A garden rested quietly beneath the morning light, flowers blooming in gentle stillness.

At its center, a blue-haired boy sat at a small tea table, gazing into the distance. A faint golden shimmer flickered in his eyes—as if he were observing something beyond ordinary sight.

A small smile touched his lips.

“It seems Lavis and Camelia made the children cry again.”

Not far from him, a man with a disciplined military posture stood at attention. He followed the prince’s gaze for a brief moment before speaking evenly.

“The explosion earlier was loud enough. I assume the training grounds have been destroyed again.”

Yuma let out a soft chuckle. The golden light in his eyes faded as he returned to signing the documents laid neatly before him.

“Enthusiasm is good.”

“Enthusiasm and madness are two different things, Your Highness.”

Artian grimaced faintly, imagining the two captains as horned demons with black wings.

After finishing the final document, Yuma looked up with a gentle expression.

“How is your twin?”

“Hansel is temporarily replacing Captain Rue, Your Highness.”

“Rue?”

“Yes. Captain Rue is currently handling matters in the Archduke’s territory. In the meantime, Hansel has taken over the archer unit.”

“Hmm…”

Yuma gave a small nod.

A light breeze drifted through the garden, lifting strands of his blue hair. A warm aura spread outward—unconsciously, effortlessly.

Several unopened buds bloomed as if in response.

The attendants standing nearby simply lowered their heads. They were used to such moments. Even so, each time it happened, their breathing felt lighter.

Artian closed his eyes briefly, letting the calm settle over him.

Yuma wasn’t consciously using his soul power.

It simply overflowed.

He gathered the finished documents and gave a subtle gesture.

“Your Highness.”

Artian stepped forward and accepted the stack.

“What about the Viscount’s case?”

“The contamination level remains high. Captain Chloe is still attempting purification.”

Yuma glanced toward the distant barracks.

“If they encounter difficulty, inform me.”

“It is not difficult, Your Highness. It only requires time.”

Yuma nodded.

Seeing no further instructions, Artian bowed and departed. The documents needed to be delivered to His Grace the Archduke for processing.

After Artian left, Yuma lifted his teacup once more.

His movement paused.

He withdrew a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of his lips.

There was blood.

Not much.

But enough.

“It seems they would confine me longer if they saw this…”

His tone remained light.

A soft blue aura wrapped around the cloth. In the next instant, the fabric dissolved into fine shimmering dust and scattered into the air.

Nearby flowers rustled faintly.

Yuma glanced toward the attendants.

They were still bowing their heads, unaware.

He exhaled quietly.

The damage to his soul had not yet fully healed.

During the previous battle, something inside him had nearly broken loose.

Normally, he could restrain everything with his own strength.

But this time—

He had used too much.

Yuma tapped lightly against his chest.

“…”

Still contained.

For now.

He lowered his hand.

Two days of rest had replenished enough of his strength.

Enough to suppress it again.

His body remained slightly fatigued, yet by his standards, this was acceptable.

Of course, “acceptable” only applied to Yuma.

According to Chaiden, the boy’s body had only just stepped back from the brink of organ failure.

Though the weakened organs had stabilized, by ordinary measures, he was still far from healthy.

Yuma maintained his serene expression as he took another quiet sip of tea.

“Your Highness.”

Chaiden’s voice broke the stillness.

Yuma turned calmly.

“What brings you here, Professor?”

Chaiden placed three small boxes on the table.

“I’ve brought the samples.”

Inside lay a bracelet, an earring, and a ring.

“Which will you choose? Or perhaps we could repair the earring you are wearing?”

Yuma touched the blue earring on his right ear and shook his head gently.

“There is no need.”

“The left one is missing as well, isn’t it?”

“I gave it away.”

Chaiden paused.

“…To whom?”

Yuma tilted his head slightly and smiled.

“A secret.”

Chaiden groaned softly.

“Please do not smile like that. You may cause someone to faint.”

Yuma let out a quiet laugh.

“Those who possess purification and calming abilities naturally draw affection. But I doubt it would cause someone to faint, Professor.”

Chaiden almost argued—then stopped himself.

This was precisely why the high nobles hesitated to present him publicly.

If Yuma’s power were fully revealed, other kingdoms—even the Western Empire—might compete to propose political marriage.

And then there was the warm snow.

If Yuma unleashed his healing power completely, snow would fall—snow that healed and purified anyone who touched it.

Far too conspicuous.

“Give me your hand.”

“I am fine.”

Chaiden ignored the reply and grasped his wrist, allowing his soul power to flow in assessment.

“Hmm…”

His expression eased slightly.

“Better. But you must continue resting.”

Yuma nodded.

Nothing would be detected.

What had stirred briefly was quiet once more.

His soul power had slowly returned to its natural rhythm.

Chaiden released him.

“Your body is still weak for someone your age.”

“Hm.”

It had never truly been strong to begin with.

“Academy registration begins in three days.”

Yuma’s pen halted.

“…Was it not a week from now?”

“A week was only an estimate. The process will take longer than expected.”

Yuma fell silent.

Rue.

He exhaled softly.

“I see.”

“A good opportunity to make friends.”

“I have a mission.”

“Making friends will not interfere with your mission.”

“Professor…”

“Hm, very well. Channel your power into this stone.”

"Hmm."

A thin crack appeared along the surface.

It spread for a fraction of a second before stabilizing.

“Your power remains too strong.”

“That is enough?”

“Yes. I only require a sample. I must return.”

“Will you not have tea?”

“My apologies, Your Highness. Time is limited.”

Chaiden bowed and departed in haste.

Silence returned to the garden.

Yuma looked at the tea in his cup, now beginning to cool.

Footsteps approached.

Rue appeared, carrying a stack of documents.

Yuma blinked slowly.

“Ah…”

It seemed today would be long.