The fireworks continued, each display more elaborate than the last.

One explosion created what looked like a cascading waterfall of light, the sparks seeming to flow downward in defiance of physics before finally dispersing.

"That one's my favorite so far," Lydia said, pointing at a spiral pattern that was slowly rotating in the sky. "It looks like a galaxy."

Lucas watched the spinning lights. "It does. I wonder how they enchant them to maintain those patterns."

"Can I ask you something?" Lydia said after a moment.

"Sure."

"That conversation you had with Celeste. In the forest." She kept her eyes on the sky. "I know it's none of my business, but... did you really reject her?"

"We talked about boundaries. About how she was rushing things and not really getting to know me as a person." Lucas said.

"That must have been hard for her to hear."

"It was. But it needed to be said." Lucas paused. "Why do you ask?"

Lydia was quiet for a bit. Another series of fireworks exploded overhead, painting her face in alternating shades of blue and gold.

"Because I want to know if you're actually available," she said finally, still not looking at him. "Or if you're just not interested in relationships at all right now."

Lucas was shocked. This was... he hadn't expected her to be so direct.

[System recommends Host employ manipulation tactics to maintain emotional control over potential ally.]

*Absolutely not.*

[Host continues to reject optimal villain strategies. System does not understand Host's resistance to basic power consolidation techniques.]

"Lydia," Lucas said. "I'm not sure you know what you're getting into.."

"And what exactly is that?" Lydia asked.

"A lot of trouble." Lucas said.

Lydia laughed. "Why are you trying to be mysterious? It's a simple yes or no."

"Well... let's just say that I'm very interested in the proposition but I think we should continue this conversation after I get back. It's a very big proposition to throw on a guy when he's about to leave." Lucas said.

"I'm sorry.... it's just that I wasn't sure if I'd ever get the chance again." Lydia said.

"And what makes you think that?" Lucas asked, shocked.

"Nothing.... nothing at all." Lydia said with a smile.

Lucas felt that it was obvious something was off but didn't want to press further.

"You see. I told Celeste the truth about needing to get to know people properly. That applies to everyone, including you. We've been through a lot together, but it's only been a few weeks. I barely know your favorite color, or what you like to read, or..."

"Purple," Lydia said. "My favorite color is purple. The deep kind, like twilight. I like reading romance novels and historical accounts of famous battles and military strategy."

"And I dream about commanding my own unit someday, proving that a mere daughter of a branch family can rise through the ranks on merit alone."

"That was fast." Lucas said.

"I'm not Celeste," Lydia said. "I'm not going to force myself into your space or demand immediate commitment. But I also don't see the point in playing coy about my interest."

She turned back to the fireworks. "So now you know. I like you, Lucas. As more than a friend. What you do with that information is up to you."

"I....I appreciate the honesty. I'll accept it. Unfortunately, I can't do anything about it now since I'm leaving so when I get back we can talk about it some more." Lucas said.

"That's fine. Just... don't take too long, okay?" Lydia said.

Another firework exploded. This one was enormous and nearly the entire sky was filled with golden light that slowly faded to embers.

"The grand finale's coming up," Lydia said. "They always save the best for last."

The final sequence of fireworks began. It was a coordinated display that must have taken weeks to choreograph. Multiple colors, multiple patterns, all weaving together in an intricate dance of light and magic.

The crowd erupted in applause as the last sparks faded, leaving nothing but smoke drifting across the darkening sky.

"That was amazing," someone nearby said.

"Worth all the effort they spent on it," another agreed.

Students began gathering their things and heading back to the dorms. The show was over.

Lydia stood and offered Lucas her hand. "Come on. We should get back before they lock the gates."

Lucas took her hand and let her pull him to his feet. "Thanks for inviting me. You were right.I really enjoyed this."

"I'm always right," Lydia said. "You should just accept that now and save yourself future arguments."

They walked back through the academy grounds and joined the stream of students all heading in various directions.

"So," Lydia said as they approached the split where their paths would diverge because her dorm was to the left and his to the right. "When are you leaving tomorrow?"

"Early. Probably dawn or just after."

"Be safe out there. And tell Marie I said hello when you see her."

"I will."

They stood there for a moment, an awkward silence settling between them.

"Well," Lydia said finally. "Good night, Lucas."

She leaned up and kissed his cheek quickly, then turned and walked toward her dorm before he could react.

Lucas stood frozen for a few seconds, then raised his hand to his cheek.

[System detects elevated heart rate, increased dopamine levels, and other indicators of romantic interest. Host may be developing genuine emotional attachment.]

"It was just a kiss on the cheek," Lucas said, heading toward his own dorm.

[System notes that Host is experiencing denial.]

"I'm not in denial. I'm just logical."

[If Host says so. System will continue monitoring for further romantic developments. Romance is the best tool for manipulation. If Host wants to, System can teach you how to handle those girls and turn them into loyal dogs whose only purpose is to serve you.]

Lucas ignored the system. After all, if he needed a system to handle women would he even qualify as a man?

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