The morning sun was gentle, not harsh at all. Its warmth felt pleasant on the skin. The academy grounds remained as serene as ever. In the small gardens, couples whispered sweet nothings, thick with romance.
Further off, Sifrena—the academy’s only dragon—splashed playfully in the distant fountain. Students nearby had grown accustomed to her presence, strolling past without a second glance. Moyu shuddered inwardly, recalling how this very dragon had once chased her relentlessly across campus.
"Shall we go together~?"
Caina stepped out of the dormitory, elegantly dressed. She’d swapped her usual uniform for a breezy summer dress that flattered her figure. An innate grace radiated from her—truly the bearing of a born noble.
Trailing behind, Moyu wore a gloomy expression. She simply hated this dress. Worse, girls had swarmed her upon exiting, gushing:
"Lunorette, you’re a goddess born!"
Lunorette’s popularity spanned all grades. Hailed as the Empire’s genius and the academy’s Chief Student, she lived under a spotlight. Her fame had skyrocketed after she "rescued" the kidnapped princess from terrorists and defeated enemy soldiers—a feat splashed across headlines. Only Lunorette and Caina knew the truth: it was Moyu Manatsu, the girl from another world, who’d truly saved the day.
"Come to think of it… I know almost nothing about Luno," the girl murmured abruptly to Caina.
They’d already left the academy gates, walking toward the Imperial Capital’s bustling streets.
"Why bring that up now?" Caina asked, puzzled.
"I only know she’s the academy’s genius Chief Student and the Empire’s youngest Dragon Knight. Beyond that… nothing."
It was true. Moyu’s understanding of Lunorette barely scratched the surface. To her, Lunorette was still just the girl obsessed with pop music and rock dancing.
"But you two swap bodies often. Shouldn’t you know her well by now?" Caina smiled.
The metropolis of Redland pulsed with energy. Street vendors hawked wares, their cries weaving into the city’s rhythm. Noble carriages clattered past, armored escorts clearing paths without sparing commoners a glance.
"It’s not like that," Moyu admitted quietly. "Luno and I… we’ve never truly met face-to-face."
Not in reality, anyway. Their brief soul-form encounter in a dream didn’t count.
"How about we discuss this over cake?" Caina suggested, sensing her unease.
The Imperial Capital teemed with crowds. Shops overflowed with patrons. Caina led her to a charming cake shop—elegant but packed. At the sight of Caina’s noble insignia, the owner turned ashen. He frantically cleared a table, canceling reservations without hesitation.
"My deepest apologies for the wait, Lady Sodarana!" he stammered.
Even Moyu nearly smiled. *Such is noble privilege.*
Caina maintained perfect poise. "What delicious cakes do you have? May I see the menu?"
Most nobles arrived by carriage. Mistaking Caina for minor gentry when she walked in, the owner had nearly fainted learning she was a duke’s daughter.
"Want anything, Moyu-chan? My treat~"
"No need. Luno’s wallet’s still fat. Why not use hers?" *Revenge for all those CDs she bought with my money,* Moyu thought.
"Oh, this cake is amazing!" One bite, and Moyu’s eyes widened. *Do all isekai desserts use premium ingredients?*
"Saria mentioned this place has wonderful cakes," Caina explained. "But the lines are long. Noble privileges do save time."
Moyu silently acknowledged the convenience of connections.
"You said you don’t know Lunorette well," Caina continued, sipping tea gracefully. "But you’re overlooking something vital."
"Luno’s brilliant—diligent, hardworking, top of her class. Most would find her intimidating." Caina’s eyes glowed with trust. "Yet once you truly know her… she’s not what she seems. You’ve seen her real side, haven’t you, Moyu-chan?"
Moyu paused. *Right.* For all her brilliance, Lunorette was still human. In Moyu’s world, she’d obsessed over rock music and TV shows—ordinary girl stuff.
"Don’t let her brilliance fool you. She’s quite mischievous too. You’d know that best~"
Moyu recalled Lunorette gleefully draining her wallet for CDs, delighting in teasing her.
"You claim not to know her," Caina chuckled. "Yet you know her better than most."
"But that’s just a part of her…"
"You’re rushing."
"Eh?"
"Friendship deepens through time. You and Luno are still getting acquainted. There’s plenty of time ahead~"
Moyu struggled to reply. *Maybe she’s right… but it still feels insufficient.*
"Besides," Caina added gently, "if you feel you don’t know Luno well, she knows just as little about you. Your swapped time is equal." She finished her tea, smiling.
Clarity dawned. *We haven’t known each other long. But as long as we keep swapping… I’ll learn everything.*
"Thank you, Caina. I understand now."
"Glad I could help." Caina savored her cake, radiance undimmed.
*She’s truly exceptional—graceful, thoughtful, comforting. No wonder Luno treasures her. Anyone marrying her would be blessed.* Unlike Yuki, Caina sensed unspoken worries and offered perfect words. *How lucky I am to call her friend.*
"Caina… you’re a wonderful person."
"What are you saying?"
"Ah, nothing. Forget it." Moyu focused on her cake, a twinge of guilt in her chest. *At least the cake’s good.*
After Caina insisted on paying, they wandered the Imperial Capital.
"The city’s vast, full of wonders you’ll discover. Interested in Magic Artifacts?" Caina guided her like a seasoned tour guide.
"What’s so special about them?"
"They’re not practical for daily life yet. But researchers value them for experiments. And combat Magic Artifacts—see that shop ahead? Want to look?"
"Magic Artifacts? What exactly are they?" Moyu remembered relying on one against Xiejit in the Death Forest.
"They aid mages and sorcerers in battle," Caina explained as they entered a corner shop. "But wielding them demands intense magical cultivation and strong willpower. Most can handle only two at once. Push further, and your body might not withstand it."
"Luno’s Spatial Ring holds many, though."
"She maxes out at three. I wouldn’t recommend it—the strain is heavy."
Moyu found herself captivated by the shop’s displays. After so long in this world, she was finally curious about its wonders.
Caina stood to the side, smiling as she casually scanned for any Magic Artifacts that caught her eye.
Suddenly, Moyu Manatsu's sharp eyes spotted a familiar figure in the shop. The boy seemed to be discussing something with the shopkeeper, and judging by his expression, it was likely a serious matter.
"Isn't that Theos?"
