Two Weeks Later — The Kyrovolga Empire
Two weeks had passed since the imperial magic examinations.
In that short span of time, rumors had already spread like wildfire among the Kyrovolga nobility. Some whispered with feigned pity, others scoffed outright — all mocking the fact that Noah Alexandrovich, youngest son of the imperial family, possessed nothing more than Barrier Magic.
The common people, upon hearing the gossip, began to question quietly:
"Is he truly worthy of the Alexandrovich name?"
But to Noah, their voices were nothing more than buzzing gnats — irritating, but not worth swatting.
He had no intention of explaining himself to those who lived for idle talk.
---
That afternoon, Noah sat by the tall window in his chamber. Outside, the snow-flecked winds swept over the frozen gardens of Kyrovolga's imperial palace. Inside, the young prince lounged on his bed with a thick, leather-bound tome resting across his lap.
His mind wandered beyond the words on the page.
Barrier Magic… always for defense. But what if… I could make it strike? Turn defense into a weapon…?
The thought intrigued him, and he found himself sketching mental blueprints for magic formations, ways to compress and redirect kinetic force, potential applications in battle.
He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear the footsteps in the corridor. The door burst open with little ceremony.
Seraphyne:
"Hey, Noah. Father wants us all to gather — the Nahralia Empire's delegation will be arriving soon."
---
Noah blinked, his train of thought broken.
"Nahralia? What's one of Nurashai's strongest empires doing coming here?"
Seraphyne:
"I don't know. But Father's orders are clear. Close your book, get out of bed, and try to look presentable, little brother."
Her teasing lilt made Noah sigh, but he did as told. Rising, he smoothed the creases in his dark tunic and followed her down the marble halls.
---
The palace corridors were lit with tall silver candelabras, their flames dancing in the draft from the winter winds outside. Soon, they reached the Emperor's audience chamber.
Inside, Noah's parents, Emperor Vaelric and Empress Yelena, waited along with his elder siblings, Kaelrich and Elenaria. The air was solemn yet tinged with anticipation.
After everyone had gathered, Seraphyne stepped forward.
Seraphyne:
"Father, may I ask why the Nahralia Empire is coming to Kyrovolga?"
Vaelric:
"They seek cooperation… and an alliance."
Elenaria:
"That's unusual. Nahralia rarely forges alliances, especially with another member of the Seven Thrones."
Kaelrich:
"That's true. Do you truly wish to ally with them, Father?"
Vaelric:
"I do. Maintaining good relations with one of the strongest empires benefits us."
His gaze shifted to Noah.
Vaelric:
"Noah… the ruling family of Nahralia, the Al-Kahinas, have five children. The youngest is a girl. I want you to make her acquaintance."
---
Noah:
"…Out of everyone here, you choose me? You know I'm terrible at talking to girls."
Elenaria:
"Oh, come now. Since you were six, you've been colder than a Kyrovolgan blizzard to any girl who speaks to you. You're still young — learn to interact with them before it's too late."
Noah:
"Am I really that cold?"
Seraphyne and Kaelrich (together):
"Yes!"
Noah exhaled in defeat.
"Fine… I'll try."
---
A few hours later, the Nahralia delegation arrived — a procession of two thousand soldiers in crimson and gold, their banners snapping against the snowy wind. At the center rode Sultan Nazeer Al-Kahina, regal in white and scarlet robes, and beside him… a girl about Noah's age.
She had hair the color of molten copper, eyes like burning amber, and carried herself with the quiet poise of one born to command.
---
While their fathers discussed terms of alliance in the grand council hall, Noah was tasked with escorting Saphira Al-Kahina through the palace.
The two walked in awkward silence, footsteps echoing off the marble floors. This was the first time either had met a noble from another land, and both seemed at a loss for words.
Eventually, Noah decided to break the quiet.
Noah (hesitant):
"So… what's your name?"
Saphira:
"Saphira Al-Kahina. Youngest of five siblings, and the only girl. And you?"
Noah:
"Noah Alexandrovich. Youngest of three in the Kyrovolga imperial family."
---
They walked on, the silence returning like an unwelcome guest, until they reached the Imperial Rose Garden — a sprawling expanse of deep-blue roses unique to Kyrovolga, their petals glistening with frost.
They sat on a wrought-iron bench among the blooms. Several minutes passed with nothing but the sound of the winter wind. Then Noah tried again.
Noah:
"What magic do you have, Saphira?"
Her expression lit up instantly.
Saphira:
"Fire Magic! And you?"
Noah:
"Uh… Barrier Magic. What? Were you expecting something cooler?"
Saphira:
"Barrier Magic? That's rare… and unique."
Noah:
"…Thanks."
---
They spoke briefly of the Aetherra Academy, where both would someday study, then fell into silence again. But this time, there was less awkwardness — more curiosity.
Saphira tilted her head slightly, studying him.
Saphira (softly):
"You know, Noah… I like you. Let's be friends."
Noah (blinking):
"Friends? With me?"
Saphira:
"Yes. You're… different from the boys I've met back home."
She extended her hand. Noah hesitated — then shook it.
From there, the conversation flowed more easily, touching on hobbies, daily life, and dreams for the future. By the time their fathers' meeting ended, they had discovered a surprising sense of understanding between them.
---
When the time came for Saphira to leave, she smiled faintly.
Saphira:
"Well… I guess this is goodbye. See you at Aetherra Academy — in seven years, Noah Alexandrovich."
Noah:
"…See you then, Saphira Al-Kahina."
---
Back in his room, Noah resumed reading — until Seraphyne and Kaelrich barged in.
Seraphyne:
"So… how was your meeting with Princess Saphira?"
Kaelrich:
"Yeah, tell us."
Noah:
"She's… interesting. Different from the other noble girls I've met."
They expected no more than that from him — but then they noticed something.
Kaelrich:
"By the gods… he's smiling!"
Seraphyne:
"You're right! He smiled while talking about her. I think he likes her."
Noah sighed, ignoring their laughter… though deep inside, he knew they might not be entirely wrong.
End of chapter 3
(FYI:saphira appearance is like dehya from genshin impact)