A week slipped by in the blink of an eye.
That day, Karl took Freya and Mia by carriage to the city’s recruitment fair.
Mia came along because, though only sixteen, she’d skipped grades and graduated early—now she too needed to choose a university.
Like the previous auction, the fair was held at the city’s most prestigious hotel. First, the venue offered ample space and staff. Second, it let organizers stay on-site without commuting.
Karl stepped down first and offered a hand to help Freya alight.
After Freya disembarked, Mia reached for his hand too—but Karl pulled it back, leaving her grasping at air.
Mia glared at him, pouting. “Brother-in-law! You’re not gentlemanly at all!”
Karl shot back instantly, “Sorry. My hand is reserved for my wife alone.”
“Hmph!” Mia stomped her foot in frustration.
Inside the lobby, the Imperial Royal Academy’s sign stood prominently visible.
At the hall’s center lay an arena-like space, flanked by a self-serve station of drinks and delicate desserts.
The Imperial Royal Academy’s fair wasn’t packed, but attendees were plentiful—nobles and officials of clear standing.
After introducing themselves to the usher, Karl led the sisters to the buffet. He picked up a glass of orange-flavored fruit wine. “See that white-haired gentleman? Dean Glot of the Combat Department. We’ll greet him later, introduce ourselves, make a good impression. Connections matter once school starts.”
Mia scooped a bite of lava cake, chewed slowly, and made a reluctant face. “Socially anxious. Not going.”
Freya took a small sip of her wine and shook her head. “Not interested.”
“?????”
Karl’s face froze in disbelief. *So you came just to snack?!*
*Our goal is to build connections with teachers and classmates!!!!*
Just then, the very dean Karl mentioned stepped onto the central arena.
Dressed in a purple formal suit and monocle, the elderly man radiated refined elegance. He cleared his throat. “Everyone, quiet please.”
The hall hushed instantly.
“Good day. I am Glot, dean of the Combat Department at the Imperial Royal Academy. My name is likely familiar.”
A Stellar Rank mage and former Imperial Royal Mage, Glot’s renown had spanned the empire for twenty years.
“Today’s fair in the Sowani Territory features our outstanding students showcasing their progress.”
Ten youths in crisp blue-and-white uniforms marched behind him and lined up.
“These first-years are exceptional. Defeat any one of them, and you’ll receive a special gift—crafted by me.”
Glot raised a palm-sized doll. Dressed identically to him—purple suit, monocle—it was clearly his likeness.
“This decoy doll, made by my hands, lets you evade one fatal strike. Tempting, isn’t it?”
The hall erupted.
“A decoy doll from Lord Glot himself—priceless!”
“Only he can forge such a magical artifact!”
“Just displaying it would showcase your status!”
Hearing this, Karl’s heart raced. *Challenging top academy students? A golden opportunity!*
*No awkward small talk needed—victory alone earns attention!*
*This is practically a freebie!*
He had zero doubt Freya could handle them. She was *that* strong.
He turned to her. “Freya, challenge them. Shine. Make the dean remember you.”
Freya sighed softly. “Since you’re so eager to show off your wife… I’ll oblige.”
She flicked her silver hair and strode toward the arena.
Mia smirked. “Brother-in-law~ Want to show off your sister-in-law too?”
Karl shot her a withering look. “And what exactly do *you* have to show off?”
*(Mia’s combat skills were practically nonexistent—stepping up would be walking straight into defeat.)*
Mia flipped her hair dramatically. “My beauty.”
“Go cool off somewhere.”
While they bantered, Freya had already reached the arena.
After Glot’s announcement, silence had reigned. The Combat Department’s name alone intimidated most. Graduates ranked at least Gold Rank; the elite reached Diamond Rank. Even first-years made the crowd hesitate.
Now, Freya stood motionless on the platform, face icy, an aura of frost radiating around her.
To outsiders, she was always cold and proud. Only Karl saw her tenderness.
Glot smiled warmly. “Brave to step up first. Your name?”
“Freya Sowani.” Her reply was frosty.
“Ah—the Sowani family’s young lady! No wonder. As this territory’s lord’s daughter, you *should* lead the way.”
“Which of the ten will you challenge?”
Freya scanned the line, then spoke calmly:
“All ten at once?”
“………………"
The students burst into laughter.
Glot’s smile remained gentle. “Confidence is admirable, Freya. But know your limits. Don’t overreach.”
“………………"
Silent, Freya drew her waist sword and took position at the arena’s edge.
Karl’s stomach tightened.
*Wait… Is she here to impress—or to stir up trouble???*
