Rael didn't hesitate. "Raphael is the next Duke, not me. I don't have to follow Loholt's commands. And as for me… I don't plan on being a soldier for Camelot. I'm not some pawn to be used in their game of politics."
Duke Aurelius turned to look at his son with a faint smile. "I know, son. You're not one to be controlled. But remember, this world isn't easy on those who refuse to follow its rules."
Rael's expression softened slightly. "As long as Eon is with me, I don't need anything else. I just want peace. We'll make our own way, away from all the political games. That's all I need."
Aurelius nodded, his face unreadable. "I understand. But don't forget—sometimes, the peace we seek is never achieved without making sacrifices. Right now, you can't comprehend it. You will understand the true meaning of these words when you grow up to be an adult."
Rael turned his gaze ahead, looking out toward the wide open windows of the hallway. He could see the vastness of Camelot beyond the castle walls, the kingdom that loomed like a looming shadow over their lives.
Yet for Rael, there was only one thing that mattered: Eon. He had already made his decision, and no amount of royal politics or promises of power would change that.
*
The elders of the House, having deliberated long into the night, found themselves in a heated argument over the matter of betrothal.
While they accepted that Artaigne could indeed be a suitable match for Rael, they insisted that as the eldest son and rightful heir of House Garcia, Raphael should be the first to be betrothed. It was a matter of tradition and precedent, they argued—rules that had been upheld for generations.
As Raphael's soul orb is restored, many of those, who had doubts and wanted to switch over to Rael's side, found their loyalty again and fought hard for Raphael.
At the same time, some elders began to see Rael in a new light. With the King's intention to tie him to the royal family, they found a great reason to back him up. They defended him, stating that Raphael could not be considered the true heir of the house. He was merely the eldest because the maids took him out of the womb first before the other two. As for inheritance, they argued that Rael's right over Dukedom is the same as Raphael's. Some even stated that Rael defeated Raphael fair and square, even showing mercy on him by reviving his soul orb. So, Rael has the greater claim to the heirship.
The Duke couldn't help but grab his head, feeling ache because of the sudden development of two factions among the elder council.
Meanwhile, at the royal castle, Artaigne found herself lost in thought, daydreaming about Rael. The idea of meeting him again at the academy and spending daily with him for years made her heart race, though she had no idea what the future truly held. Her thoughts intensified after learning that she was betrothed to the very first person she had taken a liking to.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the excited chatter of her maids, who had been watching the recent events unfold with much curiosity. They were all around her age, and despite their duties as personal attendants, they couldn't help but indulge in gossip, particularly about the recent competition and Rael's victory.
"Did you hear? Prince Loholt's got nothing on Azrael!" one of them squealed, much to Artaigne's amusement.
Another maid chimed in, her voice full of admiration, "I can't believe Azrael beat his brother, who, in fact, is the disciple of the Great Alexandrus. I heard Raphael is no match for him. He was beaten black and blue."
Artaigne, still lost in her own daydream, snapped back to reality at the mention of Raphael. "Rael's not just about winning tournaments," she replied defensively, her tone unexpectedly sharp. "He has a different kind of strength." She couldn't help but stick up for him, because of what he had done for her. He believed in her potential—something that her own family, especially her brother Mordred, had never seen in her.
The maids, teasing her with knowing smiles, didn't miss the hint of affection in Artaigne's voice. "Looks like our princess has already developed a soft spot for her future husband," one of them whispered playfully, causing the others to giggle.
Artaigne's face flushed, and she tried to hide her embarrassment. "It's not like that," she muttered, trying to brush off their teasing. "I just think he's different. That's all."
Weeks passed, and the tension between father and son grew. Duke Aurelius, as always, had his mind set on ensuring his children's futures were aligned with the kingdom's best interests. Rael, however, had different plans.
"We don't want to go to the royal academy," Rael said firmly, his eyes narrowed in determination. "We want to go to the Heavenly Academy."
Aurelius, caught off guard by his son's refusal, sighed heavily. He had expected this kind of pushback but hadn't expected it so soon. "Son," he began in a measured tone, "the royal academy is where both of you need to be. You'll have the best education there, and your prospects will be better."
Rael shook his head. "I don't want to follow in anyone's footsteps. I want to carve my own path. The Heavenly Academy is the only one where I'll learn what I need to truly become strong. That's where Eon and I belong."
Aurelius, seeing the fire in his son's eyes, knew he couldn't force him. The promise he made to Rael about allowing him to live his life as he saw fit still held weight. Despite his personal reservations, he was bound by that promise.
With a heavy heart, the Duke finally relented. "Fine," he said. "But don't think this is easy. You're going to have to prove yourself in that place. It's not some ordinary academy—it's in a completely different world, and you'll be facing competition like no other."
Rael nodded eagerly, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "I'll prove myself. Eon and I won't fail." After a brief pause, he added. "By the way, I made a promise with Artaigne that we would study at Heavenly Academy together. I hope Father will convince His Majesty to send her with us."
"Of course, I'll convince His… Wait… what?" Aurelius flabbergasted at his son. It wasn't enough that he was going into that pit of hell and dragging his sister with him. Does he intend to drag down his fiancee as well?
In the end, it was decided. Rael and Eon would leave for the academy in September, accompanied by a group of knights to ensure their safe passage and preparation for the entrance trials.
If they succeed in the entrance trial, they will get into the Heavenly Academy. If they fail and return, they must attend the Royal Academy as the Duke planned.
Meanwhile, Raphael chose a different path. Rather than following a traditional path to the academy, he decided to focus on his training with his master. He was determined to grow stronger than ever, both in strength and mind, not for the sake of fame or glory, but to become a true protector of his family and home.
As the days grew shorter and the time to leave for the academy approached, Rael and Eon prepared for the next stage of their lives.