After the dispute, Merlin’s school life didn’t seem to change much.
On the contrary, the students of the Alchemy Department doted on Merlin even more.
During break times, upperclassmen from the Alchemy Department would even come by to cheer her on.
“Good luck, Princess! We support you!”
Merlin felt a warmth in her heart. It was precisely because of this that she felt her academy life was going quite well, and she hadn’t reached the point where she needed to return to the Elf Forest.
The remaining matter… would be preparing for the Grand Exam.
“Oh my, why is our princess so cute?”
Even during break times, seniors from other grades would come to interact with Merlin.
Before Merlin could even turn around, a soft, warm body pressed against her from behind.
The newcomer seemed to be a senior from the Alchemy Department. She unhesitatingly buried her face in Merlin’s hair, took a deep breath, and let out a satisfied sigh.
Merlin’s body stiffened at this sudden intimacy, and she tried to put up a symbolic struggle.
Her strength wasn’t great; it looked more like she was acting spoiled.
“Just a hug, just one.”
The senior’s arms wrapped even tighter.
It had started with curiosity about Merlin, but as time passed, it had fermented into pure affection. They truly liked this elf who looked cold on the outside but was actually quiet and well-behaved.
Especially when they got close like this; at most, she would only protest with a red face and never truly get angry.
“Too close.”
Merlin’s voice dropped a few more notches.
The students sensed the atmosphere and let go, and sure enough.
Merlin’s cheeks puffed out slightly, a thin layer of mist covering her large blue eyes. Her slightly pouted lips held a bit of embarrassment and a hint of a coquettish sulk.
“Honestly.”
Merlin grumbled in a small voice, reaching out with her fair fingers to try and smooth her rumpled collar.
The senior clutched her heart, looking as if she had been struck.
She really never got tired of this.
Seeing everyone getting more and more excited about teasing her, Merlin planned to slip away.
“Alright, I’m going back.”
“See you tomorrow, Princess.”
Everyone had gradually mastered the way to get along with Merlin. Close physical contact was fine, but further actions like walking home together were still a no-go for now; no matter how many times she was invited, she would politely decline.
***
The horizontal rays of the setting sun pulled Merlin’s shadow very long.
Merlin walked toward her laboratory with light, quick steps.
She now knew she wasn’t born unable to use magic; it was only to save Mahina.
Merlin could use a little bit of magic now herself, and the internal congestion in her heart was gradually thinning, melting away in the passing days and the warmth of her companions.
At least Merlin could face Mahina with her head held high, because she had never been unworthy of Mahina; even her inability to use magic was to save her.
The students in the Alchemy Department were also very kind to her.
The Starry Sky Rose was even more beyond imagination. Its sales and price continued to rise to the point where supply couldn’t meet demand. There were even merchant guilds seeking cooperation with her, but she wasn’t in a hurry.
Cooperation with merchant guilds required caution. They were a pack of greedy fellows who would swallow you whole if you weren’t careful.
She could already start preparing for the move.
Putting aside those unpleasantries, her current life was very happy.
Next, it was time to prepare for the Grand Exam.
Merlin decided to produce more potions.
“Merlinlia.”
A cold, gentle voice rang out.
Merlin looked toward the source of the voice; it was Lucia.
The evening glow passed through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows on her long, silvery-white hair. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her posture relaxed yet carrying a chilling aura.
Mary was standing properly behind her, her eyes lowered, as if merging with the surrounding shadows.
“Are you out of medicine?”
Lucia looked at her and slowly shook her head. Those gray eyes were like two quiet lakes in the twilight.
“Of course not.”
Merlin really couldn’t think of what else Lucia would want with her.
Seeing Merlin standing there deep in thought, Lucia spoke up.
“Honestly, can’t I look for you if there’s nothing wrong? Can’t I just want to see you?”
“Um… alright.”
“But I actually do have something to discuss with you today.”
“What is it?”
Lucia straightened her body slightly, no longer leaning against the tree trunk.
“Let me teach you swordsmanship, Merlinlia. Consider it another layer of preparation for the Grand Exam.”
***
With one last dull thud, the wooden sword flew out of her hand, drawing an arc in the air.
“I really didn’t expect this.”
After several rounds of sparring, Merlin was already sprawled out on the training ground.
Merlinlia was currently sprawled on the ground without a shred of decorum. Her blue-gradient long hair was stuck messily to her sweat-soaked cheeks and neck. her chest heaved violently as she tried to pull burning air into lungs that had long since begun to protest.
Looking at her panting like that, she was actually quite cute.
Lucia held Merlin under her armpits, moving her to a bench in a posture similar to holding a small animal.
“I thought your stamina would be poor, but it’s actually not bad. Although your strength… well… it leaves much to be desired.”
“I… still exercise, you know. Maintaining a full and healthy physique allows the body to operate at maximum capacity at any time, so it won’t affect my alchemy.”
Seeing Merlin looking completely wilted on the bench, Mary held a water bottle to Merlin’s lips, gesturing for her to drink.
“I can drink it myself.”
Merlin struggled to reach out to take it, but her wrists were so sore and weak she couldn’t lift them.
Mary’s hand holding the bottle moved forward a bit more, the rim almost touching Merlin’s lips.
“Please don’t be stubborn. You know your own state best right now, don’t you?”
Honestly, the master and servant were both equally forceful. Despite Mary often complaining about Lucia, they seemed about the same to Merlin.
“Pouting like that will only make you look cute; it won’t quench your thirst. Please replenish your fluids immediately.”
“I get it.”
Merlin gave up her resistance, tilted her head back slightly, and drank the slightly salty warm water in small gulps from Mary’s hand.
The cool liquid slid down her throat, finally extinguishing that burning sensation.
While Merlin drank, Mary took out another damp towel and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and the dust she had picked up during training.
And as for Mary’s master?
She looked indifferent, methodically doing what she needed to do.
Lucia looked at Merlin.
“Your combat techniques are also decent, and your intuition is good. Though it’s full of wildness and your foundation is lacking. Did you practice it there?”
Having heard Merlin’s story, Lucia naturally knew where Merlin had lived as a child.
Merlin sighed.
“To live there, a proper sense of smell and combat skills are necessary.”
“True. Your combat intuition is excellent, and your physical fitness is good. You often make the best judgment subconsciously; it’s just that your lack of technique prevents you from making a perfect response.”
“Seriously.”
Merlin sighed and looked up, staring earnestly at Lucia’s profile, which looked as if it were carved from ice and snow.
“Why did you suddenly think of teaching me swordsmanship?”