Two weeks passed by in a blur for Caspian, who spent almost every waking minute either training with Derek or reading books on tactics in the library. His regime for those two weeks was brutal. Every night, Caspian returned to his bed exhausted, every morning it was a chore to get up, and every spar with Derek ended with his entire body being turned into one, massive bruise.

Despite this, Caspian didn't stop. No, he couldn't stop. He was determined to win the tournament, and so he trained himself until his body was broken and his mind was exhausted. Every. Single. Day.

Caspian woke up early on the day of the tournament. It wasn't because he needed to, but because he was feeling restless. The idea of fighting against strong opponents, against people who were worthy of becoming a sorceress's Knight, excited him. His blood was boiling. What's more, this tournament would decide who became Elincia's Knight—an honor that he wouldn't concede to anyone else.

Today is the beginning of my last days here at this academy.

It had once been said that sadness often permeated the ending of a journey. Caspian didn't know where someone could have gotten that idea, or how anyone could think that way. He was looking forward to the end of his time here. More than anything else, he wanted to be rid of this place, of these halls, of the hatred and intolerance. He'd like nothing better than to leave and never return.

After showering, Caspian went back to his dorm and dressed in his red outfit. He wasn't going to classes today, so he didn't think it would matter if he didn't wear his uniform.

Besides, I can't move well in that thing anyway.

His gloves creaked as he flexed his hand. It wasn't until he'd strapped on his sheath that he realized something was missing.

Why hasn't Christo said anything yet.

Glancing at his roommate's bed, Caspian frowned when he noticed that Christo wasn't in it. That was weird. His roommate was always in bed when he returned from the shower, and Christo always said something immediately after he changed. It was practically a routine by now.

"I wonder where he went to," Caspian muttered before shrugging it off. Christo was likely off getting into trouble, or maybe he was already at the cafeteria scarfing down food. It didn't really matter either way.

Aftering strapping his sword to his chest, Caspian exited the room—

"Kya!"

—and nearly ran into Cassidy, who squealed as she tumbled to the ground.

"Cassidy? What are you doing here?" Caspian asked as he held out his hand to her. The young maid blushed, yet that didn't stop her from grabbing his hand and allowing him to pull her up.

"I... Mistress Erica said that I should attend to you today," Cassidy answered in a timid fashion. She was looking at the ground instead of him. Her long bangs covered her face, hiding her eyes from view. "She said that since you're going to be in the tournament, I should make things easier for you by being your maid for today."

"Uh..." Caspian considered the merits of telling Cassidy that she didn't have to attend to him, but if he took her feelings into account, then it was highly likely that she would be upset if he told her no. "Sure, why not?"

"Really?!" Cassidy looked up, her eyes suddenly sparkling like gemstones.

Offering a somewhat resigned smile, Caspian nodded. "Really."

"Thank you! I promise not to get in your way—kya!"

As Cassidy somehow managed to trip over... something, while standing still, Caspian shook his head. This girl really was something else.

After helping the girl back to her feet, again, he made his way through the hallway, with Cassidy walking by his side. He didn't know why, but for whatever reason, he felt tense. There was some kind of awkward tension hanging in the air. He chalked it up to being somewhat nervous about the tournament. Even though he'd been training with Derek every morning, Caspian knew that winning wouldn't come easy.

But I can't afford to lose. Elincia is counting on me.

Elincia. He hadn't seen her since their conversation in the library. Supposedly, she was holed up in the mansion that the Sorceress Council had taken residence in. Caspian would admit that he felt lonely without her. Even if his... friendship with Christo had improved, not having his best friend with him after seeing her for so long made his chest ache.

Feeling a pair of eyes on him, Caspian glanced at Cassidy. She was staring. When she noticed that he'd caught her, she squeaked and turned away. Her cheeks were red.

"Something on your mind?" he asked.

"Eh?" A blushing Cassidy faced him again, waving her arms back and forth. "O-oh, no. I was just... well, you looked really deep in thought, so I was wondering if—kya!"

Because she wasn't paying attention to what she was doing, Cassidy clipped her own foot while walking. She would have taken a spill, but Caspian caught her, wrapping an arm around her torso and pulling her up.

"You really should learn to be more careful," he said, letting go.

"A-ah! Y-yes, you're right. Sorry."

"It's fine."

This girl has to be the most accident prone person I've ever met.

They arrived at the cafeteria with little trouble. Cassidy only tripped on air twice. Already the place was filled with students. Caspian was surprised, but he chalked it up to everyone being excited for the coming tournament. Enthusiasm filled the air, a nearly visible thrum that pulsated around the students.

Upon entering the cafeteria, everyone turned to stare at him. He ignored the loud whispers and accusing stares. Having grown used to them, these didn't bother him anymore.

Stopping in front of the booth before the kitchens, Caspian took his food from the rude cafeteria lady who hated his guts with a passion. It was stale bread today. Yum. He was about to leave, but he didn't very far as, with a surprisingly startled gasp, Cassidy grabbed his tray the moment she saw what he was eating.

"Stale danishes?" she sounded appalled. "Why are they giving you stale danishes?"

Caspian tried to think of something to say, but Cassidy whirled around on the lunch lady.

"Excuse me, but may I ask why Master Caspian has been given such unhealthy food?"

The lady manning the cafeteria, a woman with more chins than Caspian could count, grunted. "We don't got any more fresh food. That's what happens when you're late ter breakfast."

Cassidy frowned. "In that case, would you mind if I used the kitchens?"

"What?" the woman asked.

"The kitchens. Since you are clearly not going to make Master Caspian a decent meal, I shall do so myself."

"Sorry, missy, but these kitchens are for authorized personnel only."

"Authorized personnel?"

Caspian didn't think it was possible, but Cassidy suddenly seemed to swell with, not quite authority, but something close to it. She stood with her back straight and her chest puffed out, as if she was trying to look down at the woman. He recognized it as one of Erica's expressions, though Cassidy didn't seem capable of pulling it off.

"I am the personal maid of Lady Erica Demonica de Angelo, and she has informed me that for the duration of this tournament, I am to treat Master Caspian with the same decorum that I would treat her. I would never allow my mistress to eat this garbage. Are you telling me to let Master Caspian eat what I would not let my mistress eat? Perhaps you would like me to speak with Mistress Erica about how you're treating someone whom she holds a great deal of respect for?"

"Cassidy..."

"Worry not, Master Caspian. I'll be sure to cook something good."

"Why are you calling me 'Master?' And you remember what happened the last time you tried to cook."

Cassidy blushed, clearly remembering the incident that he was speaking of, but she still steeled herself. "Worry not, Master Caspian. I've improved since the last time we met."

"Is that so..."

Despite Caspian's attempts at stopping her, Cassidy was insistent on cooking him breakfast. He let her do what she wanted. He couldn't stop her, and honestly, it was touching that she would do this for him.

Cassidy turned back to the lunch lady. "Well, are you going to let me do what I want, or shall I get a sorceress involved? I'm sure that Mistress Erica would be willing to come here just to get this sorted out."

"Fine. Go and use the kitchens," the lunch lady grunted.

Cassidy smiled. "Go and find a place to sit down, Master Caspian. I'll be out with your food shortly."

"Uh, okay."

Sitting down as far from the others as possible, Caspian tried to ignore the crowd and focus on other thoughts, like what Cassidy was going to try and cook. The last time he'd seen her attempt to cook, she'd blown up half the kitchen in Dorehan Tower. He was interested in seeing what would happen this time.

Wouldn't it be nice if she blew up the kitchen while Gretilda was inside?

It was a mean thought, he knew, but Gretilda, the cafeteria lady, was one of the people who'd given him the hardest time since coming here. It would be nice to see her getting her cummunpunce.

"Caspian, my stylish friend! It is good to see you this morning!"

Caspian almost groaned as he turned to face Adesh with a fixed smile. He didn't necessarily dislike the other boy, but he could do without all of the "stylish" comments.

"Adesh... Naagendra, good morning."

"It is indeed a stylish morning, is it not?" Adesh exclaimed before sitting on Caspian's left. Ever the silent one, Naagendra also sat down. "How do you fare? Are you prepared for this most stylish occasion?"

"I think you mean auspicious," Caspian muttered, then, a little more loudly, said, "I'm about as ready as I'll ever be."

"Excellent! Should we get the chance to face each other in combat, I expect a stylish duel with you!"

"Uh huh..."

As he waited for Cassidy to finish cooking, Caspian glanced around the cafeteria. The large room was filled. All four tables were stuffed to bursting with people. He'd never seen so many students gathered in here before—except during special announcements and dinner. Certainly, he'd never seen so many people this early in the morning.

I wonder where Christo is.

Caspian wasn't sure what to think about his roommate. They had been talking a lot more, as in, Caspian hadn't been outright insulting the other teen. They seemed to get along well enough, he supposed. Christo was still too cheerful for his taste, always smiling and laughing like a child, but this joyful act didn't bother him as it once did. Perhaps that was because he knew that behind his roommate's cheerful facade lay an injured soul, but who could say for sure.

Just then, a loud explosion rocked the academy. Gouts of fire spurt from the kitchen entryway.

"Cassidy!"

Caspian leapt to his feet and burst into the kitchen. The place was a mess. Tile that had once gleamed with the sparkle of fresh polish was now blackened and covered in soot. Wooden tables were now splintered remains, thousands of fragments that littered the ground. Even the walls and ceiling had not been saved from whatever had savaged this place.

Several bodies lay moaning on the ground. None of them looked seriously injured, though it was hard to tell as all of them were covered in soot. Standing over by the brick oven was Cassidy. Her dress was in ruins, charred and black, pieces of it falling off as it turned to ash. Her brown hair had been blown away from her face, which he could barely see because of the soot covering it. Her eyes were the only visible part of her face.

"Cassidy!"

"Oh, Caspian?" Cassidy said in a dazed voice.

"Are you okay?" Caspian asked.

"Yes, I think so," she murmured, blinking. Her pupils were dilated. Still, she didn't seem injured, which was good. Erica would have been upset if her maid was hurt.

"Here, why don't we get you cleaned up."

Taking one last look at the demolished kitchen, Caspian shook his head and left. He led Cassidy to the nearest restroom. Because the academy housed only men, the closest restroom didn't actually allow for females, but he stood guard while she washed herself off. When Cassidy came out, she looked much more refreshed, albeit, her clothes were still in ruins.

"Thank you for that," Cassidy sniffled. Tears gathered in her eyes. She looked utterly depressed.

"Ack! H-hey now, no water works, please? Everything's fine. There's no need to cry."

"I know..." Sniffle. "I know that, but I just... I just..."

Caspian's danger sense was going haywire. This was not going to end well.

"Waaaa! I just wanted to make you something to eat! I tried so hard to cook you a good meal, but I failed! I'm a terrible chef!"

"N-no, t-that's not it at all," Caspian tried to say. "You just... need a little practice."

"Waaaaaaa! I'm a failure as a maid!"

As Cassidy let loose with the waterworks, Caspian offered up a silent prayer.

Spirits help me.

His prayers would go unanswered.