Keal stood, stretching his legs after sitting through the first half of the lesson. His joints cracked softly, the motion drawing a few curious glances. Before he could settle back down, a small group of girls approached, their laughter light and melodic, like bells chiming in the corridor.
One of them stepped forward, her brown curls bouncing as she tilted her head. "Hi, I'm Lila," she said, batting her eyelashes with deliberate exaggeration. "Welcome to our class. You're really handsome… and those eyes are amazing!"
Keal's cheeks warmed slightly, though he tried to mask it with composure. He offered a polite smile, his voice calm. "Thanks. I'm Keal."
The girls giggled in unison, their voices overlapping as they began peppering him with questions. "Where are you from?" one asked eagerly. "Do you like swordplay or books more?" another chimed in. "Are you going to the semester party?" Lila added, leaning closer.
Keal answered patiently, his tone measured, though his smile remained faint. "I'm from Weton. I enjoy reading, though training is necessary. And yes, I'll attend the party."
The girls exchanged delighted glances, whispering among themselves. From the back of the room, Geo lifted his eyes briefly from his book, his round glasses catching the light. He observed the exchange silently, then lowered his gaze again, retreating into the worn pages as though the scene belonged to another world.
Just as the conversation grew more animated, another figure approached. Jinny, a girl with striking blue hair and a haughty expression, sauntered forward with deliberate grace. She tossed her hair over her shoulder, her lips curling into a smirk.
"So, you're the new student," she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "I heard you're from Weton. How… quaint."
Her words hung in the air like a blade, sharp and mocking.
Keal's eyes narrowed, his posture stiffening. He recognized the jab instantly. His reply came cool and precise, his tone edged with quiet defiance. "And I heard you're from the Eastern Kingdom. How… predictable."
The girls gasped softly, their giggles silenced. Jinny's face flushed crimson, her composure cracking. She opened her mouth to retort, but before the words could escape, another voice cut through the tension.
"Hey, Jinny," Zack drawled, appearing beside Keal with his trademark grin. "I see you're being your usual charming self."
Jinny's expression soured, though she forced her tone into something resembling civility. "Zack, I was just… introducing myself to the new student."
Zack shrugged casually, his grin never wavering. "Save it, Jinny. Keal's with me. Let's go, Keal."
Keal inclined his head slightly, his lips curving into a faint smirk. He stepped away from the group, following Zack toward the door. The girls whispered behind them, their voices a mixture of awe and gossip.
As they walked down the corridor, Zack leaned closer, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper. "Sorry about Jinny. She's… well, you get the idea. Always looking for someone to belittle."
Keal's smirk deepened, his crimson eyes glinting. "No worries. I've dealt with worse."
Zack chuckled, clapping him lightly on the shoulder. "Good. You'll fit right in."
The two continued down the hall, their footsteps echoing against the marble floor, leaving behind the tense silence of the classroom and the lingering stares of those who had witnessed the exchange.
Later that night, Keal and Zack stepped into the grand hall. To call it a party was too simple — it was a banquet, overflowing with abundance.
Long tables stretched across the marble floor, each one heavy with food. Silver platters gleamed under the chandelier light, piled high with roasted meats, golden breads, and bowls of steaming rice. Crystal dishes held fruits from distant realms — crimson berries, sliced starfruit, and grapes that shimmered like jewels.
There were towers of pastries dusted with sugar, trays of spiced fish wrapped in leaves, and soups served in ornate bowls that released fragrant steam. Goblets of wine and sparkling juices lined the tables, their surfaces catching the glow of candlelight.
Servants moved gracefully between the rows, refilling plates and pouring drinks, while nobles and students alike gathered in clusters, laughing, whispering, and sampling delicacies. The sheer abundance was overwhelming — a feast meant to display power as much as generosity.
The moment Keal stepped into the banquet hall, silence rippled across the crowd. His irregular eyes — one crimson, the other purple — glowed faintly beneath the chandelier light, and his stark white hair shimmered like frost. Dressed in his customary black suit, he moved with a quiet gravity that made nobles and students alike pause mid‑conversation.
Zack appeared soon after, striding confidently in a pristine white suit of top fabric, his grin wide and unrestrained. Two girls followed him: Antil, graceful and poised, and July, radiant with golden hair and golden eyes. Zack shrugged casually, as if the entire hall belonged to him, and called out, "Keal! Nice to see you here. I had to come — it's practically my duty to follow you around."
Keal tilted his head slightly, unwilling to embarrass Zack in front of the crowd. His voice was calm, measured. Zack smirked, then gestured toward July. "This is July, one of the two princesses of the Central Kingdom. She wants to have a long chat with you." With a playful push, he nudged her forward and retreated with Antil, settling into a corner seat with a devilish smile that gleamed like mischief incarnate.
July adjusted a strand of her golden hair nervously, her cheeks flushed crimson. She lowered her gaze to the polished marble floor and spoke in a soft, girlish tone. "Hi… my name is July Wes."
Keal narrowed his eyes, anger flickering beneath his calm exterior. He despised Zack's foolish matchmaking — it reeked of trouble. Yet he forced a smile, tilting his head in acknowledgment. "I am Keal. Forgive the confusion."
July glanced up at him, her golden eyes shimmering. "Ooh, I know you're quite popular because of your look. And… I know you're angry at what Zack did, but I asked him to." Her voice quivered, quirky and uncertain, as she turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze
Keal's expression hardened. He knew Zack was orchestrating something. From across the hall, Zack lounged in his chair, his grin widening into a devilish smirk as he watched the scene unfold like a puppeteer pulling strings.