"… Each of you will be given a mentor as well as special quarters in the castle during your training."

The next day Princess Iyuna escorted us throughout the castle's interior, giving us a tour of the grand establishment. Saori and Yuumi were healed promptly and were able to join us.

"Of course, you're given a monthly disbursement of funds to do as you wish."

Mimi takes a deep breath whisking her tail from side to side in relief.

We pass by a larger hallway with open windows showcasing a beautiful garden with a large fountain. The sun creates a luminescent and serene atmosphere as we pass each window, basking in the rays of light.

Iyuna stops as we're presented to a corridor with two rooms with dark-wooden doors with polished silver handles.

"These are your rooms. The male corridors are to the left, and the females are on the right. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your advisers Captain Stroyer and General Calina, until you're presented with your mentors."

Each of us are so fascinated with the castle that we fail to acknowledge her statement.

A cold breeze washes over me and makes my hair stand on end. I look forward to seeing the Princess wearing an irritated expression with her arms crossed.

"I had a lot of things to do today, but I decided to take the time out of my busy morning to give you a tour. Please try to be considerate of such a fact."

"… Sorry."

"… My bad.."

She starts to walk past us back down the corridor.

"A dinner party is being presented for you later this evening. An escort will be sent to each of your dorms when the time is right."

The Princess walks past the large-windowed hallways as knights opened the door leading to the next area.

"Well, I don't know about you guys..." We all turn to face Minori as she walks to the right, yawning.

"… But I'ma get some rest before this whole dinner thing kicks off. I haven't had a decent sleep in weeks."

Dai and Natsumi murmur to themselves as Saori converses with Mimi.

I feel a pat on my shoulder and turn around to Yuumi grinning.

"No hard feelings? … Right?"

She extends a hand toward me.

"Naw, we're cool."

I grasp her hand and give a gentle shake.

"Quite unfortunate I was unable to witness your fight. I heard it was quite the spectacle."

Saori walks over with a smile.

"Oh yeah… You weren't around to watch the semi-finals, Momoko."

Mimi stands to her side.

"Saori was incredibly strong; She had me beat!"

"You didn't make it easy for me… After that initial kick, I thought it was over for me." Saori gives a nervous laugh.

My gaze catches Dai as he looks towards our group then sneers.

"Don't worry about Mr. Grumpy-Pants over there." Yuumi puts her hands behind her head.

"He's just mad because, according to his logic, losing to me is considered cheating."

Usui smirks then walk towards the left.

"I'll catch you guys later; I've got some stuff to do."

"Same here!" Mimi runs towards the doors leading to the main part of the castle.

I walk towards the right door of the dormitory, and the doors open instantly.

Inside has a spiral stairwell with white interior walls. The floor is covered with a lush red carpet that gleams in the windows surrounding the spiral. We reach the upper area that has a long hallway with several rooms with golden handles.

I decide to enter the first room on the left. The doors make a clicking sound, and I peruse the residence. My eyes gleam as a large bedroom with white carpeting and purple ceiling stands in front of me. A chandelier with white lights encircles the middle of the room, while a windowed balcony with vegetation gives it a sedated vibe.

Walking forward, a spacious white bed with silk drapes sits to the side of a nightstand holding a huge bouquet of white and yellow flowers.

"Amazing…"

Words of praise escape my mouth as my eyes shift around the room's magnificent design.

I walk over to a large white door. Not seeing a handle, I tap the door, and it opens, revealing a survey of dresses and gowns.

Each one has a different texture, color, and fabric. One's a white garb with frilly tapestries going down to the knees, and another is a light purple with an open back.

"They're all made to fit. Don't worry."

I turn around and see Calina sitting on the balcony connected to my room.

"How did you—"

"Jumped."

She points towards the ground.

Walking over to her, I peer down to the lush grass below. Guards patrolling the area look like ants as we're at least fifteen stories up.

`No way in hell did you leap from down there.`

"I just came to check up on you guys. Like your room?"

"It's… A lot to take in at once."

Calina laughs while standing from the white-wooden chair. She turns and leans onto the balcony ledge, looking to the setting sun.

"I remember when I won my Rites… We didn't have the luxury of a room though. Off to war we went!"

"Must've been hard…."

She looks towards me with a vague expression, then tilts her head up.

"… Well, I better get going."

She jumps onto the baloneys ledge and looks back.

"Don't be late to the party. You've earned it."

Calina gives a gentle smile then jumps several feet into the air.

"The hell…?"

I shield my eyes as she disappears into the distance.

`Ok… Maybe she did jump up here..`

"… Yoohoo!"

I look to my left and see Minori halfway hanging from her balcony.

She waves nonchalantly while giving off a boorish yawn.

"Looks like we're next-door neighbors~♡"

`..Sheesh…`

My body starts to shift toward the edge of the balcony as I disappear from her view.

"Come baaack!"

Despite her calls, I slip into my room and close the door behind me.

The sun starts to exit the sky as a warm orange fills the sky.

I walk over to my wardrobe and peruse the dresses.

"What to wear… What to wear…"