Journey Through The Three Kingdoms - III

The three sisters were asleep with their heads tilted against the cushioned seats, the soft hum of the wind outside lulling them into peaceful slumber.

Liam, however, remained awake. The first rays of sunlight filtered through the small window beside him, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold. Being this high in the sky, they had reached sunrise earlier than those on the ground. The clouds below were dyed in a soft glow, stretching endlessly like a golden sea.

Noticing Liam awake, Edwin glanced back from the puller's chamber and offered a nod. "Good morning, Master Liam."

Liam stretched his arms and let out a quiet sigh. "Good morning. How much time do we have left before we arrive?"

"Not much, Master Liam," Edwin replied. "We're about to reach the Institute."

As Edwin spoke, Liam noticed the carriage was gradually losing altitude, descending little by little. The once-distant landscape below became clearer, revealing vast stretches of land, rivers winding through valleys, and scattered settlements in the distance.

Realizing they were close, he decided it was time to wake his sisters. He glanced at Cassandra, Elaine, and Evaline, who were still leaning against their seats, asleep.

With a smirk, he reached out and gave Cassandra a light shake. "Wake up. We're almost there."

Cassandra yawned and stretched before nudging her sisters awake. Elaine groaned, rubbing her eyes, while Evaline blinked a few times before sighing.

Elaine slumped back against her seat. "I'm not attending today's classes. I'll be sleeping in my dorm."

"Agreed," Cassandra and Evaline said in unison.

Cassandra glanced at Liam. "What about you? Let's get you toured in the afternoon. I'm going to sleep, and you probably need some rest too."

Liam smirked. "Nah, I'll be fine. Not my first all-nighter."

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Don't bother me if you get into trouble at the Institute. I'm telling you again — we'll get going in the afternoon."

Liam leaned back with a smirk. "Don't worry, sister. I'm sure being a prince will work in my favor."

Elaine snorted. "Oh, you think that."

Evaline chuckled. "Let's see how long that lasts."

Liam frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

Elaine stretched, letting out a lazy yawn. "I mean that no individual can use their status at the Institute. It doesn't matter if you're a prince, a noble, or a commoner — everyone is treated the same."

Evaline nodded. "The fact that you got in without taking the entrance exam is already more than you could ask for."

Cassandra smirked. "So don't go thinking you can push for more favors. The Institute doesn't care who you are — only what you can do."

Liam crossed his arms. "Fine then. We'll go around the campus this afternoon."

Cassandra nodded. "Good. That way, you'll at least know where everything is instead of wandering around like a lost puppy."

Elaine chuckled. "Yeah, and don't expect us to babysit you the whole time."

Liam scoffed. "I'll manage."

As the carriage descended further, the view before them became breathtaking. A vast, illustrious city stretched across the landscape, its streets woven with intricate patterns, grand buildings gleaming under the morning sun. But what stood out most was the massive structure at its center— a colossal institute, nearly half the size of the city itself. It had its own distinct boundary, almost like a city within a city, fortified yet elegant, a world of its own.

Liam stared in awe, taking in the sheer scale of it.

His thoughts were interrupted as Edwin spoke with a hint of pride. "Welcome to Azmaaris, Master Liam."

The carriage descended smoothly before landing at the grand gates of Aetherhold. The city's entrance was bustling with travelers, merchants, and locals lined up for entry. However, instead of waiting in the long queue, their carriage veered toward a separate path — a VIP route guarded by armored sentinels.

As they approached, a guard in polished silver armor stepped forward. "Halt. State your purpose."

Edwin, seated at the front, barely slowed the carriage as he raised a sealed emblem. "Escorting members of the royal family. Special entry clearance."

The guard inspected the emblem for a moment before nodding. "Understood. Proceed." With a swift motion, he signaled to the other guards, and the heavy iron gates parted just enough for their carriage to pass through.

Liam, watching through the window, noticed a group of individuals moving through the main entrance, all wearing deep blue uniforms. Unlike the city guards, they carried no weapons, yet they walked with an air of confidence and discipline.

"Who are they?" Liam asked, eyes following them as they passed.

Elaine glanced out. "Students of the Institute."

Liam raised a brow. "But they're waiting in line like everyone else."

Elaine smirked. "That's because, inside the campus walls, everyone is equal. Outside those walls? That's a different story."

Liam leaned back, taking that in. Before he could respond, Cassandra turned to him, her usual teasing tone gone. "Listen, Liam. I'll tell you this again — seriously this time. Do not do anything that violates the Institute's rules."

Liam crossed his arms. "Alright, alright. Where can I even read these rules?"

Without a word, Cassandra reached into her bag and, with a swift motion, tossed a book at him. Instinctively, Liam caught it.

He looked down at the worn leather cover, its golden embossed lettering reading:

Arthur Royal Institute – Student Handbook (For Year 24th of 28th Reign)

The cover depicted a majestic twin-headed griffin, its wings outstretched, clutching a banner in its talons. Beneath it, a grand tower — the symbol of the Institute — stood tall against a carved backdrop of stars.

Liam sighed. "Great. More reading."

Cassandra chuckled as Liam turned the book over in his hands. "I grabbed a copy for you earlier," she said casually. "Father told me about your possible enrollment."

Liam glanced up, raising a brow. "So you also knew? Who else knows other than me?"

"Of course I knew," she replied, stretching her arms. "Though I wish you would break some rules on your first day."

Elaine chuckled. "Would've been fun to watch him get in trouble first."

Liam rolled his eyes, flipping through the pages. "You two are really looking out for me, huh?"

Evaline grinned. "Oh, absolutely. Now hurry up and read, Prince Special Enrollment."

Liam opened the book, only to be met with a sudden pop-up—an origami-folded map of the institute that unfolded itself as soon as the cover was lifted.

"What in the…" he muttered, momentarily startled.

The intricate details of the map caught his eye — it wasn't just a simple layout. Each section of the Arthur Royal Institute was labeled, and some buildings seemed to have slight movements as if enchanted to mimic real-time activity.

Despite his initial surprise, Liam couldn't help but be impressed. "That's pretty neat."

"How did they even do this?" Liam asked, still inspecting the intricate folds of the " — quite clever."

Cassandra answered. "The new edition of the handbook is issued by the Disciplinary Department every year and then in the Room of Runes they inscribe the entire yearly schedule into it."

"Inscribe schedule?" Liam asked

"Alright, let's see." She pulled out a copy of her Handbook and pointed to an idle, floating, green glow on the map. "So, while it may indicate that Professor Raynard is in — the Professors' Common Room, it doesn't necessarily mean he's actually there. It's based on their schedule."

"It seems cool, but it's not entirely accurate," Evaline articulated further.

"If a schedule changes, you can submit your copy to the Room of Runes," Elaine added. "They'll update it for you."

"Oh." Liam nodded, then frowned.

"Wait… you think people would track where you are?" Said Elaine.

Evaline chuckled. "What, scared someone might find out where you're hiding?"

"Uh, no…" Liam scoffed, flipping another page in the book to avoid their teasing looks.

Cassandra leaned back. "There was a proposal from an inscription master to have every copy of the handbook magically linked to a professor or student's mana signature — so that each book would always show exactly where they were if they carried the book."

Liam blinked. "That's… unsettling."

"Well, don't worry. It got rejected" Evaline spoke calmly.

"But it is scary, right?" Cassandra said, shaking her head. "Obviously, the idea had to be rejected. Even the Institute isn't that crazy."

Liam shut the book with a soft thud and exhaled. His eyes drifted outside the carriage window, scanning the bustling streets of Azmaaris. Even in the early morning, the city was alive — merchants setting up their stalls, scholars rushing with stacks of books, and workers moving with purpose.

The blend of magic and craftsmanship was evident in every corner; floating lanterns hovered above shops, enchanted carts moved without horses, and towering spires pulsed faintly with inscribed runes. Unlike the structured grandeur of the royal capital, Azmaaris had a different energy — one that hummed with innovation and intellect.

His gaze shifted to the students in blue uniforms walking together in small groups chatting animatedly, while others moved with their robes swaying with every step. It was clear they belonged to the Institute.

Liam tapped his fingers against the book's cover, his mind racing about the institute.

As the carriage rolled forward, the grand gates of the Arthur Royal Institute loomed ahead. Unlike the city walls, which were built for defense, these gates were a marvel of artistry — etched with golden runes that glimmered under the morning light. The moment their carriage crossed the threshold, Liam felt a subtle shift in the air, like stepping into a place brimming with unseen energy.

The guards at the entrance, clad in navy and silver, exchanged glances before nodding to Edwin. One of them, a middle-aged man with a well-groomed beard, stepped forward.

"State your business," he said, though his tone was more formal than questioning.

Edwin dismounted and handed over a small sealed scroll. "Sir Edwin of House Marleigh, escorting Prince Liam Orlean, along with his sisters, Lady Cassandra, Lady Elaine, and Lady Evaline."

The guard took a moment to scan the document before giving a respectful nod. "Everything is in order. Welcome to the Arthur Royal Institute." With a swift motion, he signaled to the others, and the gates swung open, allowing their carriage to pass through.

As they entered, Liam peered outside again, his eyes immediately drawn to the massive campus ahead. The Institute was more than just a single building — it really was a city within a city, stretching across a vast landscape. A bell tower, bridges connected different wings, and open courtyards were already filled with students moving about. Despite its scale, the place was impeccably maintained, its gardens lush and its stone pathways polished from years of footsteps.

Liam let out a low whistle. "So, this is it, huh?"

His sisters, still groggy from sleep, barely reacted. Cassandra stretched her arms lazily. "Mhm. Get used to it. This will be your home for the next few years."

Liam glanced at Edwin. "Where do we go first?"

Edwin guided the carriage toward a side path. "The administration hall. You need to officially register before anything else."

Before Liam could respond, Cassandra waved a hand dismissively. "After you take him to his dorms, you can go, Edwin. We'll be going for registration in the afternoon."

Edwin hesitated for a moment, glancing at Liam for confirmation. But before he could say anything, Elaine added with a knowing smirk, "You know you have to follow our orders, right?"

With a sigh of resignation, Edwin gave a small bow. "As you all wish, my ladies." He guided the carriage toward the Girls' Dormitory, clearly understanding his dismissal.

Liam turned to his sisters, raising an eyebrow.

Evaline yawned. "Hand over your documents, we'll be fine."

Cassandra stretched lazily. "We've done this before. You'll be fine."

Liam sighed, glancing back toward the towering buildings of the institute. "Right. Off to a great start."

As the carriage came to a stop, the sisters stepped out, barely sparing him another glance as they made their way toward their dormitory. Edwin watched them disappear inside before turning to Liam.

"Now, Master Liam," Edwin let out a sigh. "Let's get you to your dormitory."

With that, Edwin directed the carriage toward the section of the institute designated for male students, the path lined with towering buildings and neatly paved walkways. As they moved, Liam took in the sight of students already moving about, some engaged in early training in a small training ground, others deep in conversation. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, reminding him just how different this world would be from the palace.

The carriage slowed once more, stopping before a grand structure with high-arched entrances and a crest bearing the institute's emblem.

Edwin stepped down first, gesturing toward the entrance. "This will be your home for the next few years."

Liam exhaled, stepping down and gazing up at the building.

The Boys' Dormitory loomed before Liam, its stone facade imposing yet refined, with designed carvings marking its entrance. Two guards in deep blue stood watch by the doors, each holding a long spear.

"Pass?" one of them asked curtly as Liam approached.

Before Liam could fumble for a response, Edwin stepped forward with an emblem. "He's Prince Liam Orlean, here for late enrollment."

The guards exchanged a glance before one of them stepped aside. "Fine, but make sure you complete your admission before midnight," he warned. "No exceptions."

Liam gave a quick nod, clutching the handbook tightly in one hand.

Edwin unloaded Liam's luggage onto the dormitory steps and gave a tired smile. "That's as far as I can take you." He paused, his tone softening. "Take care of yourself, Master Liam. And… good luck."

Liam nodded, feeling a hint of unease as Edwin climbed back onto the carriage.

"Thanks, Edwin," Liam said quietly.

With a final nod, Edwin flicked the reins, guiding the carriage away and leaving Liam alone at the threshold of his new life.