Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

• 25 •

For the next four days, Cecil immersed herself in training, following Eri's instructions wholeheartedly. Finally, on the ninth day, she made some progress.

"Well done, you've finally managed to make it sprout."

Cecil panted, nodding vigorously as she wiped away a drop of sweat rolling down her face.

There was a potted plant in front of her, and it has finally began to sprout. Cecil gazed at it, her limpid eyes gleaming.

"The first step is always the hardest, since you have managed to make it sprout, it will be easier to enhance its growth from now," her teacher clapped on her back, wearing a grin on her boyish face. "I'm proud to have you as my student, if only everyone took their lessons seriously like you do."

Cecil smiled, looking at her teacher. "Miss Eri, it is because I have an important goal in mind. If I were to be honest, without this goal, I would have probably avoided attending this academy."

Eri laughed, nodding her head at her student. "Alright, you've worked hard for the past four days. Take a break and come back, you should be able to handle it on your own from now on."

Eri exited the courtyard, and Cecil could feel curious eyes on her. They were practising with their weapons for the past few days, whereas, Cecil was sitting cross-legged in front of a plant pot and staring intensely at it.

"This Cecil Lan...she isn't known for being the enigmatic ice princess for nothing."

"Right, right. First she chose a small rock as her weapon, and when it is time to practice her second form, she wants to grow flowers instead."

"Her thinking is truly unorthodox."

Cecil paid them no heed, taking the potted plant and exiting the courtyard as well. The moment she stepped out, she bumped into a familiar yellow-haired man.

"Cecil!"

"Kai, you are coming here more and more frequently." Cecil noted, a helpless smile on her face.

"Well, the training my master gives me is getting much easier and boring," Kai rubbed his neck, grinning sheepishly. "And I want to see you more."

Cecil sighed, "Kai, I told you--"

"I know!" Kai raised his hands up, his grin becoming smaller. "I know, Cecil. I know. And I still want to continue like this."

A pained look flitted across her face. Kai caught it and he panicked, clearing his throat.

"How's your progress?"

Upon hearing that question, Cecil grew more troubled and Kai panicked even more.

Why?! I--I didn't come here to make her upset!

"So-sorry. Should I not have asked, or come here at all?"

Cecil shot her head up, widening her eyes as she shook her head. "No, no. It's not your fault, and my progress, here, you can take a look."

Cecil pushed the pot towards Kai and he noticed a small sprout present on the soil.

"You did it, congratulations. I knew you would be able to, you are one of the most capable woman I've known after all." Kai grinned proudly.

"You think too highly of me."

"I think what I think, and I feel what I feel."

Cecil let out a short laugh, amused. "Alright, since you are here, let's have tea break in the canteen."

Kai glowed at Cecil's words. She hardly invited Kai for anything.

"Sure--" Kai instantly agreed with a bright smile, only to halt abruptly and he grimaced. "Damn, my senses for my master is tingling."