**Chapter 63 – The Stroll Through the Capital (Day Before the Tests)**
The family arrived at the capital one day before the enrollment tests—the sun was still high when the carriage passed through the gates of the Eternal Academy, and the council had allowed candidates to settle into the temporary dormitories. These dormitories were simple but spacious: separate wings for family groups or escorts, with polished wooden beds, thick blankets, and tall windows overlooking the magical gardens. The academy offered this free to those without lodging—and since thousands of candidates from across the continent were arriving for the tests, finding accommodation in the crowded city would have been a nightmare. Lysithea decided immediately: "We'll stay right here. It's easier, safer, and we're together."
They were given an entire wing for the group—a main hall with beds arranged in a circle, a small living room with a magical fireplace that never went out, and side rooms for Lysithea and the older girls. The children ran inside, jumping on the beds, sniffing the blankets (smelling of lavender and clean magic), opening windows to see the glowing garden outside. Joker and Harley were already planning to "explore the dormitory like a secret labyrinth," while Rina sniffed every corner like a curious fox.
Lysithea smiled at the excitement:
— We have the whole day free before tomorrow's tests. Let's enjoy the capital. The circus deserves a stroll before the main stage.
The group went out together—nine children + Lysithea, holding hands or linking arms, walking down the wide streets of the capital. The place was alive: markets full of colorful stalls selling magical crystals, fruits that glowed in the dark, enchanted weapons, ancient spell books. The scent was intoxicating—hot spices, fresh bread, magical flowers, forged metal, and the faint aroma of mana in the air, as if the city itself breathed magic. People of every race passed by: elegant elves in long cloaks, tall orcs carrying heavy crates, beastkins with ears and tails swaying, ordinary humans bargaining prices. Some looked curiously at the large, crazy group—a human mother with 8 children of different races, all laughing and pointing at everything.
They stopped first at a stall of enchanted sweets: candies that changed color in the mouth, lollipops that made bubbles of light float, cakes that sang softly when cut. Harley bought a pink lollipop that exploded into sweet confetti on the tongue; Joker got a black candy that made shadows dance in the hand. The younger children squealed with joy, sharing everything in quick bites. Lysithea bought an entire bag to take back to the dormitory: "For after the tests, when we're tired."
Then they went to the magical flower market—Sylvara stood still for minutes, eyes shining, touching petals that changed color at her touch. She bought a rare seed that "blooms only with hugs," whispering: "I'll plant it in the dormitory. To remember home." Lirien found a crystal that recorded music—she sang a quick elven melody, and the crystal stored her voice forever. Rina "stole" (as a joke) a colorful wool thread from a stall, wrapping it around her tail: "To make a lucky ribbon."
In the mid-afternoon, they found a square with a magical fountain that shot water in the shapes of animals—Marina dipped her hands in and created steam that danced with the water, putting on a private show. Astrid lifted a huge stone from the fountain to impress passersby, who clapped. Kuroe drew runes on the ground that caused small, harmless bursts of light, like miniature fireworks. Joker and Harley improvised a performance: shadow clowns dancing with pink circus illusions, the younger children jumping in the middle, laughing loudly. Some people stopped to watch, tossing coins—Tomas, following behind, laughed: "You're already gaining an audience before entering the academy."
Lysithea bought small souvenirs for everyone: crystal pendants to store memories, enchanted leather bracelets for protection, and an old book of circus tales that she read aloud on the way back. The group returned to the dormitory at dusk, carrying full bags, faces sticky with sugar and wide smiles. In the hall, they sat in a circle on the floor, sharing the sweets and souvenirs, recounting everything they'd seen.
Lysithea looked at each one, voice soft:
— Today was our day. Tomorrow the tests begin… but today, we're just us. The circus on a stroll.
Final group hug before bed—nine bodies pressed tight, the scent of sweets, flowers, and magic in the air. Joker whispered to Harley: "Tomorrow the stage is theirs… but the show is ours." Harley laughed softly: "And we're going to steal the scene."
No one talked much about the tests. They simply stayed there, feeling each other's warmth, knowing the next day would bring something new—without knowing exactly what, but trusting that, together, they would face anything.
(to be continued…)