The day after Azrael met Caspian and spoke with Eirian, he attempted multiple times during their classes to engage with the blue-haired prince. He believed that, having saved Caspian, getting closer to him was a logical step, not only for Eirian's sake but also because Azrael genuinely desired a friend beyond Adham, and Caspian seemed to be a kind soul.
Despite their positive initial interaction, it appeared that Caspian remained intimidated by Azrael. No matter how hard Azrael tried to initiate conversations, Caspian would cast fearful glances and hurriedly retreat.
If Azrael were to describe Caspian's behavior, it resembled that of a mouse being chased by a cat – with Azrael playing the role of the cat.
This puzzled Azrael. In most novels, after a transmigrator saved a soft-spoken character, an instant friendship would typically develop.
"Did I unintentionally scare him?" Azrael queried Adham, who silently walked behind him. After a moment of contemplation, Adham shrugged.
"It doesn't seem like you did, your highness. When I returned yesterday and couldn't find you, Prince Caspian mentioned you left in a hurry to attend to something. After that, we didn't speak at all," Adham explained with an awkward smile. "It was quite awkward, to be honest."
"Sorry. I thought I saw my brother," Azrael lied. Even though he had no interest in chasing after Valerian like the original Azrael, it was a convenient excuse compared to admitting he went to speak with Eirian.
Azrael's judgment proved correct as Adham shot him a joyful look. "Since you came back happy, I'm assuming it went well? That's great, your highness."
"Yup," Azrael managed to force out with a smile, masking his true feelings. He wasn't finished planning yet, but there was progress. Armed with a new notebook, he decided to record everything that transpired in the novel.
And it was a lot.
Confident that he could present something to Eirian during their next conversation, Azrael's current concern shifted to Caspian. He had assumed they agreed to become friends and was perplexed by Caspian's avoidance.
'My concern right now is Caspian. I really thought we both agreed to become friends. I wonder what happened,' Azrael mused, his shoulders slumping slightly, his mood dampening. He wasn't sure if he had unintentionally offended Caspian or if his brothers had caused trouble in his absence.
If it was the latter, Azrael genuinely wanted to help.
Adham noticed the quick change in Azrael's mood from happiness to sadness. "Still thinking about Prince Caspian, your highness?"
"Yes. I mentioned on the way back to the dorms last night the nature of my first meeting with Caspian, right?"
"You explained the gist of it, yes. From what I recall, his brothers, Prince Marinus and Prince Oceanus, were, um, mistreating him," Adham cautiously mentioned, aware of the sensitivity around speaking ill of royals.
"I'm worried. There's a chance they might have bothered him again, or worse... what if they threatened him not to ask me for help? Those jerk brothers of his really—I don't even want to say my words out loud because I might get expelled if a professor hears me."
This was Zak talking. Despite his efforts to act like the original Azrael, he occasionally reverted to his true self, especially when confronted by irritating characters.
Azrael believed it was a miracle that he could even act like a royal sometimes, considering he had spent most of his life in his own world. He attributed this adaptability to having read numerous royal-themed fantasy novels.
"Ah, your highness."
Azrael turned to Adham, who had interrupted his thoughts. Adham pointed in a specific direction, catching Azrael's attention. "Isn't that Prince Caspian? He seems to be eating alone."
Azrael saw Caspian's familiar light blue hair, bowed over his meal as if afraid to raise his head. Unlike yesterday, he was alone, which brought relief. 'I should go and try to talk to him again. It was harder to do it earlier because we were in class, but since it's lunchtime...' Adham, sensing Azrael's determination, offered to fetch his food.
"I'll go grab your food, your highness. Good luck."
"Oh, uh... Thanks, Adham," Azrael responded, surprised by Adham's unexpected gesture. Although they had technically met only a few days ago, Adham seemed to understand him well.
Adham, wearing a soft expression, turned and headed into Lunar Hall to fetch Azrael's lunch.
With Adham gone, Azrael focused on Caspian, who was still seated alone under the gentle glow of the bioluminescent tree in Floral Haven. The hum of other students enjoying their meals surrounded the area, creating a background murmur of activity.
Azrael contemplated his approach. 'I should be casual, not too intimidating,' he thought, considering a strategy. 'Maybe I can start with a casual comment about the food.' However, the idea seemed corny and unnecessary.
Azrael approached Floral Haven with a deliberate pace, eyes fixed on Caspian, who seemed lost in thought as he picked at his food. The notion of sitting across from Caspian crossed Azrael's mind, but he hesitated. 'What if he runs away? Do I run after him? Doesn't that seem... strange?'
'Ah. I'll just say the first thing that comes to my mind. Whatever happens, happens.'
Finally deciding to wing it, Azrael approached Caspian slowly, careful not to startle him. When he was behind Caspian, he leaned in slightly, his tone teasing.
"You know, if anyone else ignored an imperial prince as much as you did, it would be considered treason."
'What the hell did I just say?' Azrael wanted to slap himself. 'So much for being casual!'
As expected, Caspian jumped, his fork clattering onto his plate. "Y-Your highness! I apologize. I didn't mean to—"
"I was just joking, Caspian. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you," Azrael quickly reassured, knowing Caspian would likely go on an apology spree.
Caspian continued to apologize profusely, bowing and rambling. Azrael noticed curious glances from other students. 'We're causing a scene. I have to calm him down.' He turned his attention back to Caspian, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
With a friendly smile, he gestured for Caspian to stop. "No need to apologize so much. Take a deep breath, Caspian. Inhale and exhale."
Following Azrael's instructions, Caspian took a slow, deep breath. Azrael did the same, offering comfort until Caspian had fully calmed down. When Azrael deemed him calm, he grabbed a seat next to Caspian, prompting him to sit as well, though his head still bowed.
There was a moment of silence between the two. Azrael had to carefully choose his words, considering Caspian's past experiences. 'The way he's acting is a result of constant abuse. He has to keep apologizing in fear that he'll get hurt if he doesn't.'
Anger welled up in Azrael, not just for Caspian's sake but also for the real Azrael. The novel had not delved into their experiences, leaving Azrael in the dark about their hardships, especially Caspian's, as he lacked the visions the real Azrael possessed.
For Caspian, Azrael had only the boy himself. So, he decided to be honest.
"I was just worried about you," Azrael began with a gentle tone. "I thought we agreed to be friends, but today you kept ignoring me. I don't know if your brothers threatened you again or if I said something to offend you."
Panic resurfaced in Caspian. "No, your highness! You didn't offend me. I—"
"Calm down, Caspian. You don't need to be so formal. I just wanted to talk. I'm not here to punish you or anything. I only want to know the reason why you were avoiding me today out of concern."
Once again, Caspian's tense shoulders dropped as he finally understood Azrael's intentions. "Well..."
He sighed, his gaze somber. "When I got back to my room last night, it dawned on me that I didn't deserve to be friends with an imperial prince like you. I was scared that my brothers might find a way to mess with you too, your highness, and I didn't want that. I know you are going through some of your own troubles, and I don't want to be the cause of adding more to it."
Azrael's expression softened. 'So that's what he was afraid of.' His heart clenched, and all he wanted to do was give Caspian the biggest hug in the world, but he knew his boundaries. He wasn't a reader right now; he was part of the characters. All he could do was speak to Caspian.
"Caspian, you don't have to face everything alone. Your brothers are idiots if they even try to mess with me. That would literally be treason, and regardless of status... I already told you, didn't I? We're both past status. Whether you're a prince, a duke, or even a servant, I'd want to be friends with you."
Caspian looked up, eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and gratitude. Azrael could see tears forming in his eyes but dared not let them fall. "My brothers—They can be reckless. I'm just afraid that they could find a way to hurt your highness despite your title."
Azrael smiled, hoping to convey sincerity. "If that happens, then I trust you will help me."
"M-Me? I could never stand against them, Prince Azrael."
"Maybe not right now because they got rid of all your confidence, but don't underestimate the power of a human being's desire to help the one they care about. Sometimes, even the weakest of people will find every way to help their friend."
That was true. He was the biggest example. Besides his knowledge of future events, he had nothing. He could not even access his body's magical abilities, and even if he did, the original Azrael was known for having weak magic.
He was going against Caelum, with little chance of anyone from this world, even Eirian or Adham, helping him if he failed.
Azrael was risking it all out of caring for Eirian, and now, for characters whose lives were also in danger under Caelum's reign.
Caspian was silent. He seemed to understand. "You're... right, your highness."
"Azrael."
"What?"
"I told you yesterday... just call me Azrael."
"Eh." Caspian awkwardly scratched his cheek with his index finger. "Prince Azrael." He corrected himself, still not dropping the 'Prince.'
'This happened yesterday as well, but oh well.'
"Are we good now? No more ignoring me, and no more running away?" Azrael asked, smiling brightly towards Caspian, who stared at him and blushed in return.
"Yes, Prince Azrael. No more running away."
"Friends?"
"Friends."
Azrael was so confident at that time. 'I didn't think these two would even think of harming me because of my status, but even if they did, I didn't expect it would be THIS soon.' He thought to himself in panic as he stared up at Marinus, who had a small, wicked smile on his face.
"I've thought about it since our first encounter, your highness." Marinus took a small strand of Azrael's hair and held it on top of his palm. "Why are you so different from the rumors? Not only that, but I've personally seen how you acted before. You were as pathetic looking as that bastard."
"You're openly calling me pathetic now? How brave." Azrael whispered, glaring up at him.
Marinus ignored his words as he continued. "It dawned on me. You are the prince that would hurt yourself just to get the crown prince's attention. Pretending is your skill. You probably painted yourself out as the helpless little brother to get Prince Valerian to notice you."
'You couldn't have been more wrong.'
"Now without the crown prince present, you reveal your true self... which is an entitled and foul-mouthed prince who can't seem to mind his own business."
Azrael couldn't help but snicker. "Are you sure you're not referring to your twin brother whose vocabulary only consists of the words fuck and shit?" He asked with a smile on his face. He would soon regret that when Marinus suddenly pulled on the hair he was holding onto, making Azrael's head go down.
"Motherfu—" Azrael had to stop himself as he winced in pain. He could hear Oceanus burst out laughing from behind Marinus as he slowly went closer to them.
"Y-Your highnesses... are you sure about this? If anyone were to see us..."
"Shut up! That's why I told you to keep watch." Oceanus snapped at him, stopping beside Marinus as he stared down at Azrael, who was trying his best to look up at them but couldn't because, by now, Marinus was fully grabbing his head.
"But your highness, he's still an imperial pri—"
"Either you keep watch now, or you're next."
Cove whimpered in fear as he vigorously nodded. "I understand." He mumbled under his breath as he bowed then walked away, leaving Azrael with the two psycho twins.
"You have a lot of nerve, don't you—Agh!" Azrael groaned in pain because Marinus tightened his grip on his head, not even letting him finish his words. 'This damn hair!' He thought to himself.
Oceanus laughed. "Who's bowing to who now, imperial prince."
"You wanted to save that bastard so badly, right? Now you can take his place." Marinus whispered as he raised his free hand, his red eyes glowed, which Azrael knew indicated that he was about to use his abilities. 'Wait... what is he...?'
In that moment, Azrael's panic intensified, his mind racing to comprehend Marinus's intentions. The cruel satisfaction gleaming in Marinus's eyes hinted at impending danger. The twins seemed to relish the idea of Azrael's suffering, fueled by a twisted sense of retribution.
"Marine bind." Marinus, still gripping Azrael's hair, chanted an incantation under his breath. Azrael's eyes widened in realization as he felt a strange force enveloping him. It was an unmistakable touch of water magic, but the intention behind it was unclear.
"What the hell is this?!" Azrael asked as he watched helplessly when a sudden surge of liquid cascaded over him, the enchanted water forming a semi-translucent cocoon around him. Panic set in as he struggled within the water prison, his movements restricted by the binding magic. Marinus seemed to be reveling in his helplessness, tightening the water restraints with a sadistic smile.
"A lesson." Was all Marinus answered as he finally let Azrael's hair go because he could no longer move now. Oceanus came closer and pushed Azrael on the ground, making him fall with a loud 'thud.'
The moment Azrael came in contact with the floor, he looked up at the twins. "Are you aware that as long as I'm alive, I can tell anyone, even my father, about what you're doing?" He knew he was probably seeming like the typical rich brat, but what was he supposed to do in this situation? The twins were being violent, and he didn't expect that.
"And who would believe you?" Marinus asked, confusing Azrael. 'What?'
Sensing the young prince's confusion, Oceanus was the one to answer as he bent down with a huge grin on his face. "How many times have you hurt yourself claiming that someone else did it? Or hurt yourself claiming that it was an accident?"
No.
There was a hole in their plan, and it was pretty obvious. "You've bullied Caspian as well. I'm sure he will take my side. He knows out of everyone what you two are capable of."
The twins glanced at each other then back at Azrael, their eyes seemed to quiver for a moment then burst out laughing. "Caspian? That maid's son? Seriously? Who would ever believe him?" Oceanus asked through his laughs.
"You haven't grasped it at all, haven't you? Caspian, despite being a prince, has no power in this academy. Just like you, who is an imperial prince, are powerless. All we have to say is that you manipulated the poor bastard of the Aquarise king to get your brother's attention... and everyone will believe us instantly." Marinus grabbed Azrael's face, who now had a look of horror because he knew it was true.
"You dug yourself a grave, the moment you started pretending to get hurt. You only gave others the chance to take advantage of stepping on someone with a much higher rank than them."
Azrael's heart was beating loudly against his chest. Though, he knew that there was someone who actually hurt Azrael, and that he wasn't pretending... not everyone knew or believed that. In the end, what Marinus was saying is true.
No one would believe him.
"And if you want to tell us about the all-seeing eyes, do you see some here? All-seeing eyes are only present in front of our doors. There aren't any in hallways like this." Marinus lets go of Azrael's face then took a step back as he admired the expression on Azrael's face. "It's a shame, your highness. If you had used that pretty face of yours to gain any form of favor from everyone rather than victimize yourself... you might've been untouchable."
Azrael couldn't even speak anymore. He didn't know what to do, and all the big talk he did earlier just became a joke now.
They were right.
Caspian's fears were right.
So, how did he even expect to beat someone like Caelum and help Eirian? When he could not even defend himself against people like Marinus and Oceanus.
"Aw. Look at that. He gave up." Azrael could hear Oceanus say with a mocking tone as both he and his brother scoffed. "Not talking big now, right? You did everything to help that bastard, but did you ever think to yourself... if he'd ever help you?"
Oceanus raised his hand, his eyes glowing as well with the intention of using his abilities on Azrael just like Marinus did. "In the end, you saved him, but you couldn't even save yourself."
Azrael closed his eyes, preparing for whatever pain he was about to feel from Oceanus' magical abilities. He lost all his will to fight back, in fear that it would only dig him in a much deeper hole.
Right.
It was hopeless—
"Aqua Barrage!"
A familiar voice shouts behind him as a strong gust of watery wind passed by Azrael's head, and unexpectedly he hears both Marinus and Oceanus groan in pain.
Upon hearing those sounds, Azrael opens his eyes, only to see the twins, who were originally hovering above him, on the ground and drenched in water. He blinks his eyes a bit to check if what he's seeing was true. 'What happened to them?'
"Prince Azrael!"
'Is that...'
Azrael struggled but he managed to turn his body around using his legs to confirm, and when he did, relief washed over him. "Caspian!" He called out as he saw the familiar light blue-haired prince.
Caspian ran towards Azrael, his face looked visibly concerned as he kneeled down to check whether or not Azrael was injured. "Prince Azrael, are you alright? Why are you here? and what happened?" Panic was evident in his tone as he used his abilities to get rid off the water chains that was binding Azrael.
"I'm...fine. I was walking around and I ended up overhearing them...they..." Azrael was having a hard time explaining. Too much was happening, and his mind couldn't form the right words.
Caspian's eyebrows furrowed when he noticed this and it seemed like he was about to say something but was cut off by Oceanus.
"YOU BASTARD!" He yelled as he raised his hand and multiple small, sharp water droplets appeared from thin air then each began attacking Caspian, who only had to raise a finger to create a misty veil around himself and Azrael to deflect them.
When Oceanus' attack was stopped, Caspian looked at Azrael again. "What happened, Prince Azrael?" He repeats, completely ignoring his brother, which surprised even Azrael.
'He's not reacting to them at all.'
Azrael knew by now that Caspian was very concerned about him, so he decided to force out a smile and answered. "I overheard them planning to get you expelled, so I confronted them." He explained, slightly pulling on his own hair awkwardly. "I didn't expect them to attack me all of a sudden. I guess, I got too overconfident." He says with a small laugh, making Caspian frown.
This is the first time Azrael has ever seen Caspian frown, in a way that he didn't look pitiful. No, if anything, it looked like he was about to hurt someone.
"Prince Azrael, you are too kind even in a situation where you're frightened, you're still trying to comfort me." Caspian whispered softly as he stood up and walked in front of Azrael, shielding him from the twins, who in return, snickered as they also got up.
Marinus was the first to take a few steps closer to Caspian, his face was filled with pride as if he wasn't just on the ground because of Caspian a few seconds ago.
"Caspian? Is that you? I could barely recognize you without the tears on your face." Marinus said with a mocking tone. Azrael casted a worried glance over at Caspian, only to see that the light blue-haired prince was unfazed.
'Wait, no...' Azrael stared at Caspian's hands that were hidden behind his back. 'His hands are shaking. He's scared...but he's trying not to show it.'
"Just to get me expelled, you're resorting to hurting the second son of the emperor? Am I that much of a nuisance to you?" Caspian asked as he took step forward as well.
"Don't make me laugh. You and I both know he's just as useless as you."
"Useless? The whole reason you hate me is because I'm anything but useless. If I was, then why are you so threatened by me?"
Azrael was shocked by Caspian's words. The twins as well considering their eyes widened at the same time, while Oceanus gritted his teeth. "You got yourself one person that told you that you're something special, and suddenly you have all this confidence? How shameful."
Caspian tilts his head a bit to the side. "If by one person you mean our father, then why shouldn't I feel special?"
"You fucking—" Oceanus was about to attack Caspian yet again, but Marinus blocked him. Azrael thought it was because he feared that Oceanus was going to cause a huge scene with his magic. No, it was because he wanted to be the one to attack Caspian.
Marinus' red eyes glowed brightly, brighter than it did earlier as he took one foot forward and water began appearing on the floor. "You're nothing but a maid's son. A bastard. Not even a son of a concubine. You will never amount to anything. Father's affection towards you is fleeting. Don't get cocky just because you received a few praises. The moment he loses interest in you, is the moment you'll realize how right we were."
"I don't need to wait because that day won't come."
Caspian took his stand. He took a step back, not to run away, but to attack as well. His eyes glowed but it changed from light blue to green as water slowly made it's way up his body, wrapping around him.
"There's a reason why father favors me more...allow me to show you, brother."
Azrael watched in awe, he didn't expect Caspian to ever fight back against his brother. He did...but this early on? The novel had not even started yet, originally Eirian would be the one who gives him confidence to take a stand against his brothers and realize his worth.
Honestly, when he befriended Caspian, one of his goals was to find some way for Eirian to save him so they could also be friends.
Now, he couldn't help but think that he altered too much.
But then again, he was also happy that Caspian was actually trying his best to defend him, even if he was still scared.
Oceanus stood back, he seemed intimidated by his twin's aura. More and more, Azrael realizes that between the two, Marinus was the strongest. Oceanus was just loud, and followed his brother's every move.
As both Caspian and Marinus prepared to attack each other, Azrael wondered if he should stop them, because at the end of the day...they were all in academy grounds. If they broke into a huge fight and end up alerting other students or even staff, they could get in trouble.
Though, Azrael did not care for Marinus considering what he tried to do, but he did care about Caspian.
While Azrael was thinking about it, seconds before the two moved a voice spoke from behind Azrael again.
"What is going on here?" This time, it seemed like an older man who spoke.
Everyone who was present froze because judging by the tone, it was either a dormitory staff or a professor.
As the voice echoed behind Azrael, freezing everyone in place, the weight of the situation intensified. The silence lingered for a moment until the authoritative voice spoke again, demanding an explanation.
"I said, what is going on here, and why is Prince Azrael on the floor?"
'Why does his voice seem so familiar?' Azrael thought as he heard the man say his name with much familiarity, but the current Azrael did not know him. He felt an involuntary fear pulsing through him, which only meant one thing.
The original Azrael knew whoever this man was.
As no one answered him still, the man's attention focused on Azrael, and his voice softened with concern, "Are you alright, Prince Azrael?"
Azrael's eyes darted toward the source of the voice slowly, wanting to see what the man looked like, and he didn't want to cause too much suspicion by not answering because it really did seem like the man knew him.
As he turned his head to face the man, his eyes widened as he couldn't comprehend the mix of emotions that surged within him. It wasn't just fear; it was a sense of dread and an unsettling familiarity.
An involuntary shiver coursed through his body, and he realized what was about to happen.
A vision was approaching.