goal, then?" I asked. "What do you want to do after the academy?"

"I want to build a world where no one suffers from the mistakes of others." Kaiser answered. "A world where everyone has a place."

"A world like that?" I smiled, finding the phrasing very like him. "That’s beautiful, Kaiser."

"It is the only way to guarantee safety." Kaiser stated.

He set the basket down, looking at me with a rare, quiet sincerity.

"You shouldn’t worry about being different from other elves, Leena." Kaiser said softly.

"You are your own person. That individuality is what makes you beautiful."

My heart fluttered, a warm wave of relief washing over me. The heavy knot of insecurity I had carried since my exile finally unraveled.

It was already 5:12 PM by the time we began walking back to the academy side by side, carrying our pottery and basket of fresh fruits.

I was quiet, my mind completely at peace. I had long forgotten that the others were listening through the phone; I was just lost in the moment.

"We have a lot of fruit." Kaiser noted, looking into the basket. "Would you like to help me make a tart back at my kitchen?"

My cheeks warmed, a sudden shyness taking over. "I’d love to, but I don’t want to be a burden."

"It’s not a burden." Kaiser replied, his voice gentle. "We have the ingredients, and I need to eat anyway."

"But you paid for lunch too." I countered. "I should at least help with the work."

"If you want to help, you can wash the dishes." Kaiser offered.

"Deal!" I laughed, my shyness melting away. "I’ll wash everything, and you do the cooking."

"Fine." Kaiser agreed, a rare, soft smile gracing his lips. "That is an equal division of labor."

"Hehe, see?" I teased, nudging his shoulder. "You’re still talking like a business partner."

"I am a business partner." Kaiser chuckled.

"A hungry one."

We continued walking toward the dorms, laughing together in the fading evening light.

Meanwhile

Outside, the spying group huddled under the wooden eaves of a closed bookstore as a light drizzle began to fall.

"I did not expect Kaiser to behave like that." Cressida admitted, her gaze thoughtful as she watched the distant pair.

"He is showing a level of emotional maturity that contrasts with his academic record." Cressida added, sipping her tea.

"Leena is thriving in his company." Mira noted, a soft smile on her lips.

"She has been smiling and laughing all day long." Mira added, her grey cat tail swaying.

"Kaiser’s behavior indicates a genuine friendship." Vivienne observed, her pen moving quickly.

"He is prioritizing her comfort." Vivienne noted.

Rigel growled under his breath, his eyes narrowed as he watched the two green and black silhouettes walk together.

Leena is just being polite. She has a soft heart, so she’s just putting up with his dry personality. Rigel thought.

"Kaiser is just talking to her because he has no other friends. He isn’t special at all; anyone would look good next to her."

"Besides, they’ve only known each other for a few weeks. There is no way they are actually close."

"He’s just being polite!" Elfie agreed frantically, her face flushed with jealousy.

"Kai is always polite to girls who help him!" Elfie added, crossing her arms.

"They aren’t close like that at all." Elfie rationalized, hugging herself.

"He’s just using her as a distraction because he’s tired of them." Elfie whispered, tears pricking her eyes.

"Still, he passed the test." Serena pointed out, her smirk widening.

"He did the bare minimum of what a gentleman does." Serena teased.

"I wonder what his peak can be." Serena added, glancing at Elfie.

Suddenly, a loud crack of thunder rumbled across the sky, shaking the cobblestone streets.

The light drizzle instantly turned into a torrential downpour, flooding the pathways in seconds.

"Move back!" Serena called, pulling Elfie and Rigel deeper into the bookstore’s entryway.

Across the street, Kaiser and Leena quickly ran toward the shelter of a closed apothecary shop.

They squeezed under its narrow wooden awning, trying to avoid the heavy sheets of falling water.

Back to Leena

The wind swept a cold spray of rain directly under the small awning, drenching the hem of my Blossom Breeze dress.

I shivered, my shoulders drawing in as a sudden sneeze escaped me.

"Are you cold?" Kaiser asked, looking down at me as he shook the droplets from his hair.

"A little." I admitted, rubbing my freezing arms.

"I’ve always had a weak immune system since I was a kid." I added.

"How weak?" Kaiser inquired.

"Once, when I was 6, I got caught in a spring rain for only 10 minutes." I explained.

"I ended up with a high fever for a whole week." I told him.

"I’ve hated the cold ever since because it always makes me sick." I murmured.

"If we get caught in this, you will get sick again." Kaiser concluded.

"Probably." I admitted, shivering more.

"I just hope the wind doesn’t shift. I’m sorry for getting you stuck here." I apologized.

"Can you feel the rain’s behavior with your wind magic?" Kaiser asked, looking at me.

"I need the current wind speed, relative humidity, temperature gradient, and barometric pressure." Kaiser listed the metrics.

I blinked in surprise, then closed my eyes, focusing my mana into the air.

The gentle wind currents whispered to me, carrying the atmospheric data.

"It’s hard to guess exactly." I said, opening my eyes.

"But the wind speed is about 15 knots, humidity is 100%, and the pressure is dropping fast." I reported.

"The temperature gradient is also shifting downwards by 2 degrees per minute." I added.

"Based on that data, the microburst will last for exactly 2 hours." Kaiser calculated.

"We cannot wait here for 2 hours." Kaiser stated, his tone firm.

Before I could reply, he grabbed the hem of his slate-grey knit sweater.

"I don’t trust hope to keep you healthy." Kaiser stated.

He pulled it over his head in one smooth, swift motion.

"Wear this." Kaiser ordered, holding the warm fabric out to me.

"No, I can’t take that!" I gasped, shaking my head.

"You’ll freeze in this storm!" I protested.

"It wasn’t a request." Kaiser said, his voice dropping into a deep, commanding tone.

"It was an order. Put it on." Kaiser commanded.

His intense blue eyes locked onto mine with a dominant, unyielding authority.

It was a quiet power that sent a sudden, strange thrill through my chest.

He was left wearing only a thin, white casual shirt underneath.

The damp fabric clung tightly to his chest, highlighting his frame.

I swallowed hard, noticing how muscular and broad his shoulders actually were for his age.

I took the sweater, my fingers brushing against the lingering warmth of his skin.

I pulled it over my head, the soft wool instantly wrapping me in heat.

It was massive on me, smelling faintly of clean rain and sandalwood.

The sleeves swallowed my hands completely, making me feel incredibly small.

Kaiser didn’t look at me; instead, his sharp gaze scanned the alleyway.

"Stay in the corner." Kaiser commanded.

"It is warmer there. I will be back in 3 minutes." Kaiser added.

Before I could protest, he dashed out into the pouring rain.

His figure disappeared around the corner of the alleyway.

I stood shivering in the corner, wrapping his oversized sweater tightly around myself.

True to his word, Kaiser returned in exactly 3 minutes.

He was completely drenched, his black hair plastered to his forehead.

He was carrying a bundle of discarded materials he had scavenged.

He laid out several long, flexible bamboo sticks on the dry stone.

He also had a roll of metal wire and a large, heavy waterproof banner.

The banner bore the discarded noble family logo of Reverner’s house.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my eyes wide in confusion.

"Constructing an umbrella." Kaiser replied, kneeling on the floor.

"Kaiser, you’re doing way too much." I protested, stepping closer to him. "You’re going to catch a cold yourself, and it’s just a little rain."

"I won’t catch a cold." Kaiser said, his fingers working quickly as he aligned the bamboo spokes. "My immune system is strong. Yours, however, you’re fragile."

"I’m not that fragile!" I huffed, crossing my arms inside his massive sweater.

"I know you’ve been having a hard time since yesterday." Kaiser spoke softly, looking up from his work to meet my eyes. "You don’t need a fever on top of that."

I froze, my breath catching as his blue eyes held mine with a quiet, intense weight.

"I understand you, Leena." Kaiser added, his voice low and commanding. "You put on a cheerful front, but you are exhausted. So just stay in the corner and let me take care of this."

My cheeks burned red, and I quickly looked down, pulling the sleeves of his sweater over my hands to hide my embarrassment.

"You’re really stubborn." I murmured, unable to suppress a small smile.

"It’s called responsibility." Kaiser replied, his voice calm as he wrapped twine around the central joint.

"Besides, we need to protect our fruits." Kaiser added, glancing at the wicker basket.

"Especially the 3 sweet plums you purposefully slipped into my bag when you thought I wasn’t looking."

"I didn’t!" I giggled, my face turning even redder. "They must have... jumped in there!"

"Sweet plums do not have legs, Leena." Kaiser stated dryly, pulling the noble banner over the bamboo spokes. "But I will allow it."

I laughed softly, the sound muffled by the collar of his sweater.

He secured the fabric firmly to the ends of the bamboo spokes.

Finally, he lashed a thick, straight wooden post to the hub.

"Done." Kaiser said, lifting the makeshift umbrella.

It was crude, but the tight fabric was perfectly waterproof and sturdy.

"You actually made an umbrella out of trash." I whispered in absolute awe.

"It is a basic mechanical assembly." Kaiser dismissed, a faint hint of pride in his eyes.

He stepped close to me, holding the makeshift umbrella over both of our heads.

"You asked me for lunch, but I dragged this out." Kaiser said, his blue eyes locked onto mine.

"Since you made my day happier, it is my responsibility to make sure you get back safe." Kaiser added.

"Even if I have to carry you." Kaiser stated, his tone firm.

My heart hammered against my ribs, a deep, fluttering warmth spreading through me.

He’s completely wet, yet he’s only worried about me getting sick.

He really is... incredibly kind.

Why does my chest feel so warm?

I don’t want this day to end.

I focused my mana, channeling a gentle, warm breeze around his body.

The air circulated rapidly, drawing the moisture out of his clothes and hair.

Within seconds, he was completely dry and warm.

"Thanks." Kaiser said, surprised by the sudden warmth.

"That is very convenient magic." Kaiser added, touching his dry shirt.

"It’s the least I can do." I smiled, my cheeks burning.

"Come under." Kaiser said, holding the handle higher. "Let’s go to the dorms."

"Thank you, Kaiser." I whispered, stepping close to his side.

We walked out into the storm, shielded by the heavy waterproof banner.

We walked side-by-side, the distance between us vanishing as we shared the narrow cover of the makeshift umbrella. Wrapped in the thick slate-grey wool of his sweater, his scent of clean rain and sandalwood enveloped me, shielding me from the howling wind.

I looked at his sharp profile beside me, his shoulder pressed firmly against mine, and felt a strange, deep sense of safety I hadn’t felt in years.

I finally understood why Elfie was so fiercely possessive of him; it wasn’t just affection, it was the realization that when you are with Kaiser, you are the only person he cares to protect.

I had been so wrong to believe the cold, mechanical student he played at the academy. Underneath that mask was a man of overwhelming kindness and responsibility, someone who would quietly build a shield out of trash just to keep you from shivering.

The storm raged around us, but beneath the banner of our shared shelter, my world was completely quiet and warm.

Perspective: Elfie

I wanted to tear that Dwarvian Phone out of Cressida’s hands and smash it into a million pieces.

The static-filled sound of Kaiser ordering Leena to wear his sweater, his chest damp under his shirt while she stared at him, made my celestial mana boil like a dying star.

Why was she looking at him like that? Why was Kai being so gentle, so incredibly perfect for her?

He is mine. Every single hair on his head, every breath he takes, belongs to me.

I wanted to drag him back to our room, lock the door, and freeze the entire world so he would never have to look at anyone else again.

Cressida suddenly pressed the power button on the receiver, and the static cut off, leaving only the sound of the rain drumming against the bookstore’s wooden eaves.

"What are you doing?!" Rigel snarled, his face twisted in a mixture of panic and fury as he stepped toward her.

"Turn it back on! They were still talking!"

"No." Cressida replied, pocketing the device calmly.

"Kaiser has passed the test." Cressida explained, crossing her arms.

"There is nothing more to hear. Let them enjoy their time."

"We need to keep monitoring him!" Rigel hissed, making a desperate excuse.

"What if he tries something? What if he’s leading her into a trap?"

"I need to hear too!" I chimed in, my voice tight. "What if Kai gets lost? He doesn’t know the city well!"

"Why do you two want to nose into someone else’s friendship?" Vivienne asked, her pen pausing over her notepad.

"I think we have done enough for today." Vivienne added, looking at us with disapproval.

"I just want to make sure Kai doesn’t say anything weird that embarrasses himself!" I lied, my fingers digging into my palms.

"That is just an excuse." Cressida spoke softly, her light grey eyes seeing right through me.

"In reality, both of you just want to feel secure by hearing what they do." Cressida noted.

"Honestly, those two did their best." Mira spoke up, resting her chin on her hand.

"I’ve never seen a boy like Kaiser." Mira added, her tail twitching.

"Gosh, now I get why you are so possessive, Elfina." Mira teased.

"Excuse me?" I snapped, my blue eyes flashing.

"At first, I thought he was a red flag." Serena admitted, leaning against the damp brick wall.

"But now, he feels like the whole green forest." Serena stated.

"That is an understatement." Cressida added. "He is the whole green planet."

"You’re romanticizing him!" Rigel growled, his knuckles white. "He’s a mechanical freak! He’s just doing this to play with her mind!"

"Exactly!" I agreed, my voice rising in jealous frustration.

"Kai and Leena aren’t close at all! He was just being polite because she invited him to lunch! He does way more for me every single day!"

The girls exchanged silent, knowing looks, their quiet judgment heavy in the air.

"What Kaiser did just now is something I never expected from any guy." Serena spoke, looking directly at me.

"He stripped off his own clothes in a storm just to keep her warm." Serena summarized.

"Then he built a working umbrella out of trash just to keep her from shivering." Serena noted, her voice soft.

"Honestly, if a friend did that for me, I’d immediately get a crush." Serena stated, her smirk fading.

A sharp, painful jolt shot through my chest, and my celestial mana flared, cracking the cobblestone beneath my boots.

"Say that again, Serena." I whispered, a cold, icy pressure rising in my throat.

"Say it, and I’ll slice off your tongue."

Serena didn’t flinch; instead, she stared directly into my eyes.

"Are you jealous, Elfie?" Serena asked, her voice calm and level.

"Yes, I am jealous!" I screamed, my facade breaking completely.

"What’s mine is mine! I get jealous of anyone who gets to see him every day! I want him all to myself!"

Serena shook her head, a look of pity in her eyes.

"You are truly a selfish person." Serena said.

"You have the entire academy’s eyes on you, yet you act like this." Serena noted.

"You put your jealousy on a pedestal and call it love." Serena stated, stepping closer.

I glared at her, my fingers twitching to summon my spear and tear her to pieces.

"I may not be a human, or found love yet, but I am certain of one thing." Serena spoke, her eyes locking onto mine.

"Jealousy does not prove how much you love someone."

"It only proves how insecure you are." Serena added, her voice echoing in the rain.

"If someone wants you, you shouldn’t worry about who wants them." Serena told me.

"They will always be loyal to you."

I don’t care about security. I don’t care about logic.

If anyone tries to take him, I will erase them from existence.

I will lock him in a cage of starlight where only I can touch him.

"Serena, stop." Vivienne warned, noticing the dangerous aura surrounding me.

"Please, let’s not fight." Cressida added, stepping between us.

"No." Serena refused, keeping her eyes on us.

"Aren’t you two isolating and suffocating Kaiser and Leena with your insecurities?" Serena asked, pointing at both Rigel and me.

Rigel and I froze, the accusation hitting us like a physical blow.

"Today, I had a realization." Serena continued, her voice sharp.

"Kaiser only holds back from talking to others because of you, Elfina." Serena accused.

"He limits himself so you don’t crash out." Serena added.

"And you, Rigel." Serena turned her gaze to him. "I once approached Leena to befriend her, but she made an excuse about you, fearing your reaction."

"I’m determined now." Serena stated. "You two don’t like it when they engage with others, so they restrict themselves."

"They stop themselves so you two can be at peace." Serena declared.

"That is not true!" Rigel yelled defensively, his face flushed. "I never told Leena she couldn’t have friends! I just protect her from bad people!"

"Kai is just naturally quiet!" I argued, my voice cracking. "I never forced him to do anything! He chooses to stay with me!"

Cressida, Mira, and Vivienne remained silent, their expressions confirming Serena’s words.

"Let’s leave." Serena told the other girls.

"It is enough for today."

"I held a high view of both of you." Serena added, looking back at us one last time.

"You helped us pass the exams, you lead us, and you strategize." Serena noted.

"But underneath, you two are just selfish people suffocating the two most devoted friends you have." Serena stated, her voice cold.

"Those two are fine and better off without your jealous, insecure possessiveness." Serena delivered the final blow.

She turned and walked away into the heavy rain, and the other girls followed without looking back.

Rigel and I were left standing alone under the bookstore awning.

"DAMN IT!" Rigel roared, punching the brick wall with all his strength.

"I love Leena! How can they say that?!" Rigel screamed, his knuckles bleeding.

"She needs me! She would be lost without me!" Rigel yelled, his voice desperate.

I didn’t answer him; my heart felt like it had been shredded by a thousand ice shards.

How is choosing myself selfish?

I love him more than anyone in the world!

I won’t betray my own feelings just to make others comfortable.

"Shut up!" I screamed, kicking a discarded wooden crate near the wall, smashing the rotted wood to splinters.

"Kai is mine! He will always be mine!" I yelled, tears finally spilling over my cheeks.

I held my head in my hands, my breathing ragged as the storm howled around us.

But Serena is right.

Kai doesn’t need me.

He can be perfectly fine alone, or with anyone else.

I will never let another girl near him. I will kill anyone who tries to make him smile... okay maybe not kill, maybe just put them in a coma.

But... I’m just afraid someone will make him happier than me.

I don’t want to restrict his happiness.

I remembered Serena’s words, and the realization made my chest ache so deeply I could barely breathe.

I turned away, stepping out from under the awning into the freezing downpour.

"Elfie! Where are you going?!" Rigel called out behind me.

"Get lost!" I shouted back, not looking at him.

I walked into the storm, the rain soaking my hair and clothes in seconds.

Is Kai really holding himself back because of me?

Today proved he can be so kind, so warm, so responsible when I’m not around.

I’ve spent all this time demanding his attention, stopping him from talking to others, but what have I actually done for him?

I only restrict him.

I’m so selfish.

He’s going to leave me because I behave like this, isn’t he?

The tears mixed with the rain on my face, and I sobbed, hugging my arms as I walked alone through the flooded streets.

If I am the reason he has to hold himself back, what right do I have to stay by his side?

Will he be happier if I just let him go?