"Perfect timing there's a few more vacant seats" Haelena said, leading the two freshman into a breath taking view.
The Concord Grand Hall shimmered like a palace of light, its vaulted ceiling painted with heroic legends while chandeliers of bottled starlight glowed above. Almira's usual composed self glanced upward, her eyes noting the floating servitors. Every enchantment she studied and catalogued it quietly in her mind.
Evie, meanwhile, had already forgotten to be self-conscious. Her attention was wholly captured by the feast. The air carried the sweetness of honey-glazed roast and the smoky crackle of lechon. Steam curled from a pot of sinigang, sharp with tamarind. Platters of mangoes, dragonfruit, and glowing fruits sat beside buttered vegetables. Warm loaves split open with soft sighs.
"There are seats over there," Evie said, pointing eagerly to a table conveniently close to the lechon.
"We can't sit there." Haelena tugged her back smiling.
"Why not?" Evie's voice wavered, her heart breaking at the thought of losing the crispy golden lechon.
"Well, see that guy sitting there? That's Prince Dominic of the Imperial Family. And beside him is Lucard Montclair." Haelena gestured at the two surrounded by fawning students.
Angelique, Evie remembered, was the girl arguing with the housekeeper at Makiling Hall, and she leaned far too close to Dominic. "Your Highness, that sounds like an astounding place. I'll have to tell my father to visit there next summer." giggling at his every word.
"It's not a place that is open to everyone but I can have my father extend the duke an invitation." Prince Dominic himself, with his striking face, looked every inch the imperial relative.
"An invitation from the Imperial Brother? Our house will truly be honored." Angelique said, fluttering her eyelashes.
"You should come too Lucard."
"It would be my privilege, Your Highness." Lucard Montclair, golden-haired and with sharp emerald eyes, carried an aristocratic aura so cold, it seemed to freeze anyone not in his circle.
"Montclair? Strange... they don't look alike," Evie muttered, half to herself.
"How about over there?" Almira pointed to a vacant table.
"That's worse," Haelena sighed. "That's the Four Knights' table we won't survive if we sit there."
Evie's eyes followed to where Almira was pointing at, only to see a mob of girls surrounding a table.
"The Four Knights... what, they're so important they need an entire table?" Evie muttered resentfully, gaze still locked on the delicious lechon.
Haelena leaned in to whisper. "See the one with golden eyes? That's Vince Althion, second year. Skilled at the sword and a master at spellcasting."
The crowd's voices chimed together;
"Vince how was your summer vacation?"
"I brought you some souvenirs from my trip in the east."
"These are cookies I got from our new cafe in the capital. They say the chef used to work for imperial family."
Vince Althion's golden eyes lit with interest as he accepted the package. His smile was warm, yet keen. "Thank you—these look wonderful. I'd love to know which café this is from. A place that treasures craft like this deserves a visit."
"Kyaa! did you see how he smiled?"
"So gallant!"
"Don't block the way I also want to give him my summer souvenir"—like a chorus of squealing sparrows.
Almira pressed her lips into a thin line, expression unchanged yet she felt ick at the guy's faux smile.
Haelena pointed again. "Those two are the Caerwyn twins. The elder, Eleur—he's the undefeated champion of the Academy Wars."
"Eleur, is it true you defeated a whole nest of Nyxwings this summer?" one girl asked breathlessly.
"It's so dangerous in your territory! I heard you were badly injured," another fretted.
"I'm just glad you made it back safely," sighed a third.
Eleur leaned back in his chair, grin wide and golden. "Nyxwings? Ah, they were nothing! Honestly, the biggest danger was my sister scolding me after I got scratched up." He laughed, boyish and carefree, waving off the concern. "But don't worry—I'm still in one piece. See?" He flexed an arm playfully, sending the girls into a chorus of delighted squeals.
Haelena's eyes shifted. "The younger twin, Elsan, is called the greatest spellcaster of our generation by the professor's of the academy. His ranked as the top in our class"
"Elsan, would you like to study at the Academy Tower later? I reserved a private nook for us," a girl offered eagerly.
"I need help with mana circle enchantments—do you want to meditate with me in the Elemental Gardens?" another asked, twirling her hair.
"That's a new book you're reading, isn't it? Where did you get it?"
Elsan barely looked up, flipping a page with calm precision. "This? My sister gifted it to me."
Haelena leaned closer to Evie and Almira unaware of the conversation happening at the Four Knight's table, "Their mother is the Great Sage, Baroness Elowen. Their father, the Berserker Baron of the East."
Evie stiffened, the words hitting her like a slap. Haelena was talking about her brothers. Their reputation was outstanding and she did not want them to see her and let the whole academy know they're related to an untalented sister. She thought of fleeing, but first, dinner. Priorities.
Haelena sighed dreamily. "And the fourth... is Lemeric Montclair, He's the most mysterious. Brooding. Dangerous. Second grandson of Duke Montclair - the most powerful duke of the west and he is also the grandson of Marquis Valmere the Dragon General of the North." "but that's odd his not here. You know when he was a freshman..." she continued to ramble on.
Almira just gave Haelena the side eye while Evie wasn't listening anymore. She was here to attend the imperial academy and lie low, the last thing she needed was to be associated with the three of the four knights on her first day here. Her top priority was not to be seen or heard by others.
At the four knights table Elsan intuitively bobbed his head towards the door sensing Evie, but she was no longer their. "Has mother told you when they'll arrive?"
"Arrive? Do you think mother will be successful in getting Evie here? I doubt that."Eleur replied
"Where did Lemeric go?" Elsan looking at the empty seat next to Vince.
"Odd he was here a minute ago..." Vince said looking at the empty seat.
Elsan searched the sea of students and saw a familiar head of raven-black hair. He stood without explaining and hurried towards her.
"Hey where are you going?" Eleur said leaning his chair back.
Evie piled food onto her plate with a soldier's precision, ducking low in a desperate attempt to stay out of her brother's line of sight. Too late—Elsan's sharp gaze had already locked on her. Heart racing, she executed a tactical retreat, edging backward step by step.
Then—thud. A fluffy white figure barreled into her from behind. She stumbled, arms flailing, plate tilting. The world tipped with her. Food sailed through the air, and for a heartbeat time itself seemed to slow.
She braced herself to a nasty fall but instead firm hands caught her. She was able to hold onto her plate but it was now empty and the cascade of roasted pork skin, mango slices, and buttered greens landed squarely on a head filled with dazzling silver hair.
The hall froze.
"Isn't that your little brother?" Prince Dominic said to Lucard.
"And who's that girl?" Angelique said crossing her arms.
"No way... did that freshman just bump into the second Montclair?"
"She's finished."
"A classmate once teased him by stealing a box and it was hell to pay."
"Did she bump into Lemeric's Lupinara? No way she's gonna get her head bitten off even our clan can't come close to that beast." a beastkin student said his ears twitching.
"I heard even the Caerwyn twins can't fight against him."
"The Duke of Chesterki's daughter once gave her a love letter and he burned it on the spot. He didn't even give her a single glance when she started crying."
"They say he doesn't even smile—ever. His glare can melt!"
Whispers swelled into silence. Every gaze burned at the scene anticipating a fight.
Lemeric Montclair plucked a leaf of salad from his hair, his gaze fell to hers—and smiled.
"Long time no see Evie."
"Em?" she said blinking.
The room erupted.
"He smiled?!"
"Did you see that?! Lemeric smiled! To a girl!"
"Kyaa!" a sea of girls seemed to squeal.
Haelena swooned from the sight. Almira raised a brow, midway getting her hands on some lechon. Evie, meanwhile, wished the ground would swallow her whole.
Sol took this opportunity to jump on her licking her face.
"Hey, Sol! Wow, you got a lot bigger!" Evie exclaimed looking at Sol who grew almost twice since she last saw him. She bent down to pat the fluffy creature. Sol's tails wagged so hard it looked ready to lift him off the floor. Evie scratched under his chin, earning a happy purr, and before long he flopped dramatically onto his back. She laughed, kneeling to rub his belly as his paws kicked the air in bliss.
Lemeric scowled at how much attention the Lupinara was getting. "You shouldn't be out. Go back now," he commanded, and Sol leaped obediently back into the bracelet terrarium, tail flicking in protest.
That was when Elsan appeared, stepping between Evie and Lemeric with a protective stance that made Lemeric hesitate. "Evie! We didn't know you'd arrive today. How was your trip?"
"I have a bone to pick with you. You told Mama to use that rope to get me here, didn't you?" Evie accused, crossing her arms.
"Well... it worked. You're here," Elsan said, his charming smile hiding the tiniest glint of mischief—like a mastermind pleased with his plan.
"Evie! I didn't think you'd come to the academy!" Eleur exclaimed, sweeping her into a hug with strength almost rivaling their father's.
"I—I can't breathe!" Evie sputtered.
Haelena recovered her composure, eyes wide. "Evie, so... you know the Four Knig- I mean, you know these gentlemen?"
"Who's this, Evie?" Elsan asked smoothly, blocking Evie away from this stranger.
"This is Haelena. She helped me get settled in the dorms." Evie said gasping from Eleur's embrace.
"Nice to meet you. I am Elsan Caerwyn. Thank you for helping our little sister move in," Elsan said with polished charm, and Haelena felt herself flush.
"You must be hungry. Come sit with us they're serving your favorite lechon," Eleur said, scooping Evie up like a prized doll and ran across the hall gaining whispers.
"Would you like to join us?" Elsan added, nodding politely to Haelena.
"Ye—yes! Almira, shall we join them?" Haelena stammered, cheeks heating. But Almira was already seated two seats away from Vince, quietly serving herself some lechon.
"Would you like to take the seat next to me?" Vince asked, admiring Almira's gutsy, nonchalant air.
"I'm fine, thank you," Almira replied without sparing him a glance, loading her plate with more food.
Eleur gently set Evie into the seat next to him.
Lemeric moved to sit beside her, but before he could, Elsan teleported himself into the spot instead, a mischievous, protective grin lighting his face. "You can sit next to Vince."
Lemeric gave Elsan a sharp stare before moving to the seat next to Vince which at least was across from Evie.
"Well, I guess I'll sit here," Haelena said, laughing shyly, though inside she was ecstatic to be anywhere near Lemeric.
Almira, unimpressed, deadpanned, "You should eat, or you'll faint."
Almira's words fell on deaf ears because Haelena was lost in a dreamy haze, muttering incoherent thoughts and as red as a beet.
When everyone sat down Vince smiled warmly to Lemeric "So that's where you disappeared to?"
Lemeric ignored him entirely.
Vince was used to Lemeric's icy demeanor. The boy spoke barely two words to him, yet he found his and the twins' company interesting.
"You must be famished after traveling all the way from Caerwyn," Eleur said, carving a slice of crispy lechon onto Evie's plate.
"Not too much!" Evie protested.
"Start with some soup—you might be sick from the carriage ride," Elsan added, handing her a steaming bowl.
"I can scoop my own soup," Evie grumbled.
Lemeric slid his empty plate toward her. "Could you give me some of the fish?" The salmon was conveniently closest to her.
[System Notification]
Quest: Fill the Hero's plate
Details: Give the Hero a hearty meal of the Welcome Banquet
Reward: 10 Gold Coins
"You want fish? You used to be so picky. Glad you've grown out of it," Evie said, placing a piece on his plate.
[System Notification]
Quest [Complete]: Fill the Hero's plate
Details: Give the Hero a hearty meal of the Welcome Banquet
Reward: 10 Gold Coins
Lemeric's faint smile at the gesture earned twin scowls from Eleur and Elsan, their protective instincts on full display.
Vince, observing all this, tilted his head, finally connecting the dots. "So this is the little sister I've heard about. I'm Vince Althion—it's a pleasure to meet you."
Evie choked on her water, eyes widening as she glimpsed his stats: all slightly above average except for Charisma, maxed at 100. Below it, one title blinked ominously: The Empire's True Heir, Crown Prince of Serendale
"Are you alright?" Vince asked, confused by her reaction.
Elsan immediately shifted plates and a few towering dessert trays, forming a shield between Evie, Vince, and Lemeric. "Evie, drink slowly. Don't pay that strange guy any mind."
"Did he do something to you, Evie? I'll pummel him!" Eleur barked protectively.
"No, stop it, you two!" Evie protested, wary of drawing imperial attention to her family.
Vince chuckled, teasing Lemeric. "I guess my charm is too much for her?"
Lemeric's eyes narrowed, sending an icy shiver down Vince's spine. His tone was low, deliberate, and menacingly overprotective. "Don't talk to me."
Vince froze. He had hidden his crown prince identity to enjoy a normal academy life. In all his years here, nothing had ever made him want to wield authority... until he met Lemeric's deadly stare.
From behind their fortress of food, Evie stood, her little head barely peeking above the table. "Excuse me, I think I shall take my leave now."
"Wait, take some meat with you!" Eleur called, chasing after her.
"She needs soup!"
"No—meat!"
"Soup!"
"Meat!"
"Soup!"
"Meat!"
Lemeric rose silently, following after the squabbling twins.
"This year is going to be... interesting," Vince murmured with a charming smile, also rising to trail the chaotic little parade.