The inner garden of the academy was quiet at midday.
A gentle breeze stirred the petals of the floating bloomtrees—rare plants grown from seeds enchanted to defy gravity. Their blossoms hovered a few inches above their stems, rotating slowly in the air like they were dancing to music no one could hear.
The stone pathways wound through open lawns, trimmed hedges, and crystal-lit ponds filled with mana-infused koi. In the center, a circular fountain whispered over carved marble, its water shimmering with faint magical hues.
Students passed in pairs and clusters, chatting softly, books tucked under arms, cloaks rustling. Many wore the academy's standard uniform, but nobles from higher houses had added their own flair—custom-tailored fits, golden embroidery, jeweled pins bearing ancient crests.
Noel sat alone on one of the side benches, arms crossed over his lap, legs relaxed.
