Magic, Knights and, Academy

Things seemed to have had sorted out.

I would use Sylphyre to try that binding technique to delay my death.

Well, if it proves to be successful, then I would be able to survive till the Great War commencement, hopefully.

I am not sure, because, a lot of things are going to deviate from the story because of my actions and now I can't guarantee that my half sister, Xantheve Kingston would be able to survive till the Great War.

As we had sealed the deal, I stood up from the comfortable chair and turned to Sylphyre.

"Well, we have a deal now, we would meet up at the Academy.", I said while making my way towards my room.

" Won't you accompany me to the carriage at the very least?", Sylphyre asked, her expression wearing a cunning smile.

"That would be a hassle, so I would rather not."

It would have been courtesy for a noble young man to accompany a guest till their carriage, but it's not like I have to maintain my relationship with her anymore.

"Well then, I will be off.", I said while leaving her and my maid, Elara in the hallway.

There are a lot of things to prepare, but first of all, my priority should be to find more information about that ritual of binding.

A flicker of hope was just within my sight.

I would have to grab this chance of survival before it slips off.

***

As Lucian left the two ladies alone, both wore expressions unreadable.

"I will accompany you to your carriage, Young Lady.", Elara said, with a faint smile on her face.

" Thank you, Elara.", said Sylphyre as she made her way towards the carriage waiting for her.

As Sylphyre stepped outside, the cool evening breeze brushed against her face. The carriage, a finely crafted vehicle adorned with the Valtor family crest, stood ready. The driver gave a respectful nod as he held the door open.

Elara walked beside her, maintaining a polite distance.

"Young Lady," Elara spoke suddenly, her tone gentle yet firm. "You seem rather happy compared to when you arrived here."

Sylphyre glanced at her, a ghost of a smirk on her lips. "Is that so?"

Elara tilted her head slightly.

She had no idea that the two of them has just planned to cancel their engagement itself.

After reaching the place where the carriage was placed, Elara turned to Sylphyre.

"I don't know much about these politics things, but I would like you to visit us once in a while, Young Lady."

She knew that the relationship between Lucian and Sylphyre was somewhat bitter, but despite that, almost everyone from the Kingston family including the maids and buttlers, adored Sylphyre, as she was friendly with all of themthem, whenever she visited.

Though, it was an obvious act to get more information on the Kingston household and keep them in check.

Sylphyre chuckled a little.

Elara, the maid, made a bowing posture and continued.

"Young Lady, I apologize for Young Master's rude behaviour. Everyone in this household has positive opinion of you, so don't hesitate to come and visit us, please."

Her words made Sylphyre feel guilty for using her and the other workers to her own benefits.

Elara was genuine in conveying the message, which showed how much is Sylphyre ador ed in the Kingston household.

However, things are going to change.

If Lucian's plan works out, then, she would have no reason to come here.

Without changing her smiling expression, Sylphyre replied, "I would love to."

Elara's expression brightened at Sylphyre's words, completely oblivious to the hidden meaning behind them.

"Then I'll be looking forward to your next visit, Young Lady," Elara said warmly, stepping back as the driver prepared to depart.

Sylphyre, still maintaining her polite smile, nodded. "Take care, Elara."

As the carriage door closed and the wheels began to turn, Sylphyre leaned back against the plush seat, her smile fading into something more unreadable.

She absentmindedly ran a finger along the embroidered crest on her dress, lost in thought.

The Kingston household had always been accommodating to her, a place where even the maids and butlers treated her with warmth. But she had never once returned that sentiment genuinely.

It had always been an act—an elaborate façade to gather information, to ensure the balance of power between the Kingston and Valtor families remained in her favor.

Yet now, she was severing ties.

The thought left a strange, unfamiliar feeling in her chest.

Guilt?

She scoffed at herself. No, that wasn't it.

It was simply the weight of change.

Lucian's plan was reckless, but if it worked, she would finally be free of this engagement.

And yet… she found herself lingering on Elara's words.

Did the household truly care for her? Or was it merely admiration from a distance, one that would fade the moment she ceased to be their future lady?

She closed her eyes, pushing the thoughts away.

It didn't matter.

'As long as things remain in my favor, nothing else matters. ', she thought to herself as the carriage picked up speed leaving behind the elegant Kingston Mansion.

***

The Royal Knight's Academy was beautiful.

Its marble pillars and golden archways stood tall. The grand spires reached for the sky, shining under the sun. The academy had large courtyards, fountains, and statues of great knights and scholars.

It was truly a place for nobles.

But the moment I stepped inside, the stares began.

"That's him."

"The one who almost died in the dungeon."

"How is he still alive?"

People whispered as I walked past them. Some looked curious. Others looked amused or disgusted.

I ignored them.

Their opinions did not matter.

I headed to the administration hall and finished my paperwork for the dormitory. It took a long time. By the time I was done, the sky had turned orange.

I sighed.

Traveling by carriage for a whole day had left me exhausted. I could have used teleportation, but only high-ranking nobles had access to it.

I needed rest.

But only for a while.

The academy's library was open all night. I would go there later to look for binding magic.

My dormitory was simple but nice. It had a large bed, a polished desk, and an enchanted lantern. I sat down and closed my eyes for a moment.

But this restlees mind won't let me sleep even for a while.

It drifted towards my previous world.

Mom.....Sis.....

How have you been since I disappeared from your life?

Are you doing well?

Are you grieving for me?

I am sure that things would be difficult for both of you.

Not only for now, but for a while.

But, I am also sure that you will get through this together, cause you are strong.

That's why, keep yourself together for a little while.

I am also doing my best to survive in this world.

You should also do your best.

My well wishes are always with you.

"So until the day we meet again—whether in this world or the next—I'll keep moving forward."

I said to myself as the words faded into thin air and sleep engulfed me.

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A/N :

Please comment down your thoughts on the story so far and suggestions, if anyone's reading.

Next Chapter : Library And The Enigma

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