Alya and Kris walked through the expansive corridors of Stellar Academy, the towering walls of the institution looming beside them. The midday sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warmth that contrasted sharply with the tension between them. Alya folded her arms across her chest, her expression serious as she strode forward.
Kris: (calmly) "Miss Alya, I've received a message from Master Lucas. These are the conditions set by the Holy Star Temple Council to ensure you're permitted to continue studying at Stellar Academy."
Alya: (glancing out the window) "The Temple Council is just a bunch of walking rulebooks. They're always stubborn and love meddling in other people's lives."
Kris: (nodding slowly, his gaze fixed ahead) "I understand how you feel, Miss. But please, try to comply. They must have valid reasons for guiding your steps."
Alya: (snorting lightly, a slight frown on her face) "Fine. What's the message?"
Kris paused for a moment, ensuring Alya was listening carefully.
Kris: (firmly) "First, you must remain neutral within the academy and avoid aligning with any factions."
Alya: (nodding, her expression unchanged) "Next?"
Kris: "Second, you must be selective in your friendships and avoid becoming too close to anyone."
Alya: (sighing deeply, her eyes narrowing slightly) "And the last one?"
Kris: "Your relationship with your brother must remain a secret."
Alya fell silent for a moment, her gaze drifting out the window to the vast blue sky.
Alya: (wearily) "Why? Even outside the temple, my personal life is still dictated by others." (sighs) "Kris, do you think my freedom is being sacrificed for this power?"
Kris: (looking at her with understanding) "I don't believe so, Miss. In my opinion, the Council is doing this because of the political tensions between the East and the West. As a neutral nation, Elaria and its key figures must remain neutral, no matter what."
Alya: (rolling her eyes, her tone sarcastic) "Heh, so even politics is invading the lives of clueless children?"
Kris: (smiling faintly) "Perhaps. But from their perspective, this is a battlefield of politics and networking. The enrollment of children from the East and West in this academy isn't just about education—it's about influence. If people were to discover secret relationships, like your familial ties with Raka, it could be used as a weapon to manipulate you."
Alya: (staring at Kris seriously, then snorting softly) "Fine. I'll do it. But I'll still be friends with everyone in Class S. I won't get involved beyond friendship—that's my promise. Tell them that."
Kris: (smiling slightly) "Understood. I'll relay that."
Alya: (smiling faintly, feeling relieved) "Now that this annoying business is over, let's put an end to this guardian-and-ward relationship."
Kris: (confused) "I'm sorry, what do you mean, Miss?"
Alya: (glaring at him in annoyance but still smiling) "From now on, stop calling me 'Miss Alya.' We're both students here. Just call me Alya. Come on, Kris, try it."
Kris: (hesitating, his posture stiff) "I… I can't possibly—"
Alya: (quickly interrupting) "That's an order."
Kris: (snapping to attention, his cheeks reddening) "Yes, A-Alya! From now on, just call me Kris."
They shook hands, and Alya chuckled softly.
Alya: (smiling) "Seems like we'll need some practice getting used to this."
They continued walking, the atmosphere now lighter. Alya smiled in relief, while Kris maintained his formal demeanor, though he seemed more relaxed than before. However, when Kris paused briefly and glanced out the window Alya had been looking through earlier, his eyes caught sight of Raka in the distance.
Kris: (muttering softly, his eyes narrowing coldly) "Fellow students, huh?"
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[To Be Continued]