The white marble corridors of Shirakuma Academy gleamed beneath the light filtered through coral crystals embedded in the tall windows. Though its architecture was sober and refined, the bustle of the internal shopping center lent it a vibrant air, as if for a few hours the academy's aristocratic solemnity had disguised itself as an exclusive haute couture market.
Alexs walked with his hands in his pockets, visibly uncomfortable. Ahead of him moved Arianne, Princess of Aquaris, elegant even in her school uniform, guiding him with the natural calm of someone accustomed to giving orders without ever raising her voice. Behind them, at a prudent distance, Lucia followed—dressed in her immaculate white-and-blue maid uniform, hands folded over her apron, her gaze sharp and attentive, always ready to intervene.
"A shopping mall… inside the academy?" Alexs murmured in astonishment, eyeing the displays that showcased everything from cloaks embroidered with magical thread to floating accessories of enchanted jewelry.
Arianne smiled over her shoulder.
"Shirakuma is not an ordinary academy, Alexs. Princesses, duchesses, and heirs of bloodlines as ancient as the kingdoms themselves coexist here. We can't afford for them to be poorly dressed—not even for breakfast… and certainly not for a gala."
"Sounds… excessive," Alexs replied, narrowly avoiding a group of floating mannequins drifting on their own through the corridor.
Lucia chuckled softly behind them.
"Believe me, Sir Alexs. This is moderate. Tonight's gala is one of the most important events of the year. It's where the competitors of the PrincesElite tournament are officially presented, and where the continent's nobility begins to assess alliances… and rivalries."
"So it's more than just pretty clothes?"
Arianne nodded.
"It's politics. And power. If you're poorly dressed, you'll give the impression that you don't take your role here seriously… and that can cost you more than a fight."
She stopped in front of a black-and-gold boutique called Lune Haute and extended a hand.
"Here, we'll find something worthy of you."
---
The interior smelled of magical lily incense, and the walls shifted color depending on the fabrics on display. A tall woman greeted them theatrically, lenses floating before her eyes and a dress composed of multiple living layers.
"Princess Arianne in my humble shop? I'm flattered. And this young man…? A new model?"
"Not exactly," Arianne replied. "He'll be one of the tournament's participants. He needs an outfit that speaks for itself."
The designer examined him from head to toe, narrowing her eyes.
"Hmm. Contained magic, firm posture… but a little lost. I love it. Let's dress him like a mystery."
As she began summoning floating fabrics to test cuts and combinations, Alexs murmured quietly to Lucia:
"Is this really necessary?"
"In this world, Sir Alexs, appearance is also part of the battle," she replied with a smile. "Don't worry. You'll look stunning."
After several fittings, the designer presented the final result: a dark ensemble with sapphire reflections, discreet crystals embedded at the collar of the shirt, a short cloak with a silver-white interior, and a brooch bearing the academy's emblem.
"With this, even duchesses will blink," she said proudly.
Arianne crossed her arms and nodded.
"Perfect. Now you look like someone not to be trifled with."
"Do you really think so?" Alexs asked, uneasy.
"Trust me. Some only respect what intimidates them… or what they can't read."
---
As night fell, Shirakuma's grand hall prepared for the gala. Floating chandeliers, enchanted music, and a parade of glittering dresses filled the air. Alexs entered alongside Arianne and immediately felt eyes settle on him—some curious, others openly disdainful.
Lucia whispered behind them:
"Now the real tournament begins."
The great hall shimmered like a starry sky trapped beneath an enchanted glass dome. Lamps suspended in the air pulsed softly with magic, bathing the room in shades of gold, silver, and deep blue.
Alexs walked beside Arianne along the central carpet. Though he feigned confidence, he felt every gaze weighing him, as if he were already fighting—not with weapons or spells, but with posture, words, and measured silences.
Lucia stopped before crossing into the main area and offered a brief bow.
"The attendants' seats are over there, Lady Arianne. I'll remain attentive if you need anything."
"Thank you, Lucia," Arianne replied warmly. "Don't worry about Alexs. I'll stay with him."
Lucia silently withdrew toward the area assigned to the maids, where several were already conversing softly or attentively observing their mistresses.
Alexs followed her with his eyes until Arianne gently touched his arm.
"Come," she said. "Tonight, you need to know who the true key pieces on the board are."
They took seats at a circular table in a privileged position. From there, Arianne discreetly pointed out various groups that stood out not only for their attire but for the atmosphere surrounding them.
---
"There," she said, indicating a young woman with pointed ears, snow-white hair, and emerald-green eyes. She wore a fitted outfit in green and gold, adorned with living leaves that moved in rhythm with her breathing. Around her, everything seemed perfectly harmonious.
"Seraphina von Braxil. Duchess of the Kingdom of Braxil, domain of the Eternal Elves. Specialist in natural magic, elemental control, and heightened perception. Even among elves, she's considered a prodigy… something made evident by her mastery of a critical magic of the Dark Gravity type."
Alexs swallowed as he felt the unsettling calm she radiated.
"She looks very serene."
"Like a windless lake," Arianne replied. "But all it takes is one stone to unleash the storm. In combat, she's anything but peaceful."
---
"The next one is more… direct. Look toward the balcony."
Alexs raised his gaze. A young woman with pale blue hair tied into an elegant braid overlooked the hall. Her skin was almost translucent, and her eyes resembled frozen crystals. Her silver dress looked as though it were made of solid frost, and her presence felt heavy.
"Linéa D'Arvenn, Princess of the Northern Kingdom. Heir to the throne of the Ice Giants."
"Her? A giant?" Alexs murmured. "She's my height… she even looks shorter."
Arianne let out a soft laugh.
"Her lineage allows her to alter her size at will. It's an ancestral ability. But that doesn't make her any less dangerous. In her true form, she can conjure storms capable of freezing entire fields. On top of that, she possesses a peculiar magic: Living Armor."
"Living… armor?"
"She can summon plates of magical metal that cover her like a celestial suit of armor. Some say it's a critical magic, others that it's a racial trait. Either way, it's powerful enough to leave you breathless."
Alexs looked away, a knot forming in his stomach.
"Great… what's next?"
"Look there."
---
Near a floating window, a young woman held a glass of shimmering nectar. She had delicate features, silver hair falling like soft feathers, and eyes golden as dawn. Her dress seemed woven from clouds, and when she walked, she barely touched the ground.
"Yvette de Mornaille. A minor noble, but don't underestimate her. She hails from the Kingdom of the Ingels, where lands float in the sky. She commands air pressure magic and current manipulation. Her illusory critical magic can force you to fight your worst memories… it's terrifying. She also flies effortlessly, and her void spells are nearly impossible to evade."
"And she's just a minor noble?"
"Not all monsters wear crowns," Arianne replied with a crooked smile. "Some prefer the shadows."
---
"And finally… the favorite."
The atmosphere tightened as Arianne shifted her gaze toward the main entrance. The entire hall seemed to pause.
A young woman with long, straight golden hair advanced with firm steps. She wore black with silver embroidery—simple and flawless. Her blue eyes cut like daggers, and her aura was neither arrogant nor warm… it was absolute.
"Alisce Charlotte. The 'Invincible Princess.' No one knows for certain which kingdom she comes from. Exceptional tactical intelligence and an unbreakable will."
Alexs' eyes met hers for an instant. He offered a slight nod in greeting… but received no response. Alisce looked at him with indifference, then turned away as if he didn't exist.
"Cold…" he murmured.
"Cold as steel," Arianne replied. "And sharp as an imperial blade."
"The most dangerous because of her critical magic?"
Arianne fell silent for a few seconds.
"Yes. Silent Crown. It's the most dominant critical magic I've ever seen."
"What does it do?"
"In simple terms… it suppresses everything. Alisce creates a domain where any spell or force not originating from her simply vanishes, as if it never existed. It silences all magic within the area. If you don't know exactly what you're doing, your own attack will be your downfall."
A chill ran through Alexs.