Fie spotted Millium and Altina standing near one of the refreshment tables, Millium energetically munching on some kind of snack while Altina sipped quietly on a glass of juice. The contrast between the two was as stark as ever, and Fie couldn't help but grin as she approached them.

"Hey, you two," Fie greeted, sliding into their little bubble.

"Fie!" Millium exclaimed, beaming. "Look who decided to show up after all!" She gestured dramatically to Altina, who raised an eyebrow but otherwise remained composed.

"I received a formal invitation," Altina replied, her tone even. "It would have been rude not to attend."

"Well, I'm glad you could make it," Fie said warmly, addressing Altina.

Altina inclined her head slightly. "I am here to fulfill my obligations as a member of the Ironbloods and to support those who have supported me."

Millium puffed out her cheeks. "Geez, Tilly, can't you just say you wanted to be here for the fun?"

Altina folded her arms, her gaze turning to Millium. "I do not comprehend the concept of 'fun' in this context. And who is 'Tilly', exactly?"

"Huh? Obviously, that's you!" Millium exclaimed. "But fine, fine. But you know what would make this party even better? If you'd dance with me later!"

Altina's eyes widened slightly. "I do not dance," she stated firmly.

Millium waved a hand. "Aw, I won't pressure you! But, you know, maybe one day, when you're ready…"

"That day will never come," Altina interjected, her tone as flat as ever.

Fie chuckled, crossing her arms. "Altina, you might surprise yourself one day. But in the meantime, thanks for taking care of Rean during all those missions. I know he can be a handful."

Altina sighed softly, her arms still folded. "A handful does not even begin to describe it."

Millium laughed and nudged Altina with her elbow. "Aw, but you look forward to it, don't you?"

"What? That's... I, I mean..." Altina faltered, her brows furrowed. "Ngh... I suppose there is... a sense of purpose in assisting him."

Fie smirked, amused by Altina's flustered response. She reached out to pat Altina on the shoulder. "Well, we're grateful. And Millium, don't forget our dance later. Catch you on the flip side."

Millium gave her a cheerful thumbs-up. "You got it! Go tear it up, Fie!"

Altina nodded quietly, her composure returning. "Flip side? In any event, enjoy the rest of your evening."

With a small wave, Fie moved on, her heart lighter after spending time with some of the quirky Ironbloods. There was something comforting about their unique dynamic, and she couldn't wait to see what the rest of the night had in store.

Fie found herself wandering toward one of the quieter corners of the party, where a familiar laugh caught her attention. There, standing with a drink in hand, was Instructor Sara. Toval was beside her, both of them chatting amicably. Fie smiled to herself and made her way over, feeling a certain comfort in being around two people she respected deeply, especially considering the paths they shared.

"Well, look who decided to show up," Sara greeted warmly as she noticed Fie approaching. "Hey there, little miss future Bracer!"

Fie smirked and crossed her arms. "Says the woman who's going to be my colleague soon enough. You sure you're ready for this life again, Instructor?"

Sara laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Oh, please. If I can survive wrangling Class VII, I think I'll manage just fine out there. Besides," she added with a wink, "I'm looking forward to working with you out in the field. It'll be nice to have someone who actually knows what they're doing."

Toval chuckled, shaking his head. "You're acting like you weren't already doing half the work of a Bracer before this, Sara. But yeah, Fie, I've got no doubts you'll both fit right in. You've already got a reputation in some circles."

Fie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Should I be worried about what people are saying?"

"Nah," Toval said with a grin. "It's all good stuff. Word travels fast when someone's got the skills you do. Between your time with Class VII and your Jaeger experience, you're already a legend in the making."

"Legend, huh?" Fie tilted her head thoughtfully. "I don't know about all that. I'm just doing what feels right."

"That's what makes you a good Bracer," Sara said, her tone turning serious for a moment. "You've got the instincts and the heart for it. The rest? You'll pick it up as you go."

Fie looked between the two of them, feeling a warmth she rarely allowed herself to dwell on. These were people who understood her in a way few others could—Sara, with her wild past and fierce sense of justice, and Toval, with his steady reliability and endless patience.

"So," Fie said, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "What's the plan once you're officially in the guild, Instructor? Gonna show me up on missions?"

Sara smirked. "Oh, you bet I will. But first, I'm gonna make sure you learn how to properly unwind. Being a Bracer's tough work, but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy the little things."

"Like drinking?" Fie teased, gesturing to Sara's glass.

Sara laughed. "Exactly. Though maybe hold off on that for a few more years."

Toval sighed in mock exasperation. "Great. The guild's getting another Sara."

"Hey!" Sara said, playfully nudging him. "You know you'd miss me if I wasn't around."

Fie chuckled, feeling a rare sense of belonging in their easy banter. "You know," she said after a moment, "I'm really glad you're both here tonight. It's kind of surreal thinking about what's next, but having you two around makes it feel a little less intimidating."

"Anytime, kiddo," Sara said, her voice softer now. "We've got your back, no matter where this crazy life takes you."

Toval nodded. "You're gonna do great, Fie. And if you ever need advice—or just someone to talk to—you know where to find us."

Fie smiled, her usual aloofness giving way to a rare moment of vulnerability. "Thanks. I'll hold you to that."

As the conversation drifted to lighter topics, Fie felt a renewed sense of confidence. She wasn't just stepping into a new chapter of her life—she was doing it with the support of people who believed in her. And for that, she couldn't be more grateful.

Fie had been scanning the room for a moment, looking for her next conversation, when her eyes landed on Jusis, who stood near a quieter corner of the venue. Beside him, surprisingly, was Rufus Albarea. Fie hesitated for a moment, unsure how to approach, but then smirked. If nothing else, she had plenty to say to Jusis—and Rufus's presence only made it more interesting.

She approached casually, hands in her pockets. "Hey, Jusis," she called as she got closer. "Fancy seeing you looking so relaxed for once."

Jusis turned, his usual composed expression softening into a faint smile when he saw her. "Fie. I might say the same about you, though I'm sure this grand event is a special exception."

Rufus, ever poised, inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. "Miss Claussell. It's good to see you again. Congratulations on your graduation."

"Thanks," Fie replied, nodding at Rufus before shifting her focus back to Jusis. "So, Jusis, how's Albarea family stuff looking? It seems like a lot to deal with."

Jusis sighed, his hand brushing back his hair in that signature way of his. "It's an adjustment, to be sure. Father being removed as head of the family has thrown the house into chaos. And to be frank, I wasn't sure Rufus would even attend tonight, given recent events."

"Nor was I," Rufus said smoothly, his tone as polished as ever. "But I couldn't very well miss such a momentous occasion. Class VII has played a significant role in Erebonia's future—your accomplishments deserve recognition."

Fie crossed her arms, studying Rufus with a sharp gaze.

Rufus's expression remained impassive, though his eyes seemed to flicker with something unspoken. " And it's clear the bonds you've all forged are unparalleled."

Jusis glanced at his brother, then at Fie, clearly caught between the two. "He's right about that. The friendships we've built in Class VII are irreplaceable."

Fie smirked and gave Jusis a light punch on the arm. "You're getting sentimental on me, Albarea."

"Nonsense," Jusis said, taking a sip of his drink.

The three of them continued chatting for a while longer, the dynamic shifting between lighthearted banter and moments of sincerity. Fie was convinced Rufus was a snake, but he also seemed to genuinely care about his brother.

Eventually, Fie excused herself, leaving the two brothers to talk. As she walked away, she glanced back once to see Jusis and Rufus engaged in what looked like a deep conversation. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of quiet satisfaction.

Fie wandered through the lively crowd of the graduation party and spotted Alisa standing with Sharon near one of the ornate refreshment tables. Alisa was dressed in a stunning red gown, the elegant design bringing out her natural grace and charm. Sharon, of course, was as composed and immaculate as ever in her maid uniform, which somehow seemed perfectly fitting even at an event like this.

"Alisa!" Fie called out as she approached, a wide grin on her face. "Wow, you look super hot tonight. Seriously, as fashionable as ever. Who picked that gown? You or Sharon?"

"Fie!" Alisa said, turning with a smile. "Oh, uh... thanks. And I picked it myself, thank you very much."

Sharon chuckled softly, her voice smooth and warm. "Though I may have provided a little input here and there. My lady always shines, but tonight she is particularly radiant."

Alisa waved her hand. "Oh, stop it, both of you."

They chatted for a bit about the event and the people they'd spoken to, the conversation light and easy. Eventually, Fie's curiosity turned to Sharon.

"So, Sharon," Fie began, tilting her head, "you always seem to have wires and chains at the ready. Do you seriously carry them around all the time?"

"Let's just say I like to be prepared for any situation. A maid's work often requires a versatile approach," Sharon replied elegantly.

"That's such a Sharon answer. I bet you'd be great at tie-up games, you know? Like, you'd probably make it impossible for anyone to escape," Fie said.

Alisa immediately went pink, her eyes darting between Fie and Sharon. "W-what? Tie-up games? Where is this conversation going?"

Sharon's eyes sparkled with amusement as she lightly placed a hand over her chest. "Oh, my lady, I assure you, there's a certain artistry to a well-executed tie. The aesthetics must align with functionality, after all."

"Exactly!" Fie said with an enthusiastic nod. "Like, it's not just about tying someone up—it's about the balance. The tension, the look, the challenge of getting out, and the feeling of not being able to."

"Why are we having this conversation? This is so embarrassing," Alisa sighed, covering her eyes with her hands.

My lady, there's no need to be embarrassed," Sharon chuckled.

"You're teasing me again!" Alisa groaned.

Fie laughed, patting Alisa on the shoulder. "Alright, alright, I'll leave you two to it. I've got more mingling to do anyway. Alisa, good luck later."

As Fie walked away, she glanced over her shoulder to see Sharon smiling slyly at Alisa, who was still visibly flustered but laughing despite herself.