Shadow_Rein

The haunting silence left by Ray's vanishing act echoes through Aquacriddle Rein's life, forcing him to shoulder the weight of their family's legacy. Driven by a desperate hope and an unwavering resolve, Aqua enters a renowned academy, a crucible where he must forge his own strength. Here, amidst relentless trials and the forging of deep friendships, Aqua's journey becomes a testament to resilience. He must not only master his skills but also confront the haunting absence of his brother, proving that even in the face of loss, the human spirit can endure, and that even silence cannot extinguish the hope of reunion.

Shadow of Rein

Bored and restless, Aqua and Casial wandered towards the academy building where Claire and Emilia's alchemy class was being held. The ornate corridor outside the classroom was quiet, sunlight filtering through the stained-glass windows and casting colorful patterns on the marble floor. Casial, as usual, filled the silence with his incessant bickering, much to Aqua's passive amusement.

When the class finally ended, Claire and Emilia emerged, their expressions lightening upon spotting the two waiting outside. Claire immediately crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at her brother. "What are you doing here, Casial?"

"We were bored and had nothing better to do," Casial said with an exaggerated shrug.

Claire sighed, her annoyance barely masked. "We haven't eaten yet. Go entertain yourselves."

Casial ignored her suggestion entirely, turning to Aqua with a mischievous grin. "Let's join them for lunch. Come on."

Aqua frowned. "We just had lunch. Don't you remember?"

"Then we'll just have another one!" Casial insisted with nonchalance. Aqua briefly considered how ridiculous it was to walk into the girls' dormitory canteen but ultimately gave in, reminded of how idle his day felt compared to the endless paperwork he used to manage at House Rein.

Claire, though visibly annoyed by the idea, didn't stop them. Emilia hesitated, her shyness evident, but she quietly followed as well.

The canteen buzzed with chatter, but the atmosphere shifted the moment the four entered. Heads turned, and whispers spread among the girls. All eyes were on the young men—Casial with his golden hair, lively charm, and striking blue eyes, and Aqua with his calm, noble bearing, dark hair, and piercing black eyes that gave him an air of aloof grace. Their presence was rare, and it was clear they stood out.

"What do you want to eat, Emilia?" Claire asked, her tone softening as she turned to her friend.

"I'm fine with anything," Emilia replied hesitantly. Casial chimed in, "We'll take the special meal with ice cream." He didn't even glance at Aqua for agreement, much to Claire's frustration.

Claire shot Casial a pointed look. "Are you seriously eating again after stuffing yourself at the boys' canteen?"

"Of course!" Casial replied with a grin, unbothered.

With an exasperated sigh, Claire ordered two balanced meals for herself and Emilia and two special meals for the boys. They found a table near the windows, where sunlight poured in, bathing their plates in warm light.

As they began eating, Casial reached over and took the ice cream from Aqua's plate without hesitation. Claire glared at him, her patience clearly thinning. "Did you even ask him?" she snapped.

Casial waved her off casually. "He doesn't like sweets. He told me I could have it."

Claire blinked, stunned by the casual closeness between the two. It was remarkable how, in just one day, they had grown so comfortable with each other—enough to share food without question.

Lunch Among Friends