The Next Day
December 31, 1624 — Creation Calendar.
In Umgrad City, stronghold of House Maklice, the last day of the year dawned clear. The storm had finally passed, leaving the streets coated in white. Life returned to normal, and the city brimmed with joy as if eager to wash away the bitterness of the past days.
Children shrieked with laughter as they hurled snow at each other, merchants swept clean the piled roads, and families prepared for the New Year's Eve celebration. Laughter, warmth, and cheer filled the air.
At the Maklice mansion, in the quiet of Aeon's chamber—
a peaceful scene unfolded. Aeon, Silvia, and Sara were all sleeping together on the same bed, with both women resting on his chest. Aeon slowly opened his eyes, trying to gently move their heads, but they only tightened their grip. He knew they were awake.
With a sigh, Aeon said, "I know both of you are awake. Get up—we're returning to Alofis today. Stop wasting time and start preparing."
Silvia only leaned harder against him. "Let me sleep more… I couldn't rest because of the constant buzzing of someone over here." Her eyes flicked accusingly toward Sara.
Sara immediately squeezed kayle's other side even tighter. "Buzzing? Hah! I couldn't even close my eyes all night thanks to someone's endless tossing and snoring."
Their gazes locked—sparks flying like blades. Aeon, caught in the middle, exhaled heavily. Here we go again…
"Honestly, I should be the one complaining," kayle said. "Both of you slept soundly on my chest like sacks of flour. My shoulder and chest are so stiff they feel like stone."
At once, both Silvia and Sara turned their heads sharply toward him and snapped in unison:
"Who are you calling heavy?! Don't compare me with her!"
Each pointed a finger at the other.
"You glutton! You're the heavy one—I saw you devour an entire plate of steak last night!" Silvia spat.
Sara's eyes flared. "Look who's talking—the one who emptied an entire tray of sweets as if sugar made you thinner!"
"Idiot! Eating sweets won't make me fat—it's nothing like wolfing down steak!" Silvia shot back.
Sara narrowed her eyes dangerously, lips curling into a grin. "Really? Then explain why your waistline is tighter than your corset!"
Silvia's face turned crimson. "Say that again, and I'll show you what a Seventh Circle mage can do, you steak-obsessed shrimp!"
"You wanna go, cake-breath?" Sara hissed, summoning a faint spark of mana in her palm.
Kayle's face paled as mana flickered between the two women right on his chest. "Gods above… I'm going to die between these two before monsters ever get me."
"Someone, please save me…" he muttered under his breath.
As if the heavens heard him—
KNOCK. KNOCK.
Just as the argument escalated, a knock came from the door. Kayle, relieved, opened it to find Latty.
"Oh, you're already up," Latty said. "Good. Let's head downstairs; breakfast is ready. Everyone is waiting for you."
"Okay, I'll be there in a few minutes," Kayle said.
Latty's eyes then fell on Silvia and Sara. "And you two, what are you doing in Kayle's room?"
Silvia and Sara were speechless, but Kayle quickly came up with an excuse. "They came to wake me up before you did."
"Yeah, yeah, I came to wake up Kayle," Silvia said.
"Me too," Sara added.
"Oh," Latty said, entering the room. "So both of you came to wake him up. Then let's head back together, guys."
After breakfast, Aeon, Olivia, Lucy, and Sir Harrison visited the chamber where Itzayana was kept. She sat by the window, her expression cold but her posture guarded. Ever since claiming to have lost her memories, Harrison had ordered her confined for safety
"What do you people want from me now?" Itzayana asked, her voice cold. "I have already told you I don't remember anything about the black mages' organization."
Kayle stepped forward. "So you're the one we took back from the forest. I'm Kayle from Venessa Academy. I know you've lost your memories, but I've come here regarding a different matter."
"What do you want from me? Say it," Itzayana said.
"I like that you're straightforward," Kayle said. "So I'll also be blunt. Look, Itzayana Meeve, although you have lost your memories, we can't ignore the fact that you were part of the black mages. So we can't let you go."
"So are you going to imprison me?" she asked.
Olivia stepped forward. "By all rights, yes. We should, for security purposes. However, Father Harpy stated that your memories are gone and can't be returned. And you don't have anyone left in the Cronos Empire. So here is our offer: come to Venessa Academy with us."
Her eyes narrowed. "Why should I follow you? Do you want me caged there instead?"
"It's for your own good, girl," Olivia said. "You may not know this, but you and your fellow mages tried to kill our students. Under imperial law and the academy's policies, we have the right to imprison you. But that boy, Kayle, insisted on keeping you in the academy for your safety."
"For my safety? How is that supposed to protect me?" Itzayana said.
"You failed your mission," Olivia said bluntly. "That makes you disposable to your organization. Erasing evidence includes erasing you."
"So you want to use me as bait, then?" Itzayana's tone was icy.
"Absolutely not," kayle shook his head. "The Black Mages aren't foolish enough to chase after someone they've already sealed. You no longer matter to them."
"Then why?" she pressed.
"Because you're a Sixth Circle mage at such a young age. You can still be of great use. At the academy, you'll have the chance to learn from our professors and headmaster. More importantly—you'll have the chance to start a new life. Better than rotting away in a cell." Aeon held her gaze. "So—what's your answer?"
Itzayana's sharp eyes softened slightly as she considered his words. Silence stretched for a moment.
"…Fine. I'll come with you."
"I'm glad," Kayle replied, a small smile on his face.
"So it's settled," Harrison said, stepping into the room.
"Yes. We'll leave in a few hours," Lucy confirmed.
"Since everything has been taken care of, Kayle, I'd like to speak with you," Harrison said, his eyes fixed on the young man.
Olivia and Lucy turned to Kayle, their expressions a mix of expectation and concern. They had anticipated Harrison would try to have a private conversation with him. As a highly ambitious man who valued talent above all else, he would undoubtedly see Kayle as a prize. Kayle's value had already surpassed that of so-called geniuses. Over the past three and a half years, he had amassed so much recognition and credit that it was beyond what anyone could achieve in a lifetime. He was a four-elemental affinity user, making him unparalleled in the two empires and six kingdoms. His achievements—changing the very fundamentals of magic, innovating new magical engineering tools, clearing the Garxiz Forest, and, most importantly, reviving a dying Silvia from the brink of death—had made his name known across the entire continent. When the news of the forgotten gods became public, everyone would clamor to get close to him. His status already rivaled that of most nobles, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that many noble families would try to marry their daughters to him, as he was an orphan with no family to speak of. Kayle was destined for a brilliant future, and his striking good looks were a testament to that. Olivia and Lucy knew this and were afraid Harrison would try to recruit him.
"Okay, sir," Kayle said, nodding respectfully.
"Then let's go to my study," Harrison said, turning to leave.
Kayle looked at Olivia and Lucy, offering them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, professors."
With that, he and Harrison left the room and went to the Duke's study. They both took a seat.
"What do you want to talk about, Sir Harrison?" Kayle asked, his voice calm and steady.
Harrison turned to Kayle. "Kayle, what are you planning to do after your graduation?"
"Maybe I'll leave for a long journey," Kayle replied.
"A long journey? That's not what I expected," Harrison said. "I thought you'd join the Mage Tower or become a magic engineer in Alofis. You have, after all, innovated those remarkable magic engineering tools for monster subjugation. I am personally very impressed with them. They are things no one in the continent could have imagined. They could be incredibly useful for battles and monster hunts. You could make a fortune with them; do you know that?"
"Sir, you flatter me," Kayle said humbly. "I just did everything in my power to keep my team safe."
"Boy, do you think I'd be swayed by those words?" Harrison said, a glint in his eye. "You know yourself that what you created aren't some typical tools. From what I heard in Bryan's report, those things increased your party's combat power by 50%, and you say that's nothing great?"
Kayle leaned forward slightly. "Sir Harrison, I know you didn't bring me here just for praise. Please, feel free to speak your mind."
"Haha! I like your bluntness, Kayle," Harrison laughed."Not many people can talk to me directly like that. But before I get to the point, I want to know what you think about Silvia and Sara."
"I don't quite understand what you mean by that, sir," Kayle replied, his face a perfect mask of confusion.
"I mean to ask: are you fond of them?" Harrison said.
"I don't understand why you're asking me this question, sir, but I can tell you that both of them are very close to me," Kayle replied.
"So you do love them," Harrison stated.
"I didn't say that," Kayle replied evenly.
"But it certainly seems that way," Harrison teased. "I simply wanted to know where they stand in your heart before I made my proposal."
"What kind of proposal, sir?" Kayle asked.
"Kayle, what do you think about becoming a part of my family?" Harrison said, his voice dropping to a serious tone
.
"By 'family,' you mean?" Kayle asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Yes, it's just as you thought. Kayle, I want you to marry my daughter, Scarlet," Harrison said bluntly.
"Sir, you know that I'm a commoner with no background and an orphan with no family. I don't even have a last name. How can someone as much of a misfit as me become your son-in-law? I am not worthy of such a proposal." Kayle's voice was humble, but his eyes were firm.
"But in my eyes, you are more worthy than any other noble son or genius," Harrison insisted. "As I said earlier, you have so many achievements that your name has already been written in the history of the Atheliya Empire, and future generations will know it. The fact that you're a commoner is nothing to worry about. The world knows your greatness. Not even nobles can look down on you, Kayle. That's why I think you are fit in every aspect to become my daughter's partner."
He continued, "Just so you know, my daughter also holds the title of one of the Six Flowers of the Empire, so she's as beautiful as Silvia and Sara."
"Sir, I'm happy to hear that you hold me in such high regard," Kayle said respectfully, "but before making a proposal like this, you should ask your daughter first. Her life is what matters here, so she should be the one to choose who she wants to be with."
"You need not worry about that," Harrison said dismissively. "As long as you are ready to become part of my family, her consent can be settled."
"My answer remains the same, sir. You should ask your daughter first. And I must add, I am not interested in marriage at this time."
Harrison's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you saying my daughter is not worthy of marrying the great Kayle?"
"You know I did not mean it that way," Kayle said, his tone firm but still respectful. "As I said, I wish to focus on my future. Now, if you have nothing more to say, I will take my leave."
Kayle stood, bowed, and left the room.
Harrison sat quietly on the sofa for a moment. Then he stood, took a cigar from his desk, he lit it and began smoking it.
He stood before the window, watching the falling snow. "Oh, Kayle," he murmured to himself. "If it were anyone else, he would have accepted my proposal with open arms without thinking twice. But that is the quality that makes you different from others. You're neither greedy for power nor interested in fame. And more than anything else, that boy doesn't have a single drop of fear in his eyes. He brought back Silvia from the brink of death, and the strength he keeps hidden is something else entirely. Even if I searched the two empires and six kingdoms, I couldn't find anyone better for my Scarlet. That's why I'm not going to back down, even if he's in love with both of them. He's the only one who can keep my daughter safe."
Kayle emerged from the study room to find his friends and professors waiting for him. Olivia and Lucy immediately stepped forward, their expressions a mix of concern and eagerness, desperate for an explanation.
Lucy was the first to speak. "Kayle, what did he want to discuss with you? Did he try to recruit you into the Maklice house as a mage or as a magic engineer?" she asked in a rush.
"Yeah, Kayle, what did you guys talk about?" Olivia added, looking pointedly at Sara. "I was on a knife's edge the whole time he was talking to you privately. Not just us, but your friends were worried, too. Especially Sara."
Silvia and Sara both stared at him, waiting for an explanation. Kayle, with a simple motion, brushed his hair back.
"Don't worry, everyone, it's nothing to be concerned about, he was just curious about my plans after graduation." Kayle said modestly.
"It's not a good idea to tell them about the marriage proposal," Aeon thought. "Harrison is a Duke, and if word gets out that I turned down a marriage proposal from his daughter, it would be a huge blow to his reputation. Plus, I won't be able to move freely in the Empire if I make an enemy whose influence is second only to the Imperial Family's."
"So what did you tell him, Kayle?" James asked.
"Ah, I just told him that I'd be going on a long journey across the continent," Kayle replied.
"A journey across the continent?" James said, surprised. "I didn't think you were the type to go on a journey."
"Kayle, this is unexpected," Nana chimed in. "Why would you want to go on a journey? You're a genius with a bright future. The Mage Tower would give you a good position just to have you work with them, or you could join the Imperial Mage Association. A mage of your caliber would be welcomed with open arms. You could work on new inventions like the magic engineering gadgets you made for the assignment. So why would you want to leave such good offers behind?"
"Well, if you go on a journey, I'll tag along with you," Silvia declared.
"Calm down, everyone," Kayle said, trying to diffuse the situation. "I just wanted to dodge his questions, so I said I'd leave for a journey. Nothing is decided yet."
"So you haven't made a decision?" Olivia asked.
"Not yet," Kayle confirmed.
"Okay, everyone, we'll talk about it when we get back to the capital," Lucy commanded. "Right now, pack your things and get ready. We'll be leaving in an hour."
"Yes, Professor!" they all replied in unison.
They all left for their rooms to pack, but Sara went straight to Harrison's study.
She entered to find Harrison smoking a cigar. He saw her, and quickly put it out in the ashtray.
Sara came to him. "Uncle, what did you talk about?" she asked, her voice tense.
Harrison just looked at her, and realized there was no point in hiding it. "You already know what we discussed, Sara, so why ask?"
"Didn't I tell you to leave him alone?" Sara shouted, her voice filled with rage. "You and everyone just want to use him for your politics because he's a genius! He's a simple boy who wants to live a normal life with his friends!"
"Haha, a simple boy?" Harrison laughed. "You don't know anything about that 'simple boy' of yours, Sara."
"I know him better than anyone, Uncle," Sara shot back.
"That's just your thinking. That boy, Kayle, holds many mysteries in his heart," Harrison said.
"Don't beat around the bush, Uncle. Just get to the point," Sara said, annoyed.
"Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," Harrison said. "So I'll just say this: he isn't as simple as he looks. He's a beast in disguise."
He continued, his voice softening, "And as for the matter regarding Scarlet, I can only say I'm sorry, but it can't be helped. As a father, I'll try my best to unite my daughter with the best spouse, and in my eyes, no one is better than him."
"Hmph. I won't let you covet my Kayle," Sara said, her eyes blazing. "He's mine, and if anyone tries to use him, I won't let them, even if it's you, Uncle." With that, she turned and left the room.
An hour later, everyone, including Itzayana, was ready to leave. They stood before the carriages, and the Duke and his family came to see them off. The Duke's wife, Luminarra, and his son, Bryan, were also there.
"I wish I had been here earlier, Sara," Luminarra said, hugging her. "Because of that bizarre weather and the Prince's purge, I was unable to come back from my father's house."
"It's not your fault, Auntie," Sara said. "You just came back this morning. And it's not like I won't be coming back here. We'll meet again after graduation."
"I'm happy to hear that," Luminarra said, then turned to Kayle. "You must be Kayle, right?"
Kayle humbly bowed to the Duchess. "I, Kayle, greet the Duchess."
"Oh, you're so humble and good-looking, just as everyone described," Luminarra said, her eyes twinkling. "No, you're more handsome than the rumors, Kayle."
"You flatter me, ma'am," Kayle said softly.
"Oh my, what a sweet man. I wish I had you as my son-in-law," she said.
Making Silvia , Sara, latty, james, nana, rolex and including Olivia and Lucy, freeze in shock. Kayle, too, was momentarily stunned.
"I'm just kidding, everyone. Why are you all so serious?" Luminarra said, smiling.
Then, she whispered through Wind Sonar, "But it can become a reality if you want, Kayle." She smiled at him, and he simply stared back.
"Okay, Kayle and everyone, it's time to leave," Olivia said, cutting through the awkward silence. "Get in the carriage."
Everyone waved goodbye to the Duke and Duchess, and the carriages left the mansion.
After they had gone, the Duke, his wife, and Bryan stood in the courtyard.
"Did you like that boy?" Harrison asked his wife.
"Of course," Luminarra said. "His looks are out of this world, and what you said is true: he's perfect for our Scarlet."
"So, how was your conversation with him, Father? Did he accept your proposal?" Bryan asked.
"He neither accepted nor denied," Harrison replied, taking out a cigar. "That boy has a way with words. He just told me to ask Scarlet. Well, it's also true; we can't force her into marriage. She isn't like our eldest daughter, Victoria. If we force her, she'll run away."
"But where is she now?" Luminarra asked, a hint of frustration in her voice. "All the students from Smera Academy have already returned to their homes after graduation. Bryan, didn't you go to get her?"
"Well, Mother, she told me that she wanted some free time after graduation and left for the capital to have some fun," Bryan explained.
"That girl never listens to anyone," Luminarra said, glaring at her husband. "It's all because of your pampering her."
Harrison, seeing his wife's anger, quickly returned to the mansion to escape her wrath.