The day of the festival was soon approaching, along with the audition to perform in the public competition. Only five students were chosen to compete from each grade for both the performing arts show and the magical combat competition. While the male students participated in a preliminary tournament, the female students performed in front of a panel of judges. Luckily the audition was private, so the students' prepared performances would not be leaked prior to the show.
For the magical arts show, each student had to create a spectacle which showed off their talent for three to five minutes. Students were allowed the assistance of music, the max of three partners (as long as they didn't contribute to the magic aspect of the performance), and the freedom to choose and provide their own costumes and decor. Performing on the Academy's stage at the festival was one of the best ways to garner favor and attention for your family. People came from all over the kingdom, some even traveling from neighboring countries to see the show. This was because the ability to use magic was a rare talent that (with the exception of Elaine) could only be practiced by those with noble blood. The chance to witness magic firsthand was a rare and exciting opportunity.
As the day for the initial auditions approached, the girls were starting to get more catty than usual. Since I was well known for being weak, I didn't have to worry about sabotage from the other students, but Elaine was the opposite. In a single day multiple girls had attempted to harm her, one even going so far as to hire a mercenary. Luckily, Elaine wasn't nearly as weak as she appeared, and I was blessed with the rare opportunity to watch the petite girl judo flip a man twice her size after blinding him with her light magic.
"I think I knocked him out, I hope he doesn't have serious brain damage," Elaine worried, some how able to harbor concern for the man who had just attacked her.
"He should be fine, the real issue is figuring out what to do with him," I reassured, poking the large man's forehead. His appearance screamed criminal with a large build, bald head, and multiple scars all over his body.
"You're right, it would be bad if we left him here since he would scare the other students once classes end."
"How are you always able to worry about everyone but yourself?" I asked, standing up and patting Elaine's head. The girl was as cute as a bunny, but as strong as a tiger. She was completely unfazed by the fact that she had three attempts on her safety in the last five hours.
"Are you all right Elaine?" My brother asked with shaky voice. He and I had been escorting her to class when the man attacked. I assumed that my brother was trying to act all manly and protective, so he was probably shocked when Elaine took down the large man in seconds without a moments hesitation. To me, it wasn't very surprising that Elaine had such sharp instincts. She had lived alone with her mother after all, even taking the risk to visit the tenements in the middle of the night. It probably didn't occur to Caden that for Elaine, the ability to fight was necessary for her survival.
"C-Caden!" Elaine stuttered, suddenly remembering the existence of my brother. She turned bright red, probably embarrassed of showing her strength in front of him. What she didn't know was that my brother was used to combative girls after growing up with me as a sister. He wasn't someone who would get turned off by a girl who could protect herself, if anything he would see it as a reliable attribute for a future spouse. Caden would be taking over the Dukedom, so whoever he married would be put in danger as the spouse of a powerful political figure. I wouldn't be surprised if Caden grew even more fond of Elaine after this incident.
My mother had also won my father's heart after displaying her elegant yet lethal ability to control water magic. While the two were brought together by an arranged marriage, he quickly fell for her after she gracefully handled a young drunken lord by pinning him to the wall with daggers made of ice. I wasn't sure if his falling in love with my mother after showing her she-devil side was cute or concerning.
Elaine rambled nervously, and her rapid fire speech made it almost impossible to understand ger. From what I could make out, I believed that she was attempting to come up with an excuse for her actions, saying that she was simply surprised and acted without thinking. I'm not sure how that was supposed to make her appear more delicate, since the ability to instinctively take down a hulk looking man in seconds was terrifying.
"I didn't know you were so feisty Elaine," Caden smirked.
"Who would have thought that a cute girl like you would be so impressive."
I tried not to vomit as Caden ruffled the blushing girl's hair, still unable to stomach my brother's flirting. My fist was itching to pay a visit to his gut after hearing such a cheesy line come out of his mouth.
If they are happy, then I am happy. Don't punch him, don't punch him, don't punch him...
"Well then, if it's the two of you then I am sure you'll have nothing to worry about. I'll let Caden you and Caden figure out to do with the guy," I said, and rushed off without saying goodbye. If I was around my brother's flirting for a moment longer, then there was no way I would be able to keep my fist from connecting with his face.
Since everyone was off on their own practicing their magic, the walk to the old green house was relatively peaceful. For once I didn't have to deal with the whispers and stares of my fellow peers. While I was too busy to focus on the malicious rumors targeting me, I had to admit that it made me uncomfortable. I am a human being after all, and hearing that I was an embarrassment to my family didn't make me feel all that great about myself.
Luckily, it didn't take long to get my mind off the rumors once training with Serge began. His strict and demanding instruction gave me no room to think about anything but my sword technique.
"You have done well. It is time to practice with fire." Serge instructed, adding in a small compliment. Though it was nothing much, I was ecstatic to receive his praise. The Sarchian guard was frugal with his words and even more so with his praise. By telling me that I had done well, he was deeming my ability to wield the twin swords worthy to be performed for others. When Serge had agreed to teach me the dance of the twin swords, he did so under the condition that I only perform it with his approval. The dance was an old and respected tradition of his people, and if it I was unable to perform it accurately, then I would be offending both his people and traditions.
"Wow Callista, you must be a prodigy to earn Serge's praise. A master like him has outlandish standards, most of his students go years without receiving a single compliment." Prince Louis said as he watched our practice from a nearby bench. While I wasn't sure I could be labeled a prodigy, the effort I had put into learning the sword had not gone to waist. Even though my fire magic was weak, I had still reached a decent level of badassery.
A/N: I know that "badassery" isn't a real word, but it should be. I mean for fucks sake, if a word like "cattywampus" is recognized by the dictionary, then "badassery" should have no problems making the cut. Okay, rant over.
"You really are amazing, if only I could take you back to Sarchia with me." Prince Louis said wishfully. I still wasn't sure how serious this guy was.
"Though I may agree with your highness, such words will only pressure Lady Callista." Serge reprimanded, making Prince Louis pout. The Sarchian prince reminded me of a puppy being scolded after running up to a stranger for attention.
I spent the next few hours practicing with flaming swords. It was much harder. While my focus was not a problem after spending the last few years training in life magic, it was still difficult to keep up the flames for the entire performance. Especially when I had to read Serge's body heat when sparring blindfolded.
Caden was busy with his own training for the combat tournament, so he wasn't able to join my practices very often. That's why we decided to keep our sparring natural instead of choreographing it. Though it was risky, we didn't have many other options, and I was adamant in showing off my swordsmanship. While the practice of welding twin swords was taught in the form of a dance, each stance was meticulously crafted so that it was lethal in combat. In order to the style justice, I had to wield both swords in a way that would show off their beauty and strength.
It was the day of the assessment that decided who would perform on the festival's stage. My audition was scheduled around lunch time giving me time to meet with Serge beforehand. Caden was waiting outside the dorm to walk me to the old greenhouse where Serge had asked to meet me.
"Did you even sleep last night because you look like a corpse?" Caden asked as we walked towards the greenhouse.
"Not really, no," I mumbled, trying to ignore the corpse comment.
Both Serge and Prince Louis were waiting for us in the greenhouse, Serge holding a long wooden box with fancy engravings.
"What's that, a present?" I joked, assuming that Serge was carrying something that belonged to the prince.
"Yes," Serge answered, and I looked at him confused. Was this guy really giving me a present, but why? I know that it's the day of the competition, but Serge was not the type to send flowers for good luck.
"Open it," The broad man instructed, setting the box down on a bench. I unclasped the golden buckle and opened the wooden box.
"Wow, it's just... wow-"
Serge's gift left me speechless. Inside the box were a pair of matching short swords resting on velvet lining. The curved swords were beautifully crafted, their golden hilts were decorated with red gemstones and engraved with Sarchian script.
"What does it say?" I asked. Tracing my fingers across the indented lettering.
"It says 'heart of a lioness', a term often used in my birthplace to describe the women who wielded the sword. Like your country, it is still uncommon for women to take up swordsmanship outside of where I lived, so the women who honored this technique were described to have the heart of a lioness; brave, graceful, and unyielding." Serge explained.
"I-I don't know how to thank you," I said, pulling Serge into a hug. The Sarchian knight stiffened in my embrace, awkwardly patting my back.
"There is no need for thanks." Serge reassured as I pulled away. A cough sounded and I turned to see Prince Louis, his eyes filled with expectation.
"This was my idea too, I also took part in the gift." Prince Louis said, opening his arms for a hug. Caden appeared behind him, placing a hand on the prince's shoulder with a menacing look.
"I am sure that Callista has made her gratitude clear your highness," Caden said, smiling through clenched teeth. My brother was very protective, and he had never been a fan of the Sarchian prince who was very forward in pursuing me. Even Prince Philip had to limit his teasing when my brother was around, and was well aware that he would be a dead man if he ever hurt me. Caden was both powerful and smart; if anyone could commit treason without getting caught, it was him.
"It's fine Caden," I said, pulling Prince Louis into a hug. Though the kid could be annoying, he was extremely thoughtful and compassionate, a trait rarely found in people of his status. I didn't mind giving the prince a quick hug to show my gratitude.
However, the hug was not quick. Prince Louis trapped me in his arms, squeezing me so hard that I could barely breathe. It took both Caden and Serge to pry the blue haired boy off of me, my brother looking like he was ready to murder someone. In both my past life and Prince Louis's country, hugging wasn't that big of a deal, but here it was considered an intimate act. Anything more than a quick embrace was considered scandalous.
I quickly bid Serge and Prince Louis good bye before grabbing my new swords, and dragging my brother away before he could start a war with Sarchia.
As the two of us walked to the building where the audition would take place, I realized that the nerves I had felt earlier had almost disappeared. Serge had faith in me, enough to inscribe 'heart of a lioness' on my swords. If a strict and talented sword master like him recognized my abilities, then I needed to have more confidence myself or else I would be doubting his judgment.
"Are you ready?" Caden asked before we entered the exam room.
"Yes, I'm ready."