The early morning sun shone brightly over the Garcia estate as Rael and Eon prepared for their departure.
Accompanied by a group of knights from House Garcia, they were headed to the royal castle to pick up Artaigne Pendragon as arranged. Their journey was uneventful, but the air was filled with anticipation.
Upon arriving at the castle gates, they were welcomed by the royal guards, who escorted them to the throne room. As Rael walked through the grand halls with Eon by his side, he couldn't help but notice the buzz of activity—courtiers bustling, soldiers in formation, and officials hurrying about their duties.
He didn't pay attention before when he visited last time. Back then, for him, the castle was just a Manor, albeit large-sized, but the same as his home. But now, when he did pay attention, it felt... different.
After a brief introduction to the royal chamberlain, Rael requested an audience with King Arthur, as instructed by his father. The request for a private meeting was granted promptly, and Rael found himself standing before the King in the smaller council chamber.
He went down to one of his knees and greeted the King, following the formalities. "Azrael Garcia greets Your Majesty."
King Arthur nodded warmly but with a hint of curiosity. "Azrael, what brings you to me in private? It must be important if you use your father's name to have a private audience with me."
Rael nodded, handing over a sealed letter. "My father asked me to deliver this to you personally, Your Majesty. He said it's for your eyes only."
The King took the letter, breaking the seal carefully. His eyes scanned the contents, and his expression shifted from calm to contemplative. He folded the letter and placed it on the table beside him, letting out a heavy sigh.
"Your father's concerns are not unfounded, although doesn't need a private meeting," Arthur began, his voice somber. "There's trouble brewing at the borders with the Kingdom of Jotunheimr. With the death of Selene Garcia, there is indeed a high chance that an invasion of Freyles is possible. But your father is worried about something else. The abduction of nobles with rare talents, particularly young ones, to use as leverage."
Rael frowned, his fists clenching slightly. "Does Your Majesty also think they'll come after me and Eon?"
Arthur nodded gravely. "It's a real concern. Your gifts, especially yours, are extraordinary, Azrael. And your sister's potential makes her even more valuable in their eyes. Raphael, on the other hand, is untouchable. His master's reputation is enough to make even the most daring of enemies think twice."
He paused, narrowing his eyes. "Your father asked me to convince you to opt out of your decision to go to the Heavenly Academy, a place where you will be out of Camelot's protection."
Rael understood his words, but his resolve remained unshaken. "Your Majesty," he said firmly, "I still wish to go to the Heavenly Academy."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You're willing to take that risk?"
Rael met his gaze, his voice steady. "I believe the academy is safer than the royal academy."
"Oh? Why do you think so?" Arthur became curious. "Do you have reasons to back up your claims or is it just something you heard from the other party?"
Rael explained. "First of all, it's thriving in one of the harshest environments imaginable. That alone proves its strength. The academy is filled with powerful instructors and students who are more than capable of protecting themselves and others. I trust in its security. Secondly, the Royal Academy, or any other academy, has many things they want to protect, but the Heavenly Academy is the lone academy in the Arcana world, and they would only one goal, which is to prepare the next generation of Arcana Masters to fight off any danger in the wilderness and make sure to protect their life. Last but not least, the Academy's headmaster is one of the five mortal gods, the same as Lord Alexandrus. I believe the Jotunns wouldn't try to offend him."
The King studied Rael for a moment, his expression softening. "I see why your father trusts you to make your own decisions. But you must stay vigilant, Azrael. The academy may be a fortress, but even fortresses can be breached."
Rael nodded, appreciating the weight of the King's words. "I'll make sure to stay alert, Your Majesty. You have my word."
The King's voice lowered, his tone carrying a tinge of bitterness. "There's another matter, Azrael. You should know what Artaigne faces."
Rael's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Arthur sighed deeply. "Many in the royal family—especially those who despised Morgana—have long seen her children as remnants of her treachery. They suppressed Artaigne's abilities, keeping her locked away and untrained for years. It was only with Aurelius' request and insistence that they finally agreed to let her attend the Heavenly Academy."
Rael's expression darkened, anger brewing within him. "They only let her go because they expect her to fail, don't they?" He had a first-hand experience with those elders who always try to manipulate things using righteous statements. They tried to do the same to Eon, trying to suppress her abilities by trying to promote so-called lady qualities or whatever, but Rael's aggressive nature and his close bond with Eon were what helped them not to fall into those traps. Unfortunately for Artaigne, she didn't have someone to protect her in the castle.
Arthur met his gaze, a flicker of regret in his eyes. "Yes. Or worse, they believe the dangers of the Arcana world will take care of her. Don't be surprised if assassins follow you guys on your trip. She will be in extreme danger until the Academy starts."
Rael's fists clenched, but his voice was calm and resolute. "She won't be alone, Your Majesty. I'll keep her safe."
Arthur studied the boy, and a small smile broke through his otherwise stoic demeanor. "I believe you will."
When Rael returned to the castle courtyard, he found Artaigne waiting with Eon. The two girls sat on a bench in the garden, chatting quietly. Artaigne seemed more relaxed than he had ever seen her, her usual guarded demeanor softened by Eon's cheerful personality.
Rael approached, his gaze steady as he spoke. "Eon, Artaigne, my business is done here. Shall we leave?"
Artaigne and Eon looked at him, rising to their feet at the same time.
The time finally came to depart. Artaigne's trusted knight, Remia, stood by her side, ensuring that everything was in order. The horse-drawn carriages waited at the gates, ready to take them to the world portal point—a gateway to the Arcana world located on the outskirts of the royal city.
As Artaigne climbed into the carriage, she glanced back at the castle one last time. For years, it had been her prison, but now it felt like she was leaving behind the shackles that had bound her.
Rael and Eon boarded their own carriage, riding alongside the knights. The journey ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but Rael was determined to make this trip successful.
As the carriages rolled through the city streets, the towering spires of the castle receded into the distance. Ahead of them lay the world portal—a shimmering gateway to the brave new world built by the guardian god, a world for the monsters.