The academy gates gleamed under the morning sun, crowded with nobles, scholars, and warriors alike. But among them walked a girl whose chin was lifted with pride, every step echoing with arrogance.
Her sharp eyes burned with jealousy as she muttered under her breath.
"Hmph… who are these women clinging around my Amethyst? Do they even know who I am?"
Suddenly, a calm, deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
"My lady," said a bald butler dressed in immaculate black. His back was straight, his expression as unshakable as stone. "Your family insists you participate in academy life. Even though the Dragon King has fallen, the new ruler has ordered us to keep appearances."
She scoffed, folding her arms. "Hmph! Fine… if it's for the family."
---
✦ Flashback – One Week Ago
The young lady had dragged herself through the academy's stone corridors, yawning with each step.
"Oh, my… I'm so tired… I feel like I'm about to collapse," she sighed dramatically. And as if the world answered her wish, her knees gave out.
But before she hit the ground, strong arms caught her. She blinked up—and gasped.
A boy, with flawless features that shimmered like polished amethyst gemstones, stared back at her. His body was toned, his eyes glowed with confidence, and even his hair seemed crafted by gods.
"Are you alright, miss?" the boy asked politely. "I hope I didn't touch you inappropriately just now. My apologies. My name is Amethyst! Pleasure to meet such a pretty girl on my first day at the academy."
Her heart skipped a beat. He's… perfect.
"No problem, Sir Amethyst. Thank you for helping me… I was just… a little tired." She fluttered her lashes, hesitating for only a moment. "Maybe… you could carry me to class?"
Amethyst grinned. "Of course, pretty princess."
Before she knew it, he had swept her into his arms—princess carry style. Her face turned crimson as he carried her effortlessly through the halls, straight into her classroom.
To her surprise, Amethyst entered as well. It was his class too.
With arrogant confidence, he stood at the front. "Well then, allow me to introduce myself again. I am Amethyst."
The girls in the room screamed instantly, charmed by his beauty and boldness.
And from that day… she knew she had found the man she would fight for.
---
✦ Back to the Present
The Dragon Duke's daughter glared from afar, watching Mikaela stand too close to her Amethyst.
"Ugh! Who are these women trying to steal my husband-to-be? If only they knew I was the Duke's daughter—they'd faint from shock. But… I can't act yet. I must know the truth of his relationships before I make my move."
---
✦ Elsewhere, Beyond the Mortal World
"Ughhhh, why are my teammates so bad?!" a voice cried out, echoing in an ancient divine hall. A colossal dragon goddess, her scales glowing with galaxies, slammed her claw against the floor. "Hey boy! You should just quit playing!"
On her screen flickered an alien battle royale game.
"Yes! Victory! Finally someone carried me!"
Suddenly, the air rippled with dark pressure. Another presence appeared.
The goddess's slitted eyes narrowed. "Oh? I feel something familiar… something annoying. Aha! Olivierr… what do you want now? I'm playing Fortnite!"
A tall woman cloaked in Golden feathers appeared, her aura cold and suffocating. Her voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Stop wasting your time with trivial games from other dimensions," Olivierr snapped. "You have duties. Work you are supposed to be doing."
The dragon goddess hissed, curling her tail around the glowing screen. "Ugh! You're so annoying. Can't I just play by myself today? Why do you always nag?"
Olivierr's eyes darkened. "Because I am not here as your servant. I am here as your reminder."
The dragon goddess rolled her eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say… Mother."
---
End of Chapter 51