I barely manage to catch the young prince as he suddenly falls unconscious.

I gently lift him into my arms. I look down at him, conflicting emotions boiling within me. I only managed to catch parts of what he said amidst his panic. I've only ever witnessed one person panic in such a manner, and it is not a fond memory. From my limited experience I know that one cannot lie when in such a state. Or, at least, that's what I've seen.

If it weren't for my understanding of his distress, I would be hard pressed to believe him. Even with that in mind, it's still difficult to believe him. To be a human from another world, reincarnated by the gods into a prince? It's truly preposterous!

However…there have been claims of divine intervention in the past. Who is to say that this is not a case of divine intervention? After all, if there is life outside of our world, who else would know but the gods?

He had a strange term for the gods, however. He called them the Watchers. I wonder if that is a term from his home, or if that is what the gods call themselves?

Then again, who's to say that the gods he met are the same as ours?

As I start to make my way out of the courtyard, and towards the small village of student housing, I'm stopped by a familiar face.

"H-Headmaster."

The man nods, slowly and silently. "Dame Alex."

"How much did you hear?"

"All of it." When I blink, he is standing directly in front of me, looking down at Eric. I didn't think he was so close, but…perhaps it was a trick of the light.

"Then…"

He extend a hand towards Eric. "Allow me to show you something."

"What are you-"

I'm rendered speechless as he places what I recognize as a Soul Stone on His Highness' chest. It immediately begins to glow, but something is…different.

No matter who or what you are, when exposed to a soul stone, it will only ever glow one color.

But for Eric, it glows in two.

A brilliant blue, and a hazy orange.

The blue is constant and strong, whereas the orange is hardly present - shifting in and out of existence, almost as though it were a boat barely managing to float in an endless sea.

"As I suspected. Eric's soul is still present, but only just. It almost seems as though a select few bits of Eric were removed, and embedded within this new soul. How interesting…"

"As you suspected…?" A disconcerted frown spreads across my lips. "How long have you known?"

"Since the moment he walked through my gates. As I told you and the other knights during your dinner, Dame Alex - I am aware of all that transpires within this Academy."

The words that once brought a mild sense of security, now have a hint of danger to them.

"Ah - and I would appreciate it if you would keep this between us. His Highness does not need to know about this."

"That is not for you to decide."

"Too true. As such, that is why I said I would appreciate it. As a personal favor." He smiles at me, before firmly pressing a finger to my forehead.

"Now, if you would - sleep."

"Wai-"

It feels as though my entire body blinks - every sense is cut off for a split second.

And when I've opened my eyes, I'm laying in my bed, with the early morning light filtering in through the window.