[: 3rd POV :]
Inside the royal courtyard, a sleek mana-powered carriage, awaited, pulsing faintly with the azure glow of crystallized mana veins embedded into its frame.
The vehicle hummed softly like a living heart, wrapped in layered enchantments.
As Daniel stepped in beside his mother, Melira, she immediately wrapped her arms around him.
"Mother, again?" Daniel chuckled, already half-smothered.
Melira smiled warmly but didn't let go.
"What? Is a mother not allowed to hug her only son before she sends him away to a place filled with mischievous nobles and daughters of dukes?"
Last few moments?" Daniel raised a brow.
"Mother, you make it sound like I'm going to war."
"You are!" she said dramatically, pretending to wipe an invisible tear.
"A war of books, exams, and rival students!"
Daniel chuckled again, shaking his head.
"You're making it sound far more terrifying than slaying monsters."
Melira smirked.
