Our audience with the king concluded, and he lowered his finger gently onto the handrest, bestowing his blessings upon us. As we exited the opulent throne room, the weight of the moment lingered—a blend of awe and trepidation. The palace corridors, adorned with intricate tapestries and polished marble, whispered secrets of centuries past. I couldn't help but glance back at the imposing doors, wondering if they held the answers to my destiny.
That night, we remained within the palace walls. The grandeur of our chambers was both comforting and intimidating. The silken sheets cradled me, but my mind raced with thoughts of the future. Would I live up to the expectations placed upon me? Could I truly harness my unique ability—the power to level up while others diligently cultivated their skills?
Morning arrived, and our departure loomed. The carriage awaited, its polished wood gleaming in the early light. Our escort comprised not only my sister, the esteemed captain of the Crimson Knights Order, but also Avaria Eldoria—the formidable opponent I had defeated not long ago. Her presence was a silent threat, her eyes sharp as daggers. If looks could kill, I'd have perished on the spot.
The journey home unfolded, a blur of landscapes and fleeting villages. Two years slipped by, marked by my continued sparring sessions with Alexia. Our battles were more than mere contests; they were a dance of steel and magic, each clash pushing me further. But Alexia's departure to the Arcamus Magic Academy disrupted our routine. She vanished into the halls of knowledge, leaving me to hone my skills alone.
At fourteen, I stood on the cusp of a new chapter. Arcamus beckoned—an institution where magic flowed like a river, and secrets whispered through ancient tomes. My sister, ever the guide, led me through the bustling corridors. The lecture halls buzzed with anticipation, students filling the seats. And there, amidst the sea of faces, sat the princess—the enigma I couldn't ignore.
She occupied neither the front row nor the back, but nestled in the middle, a delicate balance of presence. My wicked smile betrayed my thoughts as I ascended the stairs, settling beside her. "Good morning, Avaria."
Her response was curt. "Yeah, good morning."
I couldn't resist teasing. "Hey, don't be so rude to your boyfriend."
The room froze. Avaria shot up, her voice cutting through the silence. "Mind your words! What are you blabbering—"
I interrupted, enunciating each letter. "P-A-C-T."
Her embarrassment painted her cheeks crimson, and she sank back into her seat. "Sorry-sorry," she stammered. "I was just joking. Can't I? As your girlfriend…"
I played along. "Of course. I never declined."
But my attention shifted. Beside Avaria sat other princesses—each from a different kingdom. Their gazes had followed our exchange, their curiosity palpable. Elarion, Sylvaria, Valoria, Lirandor, and Mythralon—they represented realms with their own intrigues and alliances. The princess of Sylvaria leaned toward me. "Yuna Edvart, can't you see we're here too?"
I feigned innocence. "Yes, I can. But what if you're sitting here?"
Her disgust was evident. "It's been more than two minutes since you arrived, and you haven't greeted us."
A sudden thought struck me. "I apologize, but how can I greet you when I don't even know your names?"
The princess of Lirandor scoffed. "We met at the arena in Eldoria Kingdom two years ago. You sparred with Avaria."
My memory failed me, and I admitted, "I don't recall. It's one of my drawbacks—I forget things deemed unimportant. Would you indulge me and reintroduce yourselves?"
Their rage simmered, but Avaria's smile remained. They obliged, revealing their identities. And so, my journey at Arcamus began—an intricate web of magic, politics, and unexpected connections.