The brisk morning air carried the faint promise of adventure and responsibility as Class VII prepared for their next round of field studies. The sun was just beginning to rise over the Trista campus, casting warm orange hues over the dorms and courtyard. Students bustled around, loading their bags onto carriages and saying their goodbyes to one another.

Fie leaned against a nearby lamppost, her arms crossed as she watched the commotion with her usual calm demeanor. Outwardly, she seemed as nonchalant as ever, but inside, her mind was racing.

Legram.

That was where Laura and the other half of Class VII were going for their field study. Fie hadn't let it show, but the thought of missing out on visiting Laura's hometown made her stomach twist with a strange pang of jealousy.

She knew it wasn't logical. Field studies weren't meant to be vacations. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling. Laura had talked about Legram a few times—its serene lake, the noble traditions, and the ancient spirit of the place. Fie had been curious about it ever since, but now she wouldn't get the chance to see it for herself.

Fie scuffed her boot against the cobblestones, her thoughts interrupted by the familiar sound of Laura's calm, steady voice.

"Fie. Good morning."

Fie glanced up to see Laura approaching, her usual elegant presence even more striking in the morning light. She carried her travel bag effortlessly over one shoulder, her long blue hair swaying gently behind her.

"Morning," Fie said, straightening up slightly.

"You're all packed and ready, I assume?" Laura asked, her tone as polite as ever.

"Yeah," Fie replied with a shrug. "Doesn't take me long." She hesitated, then added casually, "So… Legram, huh?"

Laura nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "Yes. It's been some time since I've returned. I'm looking forward to seeing my father and the townsfolk again. And, of course, showing the others around."

"Right," Fie said, her tone carefully neutral. She shoved her hands into her pockets, her gaze flicking to the ground. "Sounds… nice."

Laura tilted her head slightly, picking up on the subtle shift in Fie's demeanor. The silver-haired girl usually didn't mince words, but now there was something guarded about her tone.

"Fie," Laura said gently, her sharp eyes studying her friend. "Is something bothering you?"

Fie glanced up, her expression briefly flickering with surprise before she covered it with a shrug. "Nah. Just… wish I could've gone, that's all. Legram sounds cool, and, well…" She trailed off, her voice quieter. "It'd be nice to see where you're from."

Laura's expression softened, understanding dawning in her clear blue eyes. She hadn't expected Fie to say it outright, but now that she had, Laura felt a wave of warmth and fondness.

"Well," Laura began, her voice thoughtful, "while it's true that you won't be with us this time, I would be more than happy to give you a personal tour of Legram one day."

Fie blinked, looking up at her. "Huh?"

Laura smiled, her tone steady and sincere. "I mean it. Legram is a special place to me, and it would be wonderful to share it with you. We could spend the day exploring the town, visiting the castle ruins, maybe even taking a boat ride on the lake."

Fie stared at her for a moment, caught off guard by how easily Laura made the offer. "You'd really do that?"

"Of course," Laura said without hesitation. "It would be my pleasure."

The sincerity in Laura's voice made Fie's chest tighten. She glanced back up, meeting Laura's gaze, and for a moment, the jealousy and disappointment she'd been carrying melted away.

"…Thanks," Fie muttered, her voice quiet but genuine. "That sounds fun."

Laura smiled warmly. "It's a promise, then."

Before Fie could respond, the call for departure rang out across the courtyard. Students began gathering their things, and the carriages lined up in preparation for the journey ahead.

"Well," Laura said, adjusting her bag, "I suppose it's time to go."

"Yeah," Fie replied, shoving her hands deeper into her pockets. She hesitated for a moment, then added, "Hey, Laura?"

"Yes?"

"Have a good trip," Fie said, her tone softer than usual. "And, uh… don't forget that promise."

Laura's smile widened, and she gave a small nod. "I won't. Safe travels to you as well, Fie. I look forward to hearing about your field study when we return."

Fie nodded, watching as Laura joined the others heading toward the train bound for Legram. She stayed there for a moment longer, the warm feeling from Laura's words lingering in her chest.