The sun filtered through the tall windows of the Rione estate, painting golden lines across the marble floor. Sho sat on the veranda, sipping tea, finally enjoying a quiet morning after weeks of chaos — the Saint's visit, the royal summons, and Liyana's teasing antics that still echoed in his mind.
The peaceful silence broke when a royal falcon descended from the sky and perched elegantly on the railing. Its golden eyes reflected Sho's face as it stretched its wings and presented a scroll sealed with silver wax.
Sho tilted his head. "A royal messenger…?"
Untying the letter, he found the royal crest of Varellis embossed across it — and the elegant handwriting he recognized immediately.
> To Sho Rione, Son of Duke Rione.
By decree of the Royal Council and direct recommendation of the Princess,
you are hereby invited to attend the Imperial Academy of Varellis as a special student of merit.
Your actions during the Minotaur incident have proven your valor and potential.
The Empire wishes to see your strength honed under proper guidance.
The opening ceremony shall commence in two weeks' time at the Imperial Capital, Eldale.
Signed,
Princess Arisa Varellis
Representative of the Royal Family.
Sho's brows lifted slightly as he read the final line. "Arisa, you made it sound too formal…" He smiled faintly, tucking the letter into his coat.
---
A knock came at the door. His mother, the Duchess, entered with her usual grace.
"So, my son, the Academy has finally called."
Sho looked at her knowingly. "You already knew, didn't you?"
She chuckled softly. "Of course. The royal messenger came here before the falcon. Your father's already preparing the carriage. He's been waiting for this day."
Moments later, the Duke arrived — tall, broad-shouldered, and as imposing as ever.
He looked at Sho with quiet pride. "The Academy isn't just about study, Sho. It's where the Empire shapes its future. Don't waste this chance."
Sho met his father's gaze and smiled. "I won't."
---
That night, under the silver moonlight, Sho sat beside his window. The letter shimmered faintly in the moon's glow.
A soft ding echoed in his head.
> [New Quest: "Path of the Scholar"]
Objective: Attend the Imperial Academy.
Reward: ???
Hidden Objective: ???
Sho leaned back in his chair. "Even the system's excited, huh…"
A familiar voice interrupted him. "Excited about what?"
He turned sharply — and there she was again, standing by the open window as if she belonged there.
Liyana's long silver hair shimmered like frost under the moonlight, her crimson eyes glinting playfully.
"Liyana," Sho said, half-exasperated, half-relieved. "You really like sneaking into my room, don't you?"
She crossed her arms, pretending to think. "Hmm… maybe I just enjoy watching you act serious all the time."
Sho sighed, though the corners of his lips curved slightly. "You heard about the Academy, huh?"
"I might've overheard something," she replied, stepping closer. "So, the young Duke's son will be off to the grand Academy soon? Sounds… boring."
"Boring?" Sho chuckled. "It's not that bad. Maybe I'll meet some interesting people there."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting, huh?"
Sho grinned. "Of course. Though if you're not around, it might be a bit lonely."
Liyana blinked, caught off guard for a split second before looking away. "Y-You really have a way with words, don't you?"
He leaned forward teasingly. "Come here, Liyana."
She raised a brow, pretending not to understand. "And why should I?"
"Because if you don't," Sho said with a smirk, "I won't be able to enroll you too."
That made her pause — just long enough for a faint blush to rise to her cheeks.
She crossed her arms and muttered, "Who said I wanted to go with you?"
Sho smiled, his voice softer now. "You didn't have to."
The air grew quiet for a moment, the faint hum of mana in the night wind surrounding them. Liyana finally sighed, giving him a small, almost genuine smile.
"…You really don't know when to stop, do you?" she said, her tone playful again. "Fine. Maybe I'll tag along. But don't slow me down."
Sho laughed quietly. "I could say the same thing."
As she turned to leave through the window, her hair swayed lightly in the wind. "Then it's settled. Try not to embarrass yourself before I get there."
Sho watched her vanish into the night, her faint laughter echoing like music in the cool air.
He leaned back, smiling faintly to himself. "Looks like I won't be alone after all."