Morning sunlight bathed the Rione estate in gold, and the front courtyard buzzed with activity. Servants moved briskly, preparing luggage and provisions, while the Duke's crest fluttered proudly above the gate.
Sho stood by the carriage, stretching a bit, wearing his new travel coat embroidered with silver patterns of the Rione household. His sword rested neatly on his hip.
Today was the day he would finally leave for the Imperial Academy of Varellis.
Beside him, as calm as ever, stood Liyana — silver hair swaying softly in the breeze, her crimson eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet curiosity. She wore a simple white dress and a faint smile, though she looked far too graceful to be called "simple."
The Duchess approached first, looking between them with a teasing smirk.
"My, my, Sho… you didn't tell me you were bringing company."
Sho flinched slightly. "Ah—well, it's not like that! She just… insisted on coming along."
Liyana turned to the Duchess and gave a small bow. "Good morning, Duchess. I only wish to see the Academy myself. Please don't misunderstand."
"Oh, I see." The Duchess chuckled knowingly, whispering to her husband, "She's polite, graceful, and beautiful. I like her already."
The Duke crossed his arms, nodding. "Hmph. As long as she doesn't make my son slack off."
Sho groaned quietly. "You two know I can hear you, right?"
---
When everything was ready, Sho and Liyana climbed into the carriage. The wheels creaked as the driver took hold of the reins, and the journey toward the capital began.
The Rione mansion slowly disappeared from sight, replaced by stretches of green fields and winding roads.
Inside the carriage, the silence was comfortable — until Liyana spoke.
"So this Academy… what exactly do they teach there?"
Sho glanced at her. "Everything, really. Magic, swordsmanship, strategy, even politics. It's where nobles and talented commoners train together."
Liyana hummed softly, looking out the window. "Sounds interesting. I wonder how strong the people there are."
Sho grinned. "Guess you'll find out soon enough. Just don't go too easy on them if they challenge you."
She gave him a faint smirk. "You talk like I'd actually lose."
He laughed. "I'm not betting on that."
---
As the conversation faded, Sho leaned back against the seat and opened his System Window quietly.
> [Quest Updated: "Path of the Scholar"]
Objective: Attend the Imperial Academy of Varellis
Status: In Progress
Reward: Hidden Skill – Blink (Locked)
Requirement: Complete the Academy's Entrance Evaluation.
[Description: The road to mastery begins with knowledge. Earn the right to wield your power freely.]
Sho tilted his head. "'Blink,' huh?" He muttered. "That sounds… fun."
Liyana turned to him curiously. "Talking to yourself again?"
"Ah—no, just… thinking about what's ahead."
She raised an eyebrow, a small smile forming. "You always make that face when you're hiding something."
"Wha—no, I don't!"
Her quiet laugh filled the carriage, light and teasing. "You do. It's cute, actually."
Sho coughed, looking out the window quickly. "Liyana, you really have a strange way of complimenting people."
"Hmm? I'm just telling the truth."
---
Hours later, the spires of Eldale, the Imperial Capital, appeared in the distance. Golden rooftops shimmered beneath the sun, and the faint hum of the city could already be felt.
Liyana pressed her hand to the window, her crimson eyes wide with curiosity. "It's… lively. So many people."
Sho smiled faintly. "Yeah. Welcome to the capital."
As they passed through the gates, the city unfolded like a painting — bustling markets, children running through the streets, and knights patrolling in pristine armor.
For Liyana, who had only wandered forests and mountains, the sight was new — yet somehow warm.
---
That evening, the carriage stopped at a small noble inn before reaching the Academy gates. As Sho stepped down, he offered his hand to Liyana.
"Careful," he said.
She took his hand softly, stepping down with a composed smile. "You're unexpectedly gentle, Sho."
He smirked slightly. "Only sometimes."
For a moment, their eyes met — a brief silence lingered before the sound of the city returned around them.
Liyana looked away, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're an odd human."
Sho chuckled quietly. "And you're a mysterious one."
Neither said anything more, but both smiled faintly as they walked side by side under the fading sunset — unaware that their arrival would soon stir the entire Academy.