"I would like to join the war effort."
Isalda stood in front of Caelum, in his office. His face was a surprised one.
"What!?" Alize von Meino yelled out. She had been there to help Caelum clean the office, as it often became scattered with papers and books that belonged on bookshelves.
"'Would' is the wrong word. I am going to join the war effort. I've already spoken to my family about it. I'm just here to inform-"
Alize jumped at Isalda, embracing her in a hug.
After a few seconds, Isalda hugged her back, a warm smile gracing her face.
Alize backed away, staring Isalda up and down.
"Y-You were all sick and battered up just... what... two months ago? Now... I don't see a single scratch on your face. And... you look even healthier! Did you get taller?"
"I wish I could get a bit taller," Caelum sighed.
"I'm fine now, Alize. You worry too much about me. You always forget that I'm the strongest person this kingdom has ever produced," she pointed her thumb to her chest, proudly.
"The same Isalda that said she would accept the benefits of being a royal... you don't want to relax? Of course, I'm glad to see you all healed up, but don't you think that it's a little too fast?"
"No. I'm stronger than ever."
"And besides... I have to tell Jisvo to stop looking for me. Then, I'll be able to relax, and spend calm spring days with him," she added, quietly.
"Huh? What'd you say?" Alize asked, cupping a hand to her ear.
"I said Jisvo is looking for a cure on the island. I have to tell him that I'm all fixed up now."
. . .
"Jeez. You had everyone worried sick, Isalda. And then you dare to show up, completely healthy?"
Ailmer condemned Isalda, his fingers pressing the keys of the piano in front of him. The Wynstina manor was a large, isolated home comparable to a castle.
"Aha... sorry. Well, not really. You guys will have to deal with it."
"You're really gonna have to apologize to Jisvo. That guy's been friends with you for longer than we've been friends, hasn't he?"
"Who said that you and I were friends? Stupid elf."
"Seriously, Isalda. He always looks grim, nowadays. And he's obsessed with being strong. He joined the military because he wanted to get some sort of vengeance for you, which is kind of weird in my opinion, and a bit fangirly-"
"Who asked for your opinion, Ailmer? You don't get Jisvo like I do."
"Of course, you would say that, Isalda. You and Jisvo are like 1 and 2. Even though you rejected him, I'm pretty sure he still likes you," he whispered the last part.
"Huh? Rejected? What are you talking about?"
"You don't remember? During the school festival. Fourth year. It's not ringing a bell?"
"Rejected... I don't remember rejecting him at all."
"Think about it."
. . .
. .
.
"I think you should grow out your hair, Isalda. You'd look a lot more charming."
"Like I care about that, Jisvo. Shut up before I hit you again."
The school festival was, as expected, packed. There were tents set up, different attractions, bright lights, and amazing spectacles. The smell of appealing foods lingered in the air.
"Seriously. I don't get why you take yourself seriously. You're pretty, yet you decide to act and look like a troll all the time-"
"Shut up!"
She raised her fist at him, resulting in him flinching.
The duo walked across the school, exploring, trying out different attractions, and eating different foods.
Eventually, night fell, and the festival still raged on. They sat on a grassy hill that allowed them to see the festival in its entirety.
"After graduating, what do you think you're gonna do?" Jisvo asked Isalda, through muffled speech, as a single lollipop rested in his mouth.
"Nothing. I'm gonna relax and live the rest of my life as a royal."
"Snobby brat."
"Did you expect me to say something like: 'I'm going to become a great researcher' or something? You're fucking-"
"I'm probably gonna become a soldier. That, or a lawyer. Or marry into royalty."
"Marry into royalty?"
"Yeah."
"You? Jisvo?"
She laughed aloud. Jisvo stared at her blankly.
"I don't know why you're laughing. I haven't said anything funny."
"I'm laughing because that's hilarious! Do you know how beautiful the average royal is? I don't see any royalty in your future, with a face like that."
Jisvo responded to that, after a long pause.
"... I'll have you though, right?"
He turned to her.
"Jeez... it feels all sentimental. Of course, I'll still be friends with you, Jisvo."
"..."
. . .
. .
.
"For some reason, I seriously don't remember. Unless... no, it can't be. Could it be..?" Isalda rubbed the top of her head.
"After that day, Jisvo came crying to me about how he got rejected. Considering that you don't remember it, one of you guys must've misinterpreted this situation."
"I didn't... reject him. He was rambling about some nonsense, and then..."
"I...guess... now that I'm thinking about it, I did reject him," she continued, shyly, her face pointing to the ground.
"Yep. Friend to friend, I think he deserves a little bit of reaffirmation."
"Reaffirmation? About what?"
"You know what I mean. Reaffirmation about how you feel. About how you like him, and all."
"... I don't like him. How could I ever like anybody? I thought you knew me well enough, Almer."
"Then it's love?"
"What makes you think I like, or even love him?"
"Your face is red, you're playing with your fingers, and you've suddenly begun to shuffle. Your body is a lot more honest than you are."
Noticing all these things, she quickly shifted her posture, standing straight, her hands behind her back. Although she couldn't get rid of the flush of embarrassment on her face.
"Stop it. You're lying. I'm leaving. Have a nice day."
She promptly left the room.
Ailmer smiled.