In the Main Hart Duchy
Back inside the grand and massive throne hall, the knights stood in flawless formation on either side of the long crimson carpet that led to the throne.
Their armor gleamed under the glow of enchanted chandeliers, yet not a single one moved under the pressure exuded by the person sitting on the throne.
The Archduke.
Adrian Ethan Cade Hart.
A man whose presence alone seemed to weigh upon the chamber like an unseen force. His platinum hair flowed to his shoulders and caught the ambient light, framing a pair of piercing blue eyes that held no emotion.
Before him, a massive, hovering screen shimmered into existence, projected by an enchanted artifact:
Speculorum.
Displayed on it was a woman kneeling in deference, her figure framed by the same regal bearing that ran in their bloodline.
Eden Hart.
She held a struggling assassin, the captive's wrists bound tightly in enchanted cuffs.
Speculorum was an artifact of the highest order, reserved only for those of the most exalted rank.
The fact that both the Archduke and his firstborn wielded such a treasure was proof enough that his power was not something to be taken lightly.
"Speak."
Ethan commanded.
Eden nodded and spoke,
"This assassin attempted to take the youngest's life inside our own territory, father."
Eden narrated the details piece by piece.
From how she cut the assassin's neck in which it reformed minutes after and cut it again.
To how the youngest managed to hold his ground and fought the assassin until she arrived. After all, judging by his wounds, they suggested that the battle lasted for a while.
But among her words, Archduke Ethan was only interested in how the youngest managed to fight.
'Since when did he learn to fight?'
Archduke Ethan had no interest in the assassin at all.
For a minute, silence stretched as neither spoke between the holographic screen.
Archduke Ethan leaned against the throne.
"There should be a prison in the mansion's basement. Dispose of that filth there."
"Understood."
Eden bowed.
"Then, with your permission, I shall end this—"
"Wait."
Archduke Ethan halted her mid-sentence.
Ttap. Tttapp. TtaatpPp.
He then drummed his fingers against the gilded armrest of his throne, as his gaze settled on Eden through the shimmering screen of Speculorum.
"How is the youngest?"
***
In the Old Mansion
Three days later…
11th day of Nocten, Year 775.
Seojin lay motionless on the bed. The very same bed where he had first woke up in this world. But now, there was one difference.
Beside him, a young girl sat, carefully peeling the skin off an apple.
His personal maid.
Knock.
A soft knock against the door broke the silence. Without waiting for a response, the door eased open, and Eden Hart stepped inside, carrying an envelope and placed it on the desk.
Eden's gaze immediately fell on the girl beside the bed, her hands deftly slicing through the apple's skin.
"How is he?"
The maid paused for barely a second before responding.
"Still not awake, Lady Eden."
Eden's gaze shifted to the Seojin's motionless body.
He lay there shirtless with his chest wrapped in bandages. His frame was slender and almost fragile.
It was hard to believe that someone like him had managed to hold his own against a trained assassin.
Yet, somehow, he had.
Eden narrowed her eyes.
"Then how is he munching on apples?"
Seojin's jaw moved and chewed slowly with his eyes still shut.
"I don't know, Lady Eden. He could munch on bananas with no problem as well."
"..."
Eden took a step closer and watched the strange sight unfold. Seojin's breathing was steady but his body snored while his mouth absentmindedly chewed at the same time.
It was the first time she had ever seen someone snore while eating.
"...?"
After a brief pause, she exhaled and shook her head.
Given her little brother's unpredictable nature, she decided it was not worth questioning.
Instead, her gaze flickered back to the maid who was now peeling a banana.
"...Stop."
"Pardon?"
"He might choke."
"..."
"Nevermind."
Eden sighed.
"How is he?"
The maid hesitated for a brief moment before rising to her feet. Without a word, she gently placed the peeled banana on the desk.
Step.
The maid walked over to Seven. His mouth was slightly open in an "aaa" shape, wordlessly asking for more fruit.
The maid ignored it.
Eden ignored it too.
Instead, the maid slowly placed her hands on Seojin's bandaged chest. As her fingers made contact, a magic circle flickered into existence beneath her palms, casting a green warm, verdant glow.
Healing magic.
"He's doing well, Lady Eden. But—"
Eden rose from her seat and walked towards the door. She did not wait for the maid to finish her words.
"That's good to know."
"But I fear my healing magic won't be enough, Lady Eden."
Step.
Eden kept walking as she ignored the maid's words.
"We need a professional healer, Lady Eden.
"Someone who at least reached the third level in Zaen's mastery."
Eden reached the door and she rested her hand on the handle.
"Lady Eden…"
This time, Eden paused.
But still, she did not turn around.
"You are Seven's personal servant.
"Are you truly going to push this responsibility onto someone else?"
"..."
Silence.
Then, without another glance, Eden opened the door and stepped out.
"I believe in you, Iria.
"Oh, and tell him to visit my room once he wakes up."
Creak.
The door clicked shut behind her.
Now alone, the maid let out a quiet sigh and walked toward the desk. She did not know the exact contents of the envelope Eden had left behind, but the crest and seal displayed on it made things clear.
A decree from the Academy.
An invitation.
That alone allowed the recipient to bypass the entrance examinations and enroll directly.
But the Academy had not sent one in over a decade.
Hff…
The maid took a deep breath, clenched her fists, and bit her lip. Then, without hesitation, she slipped the envelope into the folds of her maid uniform to hide it.
The maid then shifted her gaze toward Seojin who was still unconscious and also still mumbling for more fruits.
"Forgive me, Young Lord."
Step.
She moved to his bedside once more, placing her hands over his bandaged chest.
But this time, instead of the familiar red glow of healing magic, a deep purple light shimmered beneath her fingertips.
"I'm… sorry…"