Annual Tournament

Silas and Adalinda packed up their things and headed towards the dining hall, chatting along the way about the various techniques they were working on mastering.

Silas playfully teased Adalinda about some of her flashy sword moves, earning a playful shove in return.

The two had a deep level of comfort and trust with each other, built over the few months Silas lived in her home.

They knew just how far to push each other before causing any discomfort, and would always defend one another against any threat, no matter how small or insignificant.

As they entered the dining hall, a few students turned to stare. People whispered as they saw the Imperial Princess and Silas walking closely together.

But Adalinda didn't seem bothered by the attention. Silas suspected that, as a member of the royal family, she had grown accustomed to being scrutinized and talked about.

The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air as Silas and Adalinda walked towards the line to get their food, talking and laughing as they made their selections.

Adalinda's eyes widened in delight as she took in the spread of delicious food before them.

She carefully picked out a selection of her favorites for both her and Silas, knowing his tastes as well as her own.

Silas couldn't help but chuckle as Adalinda's eyes lit up with excitement as she scanned the offerings on display.

He could practically see the drool forming in the corners of her mouth as she contemplated the various dishes.

watched with rapt attention as Adalinda meticulously selected each item, her face scrunching up in concentration as she weighed the pros and cons of each dish.

As Adalinda debated between two different types of roast meat, Silas nudged her playfully. "You know, you look like a little rabbit when you're deciding what to eat," he teased.

Adalinda rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh, her cheeks flushing pink. "Don't compare me to a rabbit, Silas," she scolded, but the playful twinkle in her eye betrayed her amusement.

The smell of fresh fruits, roasted meats and savory spices made his stomach growl in anticipation.

As Silas and Adalinda settled into their seats with their plates full of food, they continued their conversation about their training and techniques.

"You know, I still can't believe how much you've improved with the sword," he said, taking a bite of his roasted chicken.

Adalinda smiled modestly, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "Thank you, Silas. But I still have a lot to learn."

Silas shook his head. "Nonsense, you're a natural."

Adalinda let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "You're too nice, Silas. I can't help feeling jealous of your talent. It's not fair that you seem to excel at everything you try."

Silas grinned, "I wouldn't say everything, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve."

Adalinda rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please. You're an amazing fighter, an excellent strategist, even book smart. I'll be lucky if I can master one thing."

Their conversation was interrupted as a group of Adalinda's friends approached the table.

"Hey, Adalinda, mind if we join you guys?" one of them asked, gesturing to the empty seats.

Adalinda smiled warmly. "Of course not, please sit."

Silas shifted uncomfortably in his seat, feeling like an outsider in the group.

But Adalinda didn't seem to notice his discomfort. She chatted easily with her friends, introducing Silas to each one.

As they ate, the conversation turned to the upcoming tournament.

Adalinda's friends were eager to hear about her progress, and Silas watched with interest as she recounted her training routine.

"I've been working on perfecting my ability," Adalinda said, her eyes shining with excitement. "I'm hoping to win this year."

One of Adalinda's friends chimed in, "But you'll have some stiff competition, Adalinda. Remember, the reigning champion, Kaida from last year is still here."

Another one of Adalinda's friends added, "Isn't she a fifth-year student, plus she's been the champion for the last two years."

Silas leaned forward in his seat, his interest piqued. "Excuse me for interrupting, but could you tell me more about this tournament?" he asked.

Adalinda turned to him with a smile. "Of course, Silas. It's an annual tournament where students from all over the empire come to compete in various categories of combat, strategy, and other skills. The grand prize is a large sum of money..."

She continued, "But the thing most students want to gain from this tournament is recognition. Doing well in the annual tournament can get you noticed by powerful families, scouted as an Inheritor prospect, or even gain the attention of a powerful Inheritor who may take you as a student."

Silas nodded, his mind already racing with the possibilities. "And is it open to all students, even first years like me?"

Adalinda nodded. "Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and register on time."

Silas sat back in his seat, a grin spreading across his face. "I think I might have to give it a shot."

Adalinda couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear in her heart at the prospect of Silas joining the tournament.

She knew that he was incredibly talented and there was no way she could beat him if he were to give it his all.

Adalinda leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, with a worried look on her face. "Oh no, Silas, if you join, I'll have to hand over my gold medal," she joked with a laugh.

Silas chuckled. "Well, if it makes you feel any better, I won't go easy on you."

Adalinda rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that played at the corners of her mouth.

Despite the joking rivalry between them, he knew Adalinda really did want him to join the tournament.

She believed in him and his abilities, even if it meant facing off against each other.

Silas found himself distracted, watching Adalinda intently, looking for any signs of nerves at the prospect of fighting him.

He finally leaned in and whispered in Adalinda's ear, "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."

Adalinda rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed with a hint of pink. "As if," she muttered under her breath.

The rest of their meal was spent in lighthearted conversation, as Adalinda and Silas joked and teased each other.

Now her friends were the ones who felt like outsiders.

As they left the dining hall, Adalinda's eyes sparkled mischievously as she turned to face Silas, a sly smile curving her lips. With a graceful flick of her long, black hair, she stepped closer to him, the scent of her perfume wafting over him.

"Hey, Silas," she spoke, her voice low and enticing. "How about we train together later? I could use a good sparring partner."

Her movements were fluid and confident as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her lithe body practically vibrating with energy.

"You're on, Ada," he replied, a fierce grin spreading across his face. "Let's see if you can keep up with me this time."

Adalinda's face broke into a bright smile at the sound of Silas calling her Ada. Her eyes lit up with delight, and she let out a soft chuckle.

"Only you can get away with calling me Ada, Silas," she said in a playful tone, her voice carrying a hint of affection. "But you better be ready to face the consequences of it later."

Her body language exuded confidence and a fierce determination to win, and her voice was full of playful challenge, with just a hint of a teasing tone that showed she was ready to have some fun.

Silas looked at Adalinda with a hint of remembrance. "Sorry, Ada, but I still have two classes before I have any free time to train with you."

He could see a flicker of disappointment on Adalinda's face, and he immediately felt bad. "But don't worry, we'll have plenty of time to spar later. How about we meet up after?"

Adalinda's face brightened up, and she nodded eagerly. "Sounds great, Silas. I'll see you later then."

Silas smiled, pleased that he could make it up to her. "Perfect. It's a date, Ada."

Adalinda laughed, "A training date, Silas. Don't get any funny ideas!"

"Of course, of course. I wouldn't want to distract you." Silas said with a wink.

The two of them continued to banter and exchange playful jabs as they made their way to their respective classes, both looking forward to their upcoming training session.