The Mechanical Era

Sofia's deep blue eyes fixated on a handsome black haired boy wearing his training uniform in the distance. He was practicing magic all alone. His coca brown eyes focused on the wooden targets with white and red rings on it. Most of then all seem to have a black spot in the middle.

There were no lessons being taught today, so most would rather socialize with everyone else. There were still some who would train, but this particular boy trained more than he socialize. Sofia herself got curious as to why, why would such a handsome boy not even attempt to socialize.

'Maybe he stutters like my brother?' Sofia thought to herself. She felt inclined to go and talk to him, about who he is, and learn a bit more about him.

Sofia walked over to the prince, and greeted him by lift her yellow gown's long skirt a little, then bowing her head in respect.

"Good Afternoon Prince. My name is Sofia Maybale. May I ask you your name?"

"Good Afternoon to you too as well Princess Sofia Maybale. My name is Friedrich Mercia. I am pleased to meet you."

"Say, what have you been doing at this fine hour?"

"I am currently practicing my aim on these targets. I have already received permission to do so from the principle."

"I have been wondering, you don't seem to be very social around the others. May you tell me why?"

"Oh! Um... I rather not."

"Rather not talk with others?" Sofia's curiosity grew further.

"No no. It's just, I just... I am more concentrated on training. I am not that strong so I don't think they might accept me." Friedrich replied.

"Is that why do instead focus on practicing?"

"Yes. That is correct."

"May I join as well?" Sofia proposed. Both of Friedrich's eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Of course I am! Besides you look like you know what you are doing. I might even learn something from you. Considering you have trained for far longer than I have. I will even help you make some friends along the way as well."

"Ah! Alright then. But you will need to ask for permission first. You can asked the principle whether you can join me."

"Alright then. I will. See you later then." Sofia said.

Friedrich and Sofia smiled at each other, thinking of this as a start of something wonderful.

...

The sun was finally beginning to set. Lisa had noticed Sofia's bright mood today. She already knew Sofia would have a habit of talking to many people, but this interaction seemed to have gone well.

"You appear to be pleased. What had happened?" Lisa asked.

"I managed to start another friendship today."

"Who is it?"

"Prince Friedrich Mercia. He was training all by himself."

"Prince Friedrich Mercia!?!" Lisa screamed at her sister so loud that Sofia had to cover her ears to not go deaf. She did not expect Lisa to have such an explosive reaction to her new friendship to Fredrick.

"Sister! Do you not know who Prince Fredrick is?" Lisa said.

"No, not much. Is there any problem regarding his character sister?" Sofia asked.

"Prince Fredrick is part of the Kingdom of Mandella. A kingdom that lies in the most southern part of the continent! Mother will not approve of this!"

"I cannot communicate who I desire with if they are from the south? What reason did mother give us to not to socialize with the princes of the south?"

"You heard from mother's own mouth that it would be something that we won't understand?"

"With all due respect sister, I have already submitted by request for permission from the principle to participate. What I do in my time is none of your concern."

"You know I will write to mother about this."

"Go ahead then. Do it, like to told you would do before." Sofia remarked. Lisa clenched her fist at the fact her sister called out on her bluff.

"Were is Edward? He might be able to talk some sense."

"Actually, I think I saw him socializing with the other Princesses. I think some other prince wanted to enter a duel with him."

"... I should have expected that." she says.

...

Edward, in his usual white attire was challenged by Prince Chris Terrell. He had brown hair paired with hazel brown eyes. He wore an identical suit to Edward, but in black instead to contrast the individuals.

Chris had brought Edward to a rather beautiful lake, with fisherman peacefully riding their wooden boats with rows on deck, and rod on hand attempting to catch something to sell to the markets.

"The challenge is simple. Whoever throws a water ball further to the pond will be the winner of this contest."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it is. So are you up for the challenge?"

"Of course I am. I suggest you go first." Edward said while making an arrogant smile. Chis gladly accepted. He stepped in front and raised both his hands. Under his breath, he spoke out the spell he needed to cast.

"Oùest leau." A sizable water ball formed on his hands, and shot to the pond. It flew fast across the air to the pond, and hit far away. They couldn't tell how far away exactly, but it was halfway near to an innocent fisherman.

Edward was surprised at how far he managed to threw, at least for Chis that is. However when Edward came up and fired his spell, it traveled much further and even hit the fisherman that Chris's water ball landed near.

Chris was silent while the girls congratulated Edward. Edward felt his ego boost while Chris's shatter further.

"You may win this time. But next time..." Before he can finish his sentence, Edward had cut him in.

"How many times are you going to keep trying Prince Chris?"

"...What?"

"Our silly rivalry had been going on for years now. When will you learn to give up?"

pαndα,noνɐ1,сoМ "I..." Chris couldn't speak.

"Let's face it. You have continuously lost against these fun little challenges we have participated. But now it is getting pathetic. Just admit your defeat and accept that you can never, NEVER surpass me." Edward responded.

Chris looked slightly down. He thought of all that had happened and realized what Edward said. Maybe it really is time for him to stop. He took a deep breath.

"Congratulations Prince Edwards. You beat me." he said.