Belle stood quietly by Caius’s side, still as a statue.

  It was as if, since Caius was seated, she had to remain standing.

  Caius patted the empty space on the couch beside him. “What are you standing there for? Sit.”

  “I’m fine standing…” Belle replied softly.

  “You’re blocking the sunlight. I’m trying to sunbathe,” Caius said without missing a beat.

  Belle immediately shuffled to the corner to avoid obstructing him.

  Caius let out a chuckle, then added, “If someone sees you like this, they’ll think I’m bullying you. You don’t want people to misunderstand me, do you?”

  Hearing that, Belle shook her head. Only then did she sit on the couch, but it was clear she was nervous—sitting upright, her hands fidgeting in her lap.

  Caius knew full well the girl simply wasn’t good at dealing with people, so he didn’t say anything more. Instead, he turned to pick up a piece of fruit from the table and popped it into his mouth, crossing his legs leisurely.

  It was a while before he spoke again.

  “I’ve already renovated the orphanage. Granny Lunla and the kids will be living in a much better place now. I’ll be keeping an eye on things over there, so you don’t need to worry.”

  Belle turned slightly to look at him, just about to thank him—when Caius cut her off.

  “No need to thank me. That side’s taken care of, but you, on the other hand, are the one I’m worried about.”

  “You’re not eating properly. If Granny Lunla finds out, won’t she be worried sick?”

  “I’ll make sure to eat properly…” Belle whispered.

  “Good. You’ve promised me now.”

  “But since you’re here, you should keep in touch with the orphanage. Write letters or something. Otherwise, how will Granny Lunla know how you’re doing here?” Caius said.

  If there was no contact, how else was he going to prove to Granny Lunla that he was taking good care of Belle?

  But the obedient little silly mushroom had no idea what this big bad wolf was really thinking.

  “Mm.” She nodded gently.

  “Also, each time you write a letter, write one to me too. Whatever you feel like writing is fine. Just send it to the orphanage so I don’t have to come all the way to the Academy to find you.”

  “Mm.”

  “And stop knitting sweaters for me. Six is enough—I can’t even wear them all.”

  “Mm.”

  “Besides ‘mm,’ can you say anything else?”

  “…Okay.”

  Caius gave her a helpless look, then reached out and brushed her bangs aside, revealing her delicate little face.

  He pinched her cheek gently. Belle winced slightly from the pressure but only squinted her eyes and looked at him with pitiful, watery eyes.

  “You don’t even say anything when it hurts. What a silly mushroom,” Caius muttered, clicking his tongue. Then he clapped his thighs and stood up.

  “Alright, I’m heading out.”

  Belle stood as well, clearly intending to see him off.

  But when they reached the door, Caius placed his hands on her shoulders and physically turned her around.

  “Alright, go focus on your own stuff. If you need any materials for your research, just let me know.”

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  “After all, I’m officially part of the research team now.”

  As he said that, Caius gave her a cheeky grin. “Let’s hear you call me ‘senior,’ huh?”

  At his words, Belle—who had been looking back at him—quickly turned her head away. She lowered it slightly, then cautiously extended a single finger.

  “What, just because I’m one year older, I can’t be your senior? I got to Hydis before you did, you know,” Caius teased, raising an eyebrow.

  …Even though he hadn’t officially enrolled yet.

  But Caius didn’t care about those details.

  “Mm…” Belle’s tiny lips pursed slightly beneath her collar.

  After a moment, her soft little voice finally reached Caius’s ears.

  “Senior…”

  “Hey!” Caius beamed, grinning ear to ear. He gently ruffled her short hair. “I’m off.”

  Belle turned around upon hearing this and saw that he was already walking away with the little cat by his side.

  She stood quietly at the door, hands folded in front of her, silently watching his departing figure.

  Only when he was no longer in sight did she finally turn back into the house. She walked to the gift box, crouched beside it, and once again found herself lost in thought.

  …

  Leaving the dorm area, Caius considered heading over to the Student Council building.

  To that end, he clipped the Guard Captain’s badge prominently on his chest and strode in with his head held high.

  Everyone he passed along the way gave him curious or surprised looks. Some even greeted him proactively.

  “Good day, Captain.”

  “Mm, good day.”

  “Hello, Captain!”

  “Heh, hello.”

  Caius was thoroughly enjoying the greetings from these young students, always wearing a satisfied smile.

  Just then, a familiar voice cut in.

  “Captain, is it?”

  “Heheh, yes—” Caius replied instinctively, then froze and turned his head, only to find Hilda watching him with a teasing smile.

  He immediately snapped to attention. “President!”

  “Oh ho, you seem to be enjoying this ‘Captain’ title quite a bit?” Hilda said, walking over to his side.

  Caius chuckled awkwardly. “It’s not like I love it that much…”

  Hilda raised an eyebrow.

  Caius instantly straightened up. “I adore it!”

  Hilda couldn’t help laughing at that. “But don’t you go bullying students just because you’re the Guard Captain, alright?”

  “Do you really think I’m that kind of person?” Caius said, pretending to be a little offended.

  “Of course~~~ not,” Hilda replied with a mischievous giggle before skipping lightly toward the Guild President’s office.

  Sunlight streamed through the corridor windows, bathing her figure in a glow of youth and vitality.

  Caius found himself momentarily dazed by the sight.

  “What are you standing there for? Get in here, or I’m not making you tea,” Hilda called, half-opening the office door and pretending to shut it again.

  Caius chuckled and walked toward her.

  Moments later, Caius took a sip of the red tea Hilda had brewed, looking utterly relaxed.

  He usually preferred alcohol, but a good cup of tea now and then was quite a nice way to nourish the soul.

  “How’s my sword coming along?” Hilda asked.

  Caius smiled. “Blueprints will be ready tonight. We start forging tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be waiting for the good news then!” Hilda looked genuinely excited, then added, “Don’t you have any tasks today?”

  “Already finished. Got the whole day off,” Caius replied.

  “Must be nice~” Hilda sighed, then slumped over her desk and muttered, “Mercenaries get free time. I don’t. Look at all these documents…”

  Caius glanced at the mountain of paperwork piled high enough to hide her behind it. “You have to approve all of that?”

  “Some just need a quick look, but others require decisions. Like the commercial gala in Grilla City the day after tomorrow—I’m debating whether to attend,” Hilda explained.

  “Commercial gala?” Caius’s eyes lit up. “What’s that about?”

  “It’s an event hosted by the Merchant Guild. Tons of Chambers of Commerce and merchants will be attending. I’m thinking of bringing some people and seeing if we can get some sponsorships for the Academy and the Student Guild,” Hilda said.

  “Well, that sounds great.”

  “Yeah, I think so too. I’m hoping to land sponsors for Magitech Devices or weaponry. If the threat from the Bloody Lands near Nofalark Forest escalates, the Academy is going to need all the help it can get,” she sighed. “But... I don’t have a formal dress ready.”

  “What?” Caius blinked. “You? A noble lady, without a dress to wear?”

  “Who told you I’m a noble lady?” Hilda puffed out her cheeks. “I came here on my own. I do have some formal dresses in my wardrobe—but I’ve worn them all already.”

  “Can’t you wear the same one again?” Caius asked.

  “Absolutely not. If it were different events with different people, sure. But this time, many of the attendees have seen me before. If I show up in the same dress, it’ll look like I didn’t bother. And those types love to nitpick.”

  “Who’d dare nitpick you?” Caius took another sip of tea.

  Hilda shot him a glance. “You do it all the time. You tease me every chance you get.”

  Caius gave a sheepish grin, then said, “Why not just buy a new one?”

  “I would if I could, but I’m a bit short on coin right now,” Hilda said with a sigh. “A proper gown for an event like that can’t be too cheap. The ones I can afford don’t look good, and the ones I like are way out of my price range…”

  “Borrow from me, then,” Caius offered.

  “No way. If I can’t pay you back on time, you’ll just use it as more teasing ammo,” Hilda huffed, wearing a look that said, I see right through you.

  Truthfully, Caius knew she’d never borrow money from him. He was just teasing.

  A proud Little Swan like her would never ask someone for a loan.

  So he rolled his eyes playfully, then grinned. “In that case, I’ve got a better idea.”

  As he spoke, he gave a casual wave of his hand—and a beautifully wrapped gift box appeared on her desk.

  Hilda blinked in surprise, her curiosity piqued. “What’s this?”

  Caius smiled and nodded toward it. “Open it and see for yourself.”