The Thor's Military Academy festival was winding down as the evening set in, but the atmosphere was no less lively. Lanterns cast a soft, golden glow over the courtyard, and music from the student band filled the cool night air. Groups of students were dancing under the stars, laughing and enjoying the last hours of the celebration.

Fie lingered near the edge of the activity, her hands stuffed in her pockets as she leaned casually against a tree. She wasn't one for crowds or dancing, but the music was pleasant enough, and watching her classmates have fun had its own charm.

Her eyes drifted to Laura, who stood a short distance away, speaking with a tall, imposing man in a long coat. Even from where she stood, Fie recognized him immediately: Victor S. Arseid, Laura's father and the Radiant Blademaster.

Fie narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to make out what they were talking about, but before she could decide whether to stay or leave, Laura turned her head and spotted her. With her usual composed grace, Laura excused herself from her father and made her way toward Fie.

"Fie," Laura greeted warmly, her blue hair catching the soft light of the lanterns. "I was hoping I might find you here."

Fie blinked, straightening up slightly. "What's up?"

"I was wondering if I could borrow some of your time," Laura said with a faint smile. "There's someone I'd like you to meet."

Fie raised an eyebrow. "I think I already know who you're talking about." Her gaze flicked to Victor, who stood waiting a short distance away.

"Ah, yes," Laura said, glancing back toward her father. "You've met before on the Courageous, haven't you? But that was during a rather chaotic time."

"You could say that," Fie replied with a small smirk.

Laura clasped her hands in front of her, her expression softening. "I wanted to introduce you properly. You're an important friend to me, Fie, and I'd like my father to know more about the people I hold dear."

Fie's usual calm demeanor faltered for a moment, her eyes widening slightly at the sincerity in Laura's voice. But she quickly recovered, shoving her hands deeper into her pockets.

"…Sure. Why not?" Fie said, her voice quieter than usual.

Laura led Fie across the courtyard, weaving through the crowd until they reached Victor. Up close, the Radiant Blademaster was as intimidating as ever—towering in stature, his presence commanding even when he wasn't speaking. But his expression softened as Laura approached, his deep blue eyes reflecting warmth and pride.

"Father," Laura began, gesturing toward Fie. "This is Fie Claussell, one of my closest friends in Class VII. She's incredibly skilled in combat and a remarkable person in her own right."

Fie felt her cheeks heat slightly at the unexpected praise.

Victor inclined his head politely. "Fie Claussell," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "It's a pleasure to meet you again under more relaxed circumstances. Laura has spoken highly of you."

Fie raised an eyebrow, glancing at Laura. "Has she now?"

Laura's cheeks turned a faint pink, but she kept her composure. "Of course. You're a valued member of our class, and you've been a good friend to me."

Fie scratched the back of her neck, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Well, uh… nice to meet you too. Again."

Victor chuckled, his demeanor surprisingly approachable despite his stature. "Laura mentioned that you've been a source of support for her during your time together in Class VII. For that, you have my gratitude."

Fie blinked, taken aback. "Oh, uh, it's nothing, really. Laura doesn't exactly need much help. She's, you know, incredible."

Laura gave her a curious look, but Fie didn't stop. She turned her attention back to Victor, her silver hair catching the lantern light as she spoke.

"She's honestly really cool," Fie said, her tone unusually serious. "Strong, focused, and kind. You've raised someone amazing, Mr. Arseid."

For a moment, there was a pause. Laura's eyes widened slightly, her lips parting in surprise at Fie's words. Victor's expression softened even further, his gaze shifting between the two of them.

"Thank you, Fie," Victor said at last, his voice warm. "Hearing that means a great deal to me as a father. But I believe much of who Laura is comes from her own strength and determination. I merely provided the foundation."

Fie cleared her throat, feeling the weight of both their stares. "Alright, enough with the sappy stuff," she muttered, looking away. "I'm not good at this kind of thing."

Victor laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "You have a unique charm, Fie."

Fie wasn't sure how to respond to that, so she simply shrugged.

The conversation continued for a while, mostly Victor asking about Fie's background and experiences in Class VII. To her surprise, she found it easy to talk to him, despite his imposing presence. He listened attentively, occasionally offering thoughtful insights or a bit of humor that put her at ease.

Eventually, Victor excused himself, mentioning that he had other people to meet during the festival. But before he left, he placed a hand on Laura's shoulder, his expression full of pride.

"Enjoy the rest of the festival, Laura," he said. Then he turned to Fie. "And Fie, thank you for indulging an old swordsman. I hope we'll have the chance to speak again someday."

"Yeah," Fie said, nodding. "Take care."

As Victor walked away, Fie let out a quiet sigh of relief, stuffing her hands back into her pockets. "Well, that wasn't as scary as I thought it'd be."

Laura laughed softly, her blue eyes shimmering in the lantern light. "My father can be intimidating at first, but he's a kind man at heart."

"Yeah," Fie admitted, glancing after him. "Guess he's alright."

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the music and laughter of the festival drifting around them.

"Thank you, Fie," Laura said suddenly, her voice soft.

Fie looked up at her. "For what?"

"For being so kind," Laura replied. "Your words earlier… they meant a lot to me."

Fie shifted awkwardly, glancing away. "Don't mention it. Just telling it like it is."

As the music continued to play, the two of them stood side by side, the festival unfolding around them in a haze of golden light and soft laughter.