After stepping out the door and down the stairs, Firld walked along the sidewalk, now thick with people. She reached her university just before class started.
"Phew, that was close."
Settling into her classroom seat, she fanned her slightly sweaty face, hoping to cool down—purely psychological, of course. Her body hadn’t warmed from the commute; it wasn’t even a warm-up.
"Hehe~ Firly!"
"Eek!"
Firld yelped when hugged from behind. Seeing her friend’s face, she relaxed instantly.
"Hey, could you not scare me like that?"
"No~~pe~~~! Who can resist when Firly’s this cute?"
The girl behind Firld grabbed her bright red ponytail, sniffing it greedily.
"Mmm, so fragrant—pure Firly scent~"
"Hey! Stop sniffing me like a creep!"
Firld yanked her hair back, cradling it protectively like treasure.
"Aw, come on! Firly smells amazing. One sniff won’t hurt."
"Get lost, you pervert!"
Laughing, Firld playfully punched her friend’s head.
"Yeah, yeah. Seriously, Firld, why so stiff? Softening up would make friends easier."
The girl stopped teasing, sliding into the seat beside her with a smirk.
"Those guys stare with lecherous eyes—it’s gross. I’d soften up, but never for men."
"Oh? So only for women?"
Her classmate’s eyes gleamed mischievously, locked on Firld.
"Buzz off. Zero interest in yuri girls like you."
"Yay~ Firly’s bullying me!"
"Go away!"
The two tussled playfully, a lovely sight to onlookers—who wouldn’t stare at two beauties?
"Ahem!"
An ill-timed cough cut through the noise. They sprang apart, straightening up. The lecturer at the podium finally relaxed.
In short, Firld’s student life resumed—until...
At dusk, after classes, Firld slipped away to a hidden room.
"What a hassle. Why’s she so clingy? Is she really into girls?!"
She cracked the door open, scanning the hallway tensely. Only after confirming it was clear did she relax.
Her morning playmate was a close friend—but overly attached, sticking to her constantly at uni. Now, Firld had secrets to keep.
Pulling a small terminal from her backpack, she plugged it into one of the room’s server racks and began typing.
After a while, routing through the college server, she connected to...
"Young Mistress, long time no see."
"Oh? Firld? What brings you to contact me so freely?"
"Because... I missed you, Young Mistress..."
The usually bold Firld turned shy before the screen, blushing like a schoolgirl.
"Hehe, I’ve missed you too, Firld."
"R-Really?!"
"Of course! You’re important to me—how could I forget?"
"Young Mistress Elvire..."
Firld gazed at Elvire’s face on-screen, cheeks flushed.
The person she secretly contacted was Elvire. What tied them together...
"Alright, enough small talk. What do you need? Not just for nostalgia, I assume?"
"Mm, right. Can’t forget business."
*Ahem.*
Her shyness vanished instantly, replaced by seriousness.
"Last mission complete. Target located after thorough search. She’s living quietly now—no immediate danger."
"Mm, good. Location’s enough. I’ll handle the rest."
"Yes, Young Mistress."
"Business done. Firld, you’re on free leave now. Enjoy life until the next mission."
"Yes!"
"Ah, by the way—I heard you found a boy in Shanyuan?"
"Young Mistress, nothing escapes you..."
"Hehe, just rumors. Took this chance to ask."
Seeing Firld’s awkwardness, Elvire smiled warmly, easing the tension.
"I’m not blaming you—it’s your private life. But taking him in... planning to care for him forever?"
"Young Mistress, this boy is Ouyang Ge. Sole survivor of the Ouyang Clan tragedy. Outsiders don’t know yet, but I sense a soldier’s aura from him."
"A soldier’s aura? From a child? Firld, are you sure?"
Elvire feigned surprise, rapid-firing questions.
"Mm, certain. I’ll train him thoroughly these next years. Then recommend him to serve you."
Firld nodded firmly, voicing her plan.
"Not bad. I only have Garna and Ferna now. Even with you, Firld, we’re short for big missions."
"So?"
Firld’s heart pounded. Keeping Ouyang Ge was her own choice, unreported. If denied, she’d lose him. Elvire was her benefactor—no attachment could outweigh that.
"Alright, I’m not unreasonable. Keep him. Given this, Firld—new mission."
"Huh? So sudden?"
Startled but composed, Firld kept her expression serious.
"Train Ouyang Ge well. Until he’s combat-ready."
"Mission understood."
Closing the window, Firld sighed in relief.
This was best. Two years with Ouyang Ge had built real attachment—letting go would hurt.
"Time’s late. Gotta rush home to cook for my little brother—he’s starving."
Watching the sunset dip below the horizon, Firld hurried out of the university.
........
Ouyang Ge, chopping vegetables, suddenly shivered. Perhaps he sensed something?
