"Your Highness!"
As soon as Azrael and Eirian got back to the academy, they separated their ways. The two did not want to risk anyone seeing them, so they just briefly say their goodbyes and went their own way.
Of course, Azrael headed straight to the dorms to rest for a while, and seeing as neither Adham nor Caspian were in his room, he took the chance to lay and close his eyes for a bit, not even changing his clothes because he was exhausted.
That was a miscalculation on his part because he ended up falling asleep. Now, fortunately for him, Adham got a notice that Azrael had returned, and as soon as he did he immediately went to the young prince's room.
When Adham got there and saw that Azrael was asleep, he initially did not want to wake him up seeing how exhausted he seemed. However, he was forced to disrupt the young prince's slumber when he heard the excruciatingly loud ringing of the academy's bell.
"Your highness, please wake up. It's time for the announcement."
Azrael's eyes fluttered open to the sound of Adham's voice, his gentle tone a stark contrast to the jarring noise of the academy bell. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, Azrael glanced around, momentarily disoriented until he saw Adham smiling down at him. It dawned on him then that he had fallen asleep and was back in his room.
"Ugh. What the—" Azrael began, but stopped himself from swearing as he clutched his head, feeling the remnants of exhaustion clinging to him like a heavy cloak.
'My body hurts...my head hurts...everything hurts.'
Adham shot him a sympathetic smile. "I take it you are tired, Your Highness?"
Azrael nodded begrudgingly, he hoped that Adham would pity him enough to tell him that he should rest more, and that as the imperial prince, he could skip listening whatever the headmaster wanted to announce.
However, he was not-so fortunate this time.
"As much as I would love to let you rest, Your Highness, it is time for the announcement."
'Ugh. I knew it." The young prince sighed, he knew there was no way around it so might as well get up and figure out what the announcement was about because it seemed very important.
"The announcement," Azrael repeated, recalling the headmaster's words earlier. "Speaking of... do you know what it is about?"
Since Adham was a student servant, he was about to know what was going on. Student servants are also meant to help prepare their masters for important events or gatherings like these, after all.
Adham shook his head. "I've tried asking the older student servants, but apparently, this is the first time the headmaster would gather students this late to dine together. It must really be important... so..." Adham gestured towards Azrael's walk-in closet. "Shall we get you dressed?"
'So this is a first. Hmm. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?'
"Mhm. Alright. We wouldn't want to be late," Azrael replied, pushing himself up from the bed. As he did, his long pink hair fell over his face, and when he brushed it away, he noticed Adham's eyes fixated on the foreign object on his finger.
"A ring? That's new, Your Highness," Adham remarked, surprised since Azrael didn't usually wear jewelry.
Azrael smiled awkwardly as he hopped off the bed, mentally preparing himself for the questions he knew would come. "I met a temperamental child today," he explained as they headed into the walk-in closet. "He was quite rude, didn't respect me whatsoever, but he realized I was a prince and decided to compensate me by giving me a handmade ring. It's quite pretty, right?"
'Now, he's most likely going to ask about my trip and what I did...luckily, I already thought of a story.'
Adham agreed, but contrary to Azrael's belief, instead of pressing further, he simply scanned through Azrael's outfits to choose a suitable one for dinner. Azrael felt a pang of surprise. 'That's it? He isn't going to ask anymore?' he wondered. He had prepared a plethora of fake stories and lies to tell Adham, expecting his usual curiosity, but now Adham seemed content to let it go.
'That's...new?' Azrael felt that he should ask Adham if anything was wrong because now that he was fully awake, he did notice that there was a strange air around Adham. 'Did anything happen while I was gone? I should ask—'
As another ring echoed from the bell, Azrael mentally groaned. He had no time to ask Adham, so he pushed his thoughts aside. 'I'll ask him later,' he decided, not wanting to be late for whatever awaited them.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
As Azrael got dressed, he and Adham made their way down towards Lunar Hall, following the path illuminated by the floating lanterns that appeared above each student stepping out of the dorms. Azrael, more or less, was still quite surprised and amazed by that, and he had asked his brown-haired friend what the purpose was, seeing as other students around them also each had their own lantern.
Adham explained that these lanterns were used to keep track of students wandering at night which made sense.
Walking through the academy grounds at night was a breathtaking experience for Azrael, it almost made him forget the agonizing backache he had. Almost.
The entire place glowed and sparkled with magical enchantment. Spiritual animals that were scarcely seen during the day now wandered freely, their forms radiant and ethereal in the darkness.
Although Azrael had visited the aurora glades before, he couldn't help but be amazed by the fantastical beauty of this world each time he experienced it. It was a constant reminder of the magic that surrounded him.
Finally arriving at Lunar Hall, where he will be dining for the first time since his arrival in this world. Azrael and Adham lined up with the other students as the professors directed each student to their respective tables.
'So many students. I knew Lunar Hall was huge, but I didn't think it could fit every student in the academy.' The size of Lunar Hall and being surrounded by so many students felt overwhelming, especially when people were starting to awkwardly acknowledge Azrael's presence by constantly bowing whenever they were in his presence.
Some would even stare, and then whisper after bowing. The young prince knew their constant was most likely because all the staff and professors of Luminara Academy were present, and the students who were staring were probably awestruck.
The real Azrael obviously kept to himself, most people have not seen him properly, and he was well-aware that the face he has was very attractive, and very feminine. Since Luminara Academy was an all-boys school, it was probably a treat to see someone as beautiful as Azrael.
It did not help that he had pink, long hair. Perhaps, if it were not for the fact that Azrael was an imperial prince, students would be flocking him on a daily basis.
'But then again, are same sex relationships even allowed in this world? I'm not sure it was ever mentioned in the novel.' As soon as he thought that, he could not help but grimace a bit because his thoughts were becoming quite random.
He knew why though. He was overwhelmed and at the same time nervous, the reason why he was nervous? He doesn't know, but there was a bad feeling inside his stomach that he was trying to ignore by thinking of other things.
"Are you alright, Your Highness?" Azrael's head turns to the person beside him, which was of course, Adham.
'There's also Adham as well...he's acting off.'
Forcing a smile, Azrael shrugs his shoulders slightly. "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Adham asks again, his tone gentle and concerned. His eyes were observing the entirety of Lunar Hall, as if checking if there would be anything that could upset Azrael. "You seem deep in thought, Your Highness. Is there anything that's bothering you?"
Again, odd.
Earlier, Adham was acting as though he did not care about what happened to Azrael's trip, did not even ask him tons of questions like usual, but now he is suddenly acting as if there's something in this place that could upset Azrael.
Or even, acting as if something did upset Azrael.
But nothing was upsetting Azrael right now, he was simply nervous, but knowing Adham, he will keep worrying about Azrael until he is able to do something for him.
Luckily, Azrael did have one concern, though it was not that big of a deal, it was still something he was thinking about in the back of his mind.
"Well..."
Azrael started as they continued to walk a bit in line as the students in front of them were starting to move. Adham, whose eyes were roaming around, now focused on Azrael.
"I noticed that students are seated based on their year level and status." Azrael glanced at the students who were already sitting on their seats and tables, chattering away. "If my guess is right, then I'll be tabling with my brother and there is a chance we might not be close to each other, so I'm worried about that."
Adham blinked, visibly stunned by Azrael's observation about the seating arrangement. His face turned slightly red, and he quickly averted his gaze, covering his face with his hand before clearing his throat. "Y-Your Highness... that's..."
Azrael furrowed his brow, puzzled by Adham's unexpected reaction. He hadn't thought his concern was particularly unusual. Before he could question further, the line ahead of them shifted, and they found themselves standing directly in front of a professor who was greeting each student.
The professor was Arios, their Celestial Linguistics instructor. He looked at Azrael and Adham, bowing his head respectfully. "Good evening, Prince Azrael Celestria. Adham Lambert."
"Good evening, Professor," Azrael responded politely, nodding his head with a small smile.
Adham, still slightly flustered, composed himself to bow and greet Professor Arios.
Professor Arios didn't speak much beyond the customary greeting, likely due to the long line of students still waiting. Instead, he gestured towards a section of Lunar Hall that appeared more exclusive, with a long table adorned with golden designs and ornate silverware—a stark contrast to the simpler settings of the other tables.
Azrael's heart sank as he realized where they were headed. Although he had expected it, a part of him had hoped it might not be the case. But there they were, seated at the grand table—Valerian, his brother, and Caelum Eversly, alongside other princes like Marinus and Oceanus Aquarise, and the crown prince of the Emberfall kingdom.
Caspian's presence provided some relief, but it couldn't outweigh the fact that Valerian and Caelum were at the same table. Azrael couldn't suppress the uneasy feeling that settled in the pit of his stomach.
As they approached their designated seats, Azrael tried to put on a composed expression, ignoring the curious glances and hushed whispers around him.
The moment Azrael and Adham got closer to the table, Caspian looked up and his eyes gleamed brightly, and it filled Azrael with dread knowing what comes next.
"Prince Azrael! You're back!" Caspian exclaimed enthusiastically, drawing the attention of everyone at the table.
'Knew it,' Azrael thought wryly, as much as he was happy to see Caspian, he knew the light blue-haired boy will call out to him, hence garnering the attention of those around him.
'Just smile and ignore them.'
Azrael forced a smile, trying to ignore the curious gazes, especially Valerian's piercing glare and Caelum's smug smirk. "Hi there, Caspian," Azrael replied, his voice slightly shaky as he approached his friend.
"Ah. I believe your concerns can be alleviated now, Your Highness."
"Huh? What do you mea—oh."
As Azrael walked towards their table, he noticed that the table next to them was occupied by student servants, particularly the princes' attendants. He caught Adham's relieved expression, realizing they wouldn't be far apart.
Of course, the young prince was also relieved, especially now that what initially was not much of a big deal, is now a big deal.
"Then, I shall see you later, Your Highness." Adham muttered beside him with a bow when they got to Azrael's seat. "Good evening, Prince Caspian."
"Good evening to you too, Adham." Caspian smiles at Adham who reciprocates it with a bow and then walks away, leaving Azrael alone with Caspian and the other princes who were staring at him.
"See you in a bit, Adham."
'I should've just continued to sleep.'
Taking his seat amidst the tension, Azrael decided to put all his attention and focus on Caspian whose energy was as bright as the sun. "How was your trip, Prince Azrael?"
As Caspian eagerly awaited Azrael's response about his trip, Azrael found himself struggling to focus on the conversation. The weight of Valerian and Caelum's intimidating presence at the neighboring table loomed over him, causing an unsettling feeling to grow in his chest. He could feel their eyes piercing through him, their gazes like sharp needles.
"It was...great," Azrael managed to say, his voice sounding distant even to his own ears.
He rubbed his temples discreetly, hoping to shake off the strange sensation that was clouding his mind. "Met someone interesting who made this ring for me." He glanced down at his finger, touching the golden accessory absently using his thumb.
"Wow. It looks very expensive!"
Caspian's face lit up with interest, but Azrael struggled to make out any more words so he asked. "How about you? How was your day, Caspian?"
"Oh! Well, my day started as usual. I spoke with my father to give him updates about my week..." Caspian began recounting his day. Everything seemed to blur around him—the lively chatter, the clinking of utensils, the soft glow of magical lights. It was all a haze, and Azrael felt like he was sinking deeper into it.
'What is this...?'
Amidst Caspian's cheerful chatter, Azrael's heart raced, his pulse pounding in his ears like a drumbeat. He fought to control his breathing, to quell the rising panic threatening to overwhelm him. But with each passing moment, it only seemed to tighten its grip.
'I feel like I'm suffocating...'
Then, just as he thought he would burst from the weight of it all, he heard a voice—a voice that he recognized, one that pierced the obscurity like a light in the night.
"Prince Azrael?"
Caspian's concerned tone snapped Azrael back to the present, and he blinked, realizing he had been lost in his thoughts. He turned to face Caspian, attempting to compose himself, but before he could respond, he saw him.
Eirian.
Azrael's breath caught in his throat as Eirian walked past, a fleeting glance exchanged between them, laden with silent understanding. Azrael's heart ached at the sight of him, a mix of longing and apprehension swirling within him.
'He's here.'
"It's the cursed prince...is he going to sit on our table?"
Caspian mumbled under his breath, seemingly horrified but Azrael did not pay him mind as his gaze followed Eirian to the table where Caelum and Valerian sat, their presence casting a shadow over the gathering.
He could hear Caelum's voice, smooth as honey yet tinged with malice, as he addressed Eirian with false kindness.
"Ah. Well, if it isn't Wycliffe! How nice to see you." Caelum's voice cut through the murmurs, drawing everyone's attention. Azrael felt a knot form in his stomach as he could not help but turn his head to see the events unfold.
"It's the cursed prince...the nerve he has to show his face."
"Is he actually going to sit at the table of royals?"
"That's frightening. Look at his face...he looks like he's going to curse everyone on the table."
"Don't worry...Prince Caelum is there."
The whispers intensified, mixing with audible gasps and muffled conversations. Some students expressed shock that Eirian was allowed to sit at the same table as Caelum, while others voiced concerns about being in close proximity to him, fearing he might lash out. Azrael's fists clenched at his sides, a surge of frustration coursing through him at the unfair treatment Eirian received.
He resisted the urge to scold the other students, knowing it would only draw unwanted attention. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the neighboring table, his eyes meeting Eirian for a brief moment. 'Ah...he's looking at me.'
In that fleeting exchange, Azrael saw a silent plea in Eirian's eyes—a plea for him to stay as he is, to not intervene. 'But they're being too much...and Caelum is just standing there with a stupid smirk on his fa—'
"Prince Azrael?"
Caspian's voice pulled Azrael's attention back to their table, and he realized he must have appeared visibly agitated. He forced himself to relax, offering Caspian a reassuring smile. "Yes, Caspia—"
But his blood ran cold when he heard a menacing "Oh?" from Caelum.
Azrael's gaze snapped to Caelum, who was now eyeing both Eirian and him with a knowing look. It sent a shiver down Azrael's spine, and the moment he felt that, he knew why he was feeling so frightened.
It was Caelum.
It was definitely Caelum who was making him feel that way.
"I heard you went out today, Wycliffe. That's new," Caelum remarked with a bright smile that didn't reach his eyes as Eirian silently sat on a seat farther away from theirs. Caelum's tone dripped with false kindness as he addressed Eirian, but Azrael could sense the underlying threat in his words.
'He's doing it...the thing he does in the novel a lot.' Azrael thought bitterly, his hands unconsciously tugging at his own hair. 'He's acting kind but... he knows.'
Eirian, though visibly tense, seemed unaware of the danger as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Azrael's heart ached for him, knowing the precarious position he was in. But fortunately for them before Caelum could continue, a loud, booming voice echoed through the hall, cutting through the tension like a knife, making Caelum and everyone tear their eyes away from Eirian.
"Good evening, students." the headmaster said, his voice carrying authority."Please settle down."
All eyes turned to the front of Lunar Hall, where the headmaster stood, commanding attention with his presence.
"So that's the headmaster." Azrael mumbled under his breath, trying to shake the uncomfortable feeling inside his heart from Caelum's earlier statements. The young prince kept his eyes on the headmaster, now anticipating his announcement so that he could forget about his current problems.
"It's been awhile since I last saw the headmaster...but it feels like he got younger..." Caspian leaned in to whisper to Azrael, which he nodded in agreement though this was the first he's ever seen him.
But since he had enough knowledge from the novel, he knew that Luminara Academy's headmaster, though one of the strongest mages, was obsessed with his appearance.
Each student got up, and Azrael followed along. They faced the direction of where the headmaster along with other administrators and professors were standing, and bowed their heads. "Good evening, Headmaster...Good evening to the esteemed administrators and professors."
'Headmaster Emeric Vaelius.'
Emeric Vaelius became the youngest headmaster of Luminara Academy, becoming the headmaster at the age of twenty-five. Before he became a headmaster, he was regarded as one of the strongest mages in 'The Quintessence' which was the top five students who graduated Luminara Academy the same year as the current emperor, Azrael's father.
Of course, the emperor being the number one strongest mage that is part of The Quintessence.
'In the novel, Headmaster Emeric was one of the few adults who was neutral towards Eirian and was also the one who told him about the spiritual sword.' Azrael thought, his eyes darting to Eirian who kept his head down.
"I am sure you are all curious as to why I suddenly called you all here on the eve of your Restday." Headmaster Emeric smiled as he gazed at every table. " I will tell you all soon, but first, we must rise and pay respect to our sun and moon, and pray for our founding father, the human son of this world's god, Celestria."
Azrael stood along with the other students, his gaze fixed on the headmaster as he chanted, using his magic to conjure images of the sun and moon moving closer together until the insignia of the Celestrian family and empire appeared, Azrael observed silently in amazement.
"To our beloved emperor, Regulus Celestria. Let us pray and worship."
'He's fiercely loyal to the Celestria family, even when the emperor was being prosecuted for his future crimes...he stood by their side.'
"We pray, worship, and thank our ancestors, our dearest founding father, and the emperor of Celestria., his majesty Regulus Celestria." the students chanted in unison, their voices resonating through the hall.
As Headmaster Emeric finished the ceremonial prayer and magic display, the students respectfully seated themselves, their attention now fully on him as he prepared to address the gathering. Azrael, noting the absolute silence among the students, was impressed by their discipline. It was rare to witness such a large assembly of young mages so well-behaved.
"Now that we are settled," Headmaster Emeric began, his voice carrying a warm sincerity that resonated throughout Lunar Hall. "I must express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated administrators and professors who have worked tirelessly to gather you all here on such short notice. Your cooperation and swift preparation are truly commendable."
A ripple of respectful murmurs spread through the hall, the students acknowledging the efforts of the staff.
"In addition," Headmaster Emeric continued, his tone shifting slightly as he gestured towards a distinguished figure at the other end of the hall, "we are honored to welcome a special guest this evening—the esteemed Headmaster Silas Reinhardt of the Divine Sanctum Academy."
'Wait...seriously?'
The young prince's brows furrowed in worry. 'Headmaster Silas is here? How is that possible? The novel states that he barely goes out of the Divine Sanctum Academy, and the only time he ever does go out is during events related to the....'
Beside him, Caspian seemed to sense Azrael's curiosity. "Why is the headmaster of the Divine Sanctum Academy here?" Caspian asked, echoing Azrael's unspoken question.
"I'm not sure," Azrael replied calmly, though a sense of foreboding was beginning to gnaw at him. "But if he's here, it must be for something important."
Azrael's eyes widened in realization. 'Something important like the Academy Olympiad, but that wouldn't make sense.'
'He first appears in the novel during Eirian's flashback on when he was chosen as a leader in the Olympiad and then the chapter after Azrael's death when it was time to sort each student into teams.'
"Is it possible...? Is this...no, the announcement should be a week before sorting the students. The timeline doesn't add up, and I don't think it happened at night." Azrael muttered under his breath, shaking his head. 'I might just be overthinking it. The author probably just failed to mention this, like how they did not mention how Eirian died.'
The mention of the Divine Sanctum Academy caught him off guard, prompting a flicker of surprise and worry inside him but he ultimately decided not to worry too much because he had bigger fish to fry.
The bigger fish being Caelum, and Valerian.
"Headmaster Reinhardt," Headmaster Emeric continued, his voice carrying a note of respect, "your presence here is a testament to our enduring alliance and shared commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and magic. We are grateful for your attendance tonight."
Azrael's gaze remained fixed on Headmaster Reinhardt, and as he pondered this unexpected turn of events, a mysterious voice suddenly broke the silence. "Do not forget that I'm also here." This made Azrael's head whip around, scanning the vicinity for the source of the voice.
Confusion etched his features as he realized there were no female administrators or professors present, especially in an all-boys academy like Luminara. Yet, the headmaster's face brightened in recognition.
A sparkle appeared beside Headmaster Emeric, followed by the translucent figure of a woman who seemed to materialize out of magic, like a holographic projection woven from ethereal threads.
"How could I forget? I was saving the best for last." Headmaster Emeric's fond smile revealed his genuine affection as he gestured towards the apparition. "Students, this is the headmistress of the Sylvanum Sorority."
Azrael's eyes widened as realization dawned on him. 'Oh... it's her.'
"Good evening, everyone. You may call me Lady Elena," the ethereal figure spoke with grace, her smile gentle and welcoming.
"Good evening, Lady Elena." Each student, along with Azrael, greeted in a mixture of monotonous and joyful tones.
Lady Elena smiled brightly, her silver hair cascading around her ethereal form as she addressed the gathered students. "Good evening, gentlemen. It's good to see you again." Her bright green eyes shone with genuine warmth, and Azrael couldn't help but feel a sense of reassurance wash over him in her presence.
Headmaster Emeric's voice cut through the momentary silence that followed Lady Elena's greeting. "Now, that we are all fully complete," he announced, his tone carrying a sense of anticipation, "as I've said we are all to dine together, and our wonderful chefs have prepared a feast for us. But before we have dinner, it is time for my announcement."
Azrael's heart raced in his chest as he braced himself for what was to come. With both Headmaster Reinhardt and Lady Elena present, his earlier apprehensions seemed to solidify into a foreboding sense of dread. He prayed fervently that his assumptions were wrong, fearing the deviation from the novel's original course.
"The announcement is regarding the most anticipated event of our academy," Headmaster Emeric declared, drawing everyone's attention back to him. The excited chatter among the students ceased as they awaited the news.
'No,' Azrael thought desperately, his grip tightening on the edge of the table. Caspian's concerned gaze fell on him, but Azrael ignored it, his focus solely on the impending revelation.
"I will not make you wait any further," the headmaster continued, his voice steady despite the weight of anticipation in the air. "I would like to announce that..."
Azrael's heart sank as Caelum's malicious gaze locked onto him, a wicked grin spreading across his face. Panic threatened to overwhelm him as he braced himself for what was to come.
"There will be some exciting changes in the Academic Olympiad," Headmaster Emeric announced, his words sending a ripple of anticipation through the hall. Azrael's mind raced with dread, his worst fears beginning to take shape.
'What did you do, Caelum?' Azrael's thoughts screamed, his eyes pleading with Caelum to relent, to spare him from whatever cruel twist he had orchestrated.
"This year's judges will be the four kings of Celestria," Headmaster Emeric continued, and a collective gasp echoed through the hall. Even Valerian seemed taken aback by the announcement, though Caelum's smug expression remained unchanged.
"And our majesty, the emperor, Regulus Celestria."
The words hung in the air, a heavy silence settling over the room as the implications of the announcement sank in. Azrael felt as though the ground had been pulled out from beneath him, his mind reeling with disbelief.
"What?" Azrael couldn't help but blurt out, his voice filled with shock and incredulity. 'The kings? And the emperor? This has to be a joke. This HAS to be a joke.'
But as he glanced around the room, the stunned expressions on his classmates' faces mirrored his own disbelief. The weight of Caelum's gaze bore down on him like a heavy burden, and Azrael had expected that Caelum would figure out his alliance with Eirian the moment they went outside together...but he did not anticipate he thought this far.
'Isn't he...Isn't he too smart?' Azrael wanted to get up and run away, the joy he felt from completing his first task and helping Eirian get his spiritual sword was now gone.
Azrael's heart raced as he watched Valerian confront Caelum, most likely about the sudden change and Valerian not being informed about it prior to the assembly. Their conversation was obscured by the ambient noise in Lunar Hall. Despite the tension that filled the air, Azrael found a flicker of relief knowing that Valerian, too, seemed caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events.
But Azrael's relief was short-lived as his gaze drifted back to Eirian, seated at the end of the table. The cursed prince's posture seemed rigid, his expression unreadable. Azrael bit his lip, unable to see Eirian's face clearly, filled with a sense of urgency to explain himself before doubts could fester.
As Headmaster Emeric regained the attention of the assembly, Azrael's mind whirled with anxiety, his hands unconsciously curling into fists on his lap. 'How will Eirian react to this? Will he think I hid this fact from him? Could this evening get any worse? Jesus...'
Before Azrael could gather his thoughts, the headmaster's voice once again echoed through the hall, demanding silence. "Settle down, students. That is not all."
Azrael's heart sank further, his anxiety intensifying with each passing moment. 'Seriously?' He resisted the urge to bury his face in his hands, the weight of the night bearing down on him.
He listened intently as Headmaster Emeric continued, his words laced with a gravity that hung in the air like a shroud. "Tonight, I will be announcing the team leaders for the Academic Olympiad."
'Fuck.'
That confirmed it. Azrael has done every transmigrators' worst nightmare.
He changed an important part of the novel's content.