Chapter 11: Farewell Part II
'It's strange...'
'Even though I've only been here for two months, this place has really grown on me.' Sevi thought as he walked back to his room.
Entering his room, Sevi was greeted by the sight of his belongings scattered about, awaiting organization.
"I've only been living in this space as the young master for a short time, but it's amazing how quickly it became a part of my life."
He began to pack his clothes, carefully folding each item and placing it into his trunk. His mind wandered back to his initial days in the manor—the awkwardness, the sense of isolation, and the gradual warmth of the relationships he had built.
"I remember arriving here, unsure and out of place," Sevi mused, remembering how foreign this place had felt when he first arrived.
"Now, it's hard to believe I'm leaving so soon."
He paused, glancing around at his belongings. "I should pack everything I might need, but..." He hesitated, considering the practicality of his situation.
"It's probably best not to overdo it. Packing too much will just be a hassle."
He began selecting a few essential items—clothes, a few personal mementos, and some books. As he packed, he reached for a small box tucked away in a corner of his drawer.
"This..."
Sevi thought, opening the box to reveal a precious dagger given to him by Captain Garef. The dagger was beautifully crafted, its hilt engraved with intricate designs, and it had been a symbol of his progress and bond with the knights.
"I can't leave without this."
As he continued to pack, he felt a mix of excitement and melancholy.
"I'm eager for what's ahead, but it's hard not to feel a bit nostalgic," he admitted to himself.
After he finished packing, Sevi took a final look around his room.
"I guess this is it," he thought, feeling a mix of anticipation and sadness.
"Tomorrow, everything changes."
"But I do hope the Academy would be full of hot blooded youngsters because I'll definitely want to battle with them," he mused with a small grin.
"It'll be great to test my skills and engage in some exciting battles."
Sevi settled in his bed and with a sigh, he closed his eyes, ready to face the new chapter of his life at the Celestial Academy.
Once again, Sevi forgot the game that he got sucked into.
It's a dating game, not an action game.
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Morning light filtered into Sevi's room, but he remained deeply asleep until a firm knock on his door jolted him awake.
"Sevi, wake up!" Lotte's voice called out from the other side.
"The Duke and Duchess is waiting for you. You need to get ready quickly!"
Sevi blinked groggily and rubbed his eyes, panic setting in.
"I overslept!"
He scrambled out of bed, the familiar comfort of sleep quickly replaced by the rush of reality.
'I can't believe I'm running late on the day I'm supposed to leave.'
With a burst of energy, he threw off the covers and quickly dressed himself in the medieval attire he had learned to manage over the past two months.
Gone were the days when he needed Lotte's assistance with buttons and clasps; he now handled his clothing with practiced ease.
Rushing downstairs, Sevi entered the dining room where his parents were already seated at the breakfast table. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the morning sun.
"This breakfast smells so good," he thought, appreciating the comforting familiarity.
"There you are, Sevi! We were starting to get worried." The duchess said as she looked up with a mixture of relief and concern.
Duke Sawyer, seated at the head of the table, wore a disgruntled expression. "Finally. We've been waiting."
Sevi sat down at the table, feeling a pang of guilt. "Good morning father, mother. Sorry for the rush. I'll be ready to go as soon as we finish."
Remembering his luggage, Sevi turned to the maid beside him, "Could you please move my bag out of the room and into the carriage?"
"Of course, Young Master Sevi." The maid nodded and quickly set about her task
The duchess served him a plate of food, "Eat up, dear. You'll need your strength for the journey ahead."
Sevi quickly ate his breakfast, trying to make up for lost time. The Duke and Duchess were nearly finished, and Sevi felt a pang of guilt for keeping them waiting.
With a sense of urgency, Sevi finished his breakfast and rose from the table. He glanced at the Duke, whose stern expression softened slightly.
"I'm sorry for the delay, Father," Sevi said, hoping to mend any disappointment.
"I'll make sure to be more punctual in the future."
"Don't bring this behavior to the Academy. Excel at all times." The Duke said as his gaze remained steady.
As the Duke's words lingered in the air, the Duchess spoke up with a touch of frustration.
"Must you scold him right before his departure? Sevi's already nervous about this new chapter. A little encouragement would go a long way."
The Duke's silence was immediate, his gaze shifting away but his expression remaining composed.
Sevi, overhearing the Duchess's intervention, felt a bit of gratitude but replied to the Duke.
"I will, father."
With everything in order, Sevi followed the maid outside to where the carriage awaited.
"Everything seems to be in order," he thought as he took a moment to check his belongings.
As Sevi double-checked his belongings, he noticed the bustling activity around him.
The knights, clad in their gleaming armor, took their positions with disciplined precision. Their stern faces softened only slightly as they prepared for the journey ahead. The maids, dressed in their neat uniforms, stood in a line.
The duke and duchess, standing beside the carriage, exchanged glances of concern and encouragement.
The duke, with a commanding presence, approached Sevi. "Remember, Sevi, the journey will be long, but the safety of our realm is paramount. These knights will ensure your protection. Trust in their skill."
"Definitely, father." Sevi said as he nodded.
'Ohh.. one of the knights is sir Cedric. I'm sure to be safe.' Sevi thought as he saw a very familiar face among the knights.
Sir Cedric was the genius knight that Sevi fought yesterday.
The duchess stepped forward, offering a warm, reassuring smile. "Travel safely, dear. I know you will make us proud."
As the carriage doors closed behind him, Sevi took one last look at the gathering.
The knights mounted their horses, their armor clinking softly. The maids waved, and the duke and duchess gave a final, supportive nod. With a gentle lurch, the carriage began to move.
'Three days of travel huh...'
As the carriage rolled away, Sevi gazed out of the window, taking in the fading image of the estate and the people he was leaving behind.
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