LightReader

Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: A Place Among Them

Zeppelin stared at the neatly folded clothes resting at the edge of the bed, deep navy-blue fabric trimmed in gleaming silver, a simple yet elegant dress-tunic paired with form-fitting leggings and a short cloak emblazoned with the crest of Holjr Academy. It wasn't armor, not even light combat gear, but it was clean, warm, and didn't smell like scorched wood or monster blood.

She touched the fabric gently, her fingertips brushing against the soft fibers. "They really didn't have to…"

"They did," Saya said from across the small room, leaning against the wall with her posture relaxed yet composed as she leaned against the stone wall, arms crossed defiantly. "You'd draw too much attention walking around in your travel clothes. It's not about kindness, it's protocol."

Zeppelin pouted. "Gee, thanks for clarifying."

Saya didn't respond. Typical.

The academy had assigned her to a spare quarter reserved for civilian guests. though simple, it was surprisingly comfortable, with soft lighting that cast a warm glow across the modest furnishings. Despite not being a student or a knight, the faculty had quietly agreed to let her stay under "protective observation," thanks in no small part to Saya's insistence. Yet, even in the warm embrace of the academy, Zeppelin felt the weight of curious glances, invisible question marks hanging in the air around her.

That afternoon, she wandered through the hallowed halls of the academy alone, quietly observing from the shadows of stone archways. The training fields erupted with elemental bursts of energy, vivid colors illuminating the scene. Young knights practiced swordplay in precise, choreographed formations, sweat glistening on their foreheads as instructors barked corrections. Spellcasters in nearby circles honed their mastery, weaving intricate threads of frost, controlled flames, and lively whispers of wind through the air.

Zeppelin, standing behind a stone pillar, she watched with wide eyes. They're all amazing… but so different. So unique…

And she was just... her. A girl with no training, no rank, and a dangerous, uburdened by the weight of an unknown power sealed inside her.

Later, in the mess hall, she found herself seated with Saya and a few of the less rigid apprentices. They introduced themselves cautiously—Mira, an earth-aligned knight-in-training with a sparkle of curiosity in her eyes, seemed to have already heard "some weird things" about Zeppelin but didn't seem to care. Darin, a talkative fire user whose animated chatter filled the space with energy; and Elric, who didn't talk much at all but offered her half of his bread when she looked a bit lost.

"I'm not part of your team or anything," Zeppelin said with a sheepish smile playing on her lips as she trying to wave off the attention.

"Well, you're living here now," Mira countered, her grin wide and infectious. "Might as well get used to our weird little family."

"You say that, but half the academy still looks at me like I'm gonna bite them."

"That's just because you haven't smiled at them yet."

Zeppelin blinked. "What?"

Mira's grin widened. "That smile is way too sweet. It's disarming. You've got secret weapons and don't even know it."

Zeppelin flushed and muttered something incoherent into her stew.

Saya, seated silently, sipped her tea, the steam curling upwards, merging with the collective noise of laughter and chatter around them.

By evening, she found herself wandering the edge of the training grounds beneath the soft glow of lantern light. The cool breeze tousled her black hair, which whipped about her face while her eyes sparkled like stars reflecting the moon above. A tranquil peace enveloped the surroundings, only broken by the distant clatter of steel as pairs of knights engaged in spirited sparring matches.

She looked at her hands, flexing her fingers slowly. I want to catch up… I want to be useful. But how?

Then, a voice behind her.

"You don't have to rush."

Zeppelin turned to see who it is, its Mira, hands behind her back, her gaze soft and understanding, exuding a warmth that eased her tension.

"You've been through a lot. No one's expecting you to be a knight. Not yet. Just… breathe."

A smile finally broke through Zeppelin's uncertainty, though it was a touch shaky. "I'll try."

More Chapters