A large chandelier in a crystal-like structure dances above the room, dazzling the floor below in a multitude of shaped specks of light. The floor was a pristine light-tan wood that made shoes click with every step someone made.

A white-clothed table served numerous lumps of meat, fruits, and vegetables at a buffet at the edge of the room. A steamed boar with an apple implanted in its mouth, a collection of juicy crab meat next to a hot slab of butter, and a fresh basket of ripe fruit that looked polished were all showcased, making anyone's mouth water.

The room was filled with aristocrats that talked amongst themselves. The females wore frilly dresses made of expensive fabrics, while the men brought dashing tuxedos with silk capes stuck to their backsides. Men and women wearing military uniforms also paraded the room along with knights with armor that glistened with every step they took.

"This is too much…."

I look over my shoulder and gaze at the men and women laughing while patting each other's shoulders.

"I feel so… Out of place.." Mimi murmurs while looking around. She tugs on her pink Victorian-style dress as if she feels uncomfortable in the attire.

"Tell me abou' it… And whas' wih' all these ol' people?" Yuumi agrees while stuffing her face with a piece of cake. She wore a sleeveless black gown with frills running in layers all the way down to her knees. Black silkened gloves were also seen on her arms, while a black collar with pearls rests around her neck.

"Seems like they got it all covered, though." Minori gestured towards Dai, Natsumi, and Saori while they chatted around some aristocrats and military buffs.

Saori wore a white and red kimono with floral designs on the sleeves and a bow wrapped around her waist; The cotton texture it was made of looked pristine and made her every move look elegant.

Dai looked like an adorned prince wearing a black and red coat with white pants and black high boots. On his side were a pair of gold chains and silver aiguillette expanding from his waist.

Natsumi wore a red dress that had white frills running down the sides and top of her gown. She also had a sash wrapped around her torso that made a bow on the right side of her waist.

Tatsuo and Usui talked in the distance, wearing military apparel with red capes and black high boots. They also had gold chains and aiguillettes situated around their outfit.

Ryo walked over to us from chatting with a group of younger males, all wearing luxurious garbs. Her wardrobe consisted of a red and black military lolita. She had black stockings coming down her skirt that matched her glossy brunet heels.

She sighs while stopping in the middle of Yuumi and me. "They just keep coming… I don't understand what they want with me."

"Pra'bawe because you're weawin' a sexy ass ouwfit'." Yuumi confirms while sticking the rest of her cake into her mouth.

Ryo blushes while looking towards the polished floor. "D-Don't say such things!"

—Cling Cling Cling

The entire hall glances towards a balcony at the edge of the room. A young girl with blue hair wearing a silk blue dress exposing her bareback strikes a wine glass with a spoon.

"Today, we celebrate the newest additions to our military ranks." The Princess gestures toward us while smiling.

"Let their worth be known to everyone in this room."

The entire ballroom bellowed with applause as they shifted their attention to us.

As the applause died down, eight individuals wearing military garbs and armor stood in front of the balcony.

"After much thought, we've found each of you a mentor that you'll study under until they deem you ready for knighthood. First to choose is Captain Stroyer."

The broad man in gold armor walked forward. He brushed his blond hair back, still wearing a stern look on his face.

"I'd like to continue mentoring my brother's children: Dai, Saori, and Natsumi."

The three walked forward and stood in front of the golden-armored knight. A round of applause came from the audience.

"… Lieutenant Talah."

As the Princess announced her name, a young woman with a small demeanor but huge silver and red axe walked forward wearing a metal-plated skirt and blue matching uniform.

"You all did very well in the Rites. It was quite hard to choose from such an outstanding selection. However, Minori caught my eye with her abrasive style. With the right technique, I believe you could prove to be quite the fierce opponent."

Minori walked forward, the black lace on top of her blouse shifted left and right with her every step. Her black frilly dress going down to her knees also danced with zest.

Another round of applause was performed as she strode toward her new mentor.

This went on for several turns. Usui got the attention of a lady wearing all black with a long asphalt rapier at her side.

Tatsuo Saka was selected by a broad man with green armor with a large hammer on his back.

A lady with long brown hair with laid-down ears and a bushy tail was picked up by Mimi.

All that was left was Yuumi and me as we stood in the middle of the room gazing towards the last two mentors.

"Yuumi!" A lady with a childlike body waved her hand and smiled. "Your aggression reminded me of myself when I was your age."

The elf had long ears that pointed towards the ground. Her outfit was similar to a female vanguard with armor covering her entire body except for her arms and legs. She wore open-toe shoes that had no padding on the bottom but were covered by a leather-like material.

Yuumi walked toward her while grinning at me. "See ya!" She strode towards the elf, and they exchanged smiles.

"And last but not least, General Calina."

Murmurs grew around the room as the silver-haired lady took a step forward.

"I heard that all of her other mentees couldn't handle her training and quit."

"Is that the same General that took out an entire kingdom by herself? I could only imagine how brutal she must be."

The whispers surrounding the room made me clench my fist.

That icy glare from the day we first met… My skin started to crawl once more.

"… Ms. Momoko."

"Y-Yes!"

I responded with angst as General Calina planted a palm on her chest.

"I feel as though you and I have a lot in common. If you'd allow it, I'd love to mentor you and help you grow as a knight and a fearsome warrior."

I gulped as I strode forward to stand by her side.

Looking to the ground, I could feel my left hand tremble.

—Pat

Calina placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Everything's alright; you're in my care now."

I look up at her beaming smile as my heart started to slow and my nervousness began to fade.

"Give a gratuitous applause for our newest squires and their mentors." The Princess started with gentle applause as the room followed suit.

The vicinity was filled with subtle clapping from aristocrats and knights alike.

. . .

Unknowing to the party, a small bat-like figure was pressed against the glass of the ballroom.

"Kekeke~"

The creature flew away with a wicked grin as it just uncovered some information that was priceless to a certain someone.

. . .