Sirod Ramel

The last few weeks had been busy — not just for me, but for the entire academy staff.

It wasn’t only the teachers working tirelessly. The construction teams had been laboring day and night, reinforcing and modifying the central building of the academy. This year, we weren’t only receiving candidates — we were preparing for a massive audience.

The Festival would draw nobles from across the world, along with countless commoners of Charta who had waited years for our region to host such an event.

The structure had to be strong.

It had to withstand what was coming next week.

Additional stands were being built for visiting dignitaries, banners raised along the outer walls, and the arena reinforced to endure high-tier elemental displays.

“Here,” Teacher Biljana said, handing me a stack of documents. “The list of the regions and their candidates.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

I stepped forward and raised my voice to address the staff gathered before me.

“Everyone, look this way. We’ve received the official festival list. I will read it now, so each of you understands your duties. We must make Charta — and our region — proud.”

“I’ll start with our region,” I announced.

“Lisa Bloodrose, Jasmine Sword, and Bilric Ramel — representing the capital, Charta, and Dehara Central.”

I paused briefly.

“None from the South — the lands of Sivana.”

I looked around the room. I could feel questions forming in their minds, but no one spoke.

The people of the South had always refused direct political involvement. Lord Dalfrid had granted them semi-independence years ago to maintain stability. But when it came to matters of regional honor and global recognition, they were expected to stand with us.

So why refuse this time?

That was… worrying.

I only hoped they wouldn’t interfere. It was time for Charta to reclaim its place among the great nations.

I continued reading.

“From the Nishin Kingdom — Akio, Yong, and Rishi, all members of the ruling Zhen-Gwan clan.”

“From the New North region — Sam Westover and Lisa Lanis.”

“For both the New South and Perabisan, there will be no candidates.”

A quiet murmur ran through the staff.

“For the New South, we are all aware of the devastation that struck them… after the incident involving the missing prince of Opeur.”

I let the implication hang in the air.

As for Perabisan, tensions between them and Opeur had escalated. Their official statement claims they have no suitable candidate this year.

Officially.

“With that, I conclude the list of participants,” I said. “Teacher Biljana will now brief you on the royal guests and distinguished visitors expected in the coming weeks.”

Biljana nodded and stepped forward as I exited the reunion chamber.

The moment I stepped into the corridor, I met a piercing gaze — cold blue eyes that seemed to look straight through me.

“Lord Alfrid,” I said instinctively.

He stopped briefly. “Are the preparations progressing well?” he asked.

“Yes. We are doing what is necessary.”

He shifted his gaze toward the academy grounds, then dismissed me with a slight wave — as though I were nothing more than a servant.

These Opeur leaders behave as if they own Charta.

Why does Lord Dalfrid tolerate such arrogance within his own territory?

That won’t last forever.

I remained standing for a moment, watching him walk with that same quiet, entitled stride.

Bilric Ramel

“Why didn’t you participate?” I shouted at Simon, unable to hold back my frustration.

He turned toward me slowly, irritation clear in his expression.

“First, I didn’t want to,” he said flatly. “Second, if I succeeded, Father might lose his heir.”

I blinked.

“You don’t seem interested in leading anyway,” he continued. “And in case you’re too focused on becoming stronger to notice — the relationship between Charta and Opeur hasn’t looked good since that old man visited. And that sleek blond man? He didn’t choose me.”

He exhaled sharply, the words clearly weighing on him.

I couldn’t tell whether he was angrier at me… or at not being chosen.

I let out a short laugh. “At least you won’t be the one everyone’s watching.”

He paused.

Then gave a faint nod. “When you put it that way… you’re right.”

I straightened my posture and pointed at him.

“Then what was the point of training by my side all these past months?”

He let out a quiet sigh.

“I don’t think everything in this world revolves around power and magic,” he said calmly. “You can be the sword… and I’ll be the one pulling the strings from behind the curtain.”

He extended his hand toward me.

“So will you help me with that?”

I took his hand.

He smiled slightly. “And I really enjoyed training with you — and with Sir Grey. I didn’t expect to… but I did. So let’s help each other.”

I gave him a wide smile.

“You’re right.”