Returning to the Drakhan Earldom felt like stepping into another world. The air was cooler, crisper than in the capital, carrying the scent of pine and the distant tang of the sea. My injuries from the royal banquet provided a convenient excuse for my absence from the Magic Tower University and a temporary retreat from the prying eyes of the nobility. I had left detailed instructions for my assistant professor, Yuli, to handle my classes. The syllabus was packed with challenging exercises designed to keep the students occupied and focused on their studies. This hiatus would allow me to concentrate on more pressing matters—ensuring the world's events unfolded in the right direction and positioning key individuals for the challenges ahead.