The morning was cool, the skies still painted with the soft hues of dawn, as Yuuya stood by the castle gates. The Paldia royal carriage gleamed in the morning light, its golden crest shining proudly. Guards stood tall and silent, awaiting the departure.
Yuuya stood by the side, his posture calm but observant. It was a quiet farewell, but heavy with unspoken words.
Cain von Paldia stepped forward first. The imposing Knight King, with his broad shoulders and confident stride, paused by Yuuya. His sharp eyes—eyes that had watched countless battles—softened slightly.
"I won't forget the duel you gave me at the banquet," Cain said, his deep voice cutting through the morning stillness. "It was a spectacle worth remembering."
Yuuya gave a simple nod, offering nothing more.
Cain's lips curved into a grin. "And my offer still stands. Paldia could be your home. I can shape you into a knight who'll stand above all others."
There was no hesitation in Yuuya's reply. "No. My answer hasn't changed."
Cain chuckled, though there was no offense in his voice—only admiration. "Stubborn to the end."
His gaze lingered on Yuuya, as if assessing something deeper. "But if you change your mind, you'll find my door open. Paldia values strength above all else. You'll be welcomed there."
He turned, ready to step into the carriage but paused, glancing over his shoulder.
"And one more thing." His tone softened, surprising Yuuya. "Thank you… for being a friend to my son."
Yuuya blinked but said nothing.
Cain nodded once, as if satisfied by the silence, then stepped into the carriage.
Chris approached next. His arms were crossed, but there was a faint smirk on his lips.
"Don't think this is goodbye," Chris said, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I heard you'll be attending Arcadia Academy with Flora."
Yuuya arched a brow. "And?"
Chris's grin widened. "So I'll be waiting. Try not to embarrass yourself before I get there."
Yuuya shook his head with a faint smile. "I'll try."
Their gazes met, a silent understanding passing between them. Friends, rivals—maybe something in between.
As the royal carriage rolled away, Yuuya watched until it disappeared beyond the horizon.
The afternoon light filtered through Yuuya's window, casting long shadows along the floor. He sat by the edge of his bed, eyes distant, lost in thoughts that pressed heavier with each passing moment.
The academy. The decision. The future.
He didn't fear the academy. Not truly. What weighed on him was change. Change meant uncertainty, and uncertainty meant risk.
He wasn't sure he was ready.
A knock interrupted his thoughts. Lena entered, her presence as calm as always, though her brow creased in worry.
"You're quiet today," she said softly.
Yuuya didn't respond at first.
Lena walked closer, sitting on the edge of a nearby chair. Her gaze was gentle but searching. "It's the academy, isn't it?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "I don't belong there."
"You said that about here, too." Her words were kind, but firm.
Yuuya's gaze dropped to the floor. "It's not about belonging. It's about… not knowing if it'll matter."
Lena tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"If the academy doesn't have the answers I'm looking for…" He trailed off. "Then I'm wasting my time."
Lena was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then she smiled gently. "And if you don't go, how will you ever know?"
Yuuya looked up, his gaze hesitant.
"You've been searching for so long, Yuuya-sama. Maybe this is just another road, another clue. Or maybe it's nothing at all. But at least you'll know."
Her words lingered in the air. Heavy, yet comforting.
After a long silence, Yuuya sighed. "...I'll go."
Lena's smile was small but warm. "Then you'll be fine."
Days passed and it's time for Yuuya and Flora departure to academy
Flora's excitement was a nervous one. She flitted from room to room, double-checking her packed belongings and smoothing out her dress. She was nervous but trying to stay positive, her gaze always finding Yuuya for reassurance.
"You'll be there, right?" she asked quietly as they approached the carriage.
Yuuya nodded. "Yes, i will be by your side."
Flora smiled, but her hands still trembled slightly.
Just as they were about to board the carriage, a shadow crossed their path.
Isaac von Verne.
His gaze was cold, sharp, assessing. He stopped just briefly before Yuuya, his smile thin.
"Take care at the academy," Isaac said, his voice smooth but hollow.
Yuuya stared back, calm but guarded. "I will."
Isaac's gaze lingered longer than necessary, heavy with something unspoken. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
Yuuya watched him go, the tension lingering like a shadow over his thoughts.
Just as they stepped towards the carriage, Alfred and Fauna arrived.
Alfred's eyes were already misty. He opened his mouth to speak, but instead, a sob choked him. He pulled Flora into a tight hug, his hands trembling.
"I'm going to miss you," Alfred said, his voice breaking. "Both of you. So much."
Flora's eyes watered. "I'll miss you too, Father."
Fauna stood gracefully by his side, her smile soft and gentle. She brushed her fingers through Flora's hair, then rested a hand on Yuuya's shoulder.
"Have fun," Fauna said. "Learn well. Make memories. And take care of each other."
Yuuya nodded, his throat tight.
Alfred wiped his eyes. "If you need anything, anything at all, just send a letter. Or—"
"Father, we'll be fine," Flora assured him gently.
With lingering hugs and soft goodbyes, they stepped into the carriage, the castle slowly shrinking behind them.
The academy loomed before them, its towering spires stretching high into the sky, disappearing into the embrace of the clouds. The stone walls, ancient and strong, seemed to carry the weight of centuries. A faint shimmer surrounded the academy—a protective barrier of magic, humming softly with power.
Flora gasped, eyes wide with wonder. "It's… beautiful." Her voice held a note of awe, her gaze lingering on the glowing barrier that sparkled like stardust.
Yuuya stood beside her, his dark eyes sharp and cautious. He didn't share her sense of wonder. Instead, he scanned the surroundings, noting the invisible lines that divided the students.
Nobles gathered in elegant clusters, their heads held high, voices smooth with practiced arrogance. Commoners lingered on the edges, quieter, uncertain. The divide was immediate. Clear.
(So it begins,) Yuuya thought grimly.
As they passed through the grand gates, their footsteps echoed against the stone. The air was heavy with expectation—and quiet judgment.
Then Yuuya's gaze caught something.
Near the entrance, a noble boy loomed over a smaller, trembling figure. The noble's voice was low, mocking, though Yuuya caught the tone easily enough. His eyes narrowed. He recognized that arrogant face—a friend of Cedric's. One of the boys who had mocked him at Flora's birthday banquet.
The commoner girl stood stiff, her dark hair falling across her face. She kept her gaze lowered, clutching her book bag tightly. Her shoulders trembled as the noble's laughter rang in her ears.
Yuuya's hands curled into fists, but before he could move—
"Is there a problem?"
Flora's voice, soft yet commanding, cut through the air like a blade. She stepped forward with quiet authority, her posture straight, her golden eyes calm but firm.
The noble boy froze.
He turned, and the color drained from his face when he saw who had spoken. His lips parted, but no words came. Instead, he offered a stiff bow, muttering something beneath his breath before turning on his heel and retreating swiftly. His friends followed, silent and tense.
Yuuya watched them leave, his gaze sharp and lingering. (Cowards. Only brave when they're picking on someone weaker.)
The commoner girl stood frozen for a moment, then turned toward Flora. She bowed deeply, her voice shaking. "T-Thank you, Your Highness."
Flora's expression softened, her gentle smile warm and genuine. "You're welcome. What's your name?"
The girl hesitated. "S-Sena."
"It's nice to meet you, Sena," Flora said kindly. "Are you alright?"
Sena nodded quickly, though her gaze stayed low. "I-I'm fine. Thank you for helping me."
Flora's smile didn't falter. "You shouldn't let people like that intimidate you."
Sena's eyes flickered with a mixture of gratitude and disbelief, as if unsure how to respond to such kindness.
Yuuya stepped closer, his voice calm but firm. "If anyone bothers you again, tell me."
Sena blinked up at him, startled, then nodded timidly. "I… will."
For a brief moment, there was silence—an understanding exchanged between them.
Flora broke it gently. "We should go. The assembly is soon, isn't it?" She glanced at Yuuya for confirmation.
He nodded. "If we don't hurry, we'll be late."
Sena hesitated, then offered a small, shy smile. "I… hope we meet again."
Flora smiled warmly in return. "We will."
As they walked away, Flora glanced at Yuuya. "Do you think she'll be okay?"
Yuuya's gaze lingered on the retreating nobles. "Not if they think they can get away with it."
Flora's hands tightened slightly at her sides, determination shining in her eyes. "Then we'll make sure they don't."
Yuuya said nothing, but the thought echoed in his mind.
(So it begins.)
The courtyard buzzed with tension as students lined up beneath the watchful eyes of instructors. Stone targets stood at the far end, marked by scars from trials past.
"This is your first test," the lead instructor announced. "Summon an elemental spell. We assess control, strength, and will."
One by one, students stepped forward.
A noble boy raised his hand, conjuring a weak flame that barely scorched the target. The instructors nodded—satisfied.
A commoner girl summoned a weak gust that stirred dust. Another nod.
Yuuya watched, arms crossed. (This is… normal?) The standard was low. Safe. Controlled. Disappointing.
Then—
"Princess Flora von Araulia."
All eyes turned as Flora stepped forward. Her hands trembled slightly, the weight of noble expectations pressing down. She summoned a small, steady flame that struck the target, leaving a faint scorch.
"Good control," an instructor remarked.
Flora glanced at Yuuya, and he gave a small nod. Encouraging. She smiled faintly, stepping back.
And then—
"Yuuya."
The name rippled through the crowd. Whispers, glances. The commoner who had humiliated Cedric.
Yuuya stepped forward, calm and collected. His gaze swept the crowd. Should he hold back? No. Let them see.
He lifted his hand. Mana surged, crackling under his skin. A fireball formed—bright, searing. Stronger than anything they'd seen.
Gasps filled the air.
He released it.
The fireball shot forward, striking the target dead center. The explosion echoed, shaking the ground. When the smoke cleared, the target was gone—reduced to ash.
Silence.
Whispers followed.
"That wasn't normal…"
"He destroyed it…"
"How…?"
The instructors exchanged uncertain glances. One cleared his throat. "…Impressive. Beyond expectations."
Flora stared, her eyes wide. Chris's words echoed in her mind: Yuuya isn't ordinary.
Yuuya stepped back, silent. He could feel it—the shift. The stares. The weight of new attention.
And the target now painted on his back.
Back in Paldia, the evening sun cast golden hues across the royal study. Heavy curtains framed the tall windows, and the soft crackle of the fireplace filled the silence. Cain von Paldia sat behind a grand oak desk, his arms crossed as he regarded his child.
Across from him sat Chris—no, Christina—her back straight but shoulders tense. Her crimson hair, usually tied back, now hung loosely down her back. The weight of their conversation pressed heavily between them.
"You've proven your strength time and again," Cain said, his voice calm but firm, though there was a softness beneath it. "You don't need to hide anymore."
Christina's hands tightened into fists on her lap. Her gaze fell to the floor. "But if they know I'm a girl—" Her voice faltered, uncertain. "Won't they look down on me? On us?"
Cain's sharp gaze softened. "No," he said, shaking his head slightly. "Not here. Not in Paldia. Here, strength is everything. And you've shown them strength they cannot deny."
He stood and walked around the desk, his heavy steps echoing in the silence. He stopped in front of her, resting a large hand on her shoulder. "You've beaten boys older and stronger. Nobles who looked down on you until you knocked them flat. You made them respect you, Christina. Not because you acted like a man, but because you were stronger."
Christina's shoulders tensed beneath his touch. She wanted to believe him, but doubt lingered. "But it's different outside our walls," she whispered. "The nobles at the academy… if they know, they'll see me as weak. As less than them."
Cain knelt slightly, lowering himself to her level. His voice was steady. "Let them think that—for a moment. And then show them they're wrong. Show them with strength."
There was silence between them. Christina's throat tightened. Her father's words, though comforting, still left fear lingering beneath the surface.
Cain's hand squeezed her shoulder gently. "You don't need to bear the weight of the heir anymore."
Christina's eyes widened.
Cain smiled faintly. "You have a younger brother now. The title of heir is his. And it's a heavy burden—one I no longer want for you."
Christina looked down, her lips pressed into a thin line. "...And if I still want it?"
Cain's gaze remained gentle but firm. "Then prove it. Not by hiding who you are, but by showing them who you really are."
The words sank deep, cutting through her doubts.
"You deserve to be free, Christina," Cain continued. "To be yourself. To live and laugh, to enjoy your youth." His eyes softened even more. "Go to Arcadia. Make memories you'll never forget. Build bonds that will last. Not as Chris, the prince. But as Christina, the girl who stood as strong as any knight."
Christina stared at him, her throat dry, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. Fear warred with hope inside her.
Finally, she let out a slow breath. "...I'll try," she said quietly, her voice hesitant but sincere.
Cain's smile deepened, pride shining in his gaze. "Good."
He stood tall again, resting a firm hand on her shoulder. "You've already proven your strength. Now prove your courage—to be who you are."
Christina's fingers curled around the edge of her seat. She wasn't sure if it was courage or fear pushing her forward, but one thing was certain. She didn't want to disappoint him.
"I… I'll make you proud."
Cain chuckled softly. "You already have."
And with that, the decision was made.