The faint crackling of fire in the royal fireplace accompanied the quiet calm of the luxurious suite. Kenzo sat in a plush armchair, his gaze lost beyond the window as he contemplated the suspended gardens of the Royal Academy. Everything around him breathed opulence he would never have known had fate not tied him to Yareth. Thick drapes lined the walls, the floor was covered with a finely woven oriental-patterned carpet, and a light scent of musk lingered in the air.
For the first time in his life, Kenzo had washed himself in hot water. The sensation had been strange at first,almost unpleasant,but he had come to enjoy it. It was as if each drop carried away not only the grime of the outer walls but fragments of his past as well. When he stepped out of the marble-tiled bathroom, he felt he had left behind more than dust—he had shed a piece of his insecurity.
His worn black pants, his white-in-name-only shirt, and his frayed shoes were finally gone. The imposing wardrobe in the room held clothes meant for Yareth, though many no longer fit him since his test. Kenzo slipped into pieces that were slightly large but wearable. It was progress. An evolution.
He chose dark blue jeans, a neatly pressed white shirt, and black shoes with white soles. When he looked at himself in the mirror, he barely recognized the reflection. The boy staring back at him was no longer fleeing poverty. He looked like someone from the inner walls.
"I really look like an inner-wall resident like this…" he thought, half moved, half nostalgic. The thought, as joyful as it was painful, left him silent for a moment.
He then descended into the spacious living area of the royal suite, waiting patiently for Yareth's return. His friend had bathed first before being summoned by Lord Karim for a meeting with his father, as planned upon arrival.
"I wonder what a prince eats…" Kenzo mused, recalling how Yareth had rushed into the shower as soon as they arrived. Lord Karim had knocked soon after, claiming urgency. Kenzo had taken the opportunity to enjoy his own prolonged hot bath, discovering the strange pleasure of warmth that did not bite.
Time passed gently until the door finally opened. Yareth entered, dressed in an immaculate white ensemble of traditional garments from his homeland. The contrast between their styles was striking. They exchanged a glance—then burst into laughter.
– « Haha! Now that you're clean, you look completely different! » Yareth teased.
– « And you? You look like some holy man dressed all in white. »
At that moment, Lord Karim entered carrying a silver tray.
– « Your Highness, your meal is ready. »
– « Finally, we get to eat. Come on, Kenzo. It's a dish from home. »
On the low table rested a grand traditional platter: roasted lamb laid over fine semolina soaked in saffron broth, accompanied by tender chickpeas, colorful vegetables, and caramelized dried fruits. Around it were small bowls of fresh flatbread, spiced yogurt, and honey-stuffed dates.
Kenzo's eyes widened at the abundance. He forced himself to eat slowly, carefully. In the outer walls, such a feast would have been devoured in seconds or stolen outright.
– « Kenzo, you'll be enrolled in the Royal Academy. You'll have access to the basic equipment provided to students and any classes you wish to attend. My father has agreed. It's a reward for helping me escape. »
Kenzo stopped chewing, listening closely.
– « However, that's all. Weapons, armor, prana fragments—you'll have to purchase those yourself. And since I know you have nothing… you'll have to manage without them until the second test. »
Kenzo frowned briefly, then relaxed.
– « I would've liked to pay for you, but unfortunately… his money and my money are very different things. Until I become a Knight, I own nothing. »
Kenzo offered a sincere smile.
– « If that's all, it's fine. Honestly, I thought your father would ask me to become your lifelong servant or something. You've already done more than enough for me. Just one thing… being a Deviant won't cause problems, right? »
– « No, don't worry. As long as you don't have money to buy flesh or a Void Creature's heart, you won't go mad. And the second test is in two months. I intend to bring you there myself. When we return as Transfigured, my father will accept some of my requests. And more importantly, we'll be able to earn our own living. »
As they finished eating, Lord Karim approached once more.
– « Your Highness, it is nearly 8 p.m. The opening ceremony is about to begin. We should proceed to the Grand Hall. »
– « Ah, right! The Headmaster is giving a speech to welcome the Awakened. Let's go, Kenzo. »
They left the suite, crossed the richly decorated hall, and entered another elevator—this time descending. When they reached level minus four, Lord Karim addressed Kenzo.
– « Awakened Kenzo, you will exit here. As a common citizen, you will attend the ceremony from the upper seating. »
He then turned to Yareth.
– « Your Highness, we continue one level below. You will likely recognize certain acquaintances. »
Yareth's expression darkened slightly at those words. He glanced at Kenzo, then offered him a genuine smile.
– « See you soon. »
Kenzo stepped out of the elevator, merging with a stream of young Awakened converging toward a massive hall. He entered, stunned by the radiant whiteness of the walls, the precisely arranged red seats, and the soft light bathing the room. He sat without asking questions.
– « Hey, you. I recognize you. »
Kenzo turned around. A blond-haired boy with clear blue eyes stood there, smiling.
It's the kid who was trembling in line after the first test… he thought.
– « My name's Lucian. Can I sit next to you? »
– « Do what you want. »
Am I doomed to run into everyone I meet, or what…? he sighed inwardly.
– « I can't believe I'm at the Royal Academy. They contacted me and said I'd been admitted through a lottery. One winner per year in every kingdom. And you? Are you from a powerful clan? Is your family rich? »
The questions came rapid-fire, irritating Kenzo despite himself. He chose to remain polite.
– « I was recommended. »
– « Oh, that's awesome! » Lucian replied, clearly satisfied.
Thankfully, he fell silent after sensing Kenzo wasn't particularly talkative.
From his elevated seat, Kenzo scanned the hall, searching for Yareth. He spotted him quickly, seated in the front row, speaking with a girl with dark hair and warm brown, oil-sheened skin. She wore traditional attire as well, though Kenzo didn't recognize its origin. Focusing, he noticed her green eyes glimmering. She caught him staring. She smiled when she saw Yareth doing the same.
That was probably rude… Kenzo thought, slightly embarrassed.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed. A sacred silence fell over the hall. Conversations ceased. Everyone sat upright, eyes fixed on the stage.
The opening ceremony was about to begin.