"Yes, that's how it works. This blade consumes your mana and helps you perform the techniques I use. It's not customized for your personal flame, though—just for wielding Eternal Flame magic."
"How does that work?"
"As I told you before, every Elestar who can use a unique-colored flame can also use Eternal Flame magic. But those who only wield Eternal Flame can't use any other type."
"Right… I remember now."
"That's why many conceal their true flame and mislead their enemies by using Eternal Flame techniques instead. Once you master the Eternal Flame, your own flame will become much easier to control."
"So using Eternal Flame helps build skill for when I use my true magic?"
"Exactly. I'm giving you this sword so you can get used to it early."
"I understand."
"Then this concludes today's training."
Suddenly, Master ended the session.
"Wait"
"Why?"
"Someone's watching you."
I looked toward the windows, trying to see who it was—and sure enough, Anna stood at the library window, watching us. The moment I noticed her, she turned and quickly disappeared.
"Attu, come here," Master called, waving me over.
"Yes, Master?" I asked, approaching him.
He placed his left hand on my shoulder and leaned close to whisper in my ear.
"Do you remember what I told you when we were coming here?"
"Which part?" I blinked, unsure.
"About girls…"
"Oh. Yeah, I remember now—you said you'd help."
"Well, the time has come. As a master guiding his disciple, here is my first piece of advice about girls:
If a girl is shy, you have to be the one who gets closer. Sit near her. Tell her she can trust you. Be the one to make the first move. That's important in your current situation. Understand?"
"I understand, Master."
"Then go. I believe in you. You're dismissed."
Gathering my two swords and belongings, I headed back inside. Master stayed outside, chuckling to himself.
[Let's see what happens next. This'll be fun...]
After training, I went straight to the library to talk with Anna again. As always, she was sitting in her usual spot, reading a book.
"Hi there!" I greeted her.
"Hello."
From the moment I stepped into the room, I began trying to follow the advice Master had given me. Instead of sitting across from her like I usually did, today I decided to sit beside her.
"Do you mind if I sit here?"
"Why would you want to sit there? There are other spots, you know."
[My plan failed before it even started. I thought she'd say yes without hesitation… Guess I'll have to change my approach.]
"In that case, never mind," I said, sitting across from her as usual.
Anna glanced at me, thinking to herself, [Attu feels… a little different today.]
[The important thing is not to give up. If I wait a bit longer—or make another move—I'll get another chance.]
"So, what are you busy with today?"
"Can't you see? I'm reading."
"Right…" I laughed awkwardly.
Again, Anna watched me silently, her thoughts murmuring, [He's definitely acting strange today.]
[What else can I do? At this rate, I'll never get closer to her.]
"By the way, thank you for this."
"For what?"
"For this." I handed her the coat.
"Oh—it's nothing. Be careful! It's winter. You'll catch a cold without it," she said, folding the coat carefully.
[I completely forgot. Last night I left this on her as a blanket.]
"Thanks for caring about me," she murmured, her face turning red.
[She looks really cute when she blushes like that.]
After she thanked me, every plan I had in my head vanished. It felt like we were already closer than I had ever planned for.
"I've got a question."
"What is it?"
"Have you gotten used to talking with me?"
"What do you mean?"
"The first time we met, you were hiding behind Suna and staring at me. Now you talk to me like it's nothing."
"I didn't know you back then. So I avoided you as much as I could."
"Makes sense. I guess that's why you didn't eat with us either."
"My grandfather said I shouldn't be afraid of you. He also said I should try to get to know you."
"Why?"
"Because I spend most of my time in here. I barely leave the library. They think I've turned it into my bedroom."
"I mean… I kind of agree. You were sleeping in here just the other night."
"That was different. I didn't even realize I'd fallen asleep." She blushed again.
"And… do you not have any friends?"
"I guess not. Most people are scared to be friends with me because of my family."
"What family?"
"The Blackwood family. We rule the Flame Kingdom. My grandfather… he's the late king's brother."
"Wait—what?"
"Yes. I'm royalty."
"I don't… I don't think I understand what you mean."
"Forget I said anything." She turned away and buried herself in her book.
"If no one else wants to be your friend, I will. I'll be your first."
"You say that like you just want my family's wealth and status."
"What?"
"That's why people usually try to befriend me."
"Then I'll be the first who wants to be your friend for real." I held out my hand to her.
"In that case… I accept." She smiled slightly and reached out, gently shaking my hand.
Later, I left the library—but something gnawed at me.
[Was what I did right? Should I have said all that to someone from a royal family? I acted without thinking. Maybe it was her smile at that moment. Yeah, that smile threw me off. I won't make that mistake again.]