Παράκαμψη

It took me three days to fully absorb the knowledge from the books I acquired at the Hidden Library. The sheer amount of information left my mind strained, but it was worth it. Despite the overwhelming nature of the texts, I managed to retain everything.

However, there was still the matter of my rune assignment—a task that had been nothing but a headache. Without mana to channel through the runes, I couldn't even begin to activate them. My only option was to procure an artificial mana stone, which was easier said than done. Pushing the thought aside, I decided to attend my scheduled classes for the day.

After my lectures, I wandered through the academy hallways, taking in the quiet ambiance. As I strolled, I noticed a familiar figure lingering in the corridor. The closer I got, the clearer it became—it was Luna. She stood idly in the corner, her gaze darting every so often as if anticipating someone's arrival.

Our eyes met, and she slowly approached me. "Are you free today?" she asked, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity.

"Yeah, I finished my self-study and classes. Why?" I replied, tilting my head slightly.

Luna hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Your assignment is to form a contract with a rune stone, right?"

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Yeah, but the results are only graded during the festival. I don't think there's any need to rush."

She responded by pulling out a stack of papers. I leaned in, scanning the documents. They contained detailed information about runes and specific locations where they could be utilized—places deep within rural territory, lands overseen by the Celestial Tribunal faction.

I furrowed my brows. "Luna, if we trespass on their land, we're going to be in serious trouble. You know that, right?"

She merely smiled. "I have connections. We have permission to enter."

I blinked, processing her words. "Connections?" I repeated, skepticism lacing my tone.

"Yes," she said confidently. "With the right approval, we won't have to worry about trespassing. This is our best chance."

Her certainty made it difficult to argue. If she truly had secured access, then this could be a great advantage. Still, forming a contract with an elemental spirit was no easy feat. We had no way of predicting what kind of spirit would appear—or if it would be hostile.

"Are you sure this will work?" I asked, one last time.

Luna's smile didn't waver. "I do."

She then clapped her hands together, eyes glimmering with excitement. "Be ready. We leave for the rural area tomorrow morning."

Something about the way she said that sent a small shiver down my spine. "Sure..." I muttered, exhaling a sigh.

—

Morning arrived sooner than expected, and I found myself in the middle of my preparations. I had barely finished getting ready when a firm knock echoed from my door.

At this hour? Who could it be?

Opening the door, I was met with the stern gaze of Ms. Lenara, her expression unreadable.

"Ezekiel, the headmaster has summoned you," she announced. "You and Luna are required for a royal mission."

A royal mission? My brows knitted together. "Understood," I responded, quickly changing into my uniform.

Ms. Lenara waited outside as I finished preparing. Once ready, I followed her through the grand hallways of the academy, my mind racing with questions about what awaited me in the headmaster's office.

As I arrived at the headmaster's office, I was greeted by a woman who appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties. I couldn't help but be taken aback—she was much younger than I had expected for the head of the academy.

Her long, glossy black hair, streaked with crimson, was mesmerizing, and an air of calm authority radiated from her presence, making the atmosphere feel both welcoming and commanding.

"My name is Sylas Regalia," she introduced herself, her voice smooth yet firm. "I am the current headmaster of Aetherfall Academy. It is my pleasure to meet you, Ezekiel." She then turned her gaze toward my companion. "And you as well, Luna. Welcome to my office."

I glanced to my right, where Luna stood quietly beside me. Unlike me, she seemed completely unbothered by the sudden summons, her composure unwavering.

"Please, take a seat," Headmaster Sylas gestured towards the chairs in front of her desk. As we sat down, she poured us morning tea, the fragrant aroma wafting through the air.

"You must be wondering why I've called you both here," she said, taking a measured sip from her cup.

Luna, unfazed, lifted her cup and took a sip before responding. "Yes, Headmaster. We were quite surprised to be summoned, especially for something described as a royal mission."

Headmaster Sylas set her cup down and leaned back slightly. "The mission was originally meant for you alone, Luna. However, Princess Marie specifically requested that she be accompanied by a male student as her temporary left-hand knight."

I frowned slightly. "Royal mission?" I echoed, confused.

She nodded. "A royal mission is assigned to individuals deemed capable of handling authoritative tasks with their abilities. Luna, being an exceptional student and closely affiliated with the royal family due to her track record, was a natural choice. As for you, she recommended a student from Class E to accompany her—specifically, you."

That caught me off guard. "Me?" I questioned.

"To be honest, I had my doubts," Sylas admitted, her tone soft yet firm. "But after receiving a letter of recommendation, I decided to approve your participation."

Luna remained calm, but I could tell she was eager to hear more. "What are the mission details, Headmaster?" she asked, anticipation evident in her voice.

"A simple escort mission," Sylas explained. "Since both of you were already planning to travel in that direction, it made sense to have you escort a royal member as well."

"A royal member?" I repeated, curiosity creeping into my voice.

"Yes. Princess Marie Lothar from the Laguna Kingdom."

Lothar? That name rang a bell. My mind raced with questions. Was she related to Mr. Ishtar? Why was she here of all places?

"I see," Luna said, nodding. "In that case, we humbly accept this mission."

I nearly choked on my tea. Wait—what? Did she just accept without consulting me? 

I sat there, stunned, as Luna confirmed the mission as if my opinion was irrelevant. 

Great. Just great.

Headmaster Sylas folded her hands behind her back and gave a firm nod. "Now that it's settled, you should meet your escort. Come inside, Princess Marie."

The large wooden doors creaked open, revealing a dignified young woman with golden hair cascading down her back. She carried herself with grace, her every step measured and deliberate. Without hesitation, she took a seat between us and the headmaster, her presence radiating nobility.

"I am Princess Marie Lothar, your royal escort," she said, her voice smooth and refined, the very embodiment of royalty. "I humbly thank you for accepting this mission under the royal covenant."

Headmaster Sylas nodded approvingly before continuing. "Your journey begins today. You will accompany the princess alongside her butler and twelve royal knights from the Aetherfall army." She gestured toward the door. "Now then, I will leave you to your preparations. Safe travels."

Everything was moving too fast. One moment, I was standing in the headmaster's office, and the next, I found myself inside the carriage, the rhythmic clatter of wheels against the road filling my ears. My mind struggled to catch up—this mission, the princess, the sudden responsibility thrust upon me. I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to focus. There was no turning back now. The princess's carriage was at the center of our formation, flanked by three additional carriages as a protective measure. On the surface, it seemed like a solid defensive setup—unless, of course, we were attacked from the sky. A single well-coordinated aerial assault could reduce our carriages to burning wreckage before we even had time to react. The open plains offered little cover, and I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that we were being watched. If an ambush was coming, it wouldn't be from the ground. In that case, we'd be as good as dead.

As I kept a vigilant eye on our surroundings, Luna busied herself with conversation, chatting away with Princess Marie. They talked about everything—different places they had lived, their favorite foods, music, and even dance styles. The princess seemed at ease in Luna's company, which made my presence feel unnecessary. That is, until she turned to me with an unexpected question.

"Ezekiel, what was your childhood like?" Her sudden shift in tone caught both Luna and me off guard.

I hesitated for a moment, searching my mind for a suitable answer. "Well... I don't recall much, but I suppose it was a simple one."

Marie's piercing gaze studied me, a mixture of curiosity and melancholy flickering in her deep blue eyes. It was as if she were searching for something—perhaps understanding, or maybe a shared experience she could grasp onto. The weight behind her stare made me pause before I decided to turn the question back to her. "And what about you? How does it feel to live as a princess?"

At my inquiry, she took a slow, deep breath, her expression shifting to something more solemn. "If I were to be honest, it feels suffocating. Like a bird in a gilded cage, with no control over its own wings," she admitted softly.

Luna, moved by her words, leaned in and wrapped her arms around Marie in a warm embrace. "That sounds painful… I'm sorry."

A brief silence followed before I spoke up. "If that's how you feel, then how about a detour before we reach your destination? A chance to see the world beyond the walls you've been confined to?"

Marie's expression brightened instantly, her eyes shimmering with excitement. "Really? You would allow that?"

Luna smiled warmly. "We'll be stopping in a rural town under the Celestial Tribunal's territory for a short rest. There, you'll get a taste of the outside world—just for a little while."

The princess's joy was evident, and for a moment, it felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Luna, still holding her, giggled softly. "It'll be fun. I promise."

Though I was eager to finish the mission swiftly, I found myself considering the idea of exploring a bit before heading straight back. Perhaps it was the way Marie's eyes lit up at the thought of freedom, or maybe Luna's warmth had softened my usual resolve. Either way, a brief detour wouldn't hurt, and seeing the world through the princess's eyes might prove to be an interesting experience. After all, once we returned, the grand festival at Aetherfall Academy awaited us, and that would be another story entirely.

We cross several rivers, the wheels of our carriage splashing through the cold, murky waters. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth, and each jolt of the carriage sends vibrations up my spine as we navigate through rough, muddy roads. The rhythmic creaking of the wooden wheels and the distant calls of unseen birds accompany our journey, until finally, we arrive at a small rural village, reminiscent of a provincial town back on Earth. The carriages come to a halt in front of a relatively large building, its architecture adorned in vibrant shades of white and yellow. A pair of golden wings, arching towards each other in a crescent, mark the structure—likely a branch of the Celestial Tribunal.

One by one, the knights step out of their carriages. Luna extends her arm to Princess Marie, guiding her with gentle care, while I follow closely behind them.

As we step through the grand entrance, a stark contrast greets us. The interior exudes an air of tranquillity, far removed from the ruggedness of the outside world. The warm ambiance, the elegant furnishings—the polished mahogany tables adorned with golden candelabras, the plush velvet sofas arranged around an ornate fireplace, and the soft glow of crystal chandeliers casting gentle light upon intricately woven tapestries—it all feels more like a luxurious living room than an official tribunal.

"Luna Galadriel, my, my—you've grown splendidly," a voice calls out. An elderly woman approaches us, her expression warm yet dignified. Luna bows respectfully, followed closely by Princess Marie.

"And you must be Princess Marie Lothar of the Laguna Kingdom," the woman continues, offering a graceful bow in deference to the royal presence.

"Elder Rosanne," Luna greets her with a gentle smile, stepping forward to embrace her. "It's a pleasure to see you again after seven years."

Luna proceeds to brief Elder Rosanne on our escort mission. The elder listens attentively before nodding in understanding. "I see. We shall prepare your accommodations at once. You, your escort, and the accompanying knights will be staying here. Rest assured, the town is well-guarded, and our members actively patrol the area."

With a gesture of her hand, she directs us towards our assigned quarters.

From the balcony, I take in the peaceful expanse of the town. I finally learn its name—Pasagin. It was named by the indigenous tribes who once inhabited these lands before civilization took root. The town is quiet, serene, untouched by the turmoil that often brews in the world beyond.

Despite the calm surroundings, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. The tranquility feels almost unnatural, as if hiding something beneath its surface. However, my discomfort is far more immediate—I have to share a room with Luna and Princess Marie. I understand my role as her protector, but having no separate space of my own feels awkward. The thought of spending nights in close quarters with two women, regardless of the circumstances, makes it difficult to fully relax.. The tranquility feels almost unnatural, as if hiding something beneath its surface. Perhaps it's just my own overthinking, or the unfamiliarity of the situation weighing on me. Either way, I can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. Why do I have to share a room with Luna and Princess Marie? I understand my role as her protector, but this arrangement feels… uncomfortable.

Our orders arrive via a crow messenger. We are to remain by Princess Marie's side for a total of fourteen days—exactly two weeks. A perfect opportunity for her to experience life beyond the walls she has always known.

Perhaps, in that same time, I might uncover the answers I seek—about myself, my purpose, and the reason I feel this lingering void within me.