The royal decree did not spread as many expected.
No public announcement. No celebration. No engagement ceremony.
Instead, silence.
King Arthur sat upon his throne, listening as his advisors debated.
"They are too young," one minister said carefully.
"The academy will shape them," another added.
King Arthur raised a hand.
"The marriage will be announced after they enroll in the Royal Magic Academy," he declared.
"In their fourth year."
Murmurs filled the hall.
"This gives us time," the king continued, "to observe their growth… and ensure loyalty."
The decision was final.
---
Four Years of Ignorance
Neither Luo Chaos nor Princess Ariel were informed.
They returned to their separate lives—
one training beneath the strict expectations of a noble heir,
the other growing within the sheltered walls of royalty.
Yet fate did not remain idle.
---
Lin Family Lands — Quiet Growth
Mei Lin stood in the courtyard of the Lin estate, her movements precise and calm.
Wind bent to her will. Water answered her call. Earth hardened beneath her feet.
Her dual talents matured rapidly, far beyond what any tutor expected.
"She's already surpassed academy-level control," Feng Lin whispered to his wife.
Mei Lin wiped sweat from her brow, a strange feeling tugging at her heart.
Why does it feel like I'm being left behind… by someone?
---
Chaos Family — Winds Unbound
Luo trained relentlessly.
Alchemy. Wind manipulation. Sword basics.
Yet no matter how far he advanced, something inside him remained unsettled.
At night, the wind carried dreams he didn't understand— a girl with red hair, blue eyes, a warmth he couldn't name.
He always woke with his hand clenched around his necklace.
"…Who are you?" he whispered into the darkness.
---
A Princess's Preparation
Princess Ariel studied magic theory with diligence, her natural talent blooming.
Light. Wind. Holy affinity.
She was praised endlessly.
"You are destined for greatness," the tutors said.
She smiled politely.
But something felt missing.
---
The Magic Academy Looms
The Royal Magic Academy of Hiroshima stood as the greatest institution on the Gin Continent.
Only nobles, royals, and exceptional talents were admitted.
Enrollment would begin in four years.
And only then—
The king would reveal the truth.
---
The Queen's Silent Fear
Queen Maria stared at the academy's distant towers from her balcony.
"Four years…" she whispered.
"Four years for bonds to form."
"Four years for hearts to choose."
She closed her eyes.
"Arthur… if you wait that long…"