[Leon's POV]
It has been five days since I returned to the Solaris House.
The first few days were tense. I was introduced to my grandfather, Alrock Solaris, quite abruptly, which became a huge uproar. I heard I interrupted someone's birthday party and genuinely felt bad for stealing their thunder. However, I couldn't find the person's name as I had a few matters on my plate.
First, I was introduced to my direct and extended families—my grandparents, paternal aunts, uncles, and cousins. They were stunned to see my appearance, which resembles my father's, or so I heard. However, they were likewise perplexed at my golden hair and blue eyes.
Despite my appearance, there was no questioning my lineage. The fact that I had learnt the Nine Suns Heart Mantra was enough for the conservative faction to acknowledge my bloodline. Also, my Solar mana was just as pure as any pureblood Solaris.
There was a huge uproar about what the Solaris House was to do with me, but in the end, my grandfather decided to honour my father's wishes and placed me in the Knight's Academy. I would be joining as a transfer, which was rare but not unheard of.
Joining the Knight's Academy was a nerve-wracking ordeal, especially when I had no friends or family I could rely on. However, it was a necessary evil. I had to train myself to learn the Solaris Mystic Arts and eventually become influential enough to return to the Holy Church.
Though… It was uncomfortable walking through the halls of the Knight's Academy.
My return had become the talk of the town, and almost everyone in the building knew who I was. It didn't help that my bright blonde hair stood out among the ocean of black hairs. Some people looked at me scornfully, and while they remained quiet as they passed me by, their silence was deafening.
I could roughly guess the curse words that were going through their head.
Half-breed… Defective… Son of a deserter…
All of them were words I'd heard before. Most were silent whispers, but my acute hearing could pick them up. I clenched my fists in anger, and my knuckles were turning white from all the hatred I had bottled up. However, no matter how much they scorned me, I couldn't move a muscle.
If I cause trouble now, I may be expelled or even worse… Banished from the Solaris House. When that happens, I would fail to live up to my father's expectations, Sir Arthur's expectations… and Ella's expectations.
Besides, they have yet to confront me directly. If I were to be sensitive to every person's silent judgement, there would be no end to my suffering. I did my best to turn off the noise and focus on myself to become a stronger Knight.
Fortunately, I wasn't the only major gossip plaguing the Solaris House.
"Have you heard? Sir Amon ran away with his fiancée."
"Again? How many times have they done it?"
"I don't know. I stopped counting after five."
Two girls seated near me began gossiping with beaming smiles, oblivious that I was listening. One of them had a heated expression as she continued:
"It's amazing how passionate their love can be! They are to be married, yet they can't bear to be apart! I heard that even though they were engaged for political reasons, it was love at first sight for them!"
The first girl's face flushed completely red as she detailed the story to her friend.
"... how nice. Recently, my parents asked if I wanted to be set up too. Perhaps I should follow their lead?"
While arranged marriages were mostly a thing of the past, there were still cases of parents matchmaking their children together. Though, it was a frowned upon topic, especially among younger girls. So, it was shocking to hear these two teenage girls happily considering that path.
"It's quite a mystery that an accident hasn't occurred yet."
"Hey! Don't talk about Sir Amon and Lady Yue like that! They are the paragons of virtuosity! They would never do such a thing before marriage!"
"Yeah, yeah. I know that you idolise the Fantasy Couple."
My body shook ever so slightly at the familiar topic. I endured the urge to turn and ask the girls questions. Instead, I laid my head on the table and perked my ears up.
"What's not to idolise? Lady Yue is the epitome of a perfect lady! Beauty, brains, power, influence… She has it all! I had the pleasure of meeting her once. Let me tell you, she's a fairy in the flesh! Her pictures do not do her justice! Also, she is one of the most talented mages of her generation and is poised to take over the Elune House! I dare say there is no other better maiden in Hyades!"
Idol worship was frowned upon by members of the Holy Church, so I couldn't empathise with the girl's sentiments. However, my interest was piqued after hearing the young girl's words.
A beauty and a genius mage? She even had the backing of a mighty House. That 'Lady Yue' sounded like the perfect woman on paper.
However, she was not as perfect as my Ella.
"And her match, Sir Amon, is no slouch either! Graduating from the Knight's Academy in three years, I heard he's among the most promising True Knights! Rumour has it that he cleared dozens of missions solo, each more difficult than the last! If everything goes well, he'll become one of the leading figures of our generation! And he's only eighteen this year!"
If my interest was piqued before, now the pair had my undivided attention. I thought I was talented, but as expected, there was always a mountain higher. This 'Sir Amon' person was unquestionably more powerful than I am, and he's only two years older.
"Damn, I remember seeing him in the Academy many years back, but I didn't manage to talk to him once! What a shame. I heard he even had his eighteenth birthday party a few days back! I wish I could have attended just to see them in tuxedos and dresses."
"Ah, I heard about it! His Excellency, the Solaris Lord, attended the party, didn't he? He announced that Sir Amon was in contention to claim the title of the Solaris Lord, right?"
"No, that was just rumours. His Excellency didn't say anything of the sort."
"Really? Perhaps he would have, but it was spoiled by…"
The two girls paused and suddenly turned silent. At the same time, I felt their piercing stares directed at me, causing my eyes to look suspiciously backward. As expected, they were wearing awkward faces while scratching their cheeks.
Oh wait… Sir Amon celebrated his birthday a few days back…
Didn't I crash that party?
Crap, no wonder the girls were looking at me funnily. Letting out a few dry laughs, the pair avoided my gaze and walked out of the room, presumably to go to the restroom. However, it was painfully evident they would find a secluded place to continue badmouthing me.
Ah damn…
Dear Ella… My days in the Solaris House haven't started as well as expected.
❖❖❖
A few weeks had passed since my return to the Solaris House. After the initial setback, I started to fit in rather quickly. There was a mixture of reactions. Some were hostile and attempted to make fun of or bully me into submission. However, that was all resolved after I displayed my skills in open combat, crushing five bullies who ganged up against me.
The disdain and hostility in some cadets' eyes were still quite prominent, given that my father was seen as a deserter and my hair colour wasn't the standard Solaris jet black. Nevertheless, I brushed off all those prying eyes and focused on my development.
The Knight's Academy deserved its name as a premier school for training promising Knights. It didn't just cater to direct members of the Solaris House but all talented warriors seeking to become stronger. I learnt high-level swordsmanship from my instructors, studied how to fight against all sorts of dangers, and learned even better ways to regulate and train my mana.
If I so desired, I could learn magic as well. However, since I'd just transferred, I decided not to bite off more than I could chew and focus on my main objective.
And the class that taught it…
"Welcome back, cadets! It has been a month since our last meeting!"
A middle-aged female instructor stood merrily in front of the entire class. Her body language was welcoming, much like her soft and cheerful appearance. Though, after spending a few weeks in the Knight's Academy, I've learnt not to judge one by appearance.
Black-haired and golden eyes, there was no doubt that the instructor before me was a bona fide Solaris Knight. Not to mention, to become a teacher in this prestigious institution, one has to have a certain number of accomplishments.
"I hope everyone hasn't forgotten me," the instructor joked in good fun, causing laughter to emerge from the crowd. "But since we have some new faces in the class, let me introduce myself again!"
There was no need to question. The moment the instructor said 'new faces,' all of my classmates shot their eyes at me. Usually, I wouldn't be bothered by other people's gazes, but this class and my classmates were special. Unlike other courses that could be attended by anyone enrolled in the Knight's Academy, this class was only catered to members of the Solaris House bloodline. And more specifically…
"My name is Theffania Solaris, Head Instructor of the Solaris Mystic Arts course. I may look young, but I'm a retired Pillar Knight. Experienced enough to teach a bunch of inexperienced wannabe Knights like yourselves how to use the Solaris Mystic Arts."
Theffania continued her explanation, but I felt like her words were directly aimed at me for some reason.
"Those gathered here are the cream of the crop. The best young talents the Solaris House has. Not only have you condensed Two Suns using the Nine Sun Heart Mantra, but you've displayed martial talents capable of promoting yourselves to become fully-fledged Knights."
Everyone present shared the same hair and eye colour. They were direct descendants of the Solaris House, and not only that, they were far more talented than their peers. After all, the Solaris Mystic Arts weren't just taught to anyone.
"And you may be strong enough to become a Knight… But not strong enough to become a Solaris Knight."
I felt a knot form in my stomach as every word she said pierced into my soul. She was talking about my skills. Ever since I entered the Knight's Academy, I have been trying to prove my skills as a Knight. After all, I've been trained by the top Paladins of the Holy Church for several years. I'd always thought that my skills were in no way inferior to any Solaris House member my age.
But I've soon come to realise… The power of the Solaris Mystic Arts.
"So, be honoured, wannabe Knights. For I shall show you what a true Solaris Knight can do."
Energy congregated from the female Knight's core, creating a golden halo which proliferated in size. A dense pressure mounted on my shoulders, and the earth rumbled. My throat became dry and chapped as the golden light intensified with Solar man until the former Pillar Knight eventually unleashed her power.
"Dawn."
And with that word…
The Sun rose.