The Commoner Who Shouldn’t Be Here

The envelope in Rein Aster's hands felt heavier than it should. The fine golden embroidery, the official royal seal, the faint scent of enchanted parchment—everything about it screamed "Noble Business."

Which made it extremely suspicious.

"…This has to be a trap." Rein muttered, narrowing his sharp, wolf-like eyes at the letter.

He was just an ordinary commoner. Well, mostly. His face scared people, and his body was tough from years of insane training, but that didn't change the fact that he had no noble blood.

Yet, somehow, the Astrelia Royal Academy—the most prestigious school for aristocrats across the continent—had sent him an acceptance letter.

He reread the elegant script again, as if expecting the words to change:

"To Rein Aster,

By the decree of Astrelia Royal Academy, you have been granted admission to our esteemed institution. Please present this letter upon arrival for your official enrollment."

At the bottom, the Royal Crest of Astrelia was stamped in wax.

This was real.

"…Aunt Lilith definitely set me up."

Just thinking about his aunt—no, his personal demon lord tormentor—sent a shiver down his spine. That woman had trained him since childhood, and her definition of "training" included things like:

"Survive in the monster-infested forest for a week. No food, figure it out."

"Dodge this barrage of fireballs, or your hair gets burned off."

"You're only allowed to sleep once you defeat this ogre barehanded. Good luck."

Compared to that, a noble academy should be a vacation.

"…Might as well go see what kind of weaklings nobles are," Rein sighed, slipping the letter into his pocket.

He had no idea that his life was about to become far more chaotic than any of his aunt's training.

The journey to Astrelia Royal Academy was surprisingly uneventful.

Rein had expected some kind of ambush—maybe a group of bandits or another one of Aunt Lilith's insane "tests." But no, the carriage ride was peaceful. Too peaceful.

When he stepped out onto the academy grounds, however, all hell broke loose.

The moment his boot touched the pristine marble entranceway, dozens of noble students turned to stare.

Whispers erupted instantly.

"Who is that brute?"

"Did a mercenary get lost?"

"No way… is he actually a student?!"

Rein wasn't wearing extravagant noble robes or a family crest like the others. Instead, he had on a simple black coat, sturdy boots, and a shirt that clung to his muscular frame. His posture was relaxed, but his sharp, tired eyes made him look dangerous.

To them, he was a walking anomaly.

A high elf noble, his nose upturned in disgust, sneered. "How disgraceful. Some peasant must have bribed his way in."

Rein sighed. Yeah, I figured this would happen.

Just as he was about to ignore the stares and move forward, a loud female voice cut through the murmurs like a blade.

"You. Commoner."

Rein turned his head lazily. A girl with golden-blonde hair, piercing emerald eyes, and an aura of absolute authority was walking toward him.

The crowd parted instantly.

Even without knowing her name, Rein could tell—she was someone important.

And judging by the scowl on her face, she was not happy to see him.

Rein blinked.

The girl standing before him radiated an overwhelming noble presence. Her emerald eyes were sharp with judgment, and her golden hair, neatly braided, shone under the sunlight.

She was dressed in the pristine white and gold uniform of Astrelia Royal Academy—though hers was noticeably more decorated than the other nobles'.

"State your name and your noble house." Her voice was cold, demanding.

Rein yawned. Not because he was trying to be disrespectful—he was just actually tired. His aunt had forced him to fight a pack of wyverns before he left home as a "farewell exercise."

"Rein Aster," he said, scratching the back of his head. "And I don't have a noble house."

The crowd gasped.

"Aster? Never heard of that house!"

"Did he just say he's a commoner?!"

"How did a peasant even get past the academy gates?!"

Rein could already feel the headache forming.

The blonde girl narrowed her eyes. "A commoner? That's impossible. Only those of noble blood can enter this academy."

"Yeah, I figured that." Rein pulled the enrollment letter from his pocket and held it up lazily. "But this thing says I'm a student here."

Her expression darkened as she took the letter, eyes scanning over the royal seal.

Silence.

Then, suddenly—she ripped it in half.

"You don't belong here," she declared. "Leave immediately."

Rein stared at the torn pieces of his acceptance letter fluttering to the ground.

"…Huh."

That was annoying.

He had expected some resistance, but ripping up his letter right in front of him? That was just petty.

The noble crowd watched in anticipation, waiting for his reaction. Some smirked, expecting him to get on his knees and beg for forgiveness. Others simply sneered, already dismissing him as another failed commoner who had overstepped his place.

Rein sighed. "You know, I don't really care about this whole noble-commoner thing."

The blonde girl's sharp eyes flashed. "Then you should understand your place and leav—"

"But," Rein continued, "I came all this way, and I'd rather not make the trip back home for no reason."

Murmurs spread through the crowd again.

"He's still standing his ground?"

"Tch. Arrogant fool."

The blonde girl crossed her arms, her presence commanding absolute authority. "I am Celestia von Ardentia, first princess of the Astrelian Empire. The very idea that a mere commoner like you could study here is insulting."

Rein rubbed his temples. "Look, I don't really care who you are. I just—"

"You will care soon enough." Celestia's emerald eyes gleamed dangerously. "If you refuse to leave, then prove you belong here. I challenge you to a duel."

The crowd exploded with excitement.

"A duel?!"

"The princess herself is fighting him? This'll be over in seconds!"

"That commoner is finished!"

Rein groaned internally.

He had just arrived, and now he had to deal with this?

Rein exhaled through his nose, glancing at the excited noble crowd forming around him. This was turning into a spectacle.

A duel? On his first day? How predictable.

Celestia stood tall, her radiant golden hair practically shimmering under the sun, her emerald eyes burning with confidence. She wasn't just a noble—she was a princess, a symbol of absolute perfection among the aristocracy.

And she was challenging him.

Rein scratched his head. "Yeah, no thanks."

The crowd froze.

Celestia's expression twitched. "…Excuse me?"

Rein shrugged. "Look, I just got here. I don't feel like fighting some high-class noble girl before I even find my dorm room."

More gasps.

"He rejected a duel from the princess?!"

"How disrespectful!"

"Coward!"

Celestia took a step forward, eyes narrowing. "Afraid?"

"More like tired," Rein said honestly. "I haven't slept since yesterday."

He wasn't joking—Aunt Lilith had forced him into an eight-hour survival exercise right before he left home. He was running on sheer willpower at this point.

Celestia, however, clearly did not care.

"I don't recall giving you a choice." She flicked her wrist, and a magic circle flared to life beneath her feet.

"By the laws of Astrelia Academy, I, Celestia von Ardentia, invoke the Right of Noble Combat!"

A golden barrier shimmered into existence, sealing off the courtyard.

Rein sighed deeply.

"Yeah. Of course this would happen."

The golden barrier sealed them in.

The moment Celestia invoked the Right of Noble Combat, there was no backing out. This was a formal duel, witnessed by the academy's students and enforced by magic.

Rein let out another long, tired sigh.

I just wanted a peaceful first day…

Celestia took a graceful step forward, her royal uniform fluttering slightly. Magic surged around her, golden runes forming in the air as she channeled her mana.

"Since you lack noble blood, I will not use my full strength," she declared. "But do not think for a moment that I will hold back entirely."

Her confidence was absolute. She had been trained by the finest instructors in the empire—a flawless duelist with unrivaled magical talent.

The crowd murmured in excitement.

"Princess Celestia is unmatched in spellcraft!"

"That commoner is finished!"

"Maybe he'll run away? Hah!"

Rein… was barely listening.

He was busy stretching.

The duel would happen whether he liked it or not. Might as well loosen up a bit.

Celestia raised an elegant hand—a golden magic circle flared to life in the air. "I shall end this in a single strike!"

Brilliant light magic gathered at her fingertips, coalescing into a blinding golden spear.

"Divine Lance!"

With a single motion, she fired it directly at Rein.

The Divine Lance tore through the air, a blinding spear of golden light surging straight toward Rein.

The noble students cheered, already imagining the commoner getting blasted off his feet.

Celestia herself was calm—this wasn't enough to kill him, but it would definitely end the duel instantly.

Except…

Rein didn't move.

He stood in place, arms crossed, watching the attack approach with an expression of mild boredom.

The moment the Divine Lance reached him—

BOOM!

A shockwave of golden light exploded through the courtyard, kicking up dust and forcing several students to shield their eyes.

"Hah! That's it! He's done for!"

"That's what happens when a commoner challenges royalty!"

"Serves him right—"

The dust cleared.

And Rein was standing there, completely unharmed.

Silence.

"…Huh," he muttered, looking down at his arm. There was a faint scorch mark on his sleeve, but his skin wasn't even scratched.

He blinked at Celestia. "That was it?"

The entire courtyard froze.

Celestia's emerald eyes widened—just for a fraction of a second—before narrowing again.

"Tch. Lucky commoner." She raised her hand again, preparing another spell.

Rein sighed. Guess I'll have to end this quickly.

The courtyard was dead silent.

Dozens of noble students stared at Rein, eyes wide in disbelief.

He had taken Celestia von Ardentia's Divine Lance head-on—one of the most refined offensive spells in high-tier light magic—and he didn't even flinch.

Even the noble faction leaders, who had been smirking just moments ago, were now whispering among themselves.

"Did he just… tank that? Without any defensive magic?!"

"No, no, maybe he had an artifact protecting him!"

"But I didn't sense any counter-magic! That should've at least thrown him back!"

Celestia clenched her jaw. Her pride wouldn't allow her to accept what she just saw.

No commoner should be able to take her attack so easily. Not unless…

Her sharp emerald eyes narrowed. Is he hiding his true status?

Meanwhile, Rein scratched his head, looking mildly disappointed.

"…I was expecting that to hurt more," he admitted.

Celestia twitched.

She twitched.

The noble princess of the Astrelian Empire, a model of composure and refinement, had never been so insulted in her life.

"You…!" she hissed, her mana flaring again. "I was holding back. That was merely a test to gauge your level. But since you wish to be arrogant—"

Rein groaned. "Alright, alright. My turn, then."

Before Celestia could react, Rein disappeared.

One moment, he was standing lazily in place.

The next, he was right in front of her.

Celestia's heart skipped a beat.

Where—?!

One moment, Rein had been several meters away.

The next, he was right in front of her.

No spell. No chant. No teleportation magic. He had just… moved.

Fast.

Too fast.

Her instincts screamed at her—DANGER.

Celestia barely managed to react, her noble-trained reflexes kicking in as she stumbled backward, raising a golden barrier.

But Rein didn't even attack.

He simply tilted his head.

"…You okay?" he asked, as if genuinely confused.

Celestia's breath hitched.

The barrier cracked. Not from an attack—but from her own unstable magic. She had never felt this kind of pressure before.

The surrounding nobles were stunned.

"Did he just move faster than she could react?!"

"No way! That's impossible!"

"He didn't even use magic!"

Celestia bit her lip, forcing her composure back. No. No, this was unacceptable.

This was her academy. Her battlefield.

She refused to lose.

Gathering her mana, she ignited another spell—

Only for Rein to casually tap her on the forehead.

A light, effortless motion.

Yet—

THUD.

Celestia collapsed onto the ground.

Silence.

Absolute, unbelievable silence.

Every noble in the courtyard stared, frozen in shock.

Princess Celestia von Ardentia, the shining pride of the Astrelian Empire, the top-ranked noble of the academy—

Was lying flat on the ground.

Defeated.

And all Rein had done… was tap her forehead.

"…Huh," Rein muttered, staring down at her. "That worked better than I expected."

Celestia's emerald eyes were wide with disbelief. Her body trembled slightly, not out of pain—because there was no pain—but out of sheer shock.

She tried to process what had just happened.

He hadn't used magic.

He hadn't thrown a punch.

He had just tapped her.

And somehow, that overwhelming presence had been enough to make her legs give out.

The crowd remained deathly silent—until one student finally shouted.

"T-The princess has fallen!"

Instantly, the courtyard erupted into chaos.

"Unbelievable! How—?!"

"He didn't even attack her!"

"Is this commoner some kind of monster?!"

Rein sighed as the noise grew louder. He had a feeling that laying low in this academy was going to be impossible.

Celestia still couldn't move.

Her body wasn't injured. There was no spell affecting her. And yet, when Rein had tapped her forehead, it was as if her entire sense of power had been erased.

She clenched her fists. Unacceptable.

No commoner should ever be capable of such a thing.

Her pride screamed at her to stand up and demand a rematch, but her legs wouldn't listen.

Meanwhile, Rein stood over her, looking genuinely puzzled.

"Uh… are you okay?" he asked.

Celestia's eye twitched.

The nobles erupted into outrage.

"How dare a commoner speak so casually to the princess?!"

"This is an absolute disgrace!"

"He must have used some underhanded trick!"

Rein sighed. He was used to this kind of reaction. Whenever he fought against adventurers or knights in his aunt's "training exercises," they always acted the same way after losing to him.

Celestia took a slow breath, regaining her composure.

She wouldn't let this end like this.

"That…" she exhaled, standing up with forced dignity, "…was merely an unexpected outcome."

Rein raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh."

Celestia dusted off her uniform, acting as if nothing had happened. "Do not let this misstep give you any ideas, commoner. I will personally ensure you understand your place in this academy."

Rein had a feeling she wasn't going to let this go anytime soon.

The atmosphere in the courtyard remained tense.

Celestia stood tall once more, her usual air of noble authority returning—though Rein noticed the faintest tremor in her posture.

She wasn't just angry. She was shaken.

And yet, she refused to acknowledge it.

Rein sighed, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets. "So, are we done here?"

Celestia's jaw tightened, but before she could answer, a new voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd.

"Hoh… how interesting."

The nobles turned, parting instantly as another figure approached.

A tall girl with silver hair and piercing crimson eyes strode forward, her expression unreadable. Unlike the other nobles, she didn't seem disgusted by Rein's presence—if anything, she looked… intrigued.

Rein immediately noticed her aura. It wasn't just noble arrogance—there was something primal about it, something instinctively dangerous.

Celestia clicked her tongue. "Eleanor du Rosette… I should have expected you to show up."

The silver-haired girl—Eleanor, a high-ranking noble from the Dracovian bloodline—stopped a few paces away, her crimson eyes scanning Rein like a predator assessing its prey.

"Princess," she said smoothly, "I must say… that was an unexpected result."

Celestia's expression barely flickered. "Do not misunderstand. That was merely—"

"A fluke?" Eleanor smirked, fangs subtly glinting. "Or perhaps… proof that this commoner is more than he appears?"

Her gaze locked onto Rein's, and for the first time since arriving at the academy, he felt like someone was genuinely studying him.

Rein met Eleanor's crimson gaze without flinching.

She was different from the other nobles.

Where Celestia radiated refined arrogance, and the other nobles oozed condescension, Eleanor's gaze was calculating. Like she was studying him. Measuring him.

Interesting.

Rein didn't particularly care what nobles thought of him, but something about Eleanor's stare reminded him of a predator sizing up its prey.

"…What?" he finally asked.

Eleanor's lips curled into a faint smirk. "I'm simply intrigued. A commoner standing against the Princess of the Empire—and winning? That doesn't happen every day."

Celestia huffed, crossing her arms. "It was a mistake. A brief miscalculation. Nothing more."

Rein raised an eyebrow. Yeah, sure.

Eleanor ignored Celestia's excuse and kept her sharp eyes locked onto Rein. "Tell me… where did you train?"

Rein blinked. "Train?"

"Don't play dumb." Eleanor's smirk widened slightly, her fangs glinting in the light. "No one builds a body like that through casual effort. Your movements were too sharp, too refined. Even if you lack noble blood, I refuse to believe you're an average commoner."

Celestia's gaze snapped back to Rein.

The crowd murmured again.

"Wait, she has a point…"

"Could he be a noble in disguise?!"

"What if he's from some lost bloodline?!"

Rein sighed. This again…

Every time he beat up some "genius swordsman" or "elite adventurer," they refused to believe he was normal.

But the truth was simple.

"I was trained by my aunt," he said honestly.

Eleanor's expression remained neutral. "And your aunt is…?"

Rein exhaled. "A demon lord."

Silence.

Then—

"…What?"

Celestia, Eleanor, and every noble within earshot froze.

Rein stretched his arms, completely unfazed. "My aunt. She's a demon lord. Or at least, that's what I've always called her."

The courtyard descended into chaos.

"A demon lord?!"

"Is he serious?!"

"Impossible! No noble would allow a demon lord's disciple into this academy!"

Even Eleanor, who had maintained a composed expression the entire time, narrowed her eyes slightly. "A demon lord…? Explain."

Rein shrugged. "Not much to explain. She's terrifying, likes making me suffer, and trained me since I was a kid."

Celestia, who had finally recovered from her shock, glaring daggers at him. "You… you expect us to believe that nonsense?!"

Rein yawned. "I don't really care if you believe it or not."

The nobles were still whispering among themselves. Some looked ready to demand an immediate investigation, while others dismissed it as a ridiculous joke.

But Eleanor…

She was still watching Rein.

Closely.

Like she was trying to see through him.

"…Very well," she said smoothly. "If you claim your strength comes from such training, I'll have to test it myself."

Rein raised an eyebrow. "What, you want to duel too?"

Eleanor's smirk widened slightly. "No. That would be too… public."

Her crimson eyes glowed faintly.

"Let's just say—I'll be keeping an eye on you, Rein Aster."

Rein sighed as Eleanor turned away, her silver hair swaying as she walked off into the noble crowd.

Great. Another one.

First, Celestia, the arrogant elf princess who refused to accept reality.

Now, Eleanor, a half-dragon noble who was too sharp for her own good.

The academy's noble factions were already stirring because of him, and he hadn't even officially started classes yet.

Celestia still looked annoyed, but with Eleanor withdrawing, she reluctantly backed down as well.

"Tch. Don't think this is over," she muttered, straightening her uniform. "I will be watching you, commoner."

Rein gave her a lazy wave. "Cool. Have fun with that."

Her eye twitched.

But before she could argue further, an official-looking man in a deep blue robe approached.

"That is enough," he said sternly. "This was meant to be a simple entrance evaluation, not a battlefield."

Rein recognized him from his insignia—one of the academy's faculty members.

The professor glanced at the stunned nobles, then at Rein. "…Regardless of the unexpected nature of these events, Rein Aster has displayed sufficient ability to remain enrolled."

The nobles protested immediately.

"Professor! He's a commoner! This must be a mistake!"

"How can you allow this?!"

The professor simply raised a hand. "The academy's rules are clear. Strength and merit determine one's right to be here."

He turned back to Rein. "You will receive your **dormitory assignment and class schedule shortly. Do not cause any more disturbances."

Rein shrugged. "Wasn't my fault this time."

The professor didn't argue—just handed Rein a sealed envelope.

And just like that, his enrollment became official.

Not that it would make the nobles any less angry.

As the professor walked away, the noble students slowly began to disperse, though not without sending Rein lingering glares and whispers.

Celestia gave him one last haughty glance before turning on her heel and leaving, her golden hair swaying as she strode away.

Eleanor, however, paused for a moment. She met Rein's gaze once more, her crimson eyes gleaming with intrigue.

Then, without another word, she walked off as well.

The barrier around the courtyard faded, signaling the end of the duel.

Rein finally exhaled.

"…Well, that was annoying."

He stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders. His first day at the academy, and he had already fought a royal princess, caught the attention of a half-dragon noble, and made half the school his enemy.

And all of it happened because of one stupid letter.

Pulling the academy's dorm assignment envelope from his pocket, he tore it open and read the paper inside.

His room number was listed, along with his assigned roommate.

Rein blinked.

"…Wait. I have a roommate?"

That was unexpected. He had assumed nobles would get private rooms.

His eyes scanned the name beside his own—

"Lilia von Helios."

Rein frowned. He had no idea who that was.

But judging by the "von" in her name, she was another noble.

Great. More noble drama.

Shaking his head, he stuffed the paper back into his pocket and started walking toward the dormitories.

Whatever. How bad could it be?

Rein followed the academy's stone pathways, ignoring the stares from passing nobles as he made his way toward the dormitories.

The campus was massive, lined with towering buildings crafted from enchanted marble, grand fountains with floating water, and even a few nobles riding on flying beasts as personal transportation.

It was all far too fancy for his tastes.

I'll never get used to this noble nonsense… he thought.

Eventually, he reached a large, ornate dormitory building marked for first-year students.

Stepping inside, he found himself in a lavish common area filled with plush chairs, golden chandeliers, and a massive fireplace.

Several nobles lounging inside immediately stopped their conversations when they noticed him enter.

"That commoner… he's staying here?"

"Unbelievable. They're really allowing this?!"

"Who would be unlucky enough to be his roommate?"

Rein rolled his eyes. Yeah, yeah, keep whispering.

He climbed the grand staircase, following the room number listed on his dorm assignment.

Reaching the correct hallway, he stopped in front of his room.

Room 207.

He could hear movement inside. His roommate was already there.

Alright. Let's see what kind of noble I'm stuck with.

Rein pushed open the door—

And immediately locked eyes with a girl who had fox ears.

Rein blinked.

His new roommate—a girl with bright orange fox ears and a fluffy tail—tilted her head, golden eyes sparkling with curiosity.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, the fox girl's ears twitched, and she broke into a grin.

"Whoa," she said, tail swishing behind her. "You're huge."

Rein frowned. That's the first thing she says?

Before he could respond, the girl hopped off her bed and circled around him, inspecting him from head to toe.

"Scary face, broad shoulders, muscle everywhere…" She whistled. "I expected my roommate to be some boring noble stiff, but this is way more interesting!"

Rein sighed. Why does everyone treat me like some rare animal?

The fox girl finally stopped in front of him, placing her hands on her hips.

"Lilia von Helios," she said cheerfully. "Second daughter of the Helios foxkin noble house. But just call me Lilia. Titles are annoying."

Rein raised an eyebrow. A noble who didn't care about formality? That was new.

Still, he kept his introduction short. "Rein Aster."

Lilia's ears perked up. "Ohhh, the scary commoner everyone's talking about!"

Rein groaned. Great. His reputation had already spread.

Lilia's fluffy tail swayed behind her as she grinned up at Rein.

"I heard you destroyed Princess Celestia in a duel. Is that true?" she asked, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Rein sighed. "I wouldn't say 'destroyed'…"

"You made her fall over with a forehead tap," Lilia countered, smirking. "That's basically the same thing."

Rein rubbed his temples. This is going to haunt me forever, isn't it?

Lilia flopped onto her bed, her fox ears twitching as she stretched lazily. "Man, I wish I had been there to see it. That stuck-up princess always acts like she's better than everyone."

Rein raised an eyebrow. "You don't like her?"

Lilia shrugged. "Eh, I don't really care. But you know how it is—this academy's run by a bunch of snooty nobles who think bloodline is everything."

She rolled onto her side, resting her head on her arm. "Beastkin like me? We're technically nobles, but since we're not 'pureblood' humans or elves, most of the high-ranking nobles don't take us seriously."

Rein frowned slightly. He hadn't really thought about how non-human nobles were treated here.

Lilia grinned again. "That's why I think it's hilarious that you, a commoner, just walked in and wrecked the whole system on day one."

Rein sighed. "I didn't do it on purpose."

Lilia's fluffy tail flicked as she smirked. "That just makes it even better."

Rein exhaled and dropped onto his own bed, ignoring the ridiculously soft mattress beneath him. He wasn't used to luxury like this.

Lilia watched him with amusement, her golden eyes gleaming. "You don't seem too excited about being here."

"Not really," Rein admitted, staring at the ceiling. "I just wanted a quiet life, but somehow I've already made half the academy my enemy."

Lilia laughed. "Oh yeah, you definitely did."

Rein groaned.

He wasn't worried about dealing with nobles—he could handle stuck-up rich kids. What concerned him was how this whole situation felt off.

Why did the academy accept a commoner when it strictly forbade them?

Why did Celestia and the nobles react so aggressively to his presence, as if they weren't expecting him at all?

And why did Eleanor seem to know something?

He didn't like unanswered questions.

Lilia, noticing his expression, tilted her head. "What's with that face? You look like you're thinking too hard."

Rein sighed. "Just wondering why I'm here."

Lilia smirked. "Well, I can tell you one thing for sure."

Rein glanced at her. "What's that?"

She stretched, her fox ears twitching playfully. "Your life here is gonna be anything but quiet."

Rein sighed again. Yeah. Figured as much.

Later that night, Rein lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

His first day at Astrelia Royal Academy had been… a disaster.

He had barely stepped onto campus before Celestia von Ardentia challenged him to a duel.

He accidentally humiliated a princess in front of the entire student body.

Now, Eleanor—an unnervingly sharp half-dragon noble—was keeping an eye on him.

And his roommate was a mischievous fox girl who seemed far too amused by his suffering.

All of this over a stupid mistake in enrollment.

Rein sighed. If Aunt Lilith saw this, she'd be laughing her ass off.

Across the room, Lilia was already asleep, her fox tail twitching slightly as she snored softly.

At least she wasn't a problem. Yet.

Rein closed his eyes.

Maybe tomorrow would be normal.

…Maybe he could actually have a quiet day.

…

Meanwhile, across the academy, several noble factions were already meeting in secret.

The Traditionalists wanted him removed.

The Reformists wanted him recruited.

And in a dark chamber, a shadowy figure watched Rein's duel replay through a magic projection.

A deep voice chuckled.

"Now this is interesting…"

Rein Aster had no idea that his nightmare was only beginning.