Raelis and his mother were escorted out of the throne room, their destination none other than the new home the emperor had prepared for them.
Just as they were about to continue walking, Zeri stepped in front of them, and to Raelis's surprise, she grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him aside.
The guards who were escorting the two of them didn't even bat an eye, almost as if they were used to Zeri's impulsive behavior.
But even so...
"What do you think you're doing?" Raelis asked coldly.
Zeri looked past him at the guards, gave a little wave, then turned back with an innocent smile.
"What do you mean? I'm just curious how you've been after all this time," Zeri said innocently. "We were always pretty close, don't you remember? Tea parties, dress-up parties. You know... you'd look good in a dress."
Raelis's brows furrowed. "I'm really not in the mood for idle chatter, Zeri. And I'm sure you aren't either. So just tell me what you want so both of us can go our separate ways."
Zeri tilted her head, clearly thrown off by his tone.
"You're acting way too cold... Are you sure you're actually Raelis?"
He maintained his composure. "Who else would I be if not Raelis?"
"Hmm... I don't know..." Zeri murmured. "You just seem a bit calmer than the Raelis I remember. He was always so timid, and..."
Her eyes met his as a faint, sadistic smirk appeared on her face.
"So very gullible."
"..." Raelis's brow twitched. I guess she knows I know about her true self... that's to be expected, I suppose. She's very good at reading people.
He leaned in to her ear and whispered, "You've always been a bit quick on the uptake. Though I had thought you'd play an idiot for a little while longer."
Raelis had no compassion for her. If anything, he hated her guts. So saying something like that right to her face felt great.
But Zeri only let out a soft giggle, unfazed.
"You're silly. But I'm sure we're going to have a fun time together, Raelis," Zeri said. Suddenly, she emitted a pulse of heat, forcing him to take a step back.
"Pfft..." She held back a laugh as she waved at him, then turned and strolled into the throne room without another word.
I hope she enjoys this feeling while it lasts, because when we meet in the academy, I won't be the same person, Raelis thought, letting out a frustrated breath before walking back to his mother.
"W-Wow... she's usually pretty bubbly, don't you think?" Sophia remarked.
He slowly nodded. "Yep. But let's get going, shall we?"
She tilted her head at his flat reply but let it slide for now. After all, they had a whole year ahead of them.
Still, Raelis planned to spend the majority of it training.
Aside from that, the guards led them outside the palace, where a luxurious carriage awaited.
And of course, so did the head butler, Xavier.
"His Majesty instructed me to deliver some parting words," Xavier said, clearing his throat. "Once you've arrived at your destination, all necessary goods will be provided. Also... be aware that the area is populated with Mana Beasts, so try not to go out too often after nightfall."
Xavier bowed. "That is all. You may enter."
"Thanks, Xavier. You've been a big help to us," Sophia said softly. "You sure you don't fancy a job working for me?"
Xavier gave a faint smile. "My apologies, Lady Sophia. The palace has its own ways of keeping me busy."
Sophia sighed. "Figures... Thanks again, we'll get going now."
With those words, she gently placed her hand on Raelis's back and urged him inside the carriage.
The two sat down on opposite seats, and his mother immediately lay down and kicked her feet up.
"God... these expensive carriages are amazing... I can almost..." she trailed off, closing her eyes. "Zzzzz..."
Raelis facepalmed at how fast she fell asleep. Yet he couldn't help but feel warm inside.
She's just like I remember... I'll make sure to protect that smile of hers no matter the cost, Raelis thought, glancing out the carriage window.
The carriage was so well-made that he hadn't even realized they'd started moving. By now, they were already traveling toward their new home.
He made sure to take note of the surroundings for future reference, and of course, it was about time he looked back on the Zeri encounter.
She was a master manipulator in the past, and it seemed like not much had changed.
Except she knew he'd seen through her.
Short term, she won't be a problem. The emperor won't leak this location. Hell, he'll probably have the coachman killed once we arrive, Raelis thought as he leaned back in his seat.
But from now on... I finally have time.
Ever since he had come back, he had been thrust into situations he hadn't been particularly keen on being in.
While absorbing the Ancient Flame Remnant was his own decision… the rest hadn't been his choice.
Still, he could finally set some plans into motion.
Even if I'm in isolation, no one said I couldn't sneak out and visit the city. There are a few connections I need to make before I enroll in the academy... very important connections.
Of course, he was aware of the potential trail he might leave behind, so he wouldn't rush it. First, he'd train his body in some stealth techniques.
After all, even without mana or a bloodline, he'd read most of the palace's technique manuals, just in case his bloodline ever did awaken.
And now... it has.
***
An hour passed, and they finally arrived at the home the emperor had mentioned.
To Raelis's surprise, it was an enormous manor, complete with a front-facing fountain.
To the right was a beautiful rose garden. To the left, a gazebo overlooking a river and the forest beyond.
The carriage abruptly stopped. A moment later, its doors swung open, revealing the coachman who had brought them there.
She was a fierce-looking woman, but the first thing he noticed was the calluses riddling her palms.
It didn't take long to come to one simple conclusion...
"You're Lizbeth Valencia, I presume?"