Xora shifted uncomfortably, tugging at his tie, clearly impatient and bored.
"Can we get to the academy already...?" he muttered, his thoughts wandering as he wished to be anywhere but here. His day had been problematic from the start. He was searched upon arrival, followed closely by a knight, and then left waiting for over an hour while Estellia picked out dresses. During this time, Edwick droned on about protocol and proper etiquette, both for here and the academy.
When Estellia finally settled on a dress, Xora was subjected to an endless, mind-numbing trauma dump from the princess. She confided in him about how her family, aside from her grandfather, had ostracized her for being a bastard. She lamented that she hadn't inherited their iconic trait: the Dawn family's golden magical eyes, which allowed them to see attacks just before they occurred. Instead, her eyes were plain green, like dull jewels.
Afterward, Xora had to wait outside again as her family arrived. Her father, Prince Ravius Dawn, was a man with sleek black hair, a deadpan expression, and a perpetual scowl. Standing beside him was his wife, Irlene, a pompous and arrogant noblewoman with fiery red hair that perfectly matched her fiery attitude. She often hid her smug smile behind a folding fan while hovering behind her husband. The eldest child, Reverick Dawn, took after his father, emotionally distant, though not cruel. The second child, Emilia, was competitive and headstrong, often pestering knights, servants, or even her own family to spar. She had inherited her late mother's blonde hair and fiery temperament and was undoubtedly the most favored of the three siblings.
Xora leaned against the wall, listening to the muffled exchange between Estellia and her family. Their conversation was tense, marked by long pauses punctuated by sudden outbursts. Eventually, it fell silent before Estellia spoke a few quiet words. The door opened, and she emerged, shaken but composed, walking past him without a word. He followed her down the hall.
The drama continued as Estellia entered the throne room. The atmosphere was quiet and tense, with small talk exchanged between the royals. Xora, though relegated to the sidelines, couldn't help but marvel at the opulence of the golden chamber. Amid the splendor, he noticed a knight who seemed out of place. She was tall, dressed in lighter armor than the others, and conspicuously helmetless. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail. Xora caught her glaring at him before she quickly looked away.
"Is that right, then?" the king asked, his brow raised. "You still wish to attend the academy despite the attack?"
"Yes, Grandfather," Estellia replied with a firm nod.
The king sighed. "Then I will assign some of my personal guard to accompany you at the academy."
She shook her head politely. "I appreciate your kind gesture, but the academy already has excellent security. I will be safe there."
"Is that so? But this is for your own protection, my sweet child," he said, clearing his throat. "What if the academy's security proves inadequate? That is why you need your own guards."
"If you insist, Grandfather. But I am sure I'll have my own little hero to protect me," she said with a soft smile, casting a glance toward Xora.
Following her gaze, the king's eyes settled on Xora. "So, you're the one responsible for saving my granddaughter?"
Xora nodded silently.
"Tell me your name, young man," the king commanded, his gaze piercing.
"Xora," he answered simply.
"Family name?"
"None."
"Would you care to explain?"
Xora hesitated before replying. "I woke up alone in the forest near elven territory. I have no memory of who I was before that. I chose the name Xora as a compromise."
"That is unfortunate," the king said thoughtfully. "I could arrange for you to meet with a magician who specializes in mental magic."
Xora shook his head. "Thank you, but I'd prefer to figure it out on my own."
The king looked surprised but nodded. "Very well. A proper reward is in order."
Before he could continue, Estellia spoke up. "If I may, Grandfather. I believe Xora should attend the academy. He has a strong desire to grow, and I believe the academy could help him realize his potential."
The king turned his attention back to Xora, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Is that so? The academy is highly selective, accepting only the best and most talented individuals." His gaze drifted briefly as if recalling tales of the academy's exceptional students.
"Since this recommendation comes from you," he said to Estellia, "I will send a letter to the Headmaster." Turning back to Xora, he asked, "Do you have an ID? If not, I'll arrange for one to be made."
"Thank you," Xora said sincerely.
The king nodded curtly. "That will be all for today. I have a meeting to attend." Rising from his throne, he approached Xora and grasped his hand firmly. "Thank you for saving my granddaughter."
Xora smiled faintly, meeting the king's eyes.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
After leaving the throne room, Xora was encouraged by the princess to explore the palace. She mentioned having other matters to attend to and hurried off, leaving him alone in the hallway.
Xora wandered through the grand halls, his shoes echoing on the polished marble floor as he passed by paintings of vast oceans, towering mountains, and regal figures. His thoughts drifted to his brief time in this strange world and how quickly his life had escalated, from hunting in the wilds to standing in a royal palace among important figures. He still yearned to grow stronger, even if it meant navigating the intricate rules of this unfamiliar realm.
'Still... I decided back then, I won't eat humans. I can't, for the sake of... well, I guess it's just wrong. The thought felt like a moral anchor amidst the chaos. He set another rule for himself: I will not eat humans, but monsters, animals, and other non-human creatures? Fair game.'
His wandering brought him to a small courtyard where knights were training on a concrete platform. Some were striking wooden dummies with dull blades, while others performed exercises without armor. Xora watched them with interest as he sat on a nearby bench.
Though he had never wielded a sword, he recalled the extensive training the Hero went through, achieving near "Sword Saint" levels of mastery. He chuckled at his own inadequacy. 'Even if I know the general moves, I'm nowhere near fast or strong enough to use those techniques effectively. Compared to him, I'm basically an infant trying to pick up a sword.' The comparison amused him. 'I really am funny.'
The training yard was massive, divided into multiple platforms, a testament to the size and luxury of the palace. It had its own fully-equipped space for the knights and guards stationed there.
"Why are you here?"
The sudden voice startled him. He turned to see a tall, sleek girl approaching. He recognized her immediately as the knight who had glared at him in the throne room. She wore leather chest armor over a white tunic, paired with black leather pants. A towel in hand, she wiped the sweat from her forehead, though her expression remained sharp and unwelcoming.
"Huh?" he blurted, caught off guard.
"Don't huh me. I asked why you're here," she said, her tone impatient.
"Can't I be here?"
"Well... you can."
"Then what's the problem?"
She stepped closer, jabbing a finger into his chest. "The problem is you. Sure, you saved the princess, but there's something... off about you. You've got a bad vibe."
"Bad vibe?"
"Yeah, bad vibe. Something's up with you, I can tell." She crossed her arms, still glaring.
Did she sense me? No... That's impossible. I have the Hero's Blessing. It should conceal my true nature... unless—could she be evil?
Hero's Blessing (Partially sealed)
Grants the Hero
80% faster skill learning (1/3)
Able to master techniques, magic and faith spells faster.
Light presence
Emits an aura that attracts good and repels evil.
Divine protection(1/3)
Grants a 20% defence against physical, magical, holy, demonic and eldritch attacks.
Blade of Solaris(1/10)
Summons a fragment of the Sun God blade into pure energy powered by the sun. Is only able to use during the day and will damage you if you use it more than ten seconds.
'Even though most of the blessings are locked behind the seal, the Light Presence should have concealed me... unless she's evil herself.'
He shifted around. "Anyways, who are you?"
She rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. "Like you don't know," she muttered before sighing. "I'm Squire Kesa. I serve Sir Reynauld."
Amused, Xora smirked. "Only a squire?"
Her face turned crimson with anger, and she growled, "What do you mean by that?" She grabbed his tie, yanking him forward.
"I just mean that... it's not really that... impressive," he teased, flashing a sly smile.
SMACK!
Xora landed on the ground with a thud, clutching his cheek where her fist had struck. The sting was sharp but manageable. Around them, the knights stopped their training, turning their attention to the commotion. Kesa still had her fist raised, poised for more if he dared provoke her again.
"How's that?" she smirked, clearly satisfied.
Xora got to his feet, shrugging nonchalantly. "I mean, it's alright."
Her smirk faltered. "Alright?" she repeated, her brows furrowing in disbelief.
"You know what?" She clenched her fists. "I challenge you to a duel. I'll show you how strong a squire really is."
"Are you serious?" Xora grinned, a flicker of excitement lighting up his eyes. "Finally, some action. I accept. With blades?"
"With blades," Kesa replied, her voice firm and her eyes blazing with determination.