A Noble Invitation

The day after the festival, Kai woke early, still buzzing from the excitement of the night before. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he'd catch the attention of the royal knights. The promise of an invitation to the capital felt like a key to his destiny—a chance to get closer to Lady Seraphina von Eldric, the woman who had captivated him for so long.

As he finished his morning chores, the village buzzed with whispers about him. Some villagers regarded him with newfound respect, while others muttered about his "strange" talents, wondering if he was somehow enchanted. But he didn't care about rumors. His thoughts were miles away, envisioning his future in the capital.

Later that afternoon, he heard a familiar clink of armor outside his door. Opening it, he found himself face-to-face with the knight who had approached him at the festival. This time, the knight looked even more imposing, standing tall in his gleaming armor.

"Kai of Greendale," the knight announced formally, handing him a sealed parchment. "You are hereby invited to join the Royal Academy in the capital. Your talents have not gone unnoticed, and the crown recognizes your potential."

Kai could barely contain his excitement. His hands trembled as he took the letter, his eyes quickly scanning over the official script. The invitation was real. He was going to the capital, the very heart of the kingdom.

"Thank you," he managed, bowing his head. "I… I won't disappoint."

The knight gave him an approving nod before turning and heading back to his horse. "Prepare well, young man. The capital isn't as forgiving as Greendale."

---

The journey to the capital was grueling but thrilling. Kai traveled with a small group of other recruits from nearby villages, each of them eager to make their mark at the Royal Academy. They talked about their dreams, laughed, and even sparred to pass the time. But none of them understood his real reason for going—his dream of meeting Lady Seraphina.

When they arrived at the capital, Kai was struck by its grandeur. Towering stone buildings stretched as far as the eye could see, with bustling markets and guards stationed at every corner. It was a world away from Greendale, both thrilling and intimidating.

As he made his way toward the Academy, he marveled at the noble families walking along the streets in their elegant clothes. He wondered if Seraphina was among them, perhaps hidden behind a veil or seated in a passing carriage.

Finally, they arrived at the gates of the Royal Academy. The campus was magnificent, surrounded by lush gardens and gleaming stone walls adorned with intricate carvings. Kai felt a mix of awe and determination as he passed through the gates.

The first day was overwhelming. He was assigned a dormitory room with a few other commoners, who, like him, had been accepted for their special talents. They whispered about the rigorous training ahead, about the noble students who often looked down on commoners, and about the high expectations placed upon them.

---

The following morning, Kai attended his first orientation session in the Academy's Great Hall. The head instructor, a strict-looking man named Sir Alden, introduced them to the Academy's rigorous curriculum.

"Every student here, noble or common, must excel in physical combat, strategy, and academics," Sir Alden announced, his eyes sharp and assessing. "This academy does not discriminate against background, but only the best will succeed."

Kai's attention was laser-focused until a figure entered the hall. A young woman walked in, flanked by attendants, and immediately drew the attention of everyone present. She moved with effortless grace, her crimson hair flowing behind her like a cascade of fire. She wore a gown of deep red and gold, intricately detailed, emphasizing her royal heritage.

It was Lady Seraphina von Eldric.

Kai's heart skipped a beat as he took her in. In the game, she had seemed so distant, a beautifully tragic figure with an icy heart. But in person, she radiated a magnetic allure that made her even more captivating. Her gaze scanned the room disinterestedly, as though bored by the commoners' admiration.

He felt a pang of doubt. How could he, a mere commoner, hope to win the attention—let alone the heart—of someone like her? But he pushed the thought aside. He was here for a reason, and this was his chance to prove himself.

As the orientation ended, Kai spotted Seraphina leaving the hall with her attendants. Unable to resist, he followed, careful to stay just out of sight. He watched as she strolled through the Academy's gardens, her expression softening as she gazed at the flowers.

Then, without warning, she stopped and turned, her sharp gaze meeting his.

"You there," she called out, her voice like silk and steel, sending a shiver down his spine. "Why are you skulking around?"

He froze, searching for a response. "I… I wasn't skulking, my lady," he said, attempting a bow. "I was only admiring the gardens."

She narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Commoners usually stay with their own group. Are you lost?"

Kai's cheeks flushed, but he forced himself to meet her gaze. "No, my lady. I only wished to see the Academy's gardens… and perhaps meet someone as remarkable as you."

Her expression flickered, briefly touched by surprise, before settling back into her familiar mask of indifference. "Remarkable? Perhaps, but you know nothing about me."

"I know enough," he said, a boldness rising within him. "I know that many misunderstand you. They think you're cold-hearted, but I believe there's more to you than that."

A silence fell between them, and for a moment, he thought she might walk away. But instead, she held his gaze, an unreadable expression on her face.

"Interesting," she murmured, almost to herself. "You're not like the others. But remember, commoner," she added, her tone cool, "not all noble hearts are as pure as you imagine."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving him alone in the garden.

---

Kai's mind reeled as he returned to his dorm. Their encounter had been brief, but he felt as though he'd glimpsed something rare and precious—a hint of the person hidden behind the cold, noble facade.

That night, he couldn't sleep. He lay awake, replaying every moment of their conversation, her words echoing in his mind. She'd noticed him, even if only for a fleeting moment.

And that was enough. For now, he had made a start. His journey had only begun, but he was certain of one thing: he would do whatever it took to win the heart of Lady Seraphina, the villainess who had stolen his.