After the assault of the Flame Shadow Demon, the academy remained restless.Rumors spread like wildfire—beyond the school, beyond the city, reaching the ears of nobles and even the royal court.
And at the heart of every whisper… was a single name: Serena Alveir.
"Every time a demon appears... she's there.""Those miracles… are they truly miracles, or the workings of forbidden power?"
The murmurs swelled like a storm.And it was Irena Valkyria who stirred that storm with her own hands.
A New Move in the Royal Court
Within the grand hall of the royal palace, nobles of the highest houses gathered for the Council of Stars.
Irena Valkyria stood tall in ceremonial silver, her graceful form commanding the chamber. Bowing before the king and the lords, she raised her clear voice—a voice that pierced straight into the hearts of her listeners.
"I do not wish to slander… but what has transpired within Academia Arcanum can no longer be ignored."
She lifted a scroll containing detailed records: the demon's appearance during the ceremony, the shattered spell circle, the rampaging flames of shadow—every report bore one name.
Serena.
"Accident or not… every time a demon appears, she is there. And coincidence alone is enough to shake the very foundation of the throne."
The hall erupted. Some nodded gravely, some frowned in doubt—but all were unsettled.
Lucius Under Pressure
At the forefront sat Crown Prince Lucius Feldian, beside his father the king. His fists clenched as accusations poured forth.
A rival noble spoke sharply:
"Your Majesty, if the Crown Prince remains betrothed to a woman entwined with demons, the faith of the people will waver.""The court will descend into chaos… and the throne itself will tremble!"
Lucius bit down on his fury, his sharp gaze locked on Irena. She lowered her eyes humbly—yet the faint smile curling her lips was a blade cutting deep into his chest.
Serena Summoned
The rumors grew so great that the court itself summoned Serena Alveir.
She arrived in plain formal attire, standing alone in the center of the hall beneath the weight of countless eyes.
The inquiry was blunt:
"Serena Alveir. Are you connected to the demons?"
A heavy silence fell, suffocating. Every gaze fixed upon her, awaiting judgment.
Serena lifted her chin. Though her heart trembled, her voice was steady.
"No. I fought to protect the academy and its people—even at the risk of my life. Never once have I harbored treachery."
Some nobles regarded her with pity. Others let out quiet, mocking laughter.
The Net of Accusation
Irena stepped forward, holding yet another set of documents.
"Words alone are not enough, Serena. Here are testimonies from multiple students—claiming you were always present at every incident. And during the field trial… even your former companion swore to seeing you casting spells near the sealing circle."
The hall filled with whispers.
"Even her old friends turned against her?""Surely this cannot be coincidence..."
Serena's face twisted in pain, yet she bit her lip and stood firm. Tears welled, but refused to fall.
A Prince's Cry
"Enough!" Lucius rose to his feet, voice thundering.
"I will not allow my fiancée to be slandered with lies!"
But a senior noble countered coldly:
"If Your Highness insists on shielding her, then it means you choose one woman over the faith of the entire kingdom."
The chamber grew so heavy it felt impossible to breathe.Serena looked around, realizing piece by piece, the faith that once supported her was slipping away.
The Hidden Hand
Just as despair was about to consume her—The torches flickered. Suddenly, flames roared upward.
Documents in Irena's grasp ignited, burning to ash before everyone's eyes—without a single hand touching them.
The hall broke into chaos.
"What was that? A backlash of magic?""No—was it interference from the Sacred Tower?"
In truth, it was the silent intervention of someone hidden.But none knew.
Irena clenched her fists. Her face remained calm, but her eyes blazed with wrath.
"Again… who dares obstruct me?"
Serena Refuses to Fall
Though cornered on all sides, Serena drew herself upright.
Her blue eyes trembled with unshed tears, yet her voice, though wavering, rang firm:
"Even if the world itself denies me… I will still stand to protect the people. For that is the oath of the Alveir family, sworn to this land."
Some nobles, once doubtful, now gazed at her anew—not full faith, but a spark. A fragile spark, yet enough to keep her standing.
Valkyria's Smile
When the council adjourned, Irena left the hall amidst whispers of praise.
"Brilliantly spoken, Valkyria. You voiced the truth in our hearts."
She smiled faintly—like a goddess of nobility.But within, her heart seethed.
"It doesn't matter… Serena's faith is already crumbling. Just a little more, and she will have nothing left."
Closing Scene
On a chilling night in the royal court, one girl stood on the brink of losing all faith—yet refused to fall.
Another rose higher upon the stage of politics, weaving snares of words and lies to tighten around her prey.
And in the shadows, a man whispered softly—
"This time, no one will tear you away from this world, Serena… not while I still draw breath."