That morning, the sky was a pale gray. A gentle breeze carried fallen leaves across the courtyard of House Rynthier.
Irelith stood at the main gate, flanked by two palace servants. Behind her, the Duke's ornate carriage was ready to depart.
Kael stood across from her, hiding the weight in his chest behind a calm expression.
> "So… you're really leaving today?" he asked quietly.
Irelith met his eyes. Her gaze was as cold as ever—but there was something different this time. Something softer.
> "It's time. My father won't let me stay any longer."
She stepped forward—and without warning, wrapped her arms around Kael.
Warm. Gentle. So unlike her usual self.
> "Don't forget me," she whispered. "If you do… I'll make you pay."
Kael froze, then slowly returned her embrace.
> "I promise."
Irelith released him and turned away, walking toward the carriage without looking back.
> "Wait for me to grow up, Kael Rynthier. We're not finished yet."
The carriage rolled away, leaving only dust… and a long silence.
Kael remained still, staring at the now-empty road.
---
Time moved quickly.
Ten years passed.
The world had changed—and so had Kael.
The rebellion in the Kingdom of Vardain had spread wider. The western border was almost always veiled in the smoke of war. In the last decade, Lord Alvan had returned home only a few times… and every time, he brought back wounds, exhaustion, and grim reports from the frontlines.
Kael grew up in the midst of it all.
No longer an eight-year-old boy lost in confusion. Now, an eighteen-year-old young man with a sharp gaze and a calm demeanor. His training in sword and magic had never ceased.
And House Rynthier… had welcomed new life.
---
> "Big Brooo~!!"
A high-pitched voice echoed across the back garden.
A little girl with chestnut hair ran toward Kael and hugged his leg tightly.
> "Alya, slow down," Kael chuckled, patting his younger sister's head.
Alya, now four years old, was his half-sister—born in the fourth year after Irelith left.
She was like a little sun, lighting up the house in a time filled with growing tension and war.
> "Are you leaving again, big brother?" she asked, eyes wide.
> "Just for a little while," Kael smiled.
> "To the garden? Can you bring back flowers?"
Kael laughed softly.
> "If there are any flowers there, I'll bring you one."
---
That night, Kael sat alone in his study.
In his hand was an official scroll, sealed with the royal crest—an acceptance letter to the Aezrith Royal Academy of Magic and Warfare.
The first step into the true world of nobility.
The first step into destiny.
As he opened an old journal, a yellowed letter slipped out.
A letter… from Irelith. Dated three years ago.
> "I miss you so much. Don't you miss me too? Oh! I almost forgot to tell you—I'll be entering the Royal Academy in three years. You'll be there too, right?"
> "I'm looking forward to seeing you again after that goodbye."
> "This time, I want to meet you not just as your fiancée... but as your worthy bride. (Just kidding. Or am I?)"
Kael stared up at the night sky beyond his window.
> "Irelith…"
He clutched the invitation letter tightly.
---
The next morning.
The scent of warm soup filled the dining room. Alya's voice rang out as she played with her spoon.
Kael sat at the table with his mother and sister. His travel pack and dark cloak, bearing the Rynthier crest, were already prepared.
> "Don't forget to eat properly over there," his mother said as she scooped soup into his bowl.
> "And don't push yourself too hard," she added, her voice slightly trembling.
> "I'll be fine," Kael smiled. "You've prepared me for this my whole life."
Alya hugged his arm.
> "You promise to come back, big bro? Don't take too long!"
> "I promise," Kael said, pinching her cheek gently.
Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the room in gold.
Kael stood, pulling on his cloak. In his hand was the invitation—the first key to his new future.
He turned at the door.
> "Mother, Alya… thank you for everything."
> "Safe journey, Kael. And stay strong," his mother replied, smiling—though her eyes shimmered with tears.
---
And thus, Kael's journey to the Aezrith Royal Academy began.
There, power would be tested.
And promises from the past would finally be brought face to face with reality.