The sight of the lists amazed Artaigne, her eyes lighting up as she took in the spectacle of knights charging at each other with lances raised. "It's my first time watching a jousting match," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "It's so... exciting."
Rael glances at her, a pang of pity tugging at his heart. "You've never been here before? What do you usually do with your time?"
Artaigne hesitated, her smile faltering. "I... mostly stay in my room. I read, knit, accompany the cook, sing, dance, or study, I suppose. Father says those are suitable activities for girls like me born in the royal family."
Rael tilted his head. "And what do you want to do?"
Her expression brightened, and she spoke eagerly. "I would love to learn how to ride horses like the knights! Or practice with my daggers properly. Maybe even learn how to use a bow. But... those aren't things I'm allowed to do."
Rael's eyes softened. "When you go to the academy, you'll have more freedom. You can do all those things."
Artaigne's smile grows wistful. "You think so?"
Rael nods. "I know so. At the academy, your skills and desires will matter more than what people think of your mother. You'll be free to live how you want."
Artaigne looks at him with gratitude, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Rael. I…."
She was about to speak something, but then the crowd erupted in cheers as a knight was unhorsed, the excitement of the match pulling their attention back to the lists. For a moment, Artaigne forgot her worries, immersed in the thrill of the spectacle.
As the jousting match continued in the background, Rael leaned back against the wooden railing, watching the knights but lost in thought. "You know," he started, "I understand how you feel. Back at home, it wasn't much different for me."
Artaigne looks at him curiously, tilting her head. "Really? How so?"
Rael let out a deep sigh. "Most of the family sees me as a nuisance. A crazy troublemaker they'd rather avoid. The only one who truly loves me is my sis, Eon. She's the only person who ever made me feel like I belonged. I fought hard to win this tournament because I couldn't bear the thought of being separated from her."
He paused, his voice dropping. "We're triplets, you know. My older brother Raphael is part of that set, but... it doesn't feel like it. He's always distant and cold. He never really spends time with us, not properly. Perhaps, he hated us. That's why he hurt Eon as if her life doesn't matter. I took revenge on him but had to forgive him because my sister doesn't want it." *Sigh*
Artaigne's expression softened as she listened to his story. "At least you have Eon," she said quietly. "She cares for you. Mordred doesn't even acknowledge me. All he thinks about is getting stronger and becoming some great general. I'm nothing to him."
Rael glanced at her, noticing the melancholy in her eyes. "That must feel awful."
She nodded, gripping the edge of the railing. "It does. Sometimes, I can't help but look forward to the day I can leave this prison. The castle... it's so suffocating."
Rael hesitated before speaking, his tone hopeful. "You know, my sister and I are planning to enroll in the Heavenly Academy, located in the Arcana world. No noble family influence, no unfair expectations. Just a place to grow and prove yourself. What's more… unlike the other Arcana academies that only take in when one reaches the age of 12, the Heavenly Academy's age requirement is only 8 years old."
Artaigne's eyes light up. "That sounds amazing. But... isn't it hard to get in?"
Rael nods. "It is. But, Eon and I are determined to make it there as it is the only place my family's influence doesn't reach."
Artaigne leans closer, a glimmer of hope in her voice. "Do you think I could... go there too? I don't know whether I have such potential."
Rael smiled. "Why not? You might not have stepped into the world of Arcana Masters, but it is still a fact that your Arcana spirit is a gold-grade Arcana. I heard that with the right approach, we can mutate our Arcana three times naturally. Once at 3-star to 4-star realm breakthrough, second time at 6-star to 7-star realm breakthrough, and third at 9-star to demigod realm breakthrough. And once through some forbidden ritual method that I'm not aware of. That means a gold-grade Arcana could theoretically become a celestial grade, too. All you need is courage to move forward and determined to work hard." He encouraged her with a simple logical fact. Or atleast the words he believed with his heart.
She grinned back, a rare genuine smile lighting up her face. "After I convince my uncle to let me study there, we'll go together."
Rael extended his hand to her, sealing the promise. "Deal."
As their hands clasp, a loud cheer erupts from the crowd, pulling their attention back to the jousting.
The next day morning;
Rael stood beside his father, his eyes scanning the grand throne hall as they entered. The assembly was packed with ministers, court officials, and several citizens who had gathered to witness the ceremony. The rich, golden light of the sun filtered through the tall, stained-glass windows, bathing the room in a warm glow. The air was thick with anticipation.
King Arthur, seated upon the throne, regarded Rael and his father with a calculated yet warm expression. As the Duke and Rael approached, Arthur rose and addressed the gathered crowd.
"Today, I stand before you to announce the reward for a young boy, whose strength and resolve have shown great promise. Azrael Orkney Garcia, the champion of the Rookie Tournament, is no longer just the son of Duke Aurelius—he is a future pillar of Camelot," the king declared, his voice carrying across the room. "A future knight, and perhaps even more."
Rael, still processing the weight of the king's words, straightened up instinctively. He couldn't help but clench his fists. Months ago, the same King didn't even bother to write a special message to him. But now, he praised him as the future pillar of Camelot.
If Rael would say that he wasn't affected by it much, it would be a lie. He felt great joy in his heart. If there was something missing, it was Eon. He already had a tough sleep during the past couple of days without her presence. And he missed her even more right now. Rael couldn't help but think that Eon would be happier to see the King praising him.
Arthur's next words stunned the entire hall, including himself.
"To honor his victory, I hereby grant him a reward—The Armor of Hephaestus," King Arthur continued. The words hung in the air, sending a ripple through the room. The nobles gasped in disbelief. Even Rael's father, a demigod who wouldn't be attracted by some worldly possessions, could not hide his shock.
"What!" A collective thought appeared in almost every member present in the throne hall.