Morning sunlight pierced through the thin mist as Kashu and Ikki Kurogane pushed open their respective doors at almost the same time.
The former looked refreshed, his lips carrying their usual faint smile.
The latter had a pair of dark circles beneath his eyes, his steps unsteady as though most of his energy had been drained away.
Catching sight of Ikki Kurogane's utterly exhausted state, Kashu's eyes flashed with amusement, though his tone was warmer than usual.
"Yo, Ikki, looks like you got quite a fulfilling rest last night."
"Heh... hehehe..."
Like a rusted robot, Ikki Kurogane stiffly turned his neck and forced out a smile uglier than crying. He did not even have the strength to argue.
Immediately afterward, Shizuku Kurogane emerged gracefully. She had already freshened up and looked radiant.
The girl naturally looped her arm through Ikki Kurogane's, half supporting and half leading him toward the dining room.
Kashu watched the Kurogane siblings' backs recede, his face plainly spelling out the words "taking pleasure in another's misfortune."
On his side, he had merely accidentally gotten involved with an innocent, lively princess who was a little absentminded.
Compared to the sincere and passionate emotional entanglement between those siblings, this little episode was hardly anything.
As everyone sat around enjoying breakfast, Nene Saikyo appeared at the right moment and announced the day's training—
The six of them would be divided into groups for sparring practice.
Before Shizuku Kurogane, whose eyes had lit up, could make a move, Ikki Kurogane dashed before Kashu, dropped to his knees with a thump, and pleaded in the most earnest tone possible.
"Lord Kashu, please have mercy and be on the same team as me!"
Kashu elegantly set down his knife and fork, unhurriedly picked up a napkin, and wiped his mouth. Every gesture