Hei and Myrin returned to the academy the next morning, but as expected, Seila was held back by her father.
He didn't want her to leave until the culprit was found. They might try something else.
Fortunately, the first week of classes was mostly introductory, so she wouldn't miss much.
Two days passed like that, and Friday arrived.
Colt, Hei, and Myrin would head out together from their dorm rooms.
Thankfully, Colt had bought formal clothing before coming to the academy, so he wouldn't look out of place.
After putting one on, he went down to the ground floor to meet Hei and Myrin.
They, of course, weren't ready.
Both of their families had mansions in the northern district. They would get prepared there.
It wouldn't be Colt's first time visiting the northern district, even in this life.
Before the academy started, he had gone there in secret to check out the library and a few bookshops.
His main goal was to find a good training resource, but he came back empty-handed.
This time, though, he would be entering through the front gate.
The entrance to the northern district was smaller than the academy district's, but still massive.
Guards were stationed behind the gate to ensure everything stayed secure.
Now and then, someone would try sneaking in with a disguise or bribing the guards.
Most of them probably just wanted to enjoy the noble district—better design, better products, healthier living.
But there were shadier types, too. People who might try to abduct a noble child and demand a ransom.
Because of that, even merchants working inside were strictly inspected by elite guards and had to live outside the district.
It was rare for commoners to live in the northern district. Only those who absolutely had to, like doctors, were allowed to stay.
Everyone else lived in the western district. Traveling from the southern district to the north and back each day was simply too much.
When Hei and Myrin reached the gate, a priest-guard approached and cast a low-mid tier disguise-dispelling spell.
Since nothing changed, they showed their insignia or proof of nobility and were allowed to pass.
Naturally, they waited for Colt.
After Colt explained that he had been invited by Count Springold, the guards checked his ID.
Once his identity was confirmed, they contacted the count's household for verification.
Then, the same priest came over and cast the spell on Colt. Again, nothing happened.
After that, he cast two more spells on him.
One was to detect any concealed weapons.
Of course, everything Colt had was stored in his inventory, so the priest-guard found nothing.
The second spell was meant to detect malicious intent.
After all the checks, Colt was given a permit that he would need to carry with him at all times.
With that, they entered the district.
The moment Colt stepped through the gate, he felt the difference.
The streets were wider, and the buildings had been placed with intention rather than at random.
Only shops and commercial buildings lined the roads near the entrance.
There were two reasons for that. First, it made it easier for workers coming from outside the district.
And second, no noble would tolerate living near the gate.
Even though Lofpus City had grown large thanks to the academy, a number of nobles still lived here.
And in the event of an attack, no one wanted their home to be the first target.
That was why the mansions were built in a separate part of the district.
But that was fine. Nobles didn't walk unless they wanted to. Two carriages were already waiting for them.
The Ramgan household's carriage would take Hei and Colt to the Ramgan mansion, while the Daceran household's carriage would take Myrin to the Daceran mansion.
So, they parted ways there.
"Colt. I know you already know this, but be careful during the birthday party," Hei warned while they were in the carriage.
"Huh? About what?"
"Unlike the academy, the elitists among the nobles might try... unnecessary things. Don't respond to them.
Also, the second prince—and maybe even the first—will be there. What you did at the academy might come back to bite you.
Don't get me wrong. Uncle Landon won't let anything happen to his guest. But don't make him lose face."
Colt knew Hei was right. Normally, he'd just eliminate his enemies. But unless it was absolutely necessary, he had no intention of killing fifteen-year-old kids.
That was why he hadn't touched the second prince. If he wanted to, he could've dealt with him without the king even noticing.
So he knew the second prince would come for him eventually.
But he was ready. He knew what kind of person the second prince was—and he'd already guessed what he would try to pull.
"Don't worry. I don't think anything serious will happen," he said.
"By the way... I didn't get the chance before, but... thank you for saving Seila," Hei said suddenly, after a brief pause.
"Huh? Where did that come from? Of course I'd save her."
"Still, I didn't do anything. Ah, don't mind me. I was just rambling."
Good. That was the mindset he needed.
Hei had been the first to die among his friends.
So Colt wanted him to be strong.
***
They arrived at the Ramgan mansion. Just like during their time in Harton, the guards announced Hei's arrival after they passed through the garden.
Then, a rough-looking man stepped out of the mansion and greeted Hei.
"My son, welcome!" It was Count Fera Ramgan—Hei's father and Landon Springold's best friend.
He hadn't been here when Seila was abducted, but he arrived the next day for her birthday.
Still, since Hei was staying at the academy dorms, they hadn't had a chance to see each other.
"Father, this is my friend," Hei said, introducing Colt.
"Count Ramgan, it's nice to make your acquaintance," Colt said politely.
"Colt, right? Landon has told me a lot about you. You're the one who saved our sweet Seila."
"I just did what needed to be done."
"Hehe! No need to be so stiff with me. Landon's friend is my friend. And you're also Hei's friend."
"Thank you for your kindness, sir."
"You two can head inside. I'll go meet with Landon first. You can join us later."
"Yes, Father," Hei replied, and the two of them entered the mansion.
---
"How is this possible? Charles is a fourth-year student!"
At the Maguire mansion, a report had just been delivered to Marcus.
It said that Seila was now at the Springold mansion and that her birthday party was going to be held as if nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, Marcus hadn't heard from Charles since the day they discussed abducting Seila.
Was someone guarding her in the academy district, even though it is forbidden?
That had to be it. Otherwise, there was no way they could have beaten Charles.
"Get ready! I'm going to Miss Seila's birthday celebration!" Marcus ordered the maids.
He needed to act quickly.
---
Nobles lived in their own regions. But sometimes, they also had mansions in different areas for different reasons.
For example, nobles with children would have one in the Lofpus city's northern district.
They would also have summer houses and winter houses in different regions of the kingdom.
Also, in every big city in Ostines, there was a mansion reserved for the royal family.
Of course, it was always the most luxurious building—but most of the time, it sat empty.
The second prince was staying in the one located in the northern district when the first prince arrived.
The second prince had to meet him at the front door.
"Antoine, my brother. It's been a long time," said the first prince, Asher.
"Yes, it has, Asher. I hope you've been well," the second prince replied.
He smiled, but he didn't mean a word of it.
He had always been jealous of Asher.
And to make matters worse, Asher had graduated from the academy as the top-ranked student, student 41, three years ago.
Antoine clenched his jaw, remembering how he had placed third on the academy entrance exam.
What stung most was that Asher hadn't even brought it up.
I wish you were at this party, Colt. I would have ruined you...
Of course, in Antoine's eyes, the reason was because of Colt. But, even if he wasn't there, Seila would have that spot.
Unbeknownst to him, Colt was on his way to that party.