Earl did not lower the earthen wall. He kept it raised—a solid, dusty barrier of his profound annoyance—until the last recruit's name was called and they were shuffled toward the dormitories. The moment the arena was clear, he let the wall crumble, revealing a scowling Prince Dio and a pouting Keith, still glaring daggers at each other.
"Are you two finished?" Earl's voice was dangerously calm. "Or shall I have the masons build a permanent cell for you both?"
Keith opened his mouth to retort, but Earl's look was sharp enough to slice stone. "Make yourselves useful or get out of my sight."
From across the arena, G6 watched with a cold smirk.
What a bunch of kids.
She caught Tina's eye and flicked her gaze toward the archway. A silent command: Let's go. She walked off first, leaving the nobles and their petty squabble behind without a backward glance.
Prince Dio's eyes followed her, but Earl's voice stopped him. "Dio, you're not going anywhere. You will speak with the Adventurers' on-call knights alongside Zen and Eliza. Keith and Brenda will accompany me to the dormitories."
"I have important paperwork, Brother Earl. Can I go first?" Zen interjected smoothly.
"Very well. Prince Dio and Eliza will handle the on-calls. Now, move," Earl commanded.
Without another word, he led Brenda away. Keith, sulking, trailed after them. Zen offered a bow and departed.
Now, only Prince Dio and Eliza remained.
"Y-Your Highness…" she began, gathering her courage. "Shall we go?"
Prince Dio was using a faint wisp of fire to dry his tunic—the last evidence of his fight. He didn't look at her. "Where are they?"
"Lord Earl instructed them to wait in the main hall. They likely used the main entrance to avoid the… commotion."
He finally glanced at her. Their eyes met for a brief second, causing her to blush and look away.
"Let's go. I have other matters to attend to." He turned and walked toward the vaulted archway, not waiting.
Eliza hurried to fall into step beside him, the silence heavy. "The on-call adventurers… I overheard most are C-Rank or higher. Some are even A-Rank. It's impressive."
"It is their duty," Prince Dio replied, gaze fixed ahead. "And they are compensated."
"Of course. The knights dorming here need the most training. The on-calls are already proven. We're fortunate to have them."
Translation: We're hiring the pros to babysit the newbies, a certain someone's dry, unimpressed voice commented in Prince Dio's mind. The ghost of G6's bluntness made it all feel trivial.
A faint, unconscious smile touched his lips.
Eliza stared in open shock. He… he smiled?
…❈…
The moment vanished as they entered the wide room where the adventurers waited. Prince Dio's expression smoothed back into regal detachment.
"I apologize for what you witnessed earlier. It was merely an exercise," he stated, a transparent lie.
"No need for apology, Your Highness," a man in his forties answered, kneeling. "I am Rodolph, captain of the Ravens Oath. We are A-Rank, glad to be of service."
"I have heard of your work in the north. Please arise. We are grateful."
In the corner, Sebastian's party observed. "Eager to kiss royal feet," Nick muttered.
"Quiet," Dante warned.
Sebastian watched as Riza and her party moved forward, and decided to follow. Best to intervene before she did something foolish.
Riza, in her very short skirt and revealing top, stood confidently before the Prince. "A pleasure, Your Highness. I am Riza, captain of the Chain Dancers." Her courtly bow accentuated her attire. The Prince did not react.
"Your party seems youthful."
"We reached C-Rank in two years. If you ever have need of my… services, I will be there." She offered a wink.
"Chain Dancers?"
Not only young, but the name is juvenile. I wonder how Reise would react, Prince Dio thought.
"It refers to me. I use chains, and I look as if I am dancing on the battlefield." Riza said confidently.
"Your Highness," Sebastian intervened, making Riza pout. "I am Sebastian, Captain of the Iron Shield. We are A-Rank." He bowed, his team following suit.
"The Iron Shield. You are the talk of the knights. To be captain at your age is commendable." Prince Dio
"Thank you, Your Highness. I would not have achieved it without my team."
"Humble as well. I am grateful for your assistance." Prince Dio.
Sebastian's gaze then settled on Eliza. "I suppose you are the blessing carrier, the Benedictio."
She offered a sweet smile. "Yes, I am flattered."
"I actually remember you standing beside a beautiful lady yesterday." Sebastian.
"Oh, perhaps are you referring to Lady Brenda?" Eliza asked, avoiding the obvious.
"I believe he means the Worthon Lady," Rich interjected, his shyness forgotten.
Prince Dio's eyebrow twitched.
"What is her name again? She is… like a goddess," Rich added.
"Looks like our Captain isn't the only one smitten with that cold, scary lady," Nick teased.
Prince Dio's face shifted into a cold mask. "That 'cold and scary lady' is my fiancée."
The adventurers stiffened. "Forgive our rudeness, Your Highness," Sebastian said, bowing.
"I did not mean…" Nick stammered.
"It is fine. My fiancée is 'cold and scary'." A flash of G6's face made him smile, confusing everyone. He shook the thought away. "Miss Eliza, you wrote the regulations. Can you handle the rest? I have done my part."
"You're leaving?" Eliza.
"I have matters to attend to." He faced the adventurers. "I look forward to working with you. Continue to protect our kingdom. Now, excuse me."
He left immediately, leaving a flustered Eliza alone.
"Whoa. Not just a political match," Nick commented once the Prince was gone.
"Why?" Rich.
"You blind? Did you see him smile when he talked about her? He's in love." Nick.
Strangely, Nick's comment felt like a dagger twisting in Eliza's heart. And, stranger still, Sebastian felt the same.
「DORMITORY OF BASTION」
The recruits stood in the circular open space as Earl, Keith, and Brenda looked down from the second-floor balcony.
"This dormitory was built for future purposes. That future is now," Earl began. "Noble knights typically do not reside here unless on special occasions. Those from the provinces occupy the ground and second floors. There is a table before you. Each of you will take one copy of the rules you must follow." He turned to Keith. "You are next."
"What?" Keith.
"I am tired of speaking. You do it. You've done nothing but linger around Reise and fight with your cousin." Earl. Brenda nodded in agreement.
"You're so whiny," Keith mused.
He addressed the recruits. "This dormitory has ten floors. Each has a transportation device. Step on the magic tool and select your floor number on the wall panel. It will transport you directly."
A hand went up. Pete. "Excuse me, my lord! I've heard teleportation tools use a great deal of the user's mana."
"No need to worry. The Collegium is rich with natural mana. The tool only requires you to supply half the energy. Besides, this one doesn't need much—it moves you within a single area." Keith.
"Can it carry more than one person?"
"Let me," Earl said, stepping forward. Magic tools were his expertise. "The tool itself has no maximum capacity. The limit is the activator's mana. Public devices between villages can carry ten. The farther the distance, the more mana required. That is why such travel is mostly for nobles."
"What about the natural mana?" another man asked.
"The device can only ever absorb half the needed energy. The other half must come from the activator. It is impossible to combine multiple people's mana. Only one person can activate it. The fifteen-minute cooldown is for the tool to reabsorb natural mana."
"So… if there is no natural mana, it's impossible to use?" Pete asked.
The question silenced Earl. To some, it sounded foolish. To those who understood, it was a profound challenge.
"What is this kid talking about?" a teenager muttered.
"Look at your surroundings. It's impossible for natural mana to be gone."
"Silence," Earl commanded. "If the natural mana were gone… it would not be impossible. But it could kill the activator. Without the natural half, they must provide the full amount." His words hung heavily.
"That is why we've assigned one noble knight to every squad," Keith added. "But don't worry about that here. A commoner can activate this device safely. It doesn't need a cooldown."
The crowd murmured in understanding.
"Brother," Brenda whispered. "Is that why knights on expeditions can't return immediately?"
"Yes. Supplying half is tiring enough. They must remain vigilant. They mostly walk back, using a device only after passing every two villages." He saw her worry. "Don't fret. The disappearance of natural mana is not possible. Our kingdom is surrounded by forests."
"Any more questions?" Keith asked. "If not, proceed to the third floor and above. Your names are posted. Your roommate is your squadmate. The device's max capacity here is ten. It uses about ten percent of one's reserves." He looked to Earl for confirmation, and received a nod. "Settle in. Cafeteria hours are posted in your rooms. That is all."
"Ah, WELCOME TO THE BASTION OF PHALANX. A PLACE WHERE KNIGHTS ARE BORN. MAY GOD ELDRIN BLESS US ALL." Keith added.
Earl and Brenda smiled, "It is rare to see this man serious, it's almost creepy." Brenda murmured.
The crowd bowed and began to disperse, some moving eagerly toward the transportation device, faces alight with wonder as they shimmered and vanished.
"A novel experience for them," Brenda commented, smiling.
"Because they can never activate a true long-distance device. It could kill them," Earl said quietly.
His words were a reminder. Even in mana, status was everything. Without noble blood, the magic commoners could wield was forever limited—forever grounded in a world of wonders.
「G6's OFFICE」
Edmund hummed as he walked down the hall, his mood light. He paused outside G6's door, his gaze drifting to Prince Dio's office opposite, then entered.
G6's desk was empty. Lilia sat on the floor by the center table, absorbed in a book. Tina sorted through paperwork.
"Where is Lady Reise?" Edmund asked, shutting the door.
"In the adjoining room," Tina answered, not looking up.
"You're in a good mood after rushing off," Lilia commented, head still bent over her book.
"Quiet, you brat. And why are you reading a romance novel at eight? Go play." Lilia glanced up with an annoyed pout.
He walked to the wall lamp—the discreet entrance—and knocked twice. "Lady Reise, it is Edmund."
"Come in." G6.
He turned the lamp, and the door swung open. G6 sat on her bed, leaning against the headboard. One of her twin dagger-swords lay on the covers; the other was in her hand, being meticulously wiped with a cloth.
The sight was not for Tina or Lilia. He quickly shut the door.
"Running off earlier was pointless. They didn't get close," G6 stated, focus on the blade.
"A safer path," Edmund replied, standing at the foot of the bed.
"What has you in such a good mood?"
"Was it that obvious? Felicia sent a message. She's done something she believes will make us happy."
"You went to see her?"
"No. I borrowed Pete on his way to the dormitory. Felicia had him deliver the message if he saw me."
"I didn't see him at the arena."
"He was at the back. Shy around those teenage boys laughing at him."
"His clothes?"
"Felicia's department made him several decent outfits. He was dressed well. No one would guess he was a street child."
"Then why were they laughing?"
"His age. They remembered he was the center of attention yesterday. You know how children can be."
"Pete is tough. Keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn't run his mouth."
"Understood. Also, a royal messenger delivered the Queen's request for our attendance at tea this afternoon."
"It must be about her dog."
Her earring glowed. The dimensional vault shimmered open, and she stuffed her weapons inside.
Activating tools and spells without a single chant. How can I ever express my fascination? Edmund thought, staring at his volatile, unparalleled mistress.
Outside, the quiet was shattered as the main office door opened. Prince Dio, Keith, Earl, and Brenda entered.
Tina and Lilia immediately stood and bowed.
"Seriously? Slacking off again?" Brenda asked Prince Dio.
"I am finished. Why are the three of you here?" Prince Dio.
"We're also done. I wish to speak with Reise," Keith said.
"I require something from Reise," Earl added.
"I'm taking advantage of the time before Lady Reise leaves for the Utility Department," Brenda finished.
"You are suffocating me," Prince Dio stated, taking two deliberate steps away. "Where is Reise?"
As Tina began to answer, the adjoining room door opened.
G6 emerged, Edmund behind her.
"What are you two doing in there?" Prince Dio asked, his tone serious.
"I should be asking you that," G6 said, walking to her desk and sitting down. Edmund took his place behind her.
"You two are becoming closer than is perhaps proper," Keith remarked, casually settling onto the couch next to Lilia.
"Can you all explain why you're trespassing? Do you not understand personal space?" G6's eyes locked on Keith, who was now peering at Lilia's book.
"Reise, I'm here about the book I lent you," Earl said.
Prince Dio sat on the central couch facing G6. Brenda sat across from Keith.
"Lent?" G6's voice was dangerously sweet. "Which one?"
"The one with the spells."
G6 gestured. Edmund retrieved the book from the shelf.
"This one? Isn't this mine? You made a deal for it in exchange for intruding on my training." Truth is, I never really read it.
"What I meant was… will you lend it back to me for a short while?" Earl faltered.
"This should be entertaining," Prince Dio commented.
"Hmm." G6 played with the pages, which fell open to a section on Spatial Weaving. She marked the page. "I might." She closed the book with a definitive snap. "But I will not." She handed it back to Edmund. "I will burn this if you ask again."
Earl sighed, knowing she wasn't bluffing. "Okay. I will not."
"What did you need it for?" Brenda whispered.
"A certain spell for a specific affinity."
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
"Come on."
"Spatial Weaving Affinity," Earl finally whispered.
Prince Dio's attention snapped to him, his stare sharp and warning. Earl and Brenda looked down.
"Do not stick your nose into matters that do not concern you, Earl. You know what I mean."
"I know, all right?"
Little did they know, the predator at the desk heard every word.
"Lilia, I didn't know you were already looking for a prince charming," Keith teased.
Tina glanced over, secretly smiling. Lilia was surrounded by high-profile nobles, yet they showed her no mockery. G6's neutrality was subtly influencing them all.
"I'm reading this for Lady Reise, Lord Keith!"
"Oh? Really…"
"Why would you read such a thing for Reise?" Prince Dio asked. His cold demeanor made Lilia shrink.
"Lady Reise isn't the type to read romance. So I'm doing it for her. To help her learn."
"Why?" Keith asked.
"I figured Lady Reise may need knowledge about it," Lilia answered innocently, making Keith scoff.
"Aren't you sweet," Brenda commented. "Though, a woman doesn't always need a prince charming."
"Shut it, you peculiar woman," Keith barked.
"You're the peculiar one."
"Get out," G6 said from her chair, arms crossed. "Who said you could sit here?"
"We just want to spend time with you," Keith said.
"I arrived first. I merely bumped into them outside," Prince Dio said, trying to distance himself.
Brenda threw him a sharp glance. "It's because if you're here in the morning, we can't catch you before you leave for the Utility Department."
"Well, I have news," G6 announced, making them snap to attention. "I will not be going to the Utility Magic Department in the afternoons anymore."
"Really?" Brenda asked, delighted.
"Why?" Prince Dio asked.
"I can't be bothered to explain," G6 said, turning her chair to face the window.
Edmund took the initiative. "Lady Reise will be spending her time entirely here at the Collegium for three consecutive days, and similarly at the Utility Magic Department for the next three. This is her new schedule."
"WHAT?" the four nobles exclaimed.
"Calm down," Earl said. "Am I hearing this correctly?"
"Yes. In fact, it was the Queen who arranged this," Edmund declared boldly, presenting G6's plan as a royal decree.
G6 smirked, proud of her right-hand man for skillfully using their accomplice as a shield.
"My mother?" Prince Dio asked, brow furrowed. "I will go to her later."
"Right, ask Aunt why she keeps hogging Reise!" Keith whined.
"This is the first I'm hearing of this," Tina interjected. Lilia also frowned. "Does this mean for three days every week, Lady Reise will not return to the West Villa?"
Edmund and G6 exchanged a brief look. They hadn't considered that detail. Their plan was far more convenient if they stayed in her private chambers at the Department.
G6 gave a slight nod. Edmund played along. "Yes," he stated simply.
The single word sent the room into an uproar.
"I don't agree! Three days without Lady Reise? It's like three days without reading a book!" Brenda lamented.
"Right, I can't accept this! What's wrong with your mother?" Keith whined, turning to Prince Dio.
Earl remained silent, his expression clear disapproval.
Strangely, Prince Dio said nothing. He simply stood and walked toward the door.
"Where are you going? Don't tell me you're fine with this," Keith said.
Prince Dio glanced over his shoulder, displeasure evident. "I am going to speak with Mother." He left.
"Wait, I'm coming with you!" Keith scrambled after him.
Earl stood slowly. "This is a significant change. I hope Her Majesty has a sound reason." He bowed slightly. "Excuse me, Lady Reise."
Brenda remained, dejected. "Three whole days… What am I supposed to do?"
"Perhaps your actual job," Edmund suggested dryly.
"You don't understand! Lady Reise is the most fascinating subject in the entire Collegium!"
G6 spun her chair back, annoyance plain. "All of you are acting like I'm dying. It's three days. Get a grip. Now, get out. I have actual work to do."
Her tone left no room for argument. Brenda pouted but obeyed, shuffling out.
As the door shut, silence returned. Tina sighed. Lilia looked confused.
G6 leaned back, a slow, calculated smile on her lips. Perfect. Their over-the-top reaction just sold the story. Now, no one will question where I am. They'll assume I'm tucked away, being 'hogged' by the Queen.
The stage was set. The breakout was a go.
❈.❈.❈
Prince Dio and Keith marched toward the Queen's chambers.
"This makes no sense," Keith grumbled. "Three days a week in the Utility Department? What could she possibly learn that takes half of every week?"
"That is what we're here to uncover. A schedule this rigid is a pretext."
They arrived. Prince Dio offered a single, sharp knock before entering.
Leo glanced at the Queen. "It appears the news has reached them, Your Majesty."
The Queen set down her scroll. "Sit."
They took their seats.
"Leo, a chilled beverage. They seem agitated." Leo bowed and exited.
"You are both away from your posts," the Queen noted coolly.
"Mother, this new schedule for Reise is absurd," Prince Dio began. "If she requires tutoring, assign a mentor at the West Villa. Janin, for instance."
"Janin recently gave birth. She is occupied."
"Then bring the head of the department, Felicia, to the Villa."
"Felicia's duties are too critical. The arrangement is non-negotiable."
"The arrangement is too much! Why must it be there and not at her home? Why for so long?"
"Home? Dear, she is already away from her home to live here in the Palace… for you." The Queen's voice held a pointed edge.
Her eyes narrowed, calm cracking to reveal steel. "And why does it bother you so much, Prince Dio?" Her voice was dangerously soft. "This sudden, intense concern for your fiancée's whereabouts is… new. Weren't you the one who, for years, could scarcely bear to be in the same room with her? The one who ignored her letters and publicly scorned her affections? Tell me, what has changed? Or is this not about her well-being, but your wounded pride that she no longer chases you?"
The words struck with physical force. Prince Dio stood frozen, the truth hitting him squarely. His anger deflated, replaced by cold, startling clarity. She is right. When did I start to care? When did her absence begin to feel like a loss?
He saw the knowing look in his mother's eyes and the surprise on Keith's face. He had no defense.
Keith opened his mouth to argue, but a sharp look from his aunt silenced him.
Slowly, Prince Dio sat back down. "I… see. My apologies for the disruption, Mother."
The Queen observed him, then gave a slight, satisfied nod. "The matter is settled. You may return to your duties."
As Leo re-entered with the drink, the two young men rose and bowed, their protest dismantled. They had come to corner the Queen, but she had cornered Prince Dio's own heart instead.
Once the door closed, a faint smile touched Leo's lips. "The Prince has, perhaps unintentionally, turned the tables on himself."
The Queen accepted her drink. "A little introspection will do him good. Did you instruct Zero to prepare to meet his new master?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. The invitation has been delivered."
"Very well. I wonder how they will react upon meeting one another."
「Time Check: 04:45 P.M」
G6 and Edmund departed first. Still in her training attire, G6 moved with silent purpose toward the Queen's residence.
A servant bowed as they entered. They ascended the polished stairs.
"Prince Dio and Lord Keith's inquiry did not end well," Edmund murmured.
"Why?"
"The Prince seemed… deeply troubled."
G6 just smirked. Of course he couldn't win against his cunning mother. Amateur.
At the ornate doors of the Queen's office, Edmund knocked twice before opening.
The Queen was seated on the central couch, facing a familiar man on the adjacent sofa.
The moment the man's eyes lifted and landed on them, his composure shattered. His features froze in pure, unguarded astonishment.
G6's expression remained a mask of cool indifference, but her mind clicked into sharp focus. So. You're the 'dog.'
Edmund, too, was rooted to the spot, his calm faltering for a crucial second.
The man stood up without seeming to realize it, mouth slightly open. The perfectly poised noble heir was utterly speechless.
G6 let the silence stretch, her eyes locking with his. Then, a slow, knowing smirk curved her lips, her voice a low and dangerously calm whisper that cut through the tense quiet.
"So… you are the dog. Zen."
—To Be Continued…—