The following day, excitement buzzed through the academy as students and faculty prepared for the annual gathering to welcome delegates from neighboring kingdoms. Rumors swirled about the guests' identities, but one thing was certain: I had to meet them.
As I walked through the grand hallways, the rich tapestries lining the walls swayed gently in the breeze, filling the air with the scent of polished wood and fresh blooms. My mind raced with thoughts of Selene and the dark shadow lurking over her future. But now, I had something else to focus on: my siblings.
"Ryuji!" a familiar voice called, cutting through my thoughts.
I turned to see Selene approaching, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight. "Are you ready for the delegates?"
"I guess so," I replied, forcing a smile. "But I'm more eager to see my siblings. They're arriving today."
Her expression softened. "Your siblings? I didn't know you had family coming. That's exciting!"
"Yeah," I said, my heart swelling at the thought. "I haven't seen them in years. They've been studying abroad. I hope they remember me."
Selene chuckled lightly, "They'll remember you, Ryuji. You're the master swordsman of Valorian now, after all."
"Let's hope they don't expect me to show off," I said, rolling my eyes playfully.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow across the academy grounds, a horn sounded from the entrance. The crowd gathered, murmuring in anticipation. I joined them, scanning the faces in the throng for a glimpse of my family.
Then, a figure broke through the crowd—a tall young woman with long black hair, dressed in a flowing emerald gown that shimmered in the light. She had an air of elegance about her, and I felt an immediate pang of recognition.
"Ryuji!" she exclaimed, rushing toward me. "It's been too long!"
"Satsuki!" I shouted, embracing her tightly. Satsuki Valorian, my older sister, had always been a beacon of strength in our family. "I can't believe you're here!"
"I've missed you so much!" she said, pulling back to look at me. Her eyes sparkled with joy, but I could see hints of worry beneath her smile. "How have you been?"
"Busy," I admitted, glancing around. "But I've been handling it. What about you? How's studying in the West?"
"Challenging," she replied, her expression growing serious. "But I've learned so much. You'll be amazed at what I can do now."
Before I could respond, a voice called out from behind her. "Satsuki, don't hog him all to yourself!"
I turned to see my younger brother, Haruto, bounding toward us with an infectious grin on his face. "Ryuji!" He was slightly shorter than I remembered, but he carried a confidence that made him seem taller. "I can't believe you're the big shot around here!"
"Haruto!" I laughed, embracing him. "Look at you! You've grown up!"
"I know, right? I'm practically a man now!" he declared proudly, puffing out his chest.
I couldn't help but smile. My siblings had always had a knack for lightening my mood, and their arrival felt like a breath of fresh air.
"Have you two met Selene?" I asked, glancing back at her, who stood a few steps away, watching us with an amused expression.
"Selene?" Satsuki's eyes lit up. "Is this the famed noble daughter of the Valerian duke?"
"The one and only," Selene said with a playful bow, and I could see my sister's curiosity piqued.
"Pleasure to meet you," Satsuki said, extending her hand. "I've heard great things about you. Ryuji talks about you a lot."
My heart raced at her words. Had I really been speaking about Selene so much?
Selene accepted Satsuki's handshake, a warm smile spreading across her face. "It's a pleasure to meet you too. Ryuji is quite the warrior; you must be proud."
Haruto chimed in, "Oh, he is! But he's also been practicing his charming skills, apparently!" He winked, causing my cheeks to heat.
"Haruto!" I groaned, embarrassed, but it only made them laugh.
"Ryuji, do you remember when we all practiced swordplay together?" Satsuki asked, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "You used to get so mad when Haruto and I would gang up on you!"
"Only because you cheated!" I retorted, and we all laughed, the warmth of our shared memories enveloping us.
As the crowd began to settle down, a line of elegantly dressed nobles approached the entrance, flanked by guards. The delegates had arrived. Their leader, a distinguished man with a commanding presence, stepped forward to address the crowd.
"Welcome, esteemed members of the Valorian Academy!" he announced. "We are honored to be here and look forward to strengthening the bonds between our kingdoms."
I watched intently, but my attention quickly shifted back to my siblings. The love and support radiating between us grounded me. I might be facing threats from the shadows, but at that moment, surrounded by my family and a budding friendship with Selene, I felt invincible.
"Whatever happens, we'll face it together," Satsuki said, her voice steady.
"Yes," Haruto added, determination in his eyes. "We're a team. Nothing can break us."
As the delegates began to speak, I found myself filled with renewed resolve. With my siblings by my side and Selene's growing friendship, I was ready to face whatever challenges awaited us.
Together, we would navigate this new world, and together, we would rise against the darkness looming in the background.