Gjorn asked worriedly.

“…Satin. Is that possible?”

“We won’t know unless you try, but it’s better to think this way than to be scared like this. And I don’t understand what’s so great about Rublier Ka Dillon. The girls always talk about him, but they don’t know him. He always teases me whenever he sees me, and it’s annoying and unpleasant. I hope he gets a big shock this time. Then I’ll get my revenge.”

The more she talked, the more her year’s worth of frustration exploded. Satin fumed.

“Got it? Gjorn? You can’t lose.”

“I’ll try, but…”

“Don’t be too anxious. Everything will be fine. You’re a hard worker.”

Moreover, Gjorn had the diligence to practice hard in response to someone’s encouragement.

This academic festival might bring about a surprising result for everyone.

Satin secretly hoped so. After cheering and encouraging Gjorn in the empty classroom after class, and venting her true feelings about Rublier, Satin opened the door.

“Let’s go eat now, Gjorn…”

As she pulled the door, it came off weakly.

Oh right, this door is broken.

Because the gap didn’t close properly, noise from outside would seep in, making this room a bit noisier than the other classrooms, but she had forgotten. The surroundings were quiet now because there were no classes.

Satin, who was busy trying to console the worried Gjorn about the swordsmanship match, stepped out of the classroom. Just as they were about to start walking, she noticed a familiar figure around the corner.

Dark black hair, tall stature, a sturdy build, yet a light and agile gait.

She flinched for a moment.

No way.

She glanced at Gjorn, who was still deep in thought and not paying attention to his surroundings. Satin reflected on what she had said.

‘I don’t understand what’s so great about Rublier Ka Dillon. The girls always talk about him, but they don’t know him. He always teases me whenever he sees me, and it’s annoying and unpleasant. I hope he gets a big shock this time. Then I’ll get my revenge.’

Did he hear everything? Did he? Was I too harsh?

She tilted her head but soon changed her mind.

Feeling guilty over this would be too much, considering all the things Rublier had done to her. She was just paying him back for all his teasing. It wasn’t like she said anything she didn’t mean, so it was fair. She’d be even more grateful if he got mad and stopped talking to her altogether.

Satin tried to shake off the uneasy feeling.

At the swordsmanship match held during that year’s academic festival, Rublier pushed Gjorn hard without showing any leniency. It seemed like he was trying to prove something to someone.

Gjorn, who had practiced diligently, was no match for Rublier. The gap between their skills was stark. Even to Satin, who knew little about swordsmanship, the difference was clear.

The rumors about Rublier were not unfounded.

“That’s him, right? The one destined to become the next leader of the Holy Knights…”

“Another great figure has emerged from the Ka Dillon family.”

“The difference in skill is so vast, it’s pitiful to watch.”

“How did they even end up in the finals with such a disparity in skill?”

“The other students must have let him win…”

“Well, it’s better to lose a few grades than to get on the bad side of Sel Wio or Del Mare.”

Satin, who was cheering for Gjorn from the best seats, overheard the murmurs of others. In front of the numerous curious spectators gathered to see the clash of the two guardian families, Gjorn was utterly defeated without putting up a fight.

The winner of that year’s swordsmanship tournament was Rublier.

As soon as the results were announced, the two students bowed to the audience and left the stage. One was the victor, the other the loser. Cheers and applause were directed at the victor from the audience.

Satin hurriedly pushed through the crowd and ran to the waiting room. Although it was off-limits to the general public, there were no such restrictions for Satin.

“Gjorn!”

Bursting through the door, Satin called out to Gjorn.

Rublier and Gjorn were sharing a waiting room. The academy servants were handing out towels to wipe off sweat and medicine to relieve muscle pain. Gjorn received the medicine, while Rublier did not.

Rublier was the first to turn his head at Satin’s entrance.

Ignoring Rublier’s piercing gaze, Satin approached Gjorn.

Even though his swordsmanship was poor, Gjorn had given his best. His light brown hair was soaked with sweat, and he had cold packs on his wrists and shoulders to ease the pain.

Rublier received the honor and cheers as the victor, but Gjorn only had Satin.

Satin took a cold pack from a servant and pressed it firmly on Gjorn’s shoulder.

Gjorn smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry, I did really poorly, didn’t I?”

“No, you did your best. You worked hard. I’m sorry. It must have been a burden because of me.”

Satin sincerely comforted him. She had a feeling why Rublier hadn’t given Gjorn any chances, and she felt even more apologetic. Her voice came out much gentler than usual.

Rublier, who had been silent despite his victory, suddenly stood up and walked out. Satin looked back at the door that had just closed with a thud and pouted.

“That’s too much. Everyone already knows he’s talented in swordsmanship, so he didn’t need to push you that hard. Even if he doesn’t like me, you’re his friend. He could have ended it moderately for his friend’s sake. He’s really mean.”

“No… It’s my lack of ability, Satin.”

Gjorn defended Rublier. He gave a bitter smile.

“Rublier probably had to prove his skills in front of everyone because of the expectations placed on him. But Satin, I feel relieved now. I was so nervous before going on stage, but now I feel refreshed. It’s great.”

Satin understood the relief Gjorn spoke of. Regardless of the outcome, the burden of the swordsmanship match was gone, and she felt relieved too.

“So do I. …But I’ll definitely get back at him for you someday. Just watch.”

An unexpected opportunity for revenge came quickly.

The last event of the academic festival was a grand party where all the students gathered in the banquet hall. It was a time to eat, enjoy, and forget about the hard work of showcasing their achievements.

Satin’s first dance partner was Gjorn. The steps weren’t difficult, and having learned for a long time at home, Satin moved her legs gracefully as she danced with Gjorn.

Even though Gjorn was terrible at swordsmanship, he managed to lead the repetitive dance steps. Satin lifted her skirt slightly and played with it. As she spun around holding Gjorn’s hand, her skirt fluttered down like petals.

Having danced the first, second, and third dances, which were most meaningful as they showcased close friendships, with Gjorn, Satin exchanged a glance with him.

“Go on and mingle, I’ll see you later.”

Turning her body to the right to follow the flow of the dance, a new partner appeared. As the music changed, some people left the dance floor to rest while others joined in, causing a bit of movement, but everyone found a suitable partner to dance with.

Satin also switched partners two or three times. They were male students she had never spoken to, but since the dance steps were predetermined, it didn’t matter. Without engaging in conversation, Satin enjoyed the party while maintaining appropriate distance.

Then, as soon as she took the hand of her next partner, Satin frowned.

It was Rublier. He had slipped in so naturally that she didn’t have a chance to let go.

He wasn’t around earlier, so when did he show up? Wasn’t he not dancing?

The music had already started. With no way to escape, Satin began the first step following Rublier’s lead. Although she was capable of dancing beautifully and elegantly, she didn’t want to dance perfectly with Rublier.

Besides, she had a score to settle with him.

“Satin.”

As soon as Rublier opened his mouth, Satin seized the opportunity to step on his foot. It was an intentional mistake.

Satin quickly feigned innocence. Rublier glanced down at his stepped-on foot and chuckled.

No matter how sturdy and tough men’s shoes were, it must have hurt a bit since she was wearing shoes with sharp heels for her dress, but he didn’t show any sign of pain.

Ah, I see how it is.

As she spun around in a turn, Satin stepped on Rublier’s foot once more. This time, she stepped on it properly. But Rublier remained unfazed.

Satin was annoyed.

Seriously, doesn’t it hurt?

From then on, the dance turned into a mess with Satin stepping on Rublier’s feet and Rublier getting stepped on. Even though she forgot a few hand movements in her intense focus, Satin didn’t care. She had already danced perfectly with Gjorn. Now was the time for revenge.

The music reached its climax. While everyone else danced energetically, the time to let go of hands and find the next partner was approaching.

This is the last chance.

Satin aimed at the spot where her partner’s foot would land and exacted her final revenge.

“Ouch…”

She lost her balance slightly and leaned backward.

I’m going to fall!

Just as she was about to regret her overzealousness, Rublier caught her back and steadied her, as if it were part of the dance.

Satin’s eyes widened in surprise. She was bewildered.

Soon, the music stopped. The students curtsied or placed a hand on their chest and bowed to their partners to show their final respect before scattering to find new partners.

Following the flow, Satin turned to the right and glanced back casually.

Rublier left the dance hall without seeking another partner.

It wasn’t until later, upon hearing the whispers of the other girls, that Satin realized she had been his only dance partner. He hadn’t danced with anyone else but her.