Wave embroidery on the sleeves of her pale blue dueling outfit catches the candlelight. Her black hair, tinged with teal and tied high, sways behind her shoulders, and a small water spirit circles Mariel's fingertips. She touches her droplet earrings once, then straightens a tilted candlestick.
Mulgyeol returns a beat late at her call. Mariel lowers her hand, still smiling, but briefly studies the spirit's movements. The notebook on the side table is packed with tournament dates, with only a single counseling slot left blank.