The Very Next Morning,
Kai felt a surge of happiness when he heard that Princess Aqualina had called for him.
'I suppose the surprise gift worked really well,' he thought with a smile. His mind wandered to thoughts of rewarding his slave, Aether..... Well, not exactly a reward in the traditional sense, since Aether was a slave, and technically, Kai was not obligated to give him anything beyond the essentials: clothes, food, and shelter.
And since the Academy provided free clothes, free food, and free shelter, Aether didn't have to worry about those basic needs.
Yet, Kai wished to show his appreciation in some way.
When he arrived at the designated meeting spot, he was taken aback to see Aqualina already there. She held a package and waited for him calmly.
'Wow, Aether really worked hard!' Kai thought, inwardly delighted by his slave's efficiency.