The soft glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the arched windows of Raimon's study at the Ducal Institute. He sat at his desk, a quill in hand, absently twirling it between his fingers as he gazed at the parchment before him. The letter he was composing to Cedric and Kira remained unfinished, his thoughts drifting to the recent graduation ceremony he had been unable to attend.
Cedric and Kira had been his closest friends since he joined the institute. They were both two years his senior and had been enrolled since the age of six. Unlike them, Raimon's admission had been delayed due to the instability of his bloodline—a volatility that had posed significant health risks during his early years. It was the same reason his younger siblings, Edward and Guillermina, were not yet attending the institute despite their eagerness.
He sighed, recalling the stories Cedric and Kira had shared about their early years at the institute—the challenges, the friendships forged, the mentors who had shaped their paths. Raimon felt a pang of envy but reminded himself that his own journey had its unique trajectory.
A gentle knock at the door pulled him from his reverie. "Enter," he called.
Amelia stepped inside, her expression composed yet warm. "I thought you might like some tea," she offered, setting a tray on the small table near the window.
"Thank you," Raimon replied, appreciating the gesture.
She studied him for a moment. "You've been quiet lately. Is everything alright?"
He managed a small smile. "Just reflecting on Cedric and Kira's graduation. I wish I could have been there."
Amelia nodded in understanding. "They know you would have attended if circumstances were different."
"I sent them gifts," Raimon said, a hint of pride in his voice. "For Kira, I commissioned two gowns of the same crimson hue—one for formal occasions and another designed for magical enhancement, both infused with protective alchemy. She's always valued both elegance and practicality."
Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Two dresses? She must be thrilled."
"I hope so. As for Cedric, I designed a sword tailored to his abilities. But given that Kira is a lady, I thought two different styles would be appropriate."
"Thoughtful as always," Amelia remarked. "Have you heard back from them?"
"Not yet, but I expect they'll write soon."
He poured himself a cup of tea, the fragrant steam curling into the air. "It's strange," he mused. "They've been at the institute for so much longer. Sometimes I feel as though I'm playing catch-up."
"You've accomplished a great deal in a short time," Amelia reminded him. "Your research, your contributions—they speak volumes."
Raimon appreciated her encouragement but couldn't shake the lingering melancholy. "My fifteenth birthday passed just a few weeks ago," he said quietly.
Amelia sensed the shift in his tone. "Did you celebrate?"
He shook his head. "Birthdays have never been particularly joyous occasions for me. When I turned eight, I had a severe episode—fainted during a small gathering my parents arranged. After that, they stopped hosting celebrations, choosing instead to give me gifts discreetly."
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
"It's alright. It's just... birthdays remind me of things I'd rather not dwell on."
Amelia considered this. "Perhaps it's an opportunity to create new memories, ones that bring happiness rather than sorrow."
"Maybe," he conceded. "In any case, I'm focusing on preparations to return home for the end-of-year festivities. The Festival of Ascension is approaching, and I want to make it special for my siblings."
"They must be eager to see you."
"They are. Edward and Guillermina have been writing incessantly, asking when I'll arrive."
"Have you decided what to get them?"
Raimon's eyes lit up. "I have some ideas. Edward loves exploring, so I'm thinking of crafting a personalized compass that always points to home. For Guillermina, perhaps a journal enchanted to record her thoughts as she speaks them—she's quite the storyteller."
"Those are wonderful ideas," Amelia praised.
He smiled genuinely for the first time that day. "I want them to feel supported, especially since they share the same bloodline challenges I had. They couldn't start at the institute early either."
Amelia stood to leave. "If you need any assistance with the enchantments, I'd be happy to help."
"Thank you, Amelia. Your expertise would be invaluable."
As she left, Raimon returned to his letter, the words flowing more freely now.
*Dear Cedric and Kira,
I hope this message finds you both in high spirits after your graduation. Though I couldn't be there in person, know that I was with you in thought. Congratulations on this monumental achievement.
Kira, I trust the gowns arrived safely. I thought two styles might suit the myriad occasions you will undoubtedly attend. Cedric, may the sword serve you well in your future endeavors.
I look forward to the day our paths cross again.
Warm regards,
Raimon*
Sealing the letter, he felt a sense of closure. The next chapter awaited, and he was determined to embrace it fully.