"So, did you find anything about him?" Seila asked.
"No. It seems like everything is confidential," Hei replied.
"I wish the First Prince were here. He could find out what was confidential," Myrin said.
"It's okay. We should just mind our own business," Hei said. "If it's confidential, it means the kingdom knows about him. If he were dangerous, he'd already be caught."
"I know that. But I can't help wondering."
"Sei, are you maybe jealous that Colt not only surpassed you but everyone in the academy's history?"
"What?" Seila flared up. "Just because you're a warrior doesn't mean I can't beat you."
"Hehe! It was just a joke," Hei said, raising his hands in surrender.
"Seila, you even let him use your name. You can't be jealous," Myrin added.
"You too, Myrin... I'm not jealous. As Miss Cecilia said, nothing is over."
"Ah, you were a big fan of Miss Cecilia. I forgot you even had a portrait of her," Hei teased again.
But this time, Seila didn't rise to the bait. "Of course I am. She's the strongest woman in all of Ostines. I'm glad she'll be my teacher. You should be, too."
"I know, I know. Don't worry, I'm happy being alive. I'd never disrespect her… in front of you."
Seila shot him a look, but then turned back. She knew it was just another joke.
"There he is," Myrin said suddenly. "Colt! We're here!" she called out, pulling every nearby gaze in her direction.
She already had the kind of presence that drew eyes wherever she went—but now, all attention was on the beautiful elf girl walking toward a boy in a vivid red tailcoat.
Is he a vampire? some bystanders whispered.
The three of them reached Colt.
Originally, they'd planned to meet in the eastern district.
But since they wanted to eat first, and since Colt couldn't enter the northern district, they agreed to try the inn where he was staying.
He was basically a gourmet now, having eaten his way across the region before meeting Hei.
He'd even wandered into random cities just to sample their food.
And of all the places he'd tried, he figured this inn would satisfy even three picky young nobles.
They met just outside the inn, so they didn't have far to walk before stepping into the ground-floor restaurant.
It was nearly empty—commoners generally didn't eat lunch at this hour.
In fact, most skipped breakfast and had their first meal around brunch to save money.
Two meals a day were more than enough for anyone over level fifty.
Of course, that only applied to people who ate out.
Those who could cook or lived with family usually had three meals at home.
Either way, the group easily found a table for four and sat down.
The sparrow beastwoman soon arrived to take their orders.
"Colt, would you like the usual?" she asked after jotting down the others'. At some point, she'd learned his name.
"No!" Colt blurted out. "Just soup today."
He didn't want to make the same mistake as yesterday.
"Alright," the beastwoman said, then added with a teasing smile, "But Colt, aren't you lucky? You dined with a cute girl yesterday, and today you're here with two more."
Then she turned and walked off to the kitchen, leaving a silence in her wake.
"Oooh!" Hei smirked, unable to hold it in.
Colt froze, then quickly turned to Seila.
"Wait, it's not like that! There weren't any empty tables, and Niter happened to be staying here, and her table had a free seat..."
He was fast with the excuse, but Seila just looked at him blankly.
"I don't care," she said flatly. There was no anger or any kind of emotion since she really didn't care.
Ah. Of course, she didn't. They were just friends in this life.
Even so, the reflex came out before he could stop it. And still, it hurt.
But he told himself he was okay with the progress. At least for now.
Why does he look so down? the others wondered.
They knew by now Colt fancied Seila. But he had only just met her—it wasn't like he was in love or anything.
Actually, Myrin was still thinking about making a move. As far as she could tell, there was nothing between them.
If there were, she wouldn't dare interfere and betray her friend.
But no matter how many times she asked, Seila's answer was always the same. And it made sense—they had just met.
Besides, Seila wasn't the type to care about romance. As a noble, she knew she'd eventually marry another noble. Love wasn't part of the plan.
She couldn't betray her family and marry a commoner. Only Myrin had that chance due to her household rules. And even that was after bringing an heir to the world.
Still, Colt's expression didn't just show some lighthearted disappointment. It looked deeper than that.
But they knew better than to ask. Hei chose to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"So, Colt, have you decided what to ask for with your royal promise?"
"Hmm… I haven't really thought about it. Can you become a noble with it?"
"No way! Maybe if it were from the king. But the second prince? Not a chance," Hei said.
"Heh. Then I've got no use for it."
All three turned toward him in unison. "What?"
"Colt, don't misunderstand," Seila said. "Even nobles find royal promises valuable. No, it is more than valuable. At the very least, you could ask for top-tier equipment."
"There's no need. Though... I do think I've found a use for it."
"What is it?" they asked.
"Hehe. You'll have to wait. It's a secret."
He could request nearly anything the second prince was willing to grant.
But he had something better in mind.
Something that would be revealed in a few weeks.
---
After they finished eating, they left together, heading toward the eastern district.
Aside from the northern district and the academy district, there were no real borders separating the districts.
The divisions were more conceptual than physical, but each area still stayed true to its purpose.
So, when they started seeing different merchants lining the streets, selling all kinds of goods, they knew they'd arrived.
What surprised Colt was that they weren't using a carriage—and that the three young nobles didn't have any guards with them.
Scanning his surroundings within a 200-meter radius, he picked up on plenty of guards hidden nearby, likely watching over other nobles in the eastern district.
Considering the ambush on their way to Lofpus, it felt strange to see Seila and Myrin walking around so casually.
Still, he didn't question it. He was used to walking, so it didn't really bother him.
"Which shop are we going to?" Hei asked.
Myrin answered, "We can't go to our own tailors. The academy has an official partner. Only they're allowed to make the uniforms."
"Really? Won't it be crowded then?" Colt asked.
"No way," Myrin said with a smile. "The academy wouldn't choose a small business. They'll have enough staff to handle all the orders on time."
The others nodded in agreement, and they continued on toward the tailor/shop the academy had selected.