Zeri with Magari in tow, Hubert, Anisette, Alexis, and Marion were in the Everhart manor proper, with the ball taking place in one of the large rooms used to host these events.

"This ball sure ain't the same with so many people gone. I mean, it's not dead quiet, but still," Anisette sounded disappointed as she scoped her surroundings. "I'm not taking center stage, not to worry. There 're plenty of other times for that, I'd rather be around all of you wonderful folks."

"It's to be expected, with most of the aristocracy siding with the Gassenarls and the Rebels. Can't blame them, feeling betrayed that the people they were serving turned out to be Darcsens, the same people who they often saw as inferior," Alexis quipped, both matter of fact and with prejudice. "However, I'm glad we still have enough company to have this ball. It'll be a while before we go to one of these things again, so I want something nice to remember."

"I, too, want to enjoy the pleasantries." Marion said with her usual grace "If my family didn't side with the throne, as much as I don't want to think about it, my parents would've never entertained the thought of me going to Lanseal. I can speak for everyone at this ball when I say that we stand by the throne."

"Agreed, Marion. Our families have served them for generations. Marion, your family deals with all armaments related matters." Alexis stated matter of fact, to which Marion nodded. "I come from a proud family line who's served in the Royal Guard for years, at least one family member per generation in their ranks. It is my goal to join the Royal Guard and become part of this proud tradition. Lanseal will help me with getting there."

Anisette got in her words. "I don't have anything to add to what y'all already said, and I have nothing against the throne, Darcsen or not. I'm with good people, that matters most."

"Glad to be one of them," Hubert said, "as much as I never care for these gatherings. I might need to help myself to a drink or two from the bar to make getting through this night much easier."

"I hope the drinks won't distract you from what you really want to see, Juliana and I going at each other. Honestly." Zeri with that one word he liked using, a catch-all for how he felt in a variety of situations.

"You aren't wrong." The way Hubert said it had a certain delivery. "Now if you excuse me, I'll get my own choice of drink, responsibly, of course."

"I trust you won't be going too deep into the cups." Zeri took to this kind of wit so well.

"And this is when I appreciate you not being able to drink. Anyway, off I go." With that, Hubert was gone.

A night to be in such good company, all things considered, Zeri thought. Juliana was there, of course, but that was to be expected. Hopefully tonight was going to be uneventful for him.

"Zeri…" Magari poked, bringing him back to reality, "I'm feeling thirsty and could go for some water."

"I'm… feeling the same," he admitted. "Thank you for reminding me."

He couldn't blame her for waiting until now to mention it. She overcame her shyness to attend this ball, not wanting to let him down. His words of reassurance always helped her and this would be no different, as flustered as she looked in this moment.

"After you," she nodded.

Magari could focus on Zeri rather than feel overwhelmed by the crowds. Her being comfortable reassured him. After all, they were focused on getting to the refreshment stand. It took less than a minute.

Both were very relieved once they had their fill of water. They both nodded, ready to return to the crowd with whom they were conversing.

While the walk to the refreshment stand was a breeze for the both of them, the same could not be said for Zeri on the way back.

All because Juliana happened to be somewhere on the opposite side of the room where looking at her was unavoidable. Time seemed to slow to a standstill.

Juliana Everhart. The heiress of one of the most prominent aristocratic families within Gallia, whose name alone commands respect. This proud and outspoken young woman with flowing, long pink hair strives to be the best in what she sets out to do. Destined for greatness, she immediately gained renown when making the transition from from homeschooling to Lanseal earlier than most people, then becoming the chair of Class A

She sees herself as the chosen one for these reasons, making it apparent in every way possible, especially with her physical appearance. Carrying herself with pride, she brings attention to her body shape through her posture and is more than happy to emphasize being well-endowed, often doing so by folding her arms underneath her chest. She's also the kind of person who feels it necessary to deem if people are worthy to be within her presence, as if she was some goddess. Apparently, he was deemed worthy.

Zeri saw Juliana as a rival from the moment they first met. He wasn't letting anyone intimidate him as he sought to prove he was the best, while Juliana would do anything to stay ahead of anyone who might surpass her. It should have ended there, were Zeri not a Darcsen who wanted to make his way into higher society. That got to her more than anything. While disdain for Darcsens was common among people of her social standing, he already made a name for himself. They had to one up each other in activities. Both would rather not think about how often were paired up for ballroom dancing, even though people always remarked they worked well together. While both thought it was some form of mockery done on purpose, it brought out the best in each other.

For better or worse, he had no shortage of words to describe her, though there were some words upon which he'd rather not contemplate, however. He wanted to be the last to admit her being attractive, despite describing her physical appearance in much greater detail than any other woman he's been around, being unable to take his eyes off how flattering the outfit she wore for tonight made her look. Why did it have to be her?

He wasn't one to express interest in those of the opposite sex to whom he was attracted, so he told himself. Getting involved with women on a romantic level was the furthest thing from his mind, claiming to not have time for it, having more important things to consider.

Trying to get his mind off Juliana, Zeri thought about Magari, a calming presence by contrast. Shorter in height, with a more slender figure and blue hair being on the shorter side, Magari was very book-smart girl who preferred to keep to herself. She probably would have wonderful conversations with Juliana, if the latter swallowed her own pride.

Once again his thoughts returned to Juliana. He knew full well it was unfair to Magari because he considered her to be one of his best friends.

It was times like these where Zeri was glad he could keep a straight face. Time finally went back to its normal pace as he and Magari returned to the group.

Zeri could ease his way back into the conversation with Magari listening along. That is, until he suddenly felt himself being tugged away… by Juliana. Great, just what he wanted.

"You're coming along with me" she whispered softly in a way that made him weak in the knees, the way she said his name getting his full attention.

"Don't you have better things to do at this ball?" He tried his best to maintain his composure.

"I already have and I want to forget that I'm overseeing this entire event for a moment." She looked into this eyes to get her words across.

"And how would we go about doing so? I have no idea," he said with both sincerity and sarcasm.

"You should know, put that mind of yours to good use," she winked at him. That always did the trick.

"Right, the dance floor, putting our ballroom dancing practice to good use, with how everyone says we make the best dance partners," said Zeri with a sigh throughout.

"I knew you'd listen, Darcsen."

"The name's Zeri and you know it, woman."

"Juliana. Say it," she paused, "Zeri," making it sound like a command.

"You know best, Juliana," he said sarcastically.

"Good boy." Once again, the way she whispered into his ear, making him weak in the knees.

And that's how I ended up here, Zeri thought.

Off in the distance, Hubert was sitting at the bar. A history professor needs to have his alcohol, after all, a nice, chilled glass to take his time drinking. Anything to help him make this night go by faster, since he didn't care for these sort of events as a more private person. That general feeling changed when he saw Juliana take Zeri to the dance floor, something he wasn't expecting to happen. This was going to be fun, he smiled as he thought to himself, and he needed to get a better look.

"Bartender, hold my beer." With that, Hubert left the barstool. He was impressed how well those two worked together, demonstrating how they were both their equal.

Considering how they saw themselves as rivals, they were standouts on the dance floor, cooperating surprisingly well. It was that equal footing, that need to match each other, which defied any odds. They weren't able to get out of practice together, so they made the best of it, the arguing could always resume later. This willingness to put aside their pride gave them the ability to dance step-by-step with grace. All became silent around them, like nothing else mattered, even the man whom both disliked. They even forgot their rivalry with each other.

Only when the dance stopped did reality return, with an uninvited guest making himself known as he entered the manor.

Juliana was visibly upset. "Great, the last person I want to see. The gall of him to crash the ball like this."

Baldren Gassenarl. A man who often disregards tact as he holds firm in his own beliefs, especially with his pronounced disdain for Darcsens, expressing them through his oratory skills. The son of the Gassenarl family and the next-in-line, he's well known for his tactical prowess and his skill on the battlefield, proving himself on the battlefield during the Invasion of Gallia.

He found a place where he could speak at the center of attention, whether or not people wanted to listen.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he started, "you're all probably asking, why is your enemy standing before you?"

Meanwhile in the back, "Marion, you might want to stay by my side as long as he's here, who knows what he might do," Alexis advised.

"This is exactly why I have you accompany me, after all. Need say no more." Marion still remained pleasant even with the unwarranted turn of events.

Back to the front, "Lend me your ears, if you will hear me out. We all may have our differences and agendas, as any aristocratic family would, mine included. As you all know, our countrymen have taken up arms to do something about the Darcsens who scourge our nation." Baldren would have preferred that no Darcsens be present before him, staring at Zeri, the target of his contempt.

Magari knew encountering Baldren was almost unavoidable because she'd often be with her mother while she was working at the Everhart estate. If not for the courage she built up to attend this ball, thanks in due part to Zeri, she would've fled to the library once again. Wanting to not disappoint Zeri or anyone else, she hid behind Anisette. "There, there, you're in good hands, Magari. I always hate that guy, him going on about Darcsens is bad enough, he also spits in my face, saying I ain't got no place here. Good thing he's too far to spit this time. I should spit back at him, I tell you what."

Magari broke into laughter. "I feel better, thank you."

Baldren scanned the crowd, Magari still being out of sight. "Not only do they live among us, they scourge the throne with their Darcsen blood. We've been deceived! Most of our kind, knowing what's good for this nation, support our countrymen in this glorious cause to make Gallia great again!"

"I need another drink, badly, also finish that beer I left with the bartender," muttered Hubert to himself. Back to the bar he went.

Good thing Hubert was out of hearing range for the rest of the glorified mumbling. "Now, I get that everything isn't so simple, so cut and dry. I know everyone here owes a lot to the throne, and you all have good reason to remain loyal. You all have your livelihoods, after all, but do you want to be seen forever as lapdogs to our Darcsen overlords? That'll all change when we overthrow them, when we purge this nation of these filthy people, when we bring Gallia into true prosperity!"

It was time for Zeri and Juliana to temporarily put aside their differences. He was more than happy to converse with her to tune out Baldren in the meantime. "There he goes again. He's not going to change anyone's mind if they stuck around this long to attend the ball. Honestly, I'd say he should know better, but that's expecting too much of him."

"Agreed," Juliana shrugged. "How are you able to deal with this dimwit? Being stubborn enough to stay around me is one thing, you being the only one for this long, but even I lose my cool with him."

"The usual answer, me not retaliating, something you get really good at after a lifetime of learning. With much due respect, I'd belt him. He tests my ability." Leave it to him to word things so calmly.

Juliana was less inclined to hold back how she felt. "I wish he'd piss off, knowing my parents were away on business with the royal family. If only my father were here, at least he never antagonizes my mother."

"At least he respects you," he paused, then added, "somewhat."

"And he can only take so much of you because he feels dirty being in your presence."

"Good thing you aren't dirty by now, being this close to me. Why else would you make us put our ballroom dancing practice to good use, out of your boredom nonetheless. I'm probably the only other person who talks back to you."

"Difference is," Juliana winked, "you behave properly around me." She looked off into the distance at Baldren, remarking, "Let's hope his sister shows up soon and smacks him one," before turning her attention back to Zeri. "You, Darcsen, come with me, we need to deal with him until then. You do what you do best, standing there next to me, arms crossed, you not saying a word. I'll do the talking."

"Sounds like a plan."

Juliana whispered into his ear, "Good boy." It always made Zeri feel weak in the knees, leaving him open for Juliana to take along as she stomped her way toward Baldren.

"Excuse me, sir, I don't recall you being invited to this event."

Baldren's face changed from conviction to the sort of smugness that asked for Juliana to deck him in the face, were she not trying to maintain some dignity. "Oh hello there, it's nice to see you around in these troubled times, ma'am." He said with a smug look on his face.

Juliana, rather than choosing violence, pointed while shouting. "Don't you ma'am me, you're speaking to Juliana Everhart, the host of this ball, and as such, I ask that you leave the premises immediately!"

"You should listen me out, I won't take up too much of your time, I swear," he shrugged his arms.

"Your insolence is already wasting my time."

"And I think you have better company to be around. Much better people than that dark-hair right there. He's such a pest, doesn't know when to give up."

Zeri stood there, hands crossed, straight-faced, without moving an inch, letting Juliana do the talking.

Juliana fired back. "At least he knows when to hold his tongue, unlike you."

"Always making excuses for him, I see."

Juliana was trying to maintain her composure. She glanced over to Zeri, still standing there with the same expression, the one constant in this heated conversation. He was the only person she knew who could remain stoic in this kind of situation. With a deep breath, she continued.

"I dislike Darcsens no more than you do. At least Zeri knows when to shut up and not run his mouth like a fool. I'd say he taints these grounds, but he keeps himself clean. He's the obedient kind, while you," she pointed at Baldren, "are a stray dog."

"If I didn't know you any better, you sound like you'd want to copulate with this Darcsen."

"Shut your foul mouth!"

"I take back my words," raising a hand with the palm backward as if he was tossing something over his shoulder. "What I meant to say? You best consider with whom you continue your bloodline."

"Baldren, I have better things to consider than the virility of a potential partner. I, Juliana Everhart, have a name to uphold, not only my family name, but my given name. The simple prize of a man I am not."

And just like that, a loud slapping noise cracked across the room.

There stood Audrey Gassenarl, a woman of calm and cold composure whose demeanor underlied her convictions. A gifted tactical thinker in war and politics, she is a devoted woman whose belief in Yggdism influences her own sense of righteousness and reverence for the Valkyria. While her personality is vastly different than her brother's, she still shares his disdain for Darcesns and the ambitions to take over the throne.

"I apologize for my dear brother. I see he's being the usual blathering fool rather than the charismatic speaker he sees himself as such, telling him that doing such a stunt wasn't a good idea. While he was quite boorish just now, his words have truth and merit. We both believe what we're fighting for is a just cause. You can't persuade us otherwise. I wonder when you'll stop being lapdogs for the Darcsen overlords. Think on them, Juliana. If you excuse us, I hope we can meet under more ideal circumstances." Audrey then glared at Zeri with great indignation before looking back at Juliana. "Farewell."

With that, both of the Gassenarls were gone. The guests at the party made their awkward transition back to the atmosphere that existed before they were so rudely interrupted.

Zeri let out a sigh of relief, after holding everything in that entire time. "Honestly."

Juliana, tired from everything, wanted to step away for a while. Not wanting to be by herself, she took Zeri along.


Zeri and Juliana soon found themselves on a balcony, in another part of the manor, far removed from the ball. Both leaned near the guardrails, next to each other, taking in the clear night skies and a near full moon. Below laid the expanse of the Everhart estate, with nobody else in sight. It might have been a cool night, but neither minded. The quietness of it all helped them relax.

"Zeri… thank you for being there. I really mean it." Juliana said with softness in her voice, gazing off into the distance.

"Not a problem, Juliana. You looked distressed out there and I saw you were doing your best."

"As much as I hate to admit, having you there kept me grounded, to calm me down. You always seem to be my go-to person for these sort of things. I can deal with most people, but he's different. Always was and always will."

"Even I find him difficult to be around. If not for my belief in not retaliating…" he paused, "what am I saying, I'd still act the same, Darcsen or not."

The name of his people. In their heated rivalry, Juliana simply referred to him as 'Darcsen,' refusing to acknowledge his given name. Zeri would return the volley by calling her 'woman.' It got to her more than anything. Even though Darcsens were officially barred from having a surname as punishment for the alleged sins of their fore-bearers, Zeri made his given name known to everyone, just like how Juliana Everhart did the same with hers. This is why Zeri thinking about were he not a Darcsen was an unusual occurrence.

"Still, how do you not raise a hand against others, no matter what?" Usually the question was said with contention, making Zeri sound like a coward, but this time it was with sincerity in her voice.

"It's our way of life, something we practice everyday. We're taught these things from a very young age, and like with anything else, it's never easy. We struggle with it. When we learn how to speak, we squabble with other Darcsen children over the smallest things. That we grow out of quickly. As we get older, we encounter other children who taunt and bully us, all because of adults who taught them to dislike us. Usually we'd ignore them since they aren't a part of our community, but there will always be that one time where you let yourself go. You can only hide the scratches and bruises for so long, ashamed of how you got them. Your parents will eventually find out, getting you to sit down, to tell you why trying to get revenge won't solve our problems. We learn our lessons, taking them to heart as we get older. You couldn't tell from looking at me, but I was the same exact way when I was much younger."

Juliana looked over at Zeri with wonderment, not expecting to hear an answer so intimate from him. As proud as he was of his Darcsen heritage, he rarely brought up his personal life to this degree, if at all, preferring to have logic and reason speak for himself foremost. Letting his guard down to talk about his past seemed to be the best way he could answer Juliana's question, the kind of explanation he felt comfortable giving only to someone he knew well enough, one-on-one, far removed from where anyone else could overhear them. This was the same Zeri who stood firm as he spoke with conviction, whose assertiveness, in addition to his form, the product of dedicated physical fitness and cultivation, made him unlike any other man with whom she was acquainted. Beyond his blue eyes laid a great expanse of mysteriousness, stirring her to know more about this young man, despite being this familiar with him. If there was only one word Juliana could use to describe Zeri, he was exceptional.

"That was such a beautiful answer. Usually, you'd say things so matter of fact, but you looked at home with your words. I admire the way you speak, it's on a completely different level than most people, even most nobles. It's just like how you are with so many other things. I'm supposed to be the one person who is supposed to be on a much higher level than everyone else, outdoing anyone who might challenge me by a long shot. Then there's you, who defies all expectations. I'm saying this not just because you're a Darcsen. It's the way you aren't intimidated by your surroundings or the people around you. It's how you look so undeterred in what you do. That look of ambition, like you will do whatever you can to become a part of high society. With the way you carry yourself, it's like you were born a noble, just like how I am. I've never met anyone like you before. You feel like the total opposite of me in so many ways, I wouldn't know where to begin. You're by far the greatest rival I've ever known. Sometimes I wonder if we'll truly get to understand each other someday…"

"I wonder the same thing," Zeri said. "Will we always be at odds with each other, or will we eventually become rivals no more? Can the both of us coexist?"

Juliana, this woman who should have been so far out of reach, in both body and mind. Even though she was very selective about the people who could stay near her, he never fully understood why he was one of those few people. Yet there she was, in front of him. The lanterns from the exterior walls of the manor met the moonlight from the sky to illuminate her in a way that felt so unique and special. Juliana really was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. She had every reason to be proud of her appearance. He wondered if it was okay to look at her in this kind of light, to let his eyes go along the many things he appreciated about her. Sensing the reassurance he needed so much, she nodded. With that, he let his eyes go where they desired to wander.

Juliana sensed how Zeri was struggling with his own feelings, just from the way he was looking at her. It wasn't unusual for her to call him a beast as a derogatory way of describing him as a Darcsen, but what she was experiencing was a beast of raw emotion and desire, the kind that Zeri would tell himself he'd never be. A beast that no longer wanted to deny himself, who wanted to close the distance between them until he was right in her face, to overpower her, to feel up every single thing about her. The way he wanted to get his hands onto her chest, looking at them no longer being enough. How he wished to tear the clothing off her. This beast may not have wanted to do anything beyond that, he wanted to admire her in a way nobody else could have the ability to do so.

She would've slapped anyone else who looked at her this way well by now. Nobody dared to force themselves onto her, right? He wasn't that kind of person. How could she explain him in that moment, then? He felt repressed, doing whatever he could to avoid to dealing those emotions. He probably struggled with it the entire night. Most of the time, it would end there, but he couldn't hold back anymore. At the same time, she was caught up with how strange this all felt, trying to sort through her emotions as well. The one thing she felt certain about? With the way she convinced herself that she was fine on her own, that she didn't need anyone close, the strong need for validation could no longer be denied. In these moments, the way he looked at her was more validating than anything else he could've done. It was the kind of look letting Juliana know he'd listen to her at her most honest yet most vulnerable. With that unspoken assurance, she spoke from the heart.

"If only things were that easy. If only… I wasn't the person I am. If only… I had anyone I could actually call a true friend. For as long as I can remember, I never saw the need for one. Of course, there are people who I might call friends, but I only let them get so close. Normally, I'm used to this sort of thing, it's in my nature. It's when I'm around you that I start doubting myself." She became almost lost in thought, before continuing. "Here I am, telling you all of this. Never thought I'd see the day, or should I say night? Then there's everything with Cordelia revealing her Darcsen heritage, finding out that our rulers have been Darcsens all along, understanding why they had to hide their ancestry for the longest time…" she trailed off, thinking about how much she loved hearing him speak, wanting to hand over the conversation to him, "How do you feel about everything? I want to hear from you, as a person."

"It was as much a surprise to me as it was to everyone else." A sense of melancholy entered his tone. "You know what was the first thing I thought? How lonely it must've been for her, to live like that. Maybe the path I walk in life is just as lonely. I wish I could speak with Cordelia, not as royalty, but as a fellow Darcsen. I like to think we'd understand each other so well. But alas, it's only wishful thinking."

"You always have a way with words. My father might work closely with the royal family these days, but it isn't the same. I wish I knew how to respond to something so personal, coming from the heart."

He questioned if she kept him around because he was convenient for so many situations. In these rare private moments, he recognized how much she longed for close friend, someone who could accept her for the person she actually was, rather than the person who strove to be the best. He doubted he could ever be that kind of friend for her. Even entertaining the thought seemed unrealistic.

Juliana was still the best person to ask about certain things he had on his mind. With that, Zeri continued their conversation. "I wonder what Lanseal will be like? Getting accepted was a goal of mine for a long time, doing everything I could to get there, but I did it, I'm finally there. I know it's only the beginning, of course. I don't know what life will be like there, as much as I've read up on the school. If there's one thing I struggle with, it's dealing with the great unknown. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. It's the sort of thing that will make me doubt myself. I doubt myself long enough, it'll lead to the kind of negative thoughts I don't wish to have. I do whatever I can to make sure people never see me like this, ever." Zeri wanted to look away from Juliana because he was ashamed looking this vulnerable, but he couldn't bring himself to do so.

It wasn't lost on her.

"You don't have to act strong all the time. It's okay to let your guard down. I appreciate seeing this side of you when I'm able to. Soon enough, we'll go back to being rivals, like we've always been. I'll still be chair of Class A, and then… there's you. I doubt you'll be put in Class A, but end up in Class G and you'll be surrounded by idiots. Who knows, their idiocy might rub off onto you. Would be a shame to see that mind of yours go to waste."

Zeri chuckled. "I know, right?" He allowed himself that moment, before sighing. "I'm sorry I'm doubting myself like this around you. This isn't like me, I want to think I'm better than that. I keep asking, what if? What if I fall short of my goal? What if something goes wrong? What if I let my ego get the better of me? I'm… being pathetic." His voice began to falter.

"It's a lot to handle, I know. A few days from now, I want to see the Zeri I've come to know so well, the one who always wears the cloth near his shoulder. Anyone who's been around us long enough know how strong our rivalry is, but I want to let the entire school see that I've finally met my match there, someone who could be my equal. You may not believe me, but I want to see you succeed at Lanseal."

He felt the sincerity from her. "You saying those words feel more believable than if they came from anyone else."

She nodded. "Some people will be unfairly tough because of who you are, thinking Darcsens have no place at Lanseal. If they lay a single hand on you, thinking they can drive you out of the school, I will find out, and I will teach them a lesson. They know better than to cross me. Besides, only I can put you in your place, if you get what I mean," she winked at him.

"Treating me like the dog I am, as usual. Calling me one is nowhere near enough for you, honestly."

"You're the only one with the audacity to talk back, it's admirable. Calling you a dog feels so right because it gets you worked up, every single time. Admit it, you play into it so well."

"You may as well say it as a compliment rather than an insult. All that's missing is a collar to put around my neck, and a leash to go with it."

"I didn't know you were into that sort of thing. Good thing you told me, I'll keep it in mind."

"Why do I have the feeling you'll go through with it someday?"

"You're saying it like you want me to. Helps that you're all bark and no bite, though, you should bark for me more."

"Never change, I should have known this kind of peace wouldn't last. Honestly. I wish I could see this side of you more often, but our lives will soon go back to normal."

"So it goes. You're wonderful company when you let more of your personality show through. It makes me wonder if we could ever become true friends. Though, speaking of company, we should probably get back to the others. They're probably wondering where we've been."

"Agreed. After you?"

"I'll need a moment to myself. Thank you, again, for everything you've done tonight. Anyway, I won't keep you any longer, I'll meet you there."

"You too." There were those two words. With that, he walked off.

So much weighed on Juliana's mind. What is it that drives Zeri to keep up with her? No matter what she does, he's still there. It could be his stubbornness, but that can only go so far. It could be his pride, but it only explains some things. As much as he opened up about himself during their conversations just then, there was still so much that remained a mystery.

By all normal logic, based on how she was raised and her sense of superiority, she shouldn't even consider him a serious rival.

She remembered earlier that night seeing Magari, the Darcsen girl whom Zeri considered a best friend. Both opened up to each other in a way she saw neither do with anyone else. Even then, the way Zeri opened up to Magari was very different than how he was around her only moments earlier. According to Juliana's reasoning, they seemed better meant for each other.

At the same time, the rivalry Juliana had with Zeri was engaging, finding him so fascinating. Enough so, that she'd encourage and support him, however indirectly, in order to keep things between them going.

How long could this last? Clearly it couldn't go on forever.

Too many questions, even more unknown answers.

Why does she think about Zeri all the time?

Why him?

Who knows what the future will hold?


Author's note


With that, we've reached the end of the prologue.

They always say starting something is the most difficult, and this was no different. This chapter is where things truly begin, a sample of things to come.

In the meantime, I'm giving myself a well-deserved break to do other things. Besides, planning the next few chapters will take a while, now that we're heading to Lanseal.

See you all around!