***
The great shadow of a flying ship loomed over the south port of the Kanos Empire. Its massive size drew attention, but what truly captured people's gazes was the crest emblazoned on its hull—a symbol that evoked prestige, admiration, and bitter jealousy.
As the doors opened, allowing curious onlookers to glimpse those disembarking, a murmur rippled through the crowd. Every spectator strained for even the smallest detail about the mysterious Dracothorn family—any scrap of information could fetch a handsome price or fuel delicious gossip.
The first to emerge was Selene, flanked by her female disciples. They wore elegant, maid-inspired outfits—all black, crafted from light, flowing fabric.
Jaewon was slowly adjusting to this world's peculiar fashion sense. The styles seemed like a fusion of multiple cultures, where mouth masks were considered sophisticated accessories. With women holding societal dominance, their clothing often featured translucent fabrics—their bodies celebrated as emblems of pride and strength.
Selene stood at the center of her disciples, clad in a long black battle dress with white accents. Like her followers, she wore a translucent mouth mask that covered her lips, which were painted a deep crimson red.
Close behind them walked Ostred, dressed in a long-sleeved shirt and shorts meant to resemble an adventurer's outfit. However, his slender frame and feminine curves made the practical clothing appear decidedly feminine.
The men in the crowd knew better than to flirt with the disciples—these women were far beyond their reach. Their attention turned instead to the maids, though distinguishing servants from disciples proved difficult. Selene rejected hierarchy, insisting her staff and students wear similar uniforms regardless of rank.
Jaewon followed with the second group of servants, blending in with their attire and a borrowed coat. As they descended the gangplank, a squad of female knights approached, their armored boots striking the ground in perfect unison.
"Matron Selene," their leader called. "Forgive the interruption, but the Emperor demands your mission reports. You haven't submitted any in three months, and—"
"I hope the imperial knights aren't here to bother my mother the moment she arrives home."
A young woman stepped forward—or rather, the crowd parted to let her through. She had long, light brown hair and striking blue eyes, dressed in a revealing dress that drew attention with every movement. Without hesitation, she walked past the knights as if they were mere obstacles and threw her arms around Selene who returned the embrace.
"Welcome back, Mom."
Behind her followed another young woman, roughly the same age, with spiky blonde hair and dressed in the same disciple's uniform as the others. She bowed lightly to Selene, her voice respectful but her gaze sharp as a blade when it flicked toward the knights.
"Welcome back, Master Selene."
Selene smiled warmly. "It's good to see you, Milea."
"And you as well, Lia," the matron replied, reaching out to affectionately tousle Lia's spiky blonde hair. The simple gesture made the younger woman blush crimson.
"I'm afraid I have pressing matters to attend to and a family waiting for me. I'm certain His Majesty will understand." Without sparing another glance for the knights, she walked away arm-in-arm with her daughter.
"Did you find anything interesting on your trip, Mother? Any rare artifacts or forgotten spells?" Milea asked eagerly. She knew her mother's expeditions always yielded fascinating discoveries that would keep her entertained for a long time.
"Nothing extraordinary this time, darling. Though I did bring back some minor treasures...and a new disciple." Selene said giving her daughter an small smile, already anticipating her reaction.
"A disciple? Where is she?"
"This one happens to be a he, dear."
"A MAN?" Milea's voice rose in disbelief.
The concept was unthinkable - her mother had never taken a male disciple before. In Milea's worldview there was a simple reason for this, men were clearly inferior in magical aptitude.
Their household already contained one perfectly useless man - her father - and she couldn't imagine what value another could bring to their household.
Nearby, Lia stood equally stunned. Her mind raced with the implications - how would the Academy react to High Witch Selene accepting a male disciple?
A more personal concern also surfaced: as one of Selene's current disciples, she knew how fiercely competitive their circle was. The thought of this unknown man potentially receiving special attention made her stomach tighten. What possible magical talent could a man possess that would impress their teacher?
"Where is he?" they asked in unison. Selene pointed at Ostred, who recoiled under their intense scrutiny.
'Maybe he's just a very petite woman?' Milea thought, surprised by how feminine the boy appeared.
Watching the scene unfold, Jaewon couldn't help but feel relieved. If Milea reacted this strongly to a male disciple, he could only imagine her outrage upon discovering she had an adopted brother. 'For now, I should keep my head down,' he decided.
Meanwhile, Selene approached a small, hooded figure who had stood unnoticed in the crowd moments before—her presence somehow escaping everyone's perception despite standing in plain sight.
"Lady Selene, it's a pleasure to see you again," Ririn murmured, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
"Ririn, how are things at the mansion? I trust you've kept everything in order during my absence."
"I've done my best," Ririn replied, "but some issues are beyond my control. Shall I report now about your husband... or the traitors?" A dangerous glint flashed in her eyes as she mentioned the parasites infesting House Dracothorn.
"Not right now. I'm in a good mood, to good to waste it on trash."
"I assume you found the book then?" Ririn asked, her voice dropping even lower as she referenced Selene's secret project.
"Not just the book, something even better" Selene said, barely containing her triumph. "I found the very reason it exists."
"How? Something better than the book? Unless— No, don't tell me... That's supposed to be impossible." For the first time in years, genuine shock—and fear—colored Ririn's voice. Her master's ambitions never ceased to unsettle her.
"Well, it's not impossible," Selene said, her voice laced with quiet triumph. "Now that I've found what I was searching for, I'll handle it personally. And I can't risk those leeches in our household ruining everything. The first order of business when we return will be a... thorough cleaning."
"As you wish, ma'am." Ririn bowed and melted back into the crowd, her mission now clear.