The carriage rattled down the cobblestone path, its ornate wheels clicking rhythmically against the stones. Leaning out of the window, Elluah's grin was wide and infectious.
"Have a good day!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying above the chatter of the academy's courtyard.
Yen stood still, raising a fist to meet his brother's outstretched one.
"I will," Yen replied, his tone calm yet warm.
The gesture, though brief, was filled with an unspoken promise—a bond only siblings could share. Elluah lingered for just a moment longer, offering one last encouraging smile before the carriage began to roll away, pulled by a team of dappled horses.
Yen watched as the vehicle disappeared into the distance, knowing full well his elder brother would be late for his palace duties just to ensure Yen arrived at school safely. The thought brought a fleeting sense of comfort, one that clung to him like the fading scent of Elluah's cologne.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves gradually faded into the background, leaving behind a stillness that was almost unsettling. Yen exhaled softly, brushing invisible dust off his sleeves as he prepared to make his way toward the academy gates.
"Woaaah~"
The unexpected exclamation shattered his thoughts. Yen turned sharply toward the source of the voice, his sharp gaze landing on an unfamiliar figure standing just a few paces away.
The girl was striking, not just for her cheerful energy but for her peculiar appearance. Her dark hair was adorned with crimson ribbons and silver hairpins, arranged in a style that was anything but conventional. It was deliberate, whimsical, and, in a strange way, charming.
Yen blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the girl's bright smile and animated presence.
"Was that Elluah Von Sumidra?" she asked, stepping closer with a bounce in her step. Her enthusiasm was so palpable that Yen instinctively stepped back.
"Yes," he replied, his tone measured as he studied her with a practiced calm.
The girl's uniform identified her as a student of Proven Academy, yet everything about her—from her casual demeanor to her lively aura—clashed with the composed airs of the other noble students. Her accent, laced with a rural undertone, revealed origins far from the capital.
"And you must be the youngest son. Yen, right? My name's Lili!"
She extended her hand boldly, her smile widening as her crimson eyes sparkled with mischief. Yen hesitated but eventually took her hand, intending to follow etiquette by bowing and kissing the back of it.
However, her firm handshake threw him off entirely.
"A handshake?" Yen thought, puzzled but quick to recover.
"It seems you already know of my background," Yen remarked, retracting his hand and keeping a polite distance. "May I ask who you are, Lady Lili?"
Lili leaned in slightly, her expression conspiratorial. Yen reflexively took another step back, his brow furrowing as she glanced around theatrically.
"I'm one of the three scholars," she whispered, as if sharing a state secret. Then, as if she couldn't contain herself any longer, she straightened up and burst into speech.
"I'm from Delgora Village—never heard of it? Figures. It's super far from here. We're a group of dragon kin. Not that anyone's turned into a dragon in centuries, but we're still naturally strong! Some of us even become fire elementalists. Like me!"
Yen blinked as she continued her rapid-fire explanation, her words tumbling out like a waterfall.
"Anyway, I didn't think I'd pass the entrance exams for Proven Academy. Honestly, neither did my parents—pfft!" Lili paused to laugh, her vibrant chuckle echoing through the otherwise empty courtyard.
Yen's composure cracked slightly as he struggled to keep up.
"But you know," she continued, her tone suddenly more thoughtful, "something drew me here. Like an invisible connection, y'know? And when my gut says something, I listen. So here I am!"
She finished with a flourish, her hands on her hips, her smile radiating pride.
"Oh, and one more thing—your family!" she exclaimed, pointing a finger at him. "The Marquisate of Sumidra is fascinating. And you—Yen—you're the most interesting of all!"
Yen stiffened under her intense gaze. Before he could form a response, she took a dramatic step forward, her crimson eyes alight with determination.
"I've been observing you ever since I was admitted last month," she declared. "And I've decided—please marry me!"
The world seemed to fall silent.
"…What?" Yen finally managed, his voice caught between disbelief and alarm.
Lili tilted her head, her smile never wavering.
"Marry me," she repeated, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
For a long moment, Yen could only blink. Every time he tried to form a coherent thought, Lili's sheer audacity left him speechless. Finally, he adjusted his glasses, pushing them up the bridge of his nose as he regained his composure.
"…It was nice meeting you, Lady Lili," he said with a polite smile. With an elegant bow, he turned on his heel and strode toward the academy gates.
"Wait—was that a yes?!" Lili called after him.
Yen pretended not to hear.
The familiar bustle of Proven Academy greeted Yen as he stepped through the gates. The sprawling grounds stretched before him, alive with movement—students in polished uniforms strolled the cobblestone paths, their chatter and laughter blending with the rustling of trees. The air carried the faint fragrance of asters from the academy gardens, a soothing contrast to the energy of the courtyard.
As Yen walked, he felt the weight of countless gazes. Some were fleeting glances of awe, others lingered with whispers trailing behind them.
"Good morning, Young master Yen!"
A group of students hurried over to greet him, their smiles bright and deferential. Yen inclined his head politely. "Good morning," he replied, his voice steady.
The exchange was practiced and routine. While he returned each greeting with grace, there was no denying the hollowness beneath the admiration. They revered the name Von Sumidra, not Yen himself.
The academy's grand marble façade loomed ahead, its towering columns and intricate carvings a testament to centuries of prestige. For most, Proven Academy was a place to forge their futures. For Yen, it was another arena where he had to excel—or risk disgrace.
Nearby, a group of older students whispered.
"…His Soulbound ceremony is next week…"
"…Of course, he'll summon something extraordinary…"
"…Will he surpass his brothers?"
The words sliced through him, though he showed no reaction. Instead, he walked on, his expression calm.
The Soulbound ceremony. It was no mere tradition. For a Von Sumidra, it was everything—a test of worth, a reflection of potential. His brothers had summoned creatures of legendary strength, their ceremonies etched into the academy's history. The mere thought of falling short tightened the knot of worry in his chest.
Failure wasn't an option.
Reaching the main hall, Yen paused at the towering arched doors. Adjusting his glasses, he stepped inside, the grandeur of the space washing over him—polished marble, stained-glass windows casting golden hues, and the lively hum of students.