"Eh, eh?! Fellstone?! So you're actually real? I thought Erik was making things up about you!" Ayla shouted as she saw the five - no, six - blades on his topless person.

Ayla rubbed her eyes to see that Irina, Mathias' mother had long-since taken her wrap off and laid it down on the ground for them all to sit on on the hill, creating a small picnic-like atmosphere.

"Yup! It's me. Anyways, if you're all doing the statue things, I want to see it! If you screw up a weapon, I won't be able to live with myself - show them to me!"

His booming voice was jovial, but the power behind it forced everyone to obey, despite it filled with good intentions.

Ayla was first to accept.

"Ah, this isn't something I can comment on! Almer! Help her out, will you?"

The middle-aged man nodded with a smile. He remembered Ayla asking him to make the reservation a few days ago and since then he was able to clear a decent portion of the debt he and his wife had accumulated.

They were usually running on their savings, but it couldn't be helped that they wanted to have liquid money to pay for ingredients. It was a bakery, after all.

He began jotting down notes after reclaiming his notepad.

Wendi ran forward and the others came with her.

A small statue floated in her palm as she was smiling brightly. "Hey! Guess what, guess what!"

"What?!"

"I'm finished! Or, rather, I'm so close! I don't know what else I need to do, but I feel like I can't leave it less than perfect!"

"Huh?! Show me!"

A majestic scene of a mother and daughter together, with one reading a poetry and the other looking up with cute, chubby cheeks, and a wonderous stare appeared. All around them, flowers bloomed, the wind carried crystalline, prismatic petals, and majestic roses lay behind them.

Ayla stopped and stared.

"... Okay! I get that you'll beat me, but I don't want to lose to Erik! Help me!"

Wendi smiled and did.

However, she first ran back and hugged Irina and Alyssa - and Ali several times.

The little girl squirmed after the second but accepted it after a while.

Alexi saw the scene and was already acting. "Pa! Cookies!"

"---?"

The man thought a while and went behind the counter. Since everyone was coming inside anyways, it was fine.

Mathias and Lisanna were hounded by the entire class who were with their nearly-finished pieces. Mathias just pointed to his throat, shifting attention to Lisanna who did not know where to begin.

However, with a, "I don't know what to say without seeing it," the few that did not immediately expand their projects did - and hounded her again.

Hana asked Mathias of his familial relations, but he took the simple road of excusing himself by way of being mute.

Except one predicted this and gave him paper and a pen. He hid those earlier on purpose - only taking them out if the need presented itself.

Sighing, he wrote, 'yes. That's my father. Sorry about how he acts. As for the statue, I don't know? Just work hard?'

"That's it?!" Hana shouted. "And if you're from his clan, why didn't you take his name - like Synthy!"

She apparently respected the strong greatly, excluding Fara. Mathias just brought up a stream of water.

"That's it?!"

He shrugged.

"Damn! Damn! Damn! Okay! Now tell me how to do this right!"

A watery sculpture of Synthy appeared.

Mathias pointed to Lisanna.

"Fine! Lisanna!"

She was surrounded by the students as he quietly contracted his project, stowed it away, and sipped on some luke-warm coffee.

It was as good as it was going to get given the rowdy environment.

Lisanna did the same - with the exception of relaxing. She was not afforded that luxury.

Nor was he when he heard, "Mathias! Fix my face!"

"... Right, it is a bit too much for Mina."

Mina slammed down twenty gold and she quickly ignored Lina as she laid a fur out on the bench and told him to get started. "Arms! Legs! And Head! You can leave my torso!"

Mathias was given more troublesome work. Thankfully, his practising oversimplifying the task was paying off so he finished Mina's limb to be without the slightest issue as he abandoned her lying half-conscious on the bench. It took only twenty minutes. And for some reason, coffee appeared at his side and Irina sat across from him.

Lina stepped forward. "I promise I will no longer threaten the fur place. My intel from Mina was too shallow, I apologize."

He gruffed at the reminder, composing a note. 'This is your last time.'

"I expected as much. Now please."

She gave him the money and he got to work after she settled in.

She, too, was done within twenty minutes due to the similarity between their body size, skin type, and ever-mirrored scars. Mathias felt if there was a difference, it would be to the effect of milliseconds.

Hana soon followed after. And the Ayla was finally dragged over.

His mother stared at his work for a long while, remaining silent and otherwise keeping the others away from the table. When at long last he was finished, she spoke up.

"You're getting better. I remember when you couldn't deal with a paper-cut."

"...?"

"No need to speak. I'm just saying. You will be put to work again, no doubt." She tapped a piece of paper he showed to all of them. "Even with this. That method bypasses some of the issues from trapping mana inside the scar-tissue which would otherwise be exasperating it, right?"

He nodded.

"Interesting. Good money, all things considered, but I would suggest you refuse to do that from here. There are many that want it and we parlour mages don't offer it. For obvious reasons, but it'll only cause an issue if you are known to be able to do it well."

He sighed and nodded. He knew that much already.

"Well, I've made you do it before - and I'm guilty with your father, as well. Also, more importantly. Are you seriously just going to leave that scar on your neck? You know I know. And I'd appreciate you didn't take me for a fool. Also, what is the meaning behind wearing those clothes? I see you in two outfits - that's it? Even I change my clothes everyday. Your grandmother would be ashamed. I bet your planning on wearing the same clothes for the showing and the banquet, right?"

He looked down guiltily to all accounts. She started with a concession and immediately began chastising him.

"It's fine. I will permit the academy's generic formal attire for the showing, but you best get something prepared for the banquet." She grabbed one of the coins on the table. "You are not lacking in money for that anyway. You may continue as you are," she said, motioning to her throat and casting a wide, all-knowing glance across the room, "but the scar must be gone. Got it?"

He nodded, downcast.

And she grabbed the paper and pen he was given before. Pulling out a new sheet of paper, she began sketching out a suit, gave measurements by eye, specified the materials used in a legend; then she grabbed another, began writing instructions pertaining to its production, colour scheme, how it is to fit on his body, and even where to put the buttons, zippers, and cuff-links down to the millimetre.

"Okay. Take this," she portioned half the money and gave it to him, "and get the new uniform now. I'll be waiting for your arrival. Your father is busy, so it'll still be some time before you'll be going out tonight."

It was getting late now so Irina was pleasantly awake and gave Mathias all necessary instructions.

She was more then well-versed in the art of tailoring, even if her primary interests lay elsewhere. She was still taken by occasional bursts of inspiration.

Mathias, with heavy feet, walked back to the Academy.

Meanwhile, Ayla, the last to do the treatment - and therefore on the same table as Irina heard the discussion - was half-awake.

She jumped to her feet however when Irina began whistling to herself, scanning Ayla sporadically as he reached down to grab her chest.

"Wha-?!"

"... Hmm, I suppose a simpler polymer blend would be more fitting. Here." She took five gold from the pile and gave it Ayla with the written instructions, sketch, and further instructions as she pilfered more paper from Mathias' bag.

Looking at the design, she wondered for a moment. It even included shoes, accessories, and the hairstyle she thought would work best, given all the factors she judged on the person. It seemed to a little plain, but Irina assured her, "it'll look very good on your figure. Now leave. Grab the other three."

"Uh, y-yes!"

Ayla heard the motherly command in Irina's voice and felt her feet moving before she knew it. Hana was roused and Mina and Lina were grabbed to be sat down in front of Irina.

Who then soon sent them off with a command. "Get Lisanna and Wendi."

"Y-yes...?!" Mina yelped.

Even Lina gulped.

Hana nodded, apparently content with her thoughts that the woman was strong.

She did not even look at the sketch and when to immediately follow Irina's order.

Lisanna and Wendi were soon sent off with three gold, grabbing Stacy and Jill to take their place. They were sent out with the same allowance.

And more filtered out, came back, and soon even Erik was called at the very end of the girls.

"Wh-what is it...?" Irina's eyes were intimidating as she, looking little older than him, immediately saw through his every thought and fibre of his being.

She turned down and began sketching out a suit.

"Here. Take this. Use your own money since I won't have him pay for the boys. It'll cost two gold, likely."

"Y-yes!"

Even if Irina was not Claude Fellstone's wife, Erik would not disobey that order.

"Send another."

"Yes!"

Erik grabbed James and threw him into the hot seat.

Mathias, Lisanna, Wendi, and the four who were the first to be called had returned and were obediently waiting for Irina's attention.

"Alexi? ------?"

"Yes! Follow! Follow!"

The boy, once serving cookies and tea led Mathias to the back of the kitchen first, told him to change, and ran up to tell the girls to change upstairs.

As Mathias was the first to change - and attracting no small amount of attention because of his parents - he was immediately seen by the guys.

His sleek silver-and-black blazer faded darker slightly as it reached his frame, giving him a strange appearance that commanded attention. The faded dress-shirt with a slight v-neck even seemed to be more on the simplistic side, but there were many small embroideries that kept it almost regal. Even the cuff-links and dress shoes were custom-designed.

He was nervous when he originally passed the design to the unspeaking tailor at school, but the indifferent man gasped and grunted with such fervour that it alarmed him. The tailor was inspired.

The school crest was intentionally designed to fade into the sleek blazer, being immediately noticeable if one looked and imperceivable if one did not.

Irina was waiting. "Good. That'll do. It isn't my best work, but I have a lot of work today. Next."

They formed a line.

And then Lisanna, Ayla and Wendi came down.

"..."

There was a collective silence.

Ba-thump, the males' hearts went.

Even Mathias was smitten at their appearance for a moment. Lisanna wore a single-sleeved silver dress, with a similar darker fade on one side as it reached upwards, but it seemed to shine-brightly with a red-undertone that seemed the strongest over her heart. A black seven-pointed star was buried in the center-most glow. There was a slit her thigh, with an angled cut in the cloth, and she was wearing heels, included in the design, with a simple red tear-drop necklace having just above her bust.

Her hair was done up too into a bun, a far cry from her typical braid.

Ayla's was more simple, focusing on lighter elements, but offered a feminine curve that was often hidden by normal clothes. It was a backless dress that had several crossing straps - loosely in the shape of a pointed star, that glittered with an emerald glow and silver glow.

Since the school colours were black and silver, it was easy to specify the method of creation to work on how light interacted with it, while making use of the necessary seven-pointed star that she heard about from the rumour-mill.

Wendi's seemed gold at first, but when the shadows shifted, one struggled to pin-point a colour, aside from the golden base under the crest. It was a strapless dress, leading to a slightly laced, skirted base, giving her thin hips more visual appeal, as threaded-lines were cut under her bust to make to more noticeable.

Several small accessories were on her wrists as she wore flats that matched the dress.

Mina and Lina's designs were similar and Hana seemed displeased at the feminine attire. However, even Alfred who had seen her for years was agape.

It made Hana want to hit him, but she refrained.

"... Okay. Good," content with her job, Irina said no more, but added over her shoulder, "you're all welcome to come to the parlour on Wednesdays through Fridays, as I will be extracting payment from you in way of interesting stories. Be prepared. Next."

Irina stopped for a moment and looked at the sky. The others seemed delayed a little bit. However, the remainder of the girls appeared as well as James and Erik.

"Right. It's getting late. I'll finish the designs shortly, but you'll all need to submit the applications for tables and the like. Dear?"

Claude appeared nodded approving at the designs. He pointed to Mathias and said, "shouldn't it be more... oomphy?"

"It is fine since it is formal. If I had more time, it would be easier to get better designs. Anyways, did you bring a communication crystal?"

"Yeah, want it?"

"Please."

Being in (concentrated) work-mode, Irina just took the communication crystal they received from a staff member and activated it.

The Headmaster's face appeared.

"Clau- oh, I am mistaken. Irina Vandiese, is it? A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"A pleasure. I'm curious. I'd like to request that the curfew be lifted for a while. I intend to bring some students to the parlour and my husband wishes to train with my son and his friend. Is it possible?"

"It is, most certainly so. But... I seem to spy some students over there. May I?"

She nodded and directed the crystal's opening to look upon the students. The students that had already just attracted a lot of attention from their peers.

"I see, I see. Very good! I also presume that this conversation involves something else, or am I mistaken?"

The Headmaster asked amicably. Things were looking good from what he could spy of the students' manner of dress, the scattered, largely-finished sculptures, and the calm atmosphere.

"Yes, I'd like to register my son, Wendi Aliel, and Lisanna O'Clair at a table, please. It seems that they have been busy so perhaps this is more convenient for you than later."

"It is quite convenient! I dread to think back on the days of not having these in my youth," the Headmaster laughed and nodded off-camera. "But yes. He is now registered as such. Since they seem to mostly here, may I pose a question to them?"

"Certainly," Irina said easily, scanning the next target and do a quick sketch.

"I would like to ask who they all are planning on attending with? It will simplify the process for me to do it all at once."

Jennifer looked at Fara who nodded. "I'll go with Fara, if that's okay."

Stacy raised her hand boldly. "Mhmm, me and Tanner made plans to go together."

"Yeah! Me and Jack!" Added Jill.

The two guys looked at each other and laughed.

The others were thrown in a momentary panic as they didn't expect to be forced to ask someone on the spot. Despite having a meeting concerning this in the morning on the boys' and girls' sides of the baths, it was a flurry of speaking.

Alfred timidly raised his hand as he approached the crystal. He spied a glance towards Hana and said, "I'd, I'd like to go with Hana then."

"Consider it done."

Hana overheard. "Wha-?! What?! I didn't agree to this!"

The Headmaster laughed. "As far as I'm aware, neither did Lisanna and Wendi. I take the first names that come in, that is all."

Alfred sighed out in relief, but Hana punched him in the back of the head.

He took it like a champ and tried to calm her as some boys and girls grew bold and opted to force the issue, even at the expense of their unity.

Ayla and Erik looked at each other.

"We have too, right?"

"Y-yeah..."

Both overheard the girls fighting over who'll get Erik or Synthy and the guys were doing the same with Ayla. Quietly, of course.

"Uh, we'll go together," Ayla muttered.

"Yeah, it's probably the easiest way."

"Understood. So it is."

They were very popular in and outside their typical groups of operations. As such, the others grew a little desperate.

"Ah, I'll go with-"

"Me!" Eldrich stepped up interject on Jasmine's invite.

"What?" She said dead-pan.

"I-it's fine, isn't it...?"

He reeled back, but Jasmine snorted and walked away.

James saw all the boys staring at Kira and sighed. She was looking around frantically for Jasmine, unsure of what to do, but Jasmine walked away in disgust. So he just said, "if it pleases her, I'll attend with Kira, Kira?"

She stumbled and stammered before finally seeing the gazes locked on her. She hid her face with her hands and nodded. "...Y-yes..."

At least James did not look at her in that manner.

"Understood." The Headmaster said, interest piqued at the genuine distress. It was more troubling on his end, but from the dossiers, it was the best bet for her - if she wanted to break out of her shell. "Those two groups are settled. Any others?"

"Me, Synthy, and Lina," Mina said.

"Okay."

The others finally stopped being as combative, and many ended up accepting platonic friends of the opposite sex - but some boys were left in pairs.

"Understood. I believe I've received all pertinent requests. And regarding the curfew, I've sent a message to the guards so tell them your name and class and you'll be permitted access in-and-out of the academy all night. Ah, do not oversleep and be late, however. I will penalize those that do that."

"Okay!" Ayla shouted, somewhat relieved she did not have one of the guys gawking at her and the rest before. Erik was at least manageable. "Oh! Headmaster, what the schedule for tomorrow? It just says to be there at noon for the showing and six for the banquet, but it can't be just that, right?"

She hoped it was. However, she was not foolish enough to think that that many people would be fine such a basic set of affairs.

"I'm glad you asked! Mrs. Vandiese, if I may, you may set me down so I can explain things to them and you can concentrate in earnest."

He was immediately set down on the table where his appearance of more easily seen by the students that crowded around.

"I have this as the basic itinerary: at noon, you'll be initially setting up the gallery, to which we'll keep them covered and safe from the public's attention. You'll also give the staff members there your name, the name of the statue, and any other information you believe is important. We'll have it inscribed and handed out to you by the end of the hour.

"At one o'clock, giving plenty of time for the task, we'll be starting a meet-and-greet with the students behind the statues. It is just a formal announcement to all in attendance of your actions here, your intentions for the future, your interests or hobbies or whatever you like. It only a short address so it should not be that big of a deal. As there are many of you, we're limiting it to two minutes.

"At two o'clock, we'll be starting the viewing. We have several spots lined up in the dorms, currently being roped off, but feel free to make modifications to the general area. It is first-come, first-serve. The overall plan for this is as follows: we'll do a group unveil of the projects. Since few know who to look for, we'll be concentrating them in a large circle around the gardens outside, with several spaces in the immediate center for those that are inclined to take center-stage.

"At which point, you'll present your works. We expect you to be there for at least two hours presenting the statue, but at which times you choose to take it is entirely up to you. Here you'll answer more in-depth questions about composition, form, inspiration, theme and other such standard-fair questions. In your break, you're free to wander around to view your classmates completed works.

"At five, we'll be beginning the banquet. While we say that, it is typical for the main-attendants to show up afterwards. As such, your attendance is needed at five-thirty. Where there will be an hour for talking, an hour for the meal, and come seven-thirty, we'll be giving everyone a break before we announce the results of the judges' declaration.

"From seven-thirty to nine, we'll be holding a dance with a live band, so please attend, socialize, and get to know those who make themselves open to you.

"The declaration is likely to occur at 9:00 PM. Given this, we'll begin with five-honourable mentions, the third-place statue, the second place, and the first-place winners. Since any mention of prize money is liable to create a lower bidding pool, we'll abstain from specifying from the mention of any prizes. We'll give commemorative medals, but that is all. We'll allocate an hour to the discussion of the results or free time. With some directed for the winner to thank the judges and other such formalities.

"At ten, we'll be putting all the projects up for auction. As mentioned earlier, the Academy will be taking a fifty-percent cut, but twenty-five percent will be given to the winners, divided in differing percentages. It will be a sizeable paycheck, regardless of the placing, I assure you. During this, we'll be splitting the order of the statues as they appear in perceived value to ensure the audience will continue to offer high bids.

"We expect this to take somewhere less than two hours, but it is not certain. During this time, as contestants, you're free to move around as you'd like. You are under no obligation to stay and greet the buyer or accompany the sculpture onto the stage. Essentially, the last two hours will be free. If you wish to leave, you are permitted to do so after your own sculpture has been auctioned off. There may be moments when it is best to have the creator with it to increase the final price you'll receive. We may choose to send word to you at any time so please be prepared in the event that it happens."

The Headmaster took a deep breath and lifted his head from his desk. He lifted a long scroll up to show the students, "ah, that was a pain. I hate reading off of scripts, but nevertheless! That is the plan. Any questions? You officially have... fourteen hours before the exhibition commences! I have requested the tailoring department hours to be extended since I received their update, so you'll have up until midnight at the latest to have any new wardrobe changes completed."

"Got it," Irina said. "Does anyone have any questions?"

No one spoke as they were trying to process the entire plan. It was a lot to take in, but Ayla finally stammered, "we'll be getting some notes later, right?"

"Regarding the event's plans, yes. Once you arrive at noon, you'll be given the information I just recited. Regarding the statues and speeches, that much you must prepare for. It should be fairly easy with a finished product, concerning descriptions. Or introductions that are slightly more detailed than what you would provide a date's parents."

"At least that's fine," Ayla sighed in relief. "Also, Headmaster, does this look too plain?"

"It actually suits you very well, Ayla."

"Hmm, fine. I like it, but I was worried," Ayla said as she spun around.

"Headmaster, what about mine? Is it too girly?" Hana asked him after she conked Alfred on the side of the head as he tried to retreat.

"No, it is quite elegant. It certainly has a dress form, but aren't the darker colours less feminine anyways?"

"I didn't think of that... Ok! Thanks!"

"Headmaster, is it just me or did Mina gain weight? As a sister, I'm really concerned about her health."

"HEY?! Why are you asking him that?!"

The man in the projection laughed as he was forced to interact with all the students, even those that quickly followed Alexi's hands and changed into their attire.

"Headmaster?"

"Headmaster!"

Such things carried on for a half an hour before the entire group that had clothes changes into them and the ones that did not were sent en-mass from the cafe by Irina's designs being passed out.

Claude clapped his hands. "Okay! Mathias, Erik! We're training! Get out of those clothes so you can actually move! Don't worry, it'll be light."

"Ah, in that case, Alyssa, Wendi, Lisanna, we'll be going to. Please change. I've done what I needed to do."

"Uh, okay?" Lisanna was dragged by Irina who reached out and grabbed Wendi's arm and brought them upstairs.

At this point, Ali was napping beside Alyssa, but she was sure to bring Ali to the parlour and hope she would wake up quickly to enjoy it. If not, it would be a good sleep, she thought.

Almer stayed to man the store as the others finished changing back to their normal clothes, packed up their furs, and added last-minute modifications to their statues.

Some watched on occasion as Claude chased around Mathias and Erik with a bladed whip, other times a greatsword, other times still a longsword, broadsword, rapier, or even crescent moon blade.

He did this as he showed Alexi standing in the middle in deep interest motions. "Stab like this! Make sure to keep the arm loose enough to react to any changes. A slash should also come first from the hips, the back, then the shoulder, before finally using the arm? See?" He used a great sword effortlessly with one hand for easy demonstration purposes.

Alexi copied it with the gifted knife.

"Keep your muscles more stable!"

He slashed the great sword down into Mathias' spear.

The ice cracked dangerously. Claude could have split it in two, but he gauged his mentee's strength first. He just pushed them to their limits.

Alexi copied it a little more smoothly.

"Good! Now try this!"

He switched to a longsword, shifted the grip, and easily batted away Erik's crescent blade.

They did what they could, but they were beaten back time and again - even with the two acting together.

Neither had a single scratch on their clothes or face, but their exposed arms and legs were torn up and bruises carefully applied so as to not break cloth. Since he did all that while being weighed down by fifty pounds of steel, it only made it that much more impressive. Claude did not even sweat.

Mathias resigned himself to the night training.