Class 1-A — Heero Academy
The classroom doors of Class 1-A slid open slowly. The once-boisterous atmosphere instantly dissolved into a dead silence, as if the very air itself was holding its breath.
A girl stepped inside with absolute grace. Her short, golden hair was flawlessly styled, and her deep blue eyes set against a cold, stoic expression created an enchanting yet intimidating presence. Her calm aura made everyone think twice before speaking carelessly.
She was Kyra Zevienthe, the Second Princess of the Everts Kingdom.
Walking a measured, respectful pace behind her was a girl carrying herself with sharp discipline. Rina Vaza—her personal maid, and the older sister of Dina Vaza, the loyal servant to the First Princess.
Kyra glided over to her desk and took her seat, right next to a young man with silver hair and a piercing, razor-sharp blue gaze.
Leon Fedora.
Kyra looked at him, her face devoid of any emotion. "Fedora. There is something I wish to discuss with you."
Leon offered a thin, knowing smile. "Speak, Your Highness."
"You are participating in the School Festival, correct?"
"Naturally."
"In that case... join my team."
Leon let out a soft, low chuckle. "I certainly wouldn't mind. On one condition—you must tell me how to win your older sister's heart."
Kyra's eyebrow arched slightly. "How unusual. Since when have you harbored an interest in her?"
Leon fixed his gaze forward, his eyes narrowing. "Because I am destined to become her fiancé. Whether I like it or not, I prefer for her to actually love me."
Kyra's expression hardened instantly. "I will never hand my sister over to the likes of you."
"If that is how it is," Leon said, standing up from his seat, "then you can count me out of your team."
Kyra remained silent. Her mind raced at breakneck speed as ambition, expectation, and the towering shadow of her royal father blurred into one.
Leon spoke again, dropping his voice into a lower, more manipulative register. "However... I am the only one who can truly ensure your absolute victory in this festival. You desperately want the King to acknowledge you, don't you?"
Kyra's fists clenched tightly beneath her desk. "…Fine." She turned a sharp, glaring look at Leon. "Very well. I will help you with your pursuit, on the strict condition that you anchor my team."
Leon smiled with smug satisfaction. "Deal."
"Oh, and one more thing—invite Lian Bortos to join us as well," Kyra added coldly.
"Consider it done."
Everts Palace — The First Princess's Chambers
"I'm so boooored!"
A golden-haired girl was violently rolling back and forth across a massive, luxurious bed. Clara Zevienthe, the First Princess of the Everts Kingdom, was at her wits' end.
"Princess Clara, please refrain from doing that," Dina pleaded frantically, adjusting her uniform. "The King will be furious if he sees you like this!"
"Dinaaa… let's sneak out to the city square. I want to buy some snacks at the marketplace."
"Absolutely not!" Dina shook her head aggressively. "The last time we went there, you completely slipped away from my watch. What if your mana runs dry and you collapse again?!"
Clara averted her gaze from Dina, letting out a casual huff. "I'll be fine. My internal power has been exceptionally stable these past few days."
"Still, the answer is no," Dina maintained firmly. "We will both face the King's wrath."
Clara pouted in defeat, sitting up on the edge of her mattress. "Mmmhh..." She paused, her eyes widening slightly. "Oh, right... the School Festival is right around the corner, isn't it?"
"Yes, Princess."
"I wonder if I'll be allowed to attend..."
Dina hesitated, looking uncertain. "I honestly do not know."
Clara stared blankly out the large arched window, watching the distant clouds. "If I personally ask Father for permission... do you think he'd let me?"
Dina flashed a small, teasing grin. "How unusual of you to show such interest, Princess. Is it perhaps because Lord Leon Fedora will be competing?"
"Absolutely not!" Clara shot back instantly, her face flushing with annoyance. "I feel incredibly uncomfortable whenever he's around." She clenched her delicate hand into a fist. "His mana signature is far too cold... like frozen ice. It feels nothing like Father's."
Dina blinked in surprise. "Princess...?"
Clara offered a tiny, secretive smile, her mismatched heterochromia eyes flashing with a subtle, mystical glow. "Besides... I have already caught a glimpse of my future partner."
"Who?!" Dina asked, leaning in with intense curiosity.
"That's a secret."
Outside the Academy — The Rear Mountain
Day after day, Reika and his companions conditioned themselves on the secluded mountain directly behind the academy grounds. Under Wiz's ruthless guidance, the training regime was utterly merciless.
"That's enough for today," Wiz finally called out, lowering his hands. "Take a break."
THUD.
Zian immediately threw himself face-first onto the grass. "My mana... is completely drained..."
Alisa marched over to Reika, bypassing Zian entirely, and handed him a cold bottle of water. "Here."
"Thanks," Reika replied, taking a grateful swig.
"Uh, where's mine?!" Zian cried out from the dirt.
"Get it yourself."
"Wow, the favoritism is real..." Zian groaned.
Alisa ignored him and turned her attention to Wiz, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Instructor Wiz... what exactly is your true relationship with Reika?"
Wiz stared at Reika for a brief moment, before a warm, relaxed smile spread across his face. "He is my adoptive younger brother."
The entire clearing went dead silent.
"EH?!"
"Why the shocked faces?" Wiz continued casually, shrugging his shoulders. "I simply refuse to let a magnificent talent like his go to waste."
Alisa swallowed hard, the reality of the situation sinking in. "Possessing seven thousand mana at his age... it really defies all logic."
Hearing her words, Reika quietly lowered his head, a soft, sweet smile gracing his lips.