"So you're Miss Palma!?" The boy bellowed.

"Uhhhrr... yeah." She replied. She laughed awkwardly.

"I see. I did not know. Pardon me for speaking so casually." The boy apologised.

"Oh no, please don't worry. We're the same age, so please speak freely." Palma reassured him.

The boy looked a little hesitant.

Palma smiled gently at the boy. He smiled back, his cheeks bright red.

"Ok! I'll do that then. My name is Latham La Hills, third son of the Hills family. You can call me Latham." He said.

"Very nice to meet you, Latham. I'm Palma Va Edelweiss, daughter of Nepella Va Edelweiss. You can call me Palma." She said.

"Ok! Palma!" He replied.

The two chatted for a bit longer, and then they headed towards the exit of the training grounds.

As they walked, Latham took a few glances at Palma.

"What is it?" Palma asked.

"Huh?!" Latham shrieked.

"You have been staring at me for some time now." She said.

"Oh... I was wondering whether you knew." He asked.

"About what?" Palma asked.

"About the other students." He explained, "I heard about what had happened on the first day of training. Many of the students are weary of you."

"Really? Why's that?" She questioned.

"Well... there is a rumour going around that you have a violent and cunning personality." He exlpained.

Palma paused.

"Who spread the rumour?" Palma asked.

"Eh? Ah... a student heard it from a female worker." He replied.

Chills ran through Palma's arms. She was confused and shocked.

Palma Knew all the female workers. Knowing their personalities and backgrounds, she couldn't think of anyone who would intentionally spread a false rumour.

"Why would anyone do that?"