VCAM 45

Chapter 45 

 “Philia’s Growth”
(Kai and Rutia’s Summer Vacation Arc – Part 14)

The ballroom was brimming with heat and energy.
Brilliant gowns and sharp tailcoats swirled together, while the air was thick with the scent of wine and the constant hum of laughter.

Rutia still clung to Kai’s arm without the slightest intention of letting go, dragging him in and out of the dancing circles.
“My lady, can we please take a break already! My legs are dead!”
“Fufu, husband, you really do lack stamina. You should train harder.”
“This ain’t the place to be trainin’! It’s a ballroom!”

Nearby, another pair was drawing everyone’s attention.

Prince Leon, and Philia.

Philia, dressed in a pale blue gown, still carried traces of the delicate girl she once was—but her eyes now looked forward with confidence and strength.
When Leon escorted her into the circle of dancers, her steps were light and sure, filled with grace and assurance.

“Lady Philia has changed so much…”
“She used to hide behind others, but now…”
“She’s like a true princess.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

And indeed, Philia had changed greatly over the past few months.
At the academy, she had learned the logic behind basic magic from Kai, and had been taught swordsmanship and social etiquette by Leon.
The result—she had grown from a girl who only waited to be protected into a young lady capable of standing proudly on her own.

Watching her, Kai couldn’t help but think to himself:
(Man… the girl who was supposed to be the heroine’s gettin’ tougher by the day.)

When Philia and Leon finished their dance, Rutia immediately approached.

“My, Philia. You were simply wonderful.”
“Thank you, Lady Rutia. You and Professor Kai look lovely together as well.”

The two smiled at each other naturally, speaking as if they were old friends.

The nobles nearby stared, wide-eyed.
“This is strange… they were supposed to be rivals, weren’t they?”
“The villainess and the heroine, chatting like close companions…?”
“Are they… allies now? A coalition, perhaps?”

And the boldness of that “coalition” was proven a moment later.

A nervous-looking noble lady stepped forward and addressed Philia timidly.
“L-Lady Philia… if you grow too close to His Highness Leon, the others might…”

Before she could finish, Philia replied with a serene smile.
“His Highness has taught me swordsmanship and social grace. To me, he is a precious mentor. —If anyone has complaints about that, they are welcome to tell me directly.”

Her voice was gentle, but her gaze sharp—so much so that the young lady could only shrink back and fall silent.

Rutia followed up immediately.
“Indeed. And should anyone dare to gossip about my husband, I too shall face them head-on.”

Overwhelmed by the two’s sheer presence, the noble girl stumbled backward and hurried away.

Watching from a little distance, Kai sighed deeply.

(…Hold on. Wasn’t Rutia supposed to be the one leading a pack of bullies, and Philia the one crying for help?)
(Now the so-called villainess and the heroine are working together, scaring the nobles half to death. What kinda role reversal is this?)

Whether or not they sensed his inner monologue, the two ladies soon walked toward him side by side.

“Professor Kai,” Philia said with a bright smile.
“What do you think of me now?”

Kai blinked and hesitated before answering.
“…You’ve gotten strong. Honestly, when we first met, I thought you were someone I needed to protect.”
“And now?”
“Now… you’re probably the one who could protect me.”

Philia smiled with quiet joy, and Rutia immediately jumped in beside her.
“Fufu, but protecting my husband is my duty.”
“Stop goin’ full wife mode alreadyyy!”

Laughter burst across the hall, softening the air and warming the crowd.

As the night deepened and the ball reached its peak, Kai stood with a glass of wine in hand, watching the two radiant girls.

(…The villainess and the heroine—neither of them are what they were meant to be anymore. They’re both too strong now. Honestly, I might be the most ‘heroine-like’ one here…)

Of course, his quiet lament reached no one.
Only the sound of Rutia and Philia’s cheerful laughter echoed through the glittering hall, blending into the music and light of the night.