The academy sent an attendant to guide them through the city—a bustling hub filled with students, merchants, and professionals who supported the academy's operations.
Their first stop was a modest two-bedroom house, located just a short walk from the academy. "This house rents for 1,000 gold coins a month," the attendant explained. "It's perfect for a small group like yours."
Rael inspected the house, noting its simplicity. It was clean and functional but he wasn't satisfied.
Eon frowned. "This won't do. There are eight of us, including the knights. If I and my brother take one room and Artaigne and her knight take the other bedroom. Our Knights would be sleeping in the living room. We don't mind a modest life but we still belonged to House Garcia. There is no way I would allow our knights to face such a predicament."
As Eon spoke, the same words appeared in Rael's mind; he nodded firmly, agreeing with her completely. "Don't mind the price. Just bring us to a larger house with atleast four bedrooms. The merrier, the better. It would also be nice to have a front yard to practice our swings or have a spar."
The attendant looked surprised but quickly recovered. "I understand. There are larger homes further from the academy, though the rent will be higher."
Determined to find a suitable residence, the group continued their search. As they moved through the city, Eon's mood shifted. She couldn't shake her unease about Artaigne, who followed quietly, her wide eyes taking in the sights.
Artaigne, sensing the tension, spoke hesitantly on the way after they failed to find a perfect house five times in a row. "If it's causing trouble, I don't mind staying in the dorms. I'm used to being on my own."
Rael glanced at her, his expression softening. "You're part of this group now. We'll find a place that works for everyone."
Eon said nothing but looked away, her expression unreadable.
Meanwhile, a figure watched from the top of a towering spire. The man's hood concealed his face, but his eyes followed the horse carriage the trio was riding with knights riding along on individual horses.
"She made it into the academy," he muttered to himself. "This complicates things. Three weeks left till the academy starts. I need to finish my job before they move into the academy dorms."
The man jumped down from the top of the spire and disappeared into the air.
After hours of searching, Rael, Eon, and Artaigne, along with their knights, came across a luxury duplex located on the outskirts of Central City. It had eight rooms, more than enough to accommodate everyone in their group. But, what's surprising is its rental price.
The attendant explained the details. "This property rents for 200 gold coins per week, but there's a reason for its low price. Its location near the wilderness makes it prone to monster attacks and theft, and the city guards don't patrol this far out regularly."
Rael surveyed the house. Though modest in appearance, it was spacious and sturdy, with enough land for training or defense. It was close to the wilderness, making it the perfect base for their goals.
Rael turned to the others. "This is exactly what we need. The whole point of coming to Arcana World is to grow stronger. Being near the wilderness means we'll have plenty of opportunities to fight monsters regularly."
His knights, all in the 7-star soul realm, exchanged confident glances. Their captain nodded. "With us here, this place will be as secure as any royal palace."
Eon looked at her brother with mild concern. "You're not just thinking about fighting, are you? What about rest? Artaigne and the others might not be as ready for danger as we are."
Rael gave her a reassuring smile. "The city's security alone is enough of a shield. This is a level-2 region, not some uncharted frontier. And we have knights."
However, Remia, Artaigne's knight, was not convinced. "Your reasoning might work for yourself and your sister," she said firmly, "but my duty is to protect the princess. This location is unacceptable. If an emergency arises, I may have to abandon you all to ensure her safety."
Her words drew mixed reactions. Artaigne looked torn, not wanting to cause trouble, while Eon frowned in irritation.
Rael crossed his arms. "Remia, the Central City isn't exactly defenseless. It's surrounded by powerful Arcana Masters, and the academy itself oversees the region's security. Monsters near here wouldn't be strong enough to pose a real threat."
One of Rael's knights interjected, "Not entirely true, my lord. This area borders an open zone, where even higher-level monsters occasionally roam. It's not unheard of for them to wander close."
Rael remained calm. "That's even better. Stronger monsters mean stronger opponents. This place fits our purpose perfectly."
Remia stood her ground, her expression hard. "Even if you're confident, my first duty is to ensure Artaigne's safety. If things turn dire, I will take her away to protect her."
With Remia keeping objective of every decision her brother took, Eon finally snapped at her.
Eon stepped forward, her tone sharp without mincing any words. "You're free to leave with her if that happens, but don't assume we're depending on you for protection. Our father deployed four knights to protect us. Each of them is as strong as you, by the way."
Remia's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing further, sensing the conversation wasn't going in her favor.
After a tense pause, Artaigne spoke softly. "If Rael thinks this is the best choice, then I trust his judgment. I'll stay."
Rael gave her a brief, approving nod without caring enough to ask Remia's opinion either. "Good. Let's finalize it." Like Eon, he, too, had enough of her. The only reason he was being patient with her because she was Artaigne's royal knight, not a knight of Garcia House.
Remia sighed but didn't protest further. "Fine, but we'll need to set up shifts for the knights and fortify the place. No chances."
The group arranged the rental and immediately began preparing their new home. The knights surveyed the surroundings and set up patrols. Rael, meanwhile, sketched plans for a training area in the open yard.
Little did they know that they were being followed by a mysterious figure, and far from the house, in the woods, the same figure was watching the house, sitting on top of a branch. "Okay, it looks like they will temporarily stay here for the next three weeks. But there are five knights. I can't handle them by myself and if I bring any help, they would notice. Hmm… I guess I have to wait for the perfect opportunity."
Back at the house, as Remia left to check the mansion's surroundings for traps or hidden dangers, the tension in the room eased. Artaigne lowered her gaze, her voice soft. "I'm sorry for Remia's behavior earlier. She can be… overprotective."
Rael shook his head, a faint smile on his face. "There's nothing to apologize for. Every knight takes their duty seriously. Protecting you is her responsibility. And from now onwards, it is also mine."
Artaigne blushed, looking down and drawing circles on the floor with her shoe. "Thanks."
Eon crossed her arms, watching their interaction in silence, slightly annoyed. When she first met the princess, Eon found a potential friend but as hours passed, she couldn't help but get annoyed every now and then, but she couldn't do anything about it as Artaigne seemed like a nice girl.
Perhaps she didn't like the fact that there was another girl in her brother's life. Until now, only both of them were in their world. Now, all of a sudden, it seemed like someone else had broken into their world.
In the end, she could only inwardly sigh, trying to think of something else in order to change her mood.