"Ra-hahahahaha" A thunderous laughter boomed through the entire throne room. "You really are something boy!" barked King Elric, his golden eyes gleaming with pride.
Other than him, the others present were Winston–his right hand, Damian, Lyra and some guards as well.
Although Lyra was now in a more decent attire than the reviorags she wore.
Damian had just introduced his retainer's class to the king. But it wasn't just any random everyday class, it was a Unique Legendary class, just like Damian's real class too.
'An Ice Empress huh'
Classes were ranked from lowest to highest in this order common, uncommon, rare, epic, mythic and finally legendary.
Amongst these ranks, there existed unique classes that could only be possessed by one person for an entire lifetime. Damian's and Lyra's classes were the perfect example.
'I know I talked a big game but I seriously wasn't expecting her to get a legendary right off the bat...' he shrugged internally, casting Lyra a side glance
'I was expecting her to get something like a maid.' he pouted as the image of his retainer in a maid's outfit visualized in his mind, adding a reddish tint to his face.
'Or maybe I should hold off on that idea.' he thought while scratching his chin in embarrassment.
"By the gods, to think I could witness such a prestigious class in my lifetime..." Elric stated. "...An Ice Empress of all things..."
"I—I do not deserve such praise, Father," Damian replied quickly, snapping out of his daydream.
'I mean... I'm surprised too you know.' he shrugged.
The king's gaze sharpened as he shifted on his throne, resting his chin in one hand. "By the way, Damian…" he began, the corners of his lips curling into a sly grin, "I heard your class evolved into a Swordmage. Is that true?"
"Yes it did" Damian answered with a bow, hiding his playful smirk underneath.
'Hehe… If I stick with this lie, no one will question how I suddenly start casting magic in public. Not even the old man. After all, class evolutions aren't exactly rare.'
"I see" replied the king with a soft smile.
'Now for the final push…' Damian took a breath and raised his head. "Father, I would recommend sending L—"
"Prepare your retainer Damian..." Elric's voice echoed, cutting into his request. "You and Lyra will be going to school next week."
"Huh?!" They both recoiled in surprise.
"Your majesty?" Lyra started, "But I'm just a retainer." She implied.
"Don't get the wrong idea, princess," Elric said, leaning forward with a knowing smirk.
"Besides…" His eyes flicked to Damian. "What do you think your master was about to ask me just now?"
She tried speaking up, but just couldn't find the right words as she was already shaken with fear.
Damian turned to her and offered a reassuring smile with a thumbs up. "Don't worry, Lyra... I'll be right there with you."
"Damian..." She whispered.
"I have heard what you have to say child.... You may now leave." Ordered the King.
In response, they both rose to their feet and began walking towards the entrance.
With a solemn bow, they both rose and turned toward the grand doors. As they reached them, Damian paused, resting his hands on the door.
With our looking back, he gave his final speech. "Hey, Father," he called out. "I won't let you down… I promise."
And with that, they left the throneroom as the doors shut behind them.
• • •
"Pheww!" Damian exclaimed, wiping a sweat from his brow as they walked down the hallway.
"Thank you Damian..." Lyra appreciated again. "Since I my family was wiped out, you were the first person to truly... Accept me." She stated in her low whisper-like voice.
"Huh? What are you talking about? We're friends aren't we?" Damian smiled
"Yeah" she answered while returning with a smile of her own.
"By the way, what skill did you get anyways?" Damian inquired curiously."
"I didn't get to pick one after I chose this class..." She pointed out sadly.
"Are you serious?" Damian asked Lyra who replied with a pitiful nod.
'Haven't of that one before.'
"Although... I got a skill from my class instead. Here." She visualized her status so Damian could see it too.
Name: Lyra
Class: Ice Empress
Level: 1
Strength: 8
Intelligence 12
Agility: 10
Endurance 10
Dexterity: 11
Skills: [Khione's Swordsmanship Lv. 1] [Ice Magic]
"Hmm, this is pretty decent, and your skill is WAIT WHAAAT!"
"I- Is it bad" Lyra asked, feeling a bit guilty from his reaction.
"This is amazing! You have dual skills too!" Damian exclaimed. "Khione is the great Ice goddess, Legends say she froze and entire ocean with just the wave of her hand!... And...and your skills are like her personal fighting style! No wonder it has to be leveled up, even as an Awakened Skill." Damian narrated excitedly with an agitated gleam in his eye.
"Really?" She asked curiously. "Um... Damian..." She whispered. Although she already felt a bit flustered from the praises, during his ramble, he had unconsciously brought their faces a little to close for comfort.
"S-sorry about that" he apologized nervously, retracting back to her side.
"So... You have dual skills as well?" She teased with a smile. "You said 'I have dual skills too?!' right Damian..."
"Huh?!" He shrieked in surprise, "I... Uh..."
'Way to go Damian... So much for keeping it a secret...' he shrugged mentally. But as he stared at the white haired beauty before him, he felt he could trust her with his little secret, although not in this kind of location.
"Ok fine, you caught me... But..." Leaning in for a whispered suggestion. "Maybe someplace private."
"Sure" she agreed.
"O-k then," Damian stretched casually as the walk continued. "School doesn't start until next month so we should make the most of the time we have now." He suggested.
"Yes... Umm... I understand, Young master." She confirmed, trying to sound like a proper retainer this time.
"You don't have to say it if it makes you uncomfortable you know... Just Damian is fine, I don't mind." He pointed out as she replied with a quick nod.
Then Damian glanced at her before remembering something and smiling. "Hey Lyra..."
"Yes?" She answered.
"There's someone I want you to meet." Damian said while reaching out his hand to her which she accepted reluctantly.
Funny enough, the moment he took her hand, he sprinted forward without so much as a warning, with Lyra in tow.
Even when faced with such a situation, Lyra could help but laugh as they ran through the large corridors, hand-in-hand