Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 31: Oops, I’m Bonding with the Plot Again

Chapter 31: Oops, I’m Bonding with the Plot Again

Katherine walked beside Princess Laura as they explored the academy grounds. The morning air was crisp, and the sounds of students training filled the space. Laura’s eyes shone with excitement as she took in the sights, eager to see everything.

"This academy is even bigger than I imagined," Laura said, spinning slightly as she looked around. "I still feel like I haven’t seen everything."

Katherine chuckled. "That’s because you keep getting distracted by the library and the gardens."

Laura huffed, placing her hands on her hips. "Those are important places! I need to see if their library is better than mine."

Katherine gave her a knowing look. "You just want to know if they have more romance books."

Laura gasped, feigning offense. "I’ll have you know, Lady Katherine, I am interested in many things!" Then, after a pause, she added, "...including romance books."

Katherine laughed, shaking her head. "Well, if we don’t get lost again, maybe we can visit the training grounds this time."

Laura’s excitement returned immediately. "Yes! I’d love to see how the knights train."

They made their way toward the training area, where students were sparring and practicing drills. The clashing of swords rang through the air, and Katherine admired their focus. She knew the novel’s story revolved around these people and their struggles. Would meeting them change anything? Was she getting too involved?

Her thoughts were interrupted when she spotted a young man sparring with another student. His movements were swift and precise, his form near perfect. The sunlight caught his blonde-brown hair, making it shine, and even from a distance, his sharp blue eyes were striking.

Katherine blinked. Well, well. Look who it is—the novel’s golden protagonist.

Laura’s excitement was clear as she called out, "Florante!"

The young man turned at the sound of his name, pausing his training. His sharp gaze softened slightly when he saw the princess. Wiping his brow, he approached them with a composed but friendly expression.

"Your Highness," he greeted, offering a polite bow before turning to Katherine. "And you must be Lady Katherine."

Katherine smiled. "In the flesh. And might I say, you fight well."

Florante straightened slightly, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Thank you. I’ve been training here for years." He tilted his head, studying her curiously. "Are you interested in combat training?"

Laura nudged Katherine with a playful grin. "She did quite well at the Symposium’s presentation. Maybe she’d be good with a sword too."

Katherine placed a hand on her chest, feigning seriousness. "Oh, I don’t know. With my luck, I’d trip over my own sword before the fight even begins."

Florante smirked. "If you ever change your mind, I’d be happy to teach you."

Katherine raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Are you saying you’re the best teacher here, Sir Florante? Should I be honored?"

Laura giggled, while Florante let out a short laugh. "Confidence is key in battle, Lady Katherine."

"And yet, overconfidence can be dangerous," she countered playfully.

Florante gave her an appraising look, then smiled. "You’re sharper than you let on."

Katherine shrugged. "It’s more fun to keep people guessing."

They continued chatting as they watched the knights train. Despite the many mysteries still lingering in Katherine’s mind, she found herself enjoying the moment. The academy still held many questions, but with Laura’s boundless enthusiasm and Florante’s easygoing nature, she felt a little more at home.

***

Florante led Katherine and Laura toward a shaded area near the training grounds, where a few benches were placed for observers. The scent of freshly cut grass and the distant clang of swords filled the air, blending with the occasional laughter and chatter of students taking a break from training.

"So, Lady Katherine," Florante began, setting down his practice sword, "how are you finding the academy so far?"

Katherine tilted her head slightly, fingers absently tracing the hem of her sleeve. "It’s been... eventful," she admitted with a small smile. "There’s always something happening, and I feel like I’m constantly discovering new things."

Laura grinned. "That’s the fun of it! Every year, I visit the Symposium, but this time, I finally get to explore more of the academy itself."

Florante nodded. "The Symposium is always a grand event. Last year’s was different since you couldn’t attend."

Laura’s expression softened. "Yes, I was busy helping my father. But I’m glad I could come this year. And I’m even more glad that Katherine is here to experience it with me."

Katherine shot her a look. "You make it sound like I had a choice."

"You didn’t," Laura admitted with a playful wink. "But you have to admit, it’s been interesting, hasn’t it?"

Katherine sighed dramatically. "If by ’interesting’ you mean being dragged around at an alarming pace while you get distracted by every bookshelf and flower, then yes, very interesting."

Laura gasped, feigning offense. "I do not get distracted that easily!"

Katherine raised an eyebrow.

Laura faltered. "...Fine. Maybe a little."

Florante watched their exchange with amusement before turning back to Katherine. "You seem familiar with the academy already. Have you been here before?"

Katherine hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking her head. "No, this is my first time. But I suppose I’ve read enough about it to feel like I’ve known it longer."

Florante raised an eyebrow. "Books can only tell you so much. Some things you have to experience for yourself."

She met his gaze and smirked. "That sounds like something people say right before they drag you into something reckless."

Florante chuckled. "Perhaps. But it doesn’t make it any less true."

A moment of silence stretched between them before Laura perked up. "Oh! Florante, show Katherine some of your sword techniques. She hasn’t seen you in action up close."

Florante let out a soft chuckle. "Are you trying to impress her on my behalf, Your Highness?"

Laura folded her arms with a teasing smile. "I don’t need to. Your skills speak for themselves."

Katherine hummed thoughtfully. "Impressive swordsmanship, a royal endorsement—tell me, Sir Florante, should I be honored to witness this demonstration?"

Florante smirked. "You should be."

Katherine laughed. "Well, in that case, don’t hold back."

Florante gave a small nod before picking up his sword again. As he stepped forward and took his stance, Katherine watched closely. His strikes were fluid and precise, each movement executed with an effortless grace that spoke of years of dedicated training.

When he finished, Laura clapped eagerly. "See? The best in Athens."

Florante sheathed his sword and turned to Katherine. "What do you think?"

Katherine tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I think you live up to your reputation." Then she leaned slightly toward Laura and whispered—just loud enough for Florante to hear—"And I think he knows it."

Florante smirked. "Like I said, confidence is important in battle."

"And here I thought it was skill," Katherine mused.

Laura giggled. "I knew you two would get along."

Katherine wasn’t sure about that just yet, but as she looked at Florante, she had to admit—meeting him had been far less intimidating than she expected. And perhaps, just perhaps, she was starting to enjoy her time at the academy more than she had anticipated.

***

Katherine, Laura, and Florante made their way to the academy’s dining hall, the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats greeting them as they stepped inside. The large hall bustled with students chatting and laughing over their meals, the midday sun streaming in through tall windows.

Laura scanned the room before pointing excitedly. "Let’s sit here! It has the best view."

Katherine followed her gaze to a table near one of the windows. She raised an eyebrow. "By ’best view,’ do you mean the scenery or the conveniently seated knights-in-training?"

Laura gasped dramatically. "How dare you suggest such a thing?" She then added in a whisper, "It’s both."

Florante, already setting down his tray, shook his head in amusement. "You’re as subtle as ever, Your Highness."

Katherine chuckled as she took her seat. "I appreciate the honesty, at least."

Florante smirked. "Well, while you enjoy the view, you’ll also enjoy the food. The academy’s chefs take their work very seriously."

Katherine picked up a warm roll from her plate and took a bite, her expression lighting up. "I can tell. This is amazing."

Laura sighed happily as she dug into her meal. "It’s one of the best things about this place. Even when training is exhausting, at least the food makes up for it."

Florante nodded. "After a long morning of training, I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated a meal more."

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Katherine found herself relaxing, drawn into the natural rhythm of Laura and Florante’s banter. She had been wary at first—getting involved with the protagonists of the novel felt like stepping too close to the story’s conflicts—but right now, it didn’t feel like she was dealing with future heroes of a grand tale. They were just people, enjoying lunch. And maybe... that wasn’t so bad.

"So, Lady Katherine," Florante said, setting down his fork. "What classes will you be taking?"

Katherine paused, considering. "I was thinking of taking as many as I can. I want to learn everything I possibly can about this world—the history, the politics, even alchemy if I can."

Florante raised an eyebrow. "That’s quite ambitious. Most students focus on a few key areas."

Laura rested her chin on her palm, eyes wide. "That’s amazing! You really want to learn all of that? You must be some kind of scholar."

Katherine waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, you think too highly of me. I just don’t want to waste this opportunity. There’s so much knowledge in this academy—I’d be a fool not to take in as much as I can."

Florante nodded approvingly. "That’s a great mindset to have. Though, don’t forget to rest every now and then. The academy’s pace can be quite demanding."

Laura brightened. "That means we’ll have to take you to more places! Oh! We should visit the stables next time. There are some beautiful horses here."

Florante smirked. "Just don’t let Laura convince you to race. She gets far too competitive."

"I do not!" Laura huffed, crossing her arms. "I just like to win."

Katherine laughed, the lightheartedness of the moment settling comfortably in her chest. Maybe being friends with the novel’s protagonists wasn’t so bad after all. There was something freeing about simply enjoying the present, without worrying about the greater conflicts ahead.

As lunch went on, she realized that for the first time since arriving, she wasn’t thinking about the novel’s plot or her own concerns—she was just enjoying herself. And perhaps, just maybe, she was starting to carve out a place for herself here.

After finishing their meal, Laura stretched with a satisfied sigh. "That was delicious. Now, where to next?"

Florante glanced at Katherine. "Have you visited the courtyard yet? It’s a nice place to relax after a meal."

Laura clapped her hands together. "Oh, that’s perfect! The garden there is lovely, and I know Katherine will love it."

Katherine smiled. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."

With their plans set, the three of them stood and made their way out of the dining hall, ready to continue their exploration of the academy.

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