The next morning, Aeryn spotted Erdaes standing by the academy entrance, holding what looked like a sheet of paper.
'Is he waiting for someone?' she wondered as she walked past him. But just as she did, Erdaes jogged toward her.
"You see, I wanted to tell you something," he began. "This is the paper for entering the contest. I thought we could form a team — with Alyssa and Orphon, Aeryn."
Aeryn blinked in surprise. Erdaes wanted to enter the contest? She hadn't expected that. Though he could be daring, Orphon was the more adventurous one. Erdaes preferred quiet activities — like reading or research.
"Did you ask Alyssa and Orphon about this, Erdaes? You'll need their consent," Aeryn said.
"Oh, I did. Yesterday," he replied quickly. "They said they're fine with it. I couldn't ask you since you left early, but… I'm asking you now."
Aeryn couldn't hide her surprise. Erdaes had always been gentle, but this kind of thoughtfulness was new. When did he become so considerate?
"I thank you for that," Aeryn said softly, taking the quill and signing her name on the paper.
As they walked into the academy together, Aeryn noticed Orphon and Alyssa talking nearby. "Wait a moment, Erdaes," she said, and walked toward them.
"Hello, Prince Orphon," Aeryn greeted politely, curtseying.
Orphon nodded in acknowledgment, while Alyssa's expression darkened — her lips forming the start of a scowl.
'She still hasn't forgotten our argument,' Aeryn thought, returning a small nod.
"Did you agree to what Erdaes told you? About the contest?" she asked.
"Apparently I did, since that's the reason he went after you," Alyssa replied sharply.
"Alyssa, your words are too harsh for your sister. Please, speak more kindly," said Orphon lightly — and both he and Alyssa laughed, glancing at Aeryn and Erdaes, who had walked up behind her.
"That's rude, Alyssa!" began Erdaes, trying to defend Aeryn. But before he could say more, Aeryn turned away and hurried inside.
With Erdaes calling after her, she walked quickly toward her classroom. But when she reached the door, the thought of facing her sister again made her stomach twist.
"Not now… just not now," she whispered, turning back and running toward the teachers' office. The wind brushed her face, cool against the ache building inside.
Thankfully, Commander Ecthelir was there when she opened the door.
The room was vast and open — two floors connected by a spiral staircase. The lower floor held Ecthelir's desk, a collection of curious tools and documents Aeryn could never quite identify. Above, the upper floor revealed glimpses of the commander's private quarters: a bed, a meeting table, a small balcony café.
In the center, Ecthelir looked up from her desk.
"What is it, Aeryn Illuminati? Is it about your academics, or friendship? Or perhaps both?" Ecthelir asked, her tone calm but sharp.
"Friendship. May I speak with you, my lord?"
"Of course," said Ecthelir, releasing a carrier pigeon through the open window — likely sending a message to arrange a substitute teacher.
'Though she seems cold, she really is a good listener,' Aeryn thought as she sat before her mentor's desk.
"Tell me exactly what happened, Aeryn," said Ecthelir.
"Well… it was my sister, Alyssa. You know her personality…"
Aeryn explained everything — the morning's argument, her feelings, and how deeply it hurt her. Ecthelir listened in silence, occasionally pausing only to ask if Aeryn wanted lunch or to respond briefly to a letter.
By the time she finished, Aeryn felt lighter. The commander's quiet nods and calm presence seemed to absorb her worries.
"So," Ecthelir asked at last, "why do you think Alyssa behaves that way?"
"It's because of her past," Aeryn said softly. "When we were young, she wanted to be like other kids — to have birthday presents, fine dresses, pretty pens. But we didn't have money, and there was no one to buy those things for her. I think she started envying others… even though there were many orphans like us."
"And what about Orphon? What do you think shaped his nature?"
"Well… he's quiet, but he can be cruel when he wants to. I think it's stress."
"Stress?"
"Yes. Orphon never saw his sister again, and he was sent here against his will. People probably treated him badly because he's the prince of a 'falling empire.' That must've hurt. Even though Erdaes supports him, it can't be easy to keep his head up."
Ecthelir nodded. "I see. Anything else you'd like to add?"
Aeryn smiled faintly. "No, I think I'm fine now."
"Good. You're free to go. But take those homework sheets with you — you're supposed to finish them."
"But, teacher—"
"No."
Aeryn sighed in defeat, gathering the papers as Ecthelir returned to her work.
As Aeryn stepped outside, she spotted Erdaes waiting near the stairs. When she waved, he waved back — blushing slightly.
'He's cute,' she thought. 'Whoever becomes his girlfriend will be lucky.'
"You weren't in class today," said Erdaes. "Did you go to the teacher's office? Are you feeling better now?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Aeryn replied. "By the way — about the contest paper. You wanted me to sign it, right?"
"Well, yes, but if you don't want to, that's fine—"
Before he could finish, Aeryn grabbed the sheet from him.
"Don't worry, Erdaes. I'll make up with Alyssa. Let's do this together, what do you think?"
"But it might be dangerous! I already warned Alyssa and Orphon before they signed!"
"And an elf who worries for others' safety doesn't care about his own?" she teased. "Take care of yourself too. I'm signing it anyway."
Aeryn wrote her name with a quick stroke, handing it back with a grin.
"Here you go. Let's take it to the front desk."
"Okay," Erdaes said, walking ahead with the paper in hand.
As Aeryn turned to leave, satisfied that he'd handle the rest, she heard him call out from behind.
"Hey, Aeryn! Would you like to have dinner with me?"
"Dinner?" she repeated.
"Yeah! I was planning to ask you yesterday, but you weren't there."
"Oh. Well, sure — let's go then. Serenade's Café?"
"Perfect!"
As the two walked out of the academy grounds, they didn't notice Ecthelir watching from her office window.
Without turning around, she said quietly, "Enter."
A dark, hooded figure appeared behind her — his voice low and calm. "Sister."
Ecthelir's tone turned cold. "Why are you here, my first sibling? To cause trouble?"
"Well, I grew bored of wandering the Wilderlands," the man replied, removing his hood. Beneath it was a handsome face — half-hidden by a sleek mask. His long white hair shimmered in the light, and though his expression was casual, it was clear he enjoyed the attention his looks brought.
"How goes my order? You know I expect only the best," Ecthelir said, her gaze still fixed on the window.
"Everything proceeds smoothly," he replied. "So, Aeryn and her friends joined the contest you proposed to the government? How amusing."
"Yes, they have, Erytos." Her expression didn't waver.
"Then it's decided," said Erytos, smiling faintly. "They will walk a path both special and dangerous."
"You are dismissed, Erytos. You've said all that needs to be said."
"True," he said, his voice fading as he vanished. "Farewell, my sister."
Ecthelir looked up at the clear summer sky. It was an ordinary day — but she knew better.
Today marked the beginning of something extraordinary.
A saga that, one day, all songs would remember.