"Tomorrow is the rest day at Kamila Noble Academy. Where should we go to have fun?"

Lumiere looked at Leyang and Phoenix, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Don't ask me. I've only been in Camilla City for less than a week. I'm not familiar with many places, so asking me is pointless."

Leyang waved his hand dismissively, his tone resigned.

"Then what have you been doing every time you go out?"

Lumiere asked, puzzled.

"I told you—I've been killing monsters. Second-tier ones, even. Do you believe me?"

Leyang chuckled.

"Do you think we believe you?"

"Do you think I think you believe me?"

"Alright, Leyang-sama, Princess Lumei, stop bickering. The exchange tournament is in three days. How about we head to the outskirts to practice on low-level monsters? That way, we won't lose too badly. What do you think?"

Phoenix suggested.

Making Leyang fight a bunch of kids would be bullying. Even ten against ten—he could easily handle an entire class alone. Training was unnecessary.

But since Phoenix proposed it, he wouldn't object. He'd planned to rest anyway. Might as well treat it as a stroll with them.

"I'm fine with anything. You decide."

"Practicing against real monsters? I've never fought one before. Let's do it! I agree."

Lumiere's eyes lit up with excitement as she nodded.

"Princess Lumei, what if we run into danger outside the city? I truly don't advise this."

Yvette couldn't hide her worry and spoke up.

"Don't worry, Yvette. We won't go far. The monsters outside are low-risk. Besides, even if something happens, you'll be with me. I know you'll protect me, right?"

Lumiere beamed at Yvette, her voice sweet and clear.

"Yes, Princess Lumei."

Yvette replied softly, stepping back behind her.

With that, the group happily settled on their plan for the next day. Lumiere and Phoenix then left to prepare.

That night, Louise always snuck into Leyang's bed while he slept, hugging him for warmth. She woke him multiple times. He'd told her repeatedly to stop—they were too cramped, and he was a boy after all. Though Louise looked twelve, her figure was well-developed. Why cling to him like that? Didn't she worry he might do something inappropriate?

After all, Leyang's mind wasn't as young as his eight-year-old body.

The soft, warm feel of her stirred dangerous urges.

In his past life, he'd seen many beauties but never touched one. He was conservative and loyal—only with someone he truly loved. Burdened by blood debts, he'd died a virgin. Not exactly something to brag about.

But soon after he scolded her, Louise would crawl back. Her faint floral scent and smooth skin left him restless.

Finally, Leyang pushed their beds together. He'd go with the flow. No harm done. He hadn't forced her, and to others, it was just siblings sharing a bed. Perfectly innocent.

The next day, the five set out with their gear.

Glantham Phoenix wore her maiden knight armor, a light iron sword in her right hand and a round wooden shield in her left.

Ailin Camila Lumier kept her fiery red princess gown but now carried a staff tipped with a fire-attribute magic gemstone. She looked every bit the Mage.

Leyang shed his Kamila Noble Academy uniform for custom metal plate armor. He adjusted its weight to a thousand jin. The Silver Blade Dagger hung at his lower back—easy to draw but making him look neither warrior nor assassin. A bit mismatched.

Only Yvette and Louise remained unchanged in their maid outfits. Yvette watched Louise with maternal warmth, moved by her tragic past.

Phoenix and Lumiere led the way eagerly. Leyang, Louise, and Yvette followed silently.

Outside Kamila Noble Academy, Leyang sensed more hidden gazes. Some were likely guards for Lumiere and Phoenix. Others radiated faint, concealed killing intent.

Instinctively, Leyang touched his Silver Dagger. He hoped they'd be smart. Otherwise, he wouldn't mind spilling blood.

Soon, they exited Camilla City through the east gate. The outskirts teemed with "Fluffball" monsters. Their fur made warm clothing and bedding, and they looked harmless—fluffy and cute.

But that was just their facade. When threatened, they'd bristle, their soft fur turning into sharp spikes. Without armor, you'd get pricked easily. With proper gear, though, they were no threat—their spikes couldn't pierce even basic leather armor.

Such was the lowest-tier, non-ranked Fluffball monster.

"Princess Lumei, Leyang-sama, be careful. Fluffballs aren't dangerous, but their spikes draw blood and hurt like hell."

Phoenix turned to warn them.

"Got it. I'll support you from the back with fire and wind magic, Phoenix."

Lumiere nodded, waving her staff with a smile.

"Perfect. This is a chance to see how your Moon-Embracing Sword Art has improved, Phoenix."

Phoenix froze for a moment. Was Leyang-sama testing her progress? She couldn't be happier.

"Yes, Leyang-sama."