As the sun dipped behind the distant hills, we finally crossed the borders of the Imperial Capital—home to Rejen High Academy, the most prestigious educational institution in the empire.
A place everyone yearns to reach, where talent becomes influence, and hard work transforms into a gateway for an extraordinary future.
Yet, as always, the stains of class division rise to the surface—creating a gulf between nobles and commoners, turning bullying into habit, and arrogance into inherited tradition.
It's said that the true purpose behind such an extravagant academy is to win over the future pillars of the empire, ensuring the Archduke's faction spreads its influence through every corner of the nation.
Despite the Imperial Family's objections, the aristocracy embraced the project wholeheartedly. And because the academy offered undeniable advantages, the Imperial Household could not reject it outright—leaving us now before its final, polished form.
But just as we came here for purposes that diverge from the academy's supposed ideals, others like us lurk everywhere—waiting to seize any opportunity to achieve their own goals. In the end, if anyone stands in our way, we simply push forward.
This is the natural law of humankind… no different from the wild.
The carriage stopped at the academy's massive iron gates.
I stepped down first, Athena following silently behind me, while Ethan guided the horses toward the designated area.
The place was nearly empty, with only a handful of carriages remaining. Because of the late hour, only nobles were granted early accommodation until the entrance exam began.
Two attendants greeted us, took our luggage, and walked ahead.
Neatly arranged trees lined the path, autumn leaves scattering across the damp ground.
The scent of roses mixed with the cool evening breeze, wrapping the moment in a brief, fragile serenity.
At the end of the road stood a wide, two-story building with an annex beside it. This was where we would part ways.
The first attendant guided Athena to the women's wing, while the second remained with me, directing me toward the men's dormitory—my residence for the next three years.
After fulfilling his duty, he bowed slightly and spoke:
"Sir, the entrance exam will begin tomorrow at exactly nine in the morning. The first assembly will be held in the central courtyard near the main building. Have a pleasant evening."
"I understand."
My room was on the upper floor. I was told I would eventually share it with someone, but for tonight, it belonged to me alone.
I placed my luggage on the desk and glanced around.
The room was clean—white walls, wide windows draped with sheer curtains, two beds, two desks, and a wardrobe for each resident.
There was also a second door leading to a shared bathroom on the left.
I set my bag on the bed and walked to open the window. Cold air brushed against my face, sending the curtains fluttering like pale ghosts dancing under the faint moonlight.
Across the courtyard, I spotted Ethan walking along the same path Athena and I took earlier, heading toward the attendants' quarters adjacent to the dormitory.
He wasn't supposed to accompany us in the first place, but predicting what the lady of the house might decide was nearly impossible. So this outcome wasn't surprising.
Technically, there was no immediate danger of assassination inside academy grounds, thanks to the treaty signed by the Archduke to protect students—largely due to pressure from the aristocracy.
However… if a student left voluntarily after signing the exit permit and never returned safely, that was another story.
And that was the other problem.
Ever since Alice's messages stopped arriving over a month ago, only two possibilities remained:
First: her attendant was eliminated, leaving her unable to send updates while dealing with his death and her original mission.
The treaty does not protect attendants.
Second: Alice left the academy of her own will—for a meeting, a lead, or a rendezvous with someone from the organization.
Which meant she was either kidnapped… or worse.
But if she were killed, her body would have been discovered by now.
Which left a far more troublesome possibility.
A possibility I didn't want to be right about.
The more I thought about it, the more my chest tightened with unease.
Alice wouldn't fall for obvious traps. Something deeper is at play…
What if she erased her own trail—
Even from members of the organization?
But why?
Perhaps… this was exactly why the Marchioness sent me with Athena:
To uncover the truth, and to support her eldest daughter.
The woman placed immense trust in her—from her training to her missions.
But would she forgive her… if Alice intentionally severed communication?
My thoughts scattered abruptly when a familiar, unwelcome sensation tightened inside my chest.
Again.
It was happening again.
It had been so long since the last episode…
So why now of all times?
A searing burn spread through my chest, as if fire had ignited within me.
My breath constricted, and a violent cough tore through my throat.
I lifted a trembling hand to cover my mouth—
Blood met my palm immediately.
The burning intensified.
My vision blurred at the edges.
Warm droplets trailed from my nose.
(Not again…)
I gripped the edge of the desk, but my legs buckled beneath me.
I collapsed onto the floor, barely managing to drag myself toward the bed, leaning against its frame for support.
(Will this continue… until it finally kills me? Until I simply fade?)
My consciousness began slipping, inch by inch.
The pain never became any easier—
but even so…
"I can endure this much pain…"