It was quiet.
No king.
No Mael.
No guards nor maids.
It was just myself and this letter alone in my room.
An invitation to return to one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
That's what most of the contents were, yet a certain line caught my attention the most.
"Your place within our institution has not changed, and it will remain open to you, should you choose to return."
They weren't imposing, nor threatening.
They were simply waiting.
Waiting for Caelum.
My head slumped back against my seat as I stared at the beautifully tiled ceiling.
It would be times like these when my boss would walk in, smack me on the head, and yell at me to get back to work for some mere copper pieces.
Not only could I have made more money than I ever had before, but now I was even invited to an academy that raised stars within the world.
I should have been ecstatic at the invitation, yet it only drew me deeper into my own mind.
Caelum's life must have been lavish just like this, yet he chose to swap places with me.
Only a few thoughts managed to squeeze through the cracks in my mind as to why Caelum would do such a thing.
The first was obvious, and likely the closest to the truth.
He had transformed into a demon.
No human could have survived having their limbs and head severed from their body. I'd bet even great mages would call such a sight impossible.
The second hypothesis was that someone was after his life—and technically succeeded—but if so, why give someone else his face instead of lying low?
There were too many questions. My head felt as if it were swelling, ready to burst.
My index finger traced the school's official stamp, still somewhat excited at the idea of attending a royal academy.
I took a deep breath and looked out the window, watching the trees in the front yard sway back and forth in the breeze.
*
Blowing the dust off a book, I placed it back on the shelf with the others of its size, arranged alphabetically. The king and I were cleaning up the workshop Caelum's grandfather once worked in.
It was a marvel to see all the strange objects and trinkets stored in such an old room.
Any mage would dream of owning a place like this.
After finishing with the shelves, I took a seat and flipped through one of the books I found interesting. It was a common text about the taboos of magic, along with historical figures—both good and bad—who had practiced such dark arts.
Though heavily ridiculed, some of them had managed to bring change to the world.
"Interested in black magic?" the king asked, rolling down his sleeves as he sat beside me.
"Not really. The idea honestly gives me the chills."
"Hah. I know what you mean. That's something you should never get involved in."
I nodded as he gave a goofy grin and ruffled my hair.
My hands clenched as I took a breath.
"F-… Father."
"You don't need to force it, son. We have all the time in the world."
His eyes softened. His smile remained, but there was sadness behind it.
"Right… Your Majesty, I was wondering if I could return to school."
"Really? Of course you can—that's terrific news!" the king exclaimed.
"Do you have a date in mind?"
"The start of the new semester, if possible."
He nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully before turning back to me.
"We can make that happen."
My eyes lit up like fireworks as I clenched my fists.
The end of the tunnel was finally in sight, and I was running straight toward it.
I was determined to make the best of this new life—no matter the cost.
*
The carriage that carried His Majesty and me finally came to a smooth stop. As the doors opened, a cool breeze brushed against my face and sent my hair into a mess.
Stepping out, I stretched my legs and stared around as towering buildings rose before me like something out of a picture book.
We had finally arrived in Eidryn, the capital of Varethis.
My heart raced as I stared into shop windows, mesmerized by the lavish goods on display.
Noticing my excitement, the king burst into laughter. A guard entered one of the stores I had been staring at and soon returned with a small bag of dark square treats.
The aroma alone made my mouth water. I popped one into my mouth—and froze.
Never in my life had I tasted anything so devilishly sweet. It melted on my tongue, rich and smooth. I quickly devoured the rest without thinking.
Even the guards were laughing now.
My face burned red as I apologized and hurried after the king, who was leading us to the Academy.
The sight of it stirred something familiar in my chest, and a faint smile tugged at my lips.
Passing through the grand gates, we walked through elegant gardens where students in fine uniforms stopped to stare.
It was unsettling… yet also strangely empowering.
After all, I was technically a prince.
The interior gleamed with polished floors that reflected the light as we made our way up to the fifth floor. Outside the windows, students practiced magic and swordplay while others studied quietly.
An elderly man stood near one of the windows, gazing outside with a peaceful smile.
"Greetings, Headmast—"
I clamped a hand over my mouth, realizing my mistake too late.
How did I know he was the headmaster?
I've never seen this man a day in my life.
The man turned, smiling warmly as he shook the king's hand.
"It's been a while, old friend."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. I hope the palace hasn't fattened you up too much."
"Well, I try to keep myself in shape. Now, you remember my youngest, yes?"
"Of course. It's a pleasure to see you again, Prince Caelum."
"I-it's a pleasure to meet you too. I'll be in your care once more."
We entered his office and took seats around a long table. Portraits lined the walls—young versions of the headmaster, the king, and their companions, smiling brightly. Papers were stacked high on his desk.
"Prince Caelum… is that true?"
I jumped at the sudden question. The headmaster's eyes were fixed on the scar on my temple.
"It's as I said," the king replied. "He has lost his memories."
"I see. I will do my best to reintegrate him smoothly."
"Thank you, my friend."
The meeting ended soon after.
Once outside, the king hesitated.
"Caelum, since you'll be living in the dormitories, would you like a personal attendant?"
"No, thank you. I think I can manage on my own."
His eyes widened before he burst into tears and hugged me.
"My boy's grown up again! I'm so proud!"
The guards had to pry him off me and escort him back to the carriage.
Watching it disappear, I finally exhaled.
A maid would have been helpful… but also dangerous.
This was my chance.
And I intended to take it.
Beginning to unpack the belongings I had brought over, I glanced at the window once more, trying to commit the scenic view to memory—only to freeze.
A girl was standing on the other side of the glass.
Her eyes were red as blood, her hair jet black, and she was staring directly at me.
Our eyes met. She wore the academy's uniform, along with a small white band wrapped around her arm.
As I slid the window open, she stepped forward, and I instinctively backed away from the unsettling sight.
"This is the men's side of the dormitories! Females aren't permitted to—"
Her small, cold hand shoved me to the floor as she pinned my arm behind my back. A faint jingle rang out from her necklace, followed by a soft metallic clink.
"The use of black magic is an expellable offense," she said flatly. "Not to mention the disgusting amount on you. Just what kind of spells were you using to build up such a residue?"
"What? I haven't used dark magic a day in my life! What the hell is your deal?"
Her grip tightened as she raised the necklace I had heard.
A thin, needle-like pin protruded from it, pointing straight at me like a compass needle.
"This detects the traces left behind by black magic," she said. "And this is the strongest pull I've ever felt. There's no denying your guilt."
"Just listen to me! I only got here tod—"
"I don't want to hear it," she cut in. "There are officials who will listen to your side later, but regardless, I have to take you to the faculty office."
She yanked me upright, gripping my shoulder while keeping my arm twisted behind my back. We were almost at the door when the handle rattled and turned.
The door swung open.
Seven people stood there, holding stacks of papers, books, and school supplies.
The woman in front had neatly kept short brown hair and an orange ribbon tied into a small side ponytail.
As their eyes landed on me, every one of their faces went pale.
"Hey, Veyra!" the girl restraining me called out. "I caught another student using black magic! The traces were insane!"
Veyra's mouth opened and closed uselessly as her face drained of all color.
"W-w-w-what a-are you doing, Mirelle?"
"Hm? I just told you. He's covered in black magic residue."
"Y-y-you dumbass!"
In the next instant, a perfectly executed dragon kick flew past my face.
Veyra's foot slammed into Mirelle's, sending her crashing onto my bed.
My heart nearly leapt out of my chest as it hammered wildly, just to reassure me I was still alive.