"I don't know how to respond to the headline," Marcus admitted, his voice low but steady. "As a son, it's good news that my father is now becoming the King of Calestra. But I haven't forgotten the loss of the Vaslestra family either. It's better for us, Lily, if we avoid this matter for now and leave it for the elders to deal with."
He then turned to Lily and Eirene, softening his tone. "Why don't you both go to the library and collect your academic books? Grimswald already explained the process—at the start of every semester, the books are distributed by him, and by the year's end, they must be returned to the school library."
Chairs scraped lightly against the floor as everyone rose to leave. But just as they were about to step out, Kalen's voice broke the rhythm.
"Eirene," he called gently, his eyes fixed on her. "Come with me to the bulletin board."
Eirene paused, tilting her head, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Why?" she asked cautiously.
Kalen's lips curved into a faint, reassuring smile. His voice was calm but persuasive. "Trust me. You won't regret it."
Eirene glanced quickly at Lily and Marcus before nodding. "You guys go first. I'll catch up later," she said softly, excusing herself.
The others departed toward the library, leaving only Kalen and Eirene behind.
When the silence of the hallway wrapped around them, Eirene turned sharply, her brows furrowed. "If you only wanted me to go to the board," she demanded, her tone edged with irritation, "then why did you give me the syllabus copy earlier?"
Kalen froze, uncertain how to respond. For a few heavy moments, the air between them was thick with unspoken words.
The silence snapped Eirene's patience. Her voice rose, quivering with fury. "So, you separated me from my new friends only to torture me with silence? I'm done with this—I'm going to catch up with them!"
She spun on her heel, but before she could take more than a single step, Kalen's hand shot out, gripping hers firmly yet gently.
"If you want to go, I won't stop you," he said, his tone calm but unyielding. His eyes locked onto hers with quiet intensity. "But first—tell me. Have you decided what subjects you're going to choose, or are you simply planning to follow the sheep's walk?"
Eirene froze, her anger giving way to confusion. Her voice softened, hesitant. "What do you mean?"
"I mean exactly what I said," Kalen replied, his voice steady, almost grave. His gaze didn't waver. "I've heard about you. You've been here since birth, haven't you? You're not living with your parents. Just like me, you've had no one to guide you in choosing your path."
He released her hand slowly and continued, his words carrying weight. "So you must choose wisely—if you truly want to become a powerful mage in the future. All the others will simply follow their parents' advice. But you and I… we don't have that luxury."
Eirene's eyes flickered, unsettled, before she finally looked down at the syllabus copy in her hands.
Foundation Division (Course List)
Magical History & Ethics I
Mana Awareness & Flow Control I
Arcane Safety Protocols
Runes & Sigils I: Protective Wards
Magical Creatures I: Common Beasts
Elemental Fundamentals I: Sparks, Streams, & Breezesor
Herbcraft & Minor Healing I
Eirene studied the list carefully, whispering under her breath. "Hmmm… so we have to choose between Elemental Fundamentals and Herbcraft & Minor Healing." She glanced up at Kalen, her tone tentative. "So then… which one are you choosing?"
Kalen raised a brow, a teasing edge in his voice. "So, you're planning to copy mine?" His stare was sharp, questioning.
Eirene crossed her arms, her voice firm and defiant. "Why should I copy you? I only want to know the reason behind your choice."
Kalen gave a small, amused huff before his tone hardened. "If that's the case, then you won't find much help from me."
Eirene's brows knitted together as she pressed, her voice tinged with frustration. "But why?"
His expression shifted, pride flickering across his face. His words came out clear and resolute. "Because I've chosen both."
Eirene blinked, startled.
"Elemental Fundamentals will be my main subject," Kalen continued firmly, "and Herbcraft & Minor Healing will be my optional. I'll spare extra time for it." His eyes gleamed with determination. "My only aim is to become a powerful mage in the future."
For a brief moment, his voice softened, but the strength behind it only grew. "It was my mother's last wish."
Eirene narrowed her eyes, her tone edged with irritation. "If that's the case, then why are you asking me to go to the bulletin board?"
Kalen met her gaze calmly, his voice steady but persuasive. "Because on the board, it's not just the syllabus list that's pinned. They've also explained why anyone should choose each subject—the pros and cons are written right there. If you go with me and read it carefully, it'll help you decide your subjects wisely." He gestured toward the corridor. "Now, let's go and read first. After that, we'll head to the library to collect our books. By then, the long queue should have cleared."
Eirene hesitated for a heartbeat, then finally nodded, her voice quiet but resolute. "Alright… let's go."
They moved together in silence, footsteps echoing faintly across the stone floor. Kalen, walking just half a step ahead, felt a flicker of triumph in his chest. She had chosen to stay with him—not with Marcus.
He couldn't explain it, not even to himself, why it bothered him so much to see her with that boy. Why the thought of her laughing beside Marcus stirred something sharp inside him. Why he had scrambled to find an excuse—any excuse—to stop her from leaving with the others.
But one thing was clear. His plan had worked. And for now, that was enough.