Chapter 17: Khione Undine
Although she knew that Nero was well aware of her identity, she still introduced herself, curious to see his reaction. Despite her reputation for having a fiery temperament, she was someone who knew how to think critically; her intuition was sharp, and it was currently telling her that this person was intriguing—far from ordinary.
"I’m Elreth Sameal."
"Nero Adams," he replied curtly before closing his eyes and focusing on swinging his sword, testing its weight.
Elreth chuckled; as expected, this man was interesting. Just as she was about to say something, another person walked in, causing the princess to frown as if she had just bitten into a bug.
The person who walked in was a woman, a beauty who was in no way inferior to Elreth. If the princess exuded a hot allure that could compel any weak-willed man to grovel at her feet, forsaking everything to win her over, then the young woman who entered radiated an unapproachable aura. While Elreth gave off a temptress vibe, this one projected the demeanor of an Ice Queen—someone you simply couldn’t approach. This wasn’t a defensive mechanism; she had been born this way.
Nero briefly observed the girl: her white hair was nearly silver, and her ice-blue eyes seemed devoid of any emotion, cold like a northern glacier. Just like the sub-law of water—Ice she had awakened. He recognized her name from the gossip: Khione Undine.
As soon as she walked in, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Elreth frowned, not bothering to hide her disgust and blatant dislike for the newcomer, while Khione completely ignored her, simply looking for a seat and closing her eyes.
Elreth’s face twitched, and Nero could sense her frustration from where he stood. As the gossip suggested, those two never got along; it was understandable given their incompatible affinities.
The princess calmed her emotions and gave Nero one last glance, smirking as her interest was piqued. This boy could make a good toy. Elreth then walked over and took a seat on the opposite side of Khione.
Shortly afterward, a few cadets entered, but none were as notable as the two already present. Most of the cadets gravitated toward the princess, trying to engage her in conversation, though she responded with annoyance. As expected, no one approached Khione, knowing all too well that they would be frozen out for their efforts.
Nero had already finished testing his sword and was now sitting, waiting for the examiner to arrive and announce the beginning of the second test. He didn’t have to wait long before a giant instructor walked in, standing two and a half meters tall with a muscular physique covered in countless scars. His eyes were sharp, resembling those of a beast. The moment he entered, all conversation ceased; the pressure he exuded was palpable.
Looking at the giant, Nero thought, ’Strong! At least an Intermediate-grade knight.’