Chapter 12: A Chance Encounter

The academy was even more breathtaking than Ethan had imagined. Towering buildings of stone and marble stretched toward the sky, their intricate carvings and glowing runes humming softly with magic.

Pathways paved with smooth cobblestone wound between lush gardens, where enchanted flowers bloomed in colors beyond nature's ordinary palette. The air was crisp, filled with the faint hum of students' chatter and the occasional crackle of a spell being tested in the distance.

Ethan walked through the grand courtyard, his eyes darting in every direction as he took in the incredible sights around him. This was a world so different from the quiet sanctuary of the forest—a place brimming with life, energy, and an overwhelming sense of possibility.

He was so absorbed in his surroundings that he didn't notice the figure approaching him until it was too late.

With a sudden jolt, Ethan collided into someone, stumbling backward from the impact. Before he could fall completely, a firm hand caught his arm, steadying him.

"Ah, sorry about that!" a friendly voice said.

Ethan looked up to see a boy around his age, slightly taller, with striking golden-blond hair and piercing emerald eyes. He had an air of confidence about him, but his expression was warm, not haughty like some of the nobles Ethan had seen upon arriving.

"It's my fault," Ethan admitted, brushing himself off. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

The boy let out a light chuckle. "No harm done. It's your first day, right?"

Ethan nodded, still a little flustered. "Yeah, I just got here."

"That explains it," the boy said, folding his arms. "The academy can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it. I'm Adrian, by the way."

"Ethan."

Adrian grinned. "Nice to meet you, Ethan. Since we're both heading the same way, mind if I walk with you?"

Ethan hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Sure."

As they strolled together, Ethan noticed that heads were turning—whispers passing between students as they walked by. He caught the stares of several nobles, their gazes sharp with curiosity, respect, and even a hint of apprehension.

He frowned slightly. "Um… Adrian?"

"Yeah?"

"Why is everyone staring at you?" Ethan asked, lowering his voice as they passed a particularly well-dressed group who immediately averted their eyes when Adrian glanced in their direction.

Adrian smirked slightly, as if amused by Ethan's confusion. "Oh, that? Well, let's just say I'm kind of well-known around here."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Well-known?"

Adrian sighed playfully, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, alright. I should probably tell you before someone else does. I'm Adrian Vaelris—the crown prince of this country."

Ethan stopped walking.

He stared at Adrian, processing the words he had just heard. Prince? As in… the prince of Erisia? The realization hit him like a tidal wave.

Seeing Ethan's reaction, Adrian laughed. "Yeah, that's the usual response. Don't worry, I don't bite."

Ethan quickly shook off his shock and resumed walking, though his mind was still reeling. He had just casually bumped into the prince and was now walking alongside him like it was nothing.

"You… don't act like a prince," Ethan admitted, glancing at Adrian.

Adrian chuckled. "I get that a lot. Honestly, I'd rather just be treated like a normal person. So don't start bowing or calling me 'Your Highness' or anything, alright?"

Ethan let out a small laugh, feeling a little more at ease. "Alright. Just Adrian, then."

"Exactly."

As they approached a large stone building, students were gathered in front of a massive bulletin board where names were neatly arranged into different groups. Ethan and Adrian made their way through the crowd to check the listings.

Ethan scanned the list carefully, searching for his name. His eyes landed on it—and right beside it, another familiar name.

"Looks like we're in the same class," Adrian said, grinning. "That's great! At least now I know I won't be surrounded by just stuck-up nobles all day."

Ethan smirked. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult."

Adrian laughed. "A compliment, of course. Come on, let's head to class before the instructor yells at us on the first day."

As they walked toward their designated classroom, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He had been worried about fitting in at the academy, but somehow, he had already made a friend. And not just any friend—the prince himself.

This new chapter of his life was already turning out to be far more eventful than he had imagined.