I didn't sleep much that night.
It wasn't anxiety... or excitement. It was a strange feeling of anticipation, like a part of me was standing on the edge of something I couldn't see yet.
I got up before sunrise.
The house was silent, the dawn's calm wrapping around the walls, and the servants hadn't woken up yet. I quietly put on my training clothes and stood in front of the mirror for a moment, staring at my reflection.
Despite this handsome face being loved and desired by everyone, I hated it. A face that was accustomed to failure, every time, failure, despite trying again, failure, until I couldn't bear the thought of looking at myself. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't shake off this feeling of disgust and resentment.
With a deep sigh, I went out for a run. I ran around the palace for half an hour, lost in thought, contemplating its features. I returned to my room, showered, and put on casual clothes since I wasn't going to a special occasion. I was heading to the academy, but they wouldn't let me in until the test, so I had to stay at a hotel. The servants had already moved my belongings.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes and no."
Some might think it's just an academy, but knowing what's going to happen there would make them think twice.
Sylvia, who was hiding in my bag, and I went downstairs. My mother was already there, standing next to my father. Sophia seemed to be sleeping. I approached them and greeted them as usual. My mother grabbed my shoulders, gave me a long look, and said with a hint of sadness in her smile:
"Take care of yourself, my son."
"Don't worry, Mom. I'm going to the academy, not to war."
"The academy is war, Daniel."
... She was absolutely right. I looked at my father, who was gazing into the distance, and said:
"Father, I'm leaving now."
"... Wait a minute, take this."
He handed me a long object wrapped in a white cloth. I took it and removed the wrapping. It was a sword, the Light Sword he used when he was young.
"Father, are you sure you want to give me this?"
"If not to my son, my heir, who would I give it to?"
"... Thanks, Mom and Dad. Please give Sophia my regards. I have to go now."
"Wait, Daniel. Before you go, take this with you so you don't get hungry on the way. Make sure to eat well, okay?"
I smiled, touched. My mother was always so caring.
"Okay, Mom. Thanks."
"Daniel."
My father spoke.
"People live in predefined molds, carefully crafted so no deviation slips through. Be normal, don't make a fuss, don't try to think outside the lines. That's what they say. But don't do that. Don't be a sheep in the herd. Be the one in control. Be yourself, stick to your principles, be free."
I looked at him in surprise. I didn't expect him to say that. I smiled slightly and nodded.
I left the house and headed towards the carriage. Bianca was already waiting for me. Since she would be my escort, I got in and sat down while looking at my mother, who seemed like she was about to cry. My father had already gone back to his work. I waved at my mother before the carriage took off. Then I became serious. I'm not one to look back.
"Master, are you excited about the academy?" Bianca asked enthusiastically while sitting next to me.
"Not really, but you seem excited."
Her eyes widened, and she quickly blushed. I chuckled at her innocence.
"No... I, well... kind of."
"So, tell me, what classes do you plan to participate in?"
"Oh, I'm going to study magic only, sir."
"Is that so?"
Actually, she was talented in magic. And...
"Why don't you add Summoning to that?"
"What?! Me?! No way."
Summoning classes teach students how to contract and control the power of spiritual entities. And I had discovered earlier that Bianca had a high compatibility with spirits.
"Master, spiritual entities are rare. Even the lord of the family isn't a contractor."
"Bianca, I'll tell you three things, but keep them a secret, okay?"
"Yes, of course."
"First, spiritual entities are rare in the outside world, but the academy has a direct gate to the Spirit's Lodge. Second, it's not the spiritual entities that are rare, but the contractors. The Summoning class gives students the opportunity to contract twice a year, and you can contract more than once. And third..."
"Third?"
"The emperor didn't contract because he didn't want to, not because he couldn't. He didn't need to. There's nothing he can't do."
"... I think you're right."
I looked at Bianca and stared at her. She wasn't wearing her maid outfit. She had tied up her hair and was wearing a suitable dress. I noticed her looking at me, and she pouted slightly.
"What's wrong, sir? Don't you like my clothes?"
The only problem Bianca had was her lack of self-confidence.
"No, you're beautiful. And with those clothes, you look stunning."
She looked at me in surprise, and her face turned red. She started playing with her hair. What's this? Did she get a fever or something?
"So, you think I'm beautiful?"
"I'm not thinking it, it's a fact. You're beautiful."
After I said that, she covered her face with her hands and pulled her knees to her chest. An awkward silence followed.
"You're a flirt, aren't you?"
"What do you mean? I'm just stating the truth."
"That's why I call you a flirt."
"Whatever."
I was talking to Sylvia through telepathy.
This silence is uncomfortable. I should say something.
"Actually, Bianca, I have a contract with a spiritual entity. You know, right?"
She raised her head slowly and said, "Really?!"
"Yes, of course. Sylvia, show yourself."
After a brief hesitation, Sylvia appeared. Bianca was surprised, and her shyness disappeared. She tried to touch Sylvia but hesitated.
"Sylvia."
With my signal, Sylvia jumped towards her and started playing. But after a few minutes, Sylvia changed her position and went back to sleep.
"Did I disturb her somehow?"
"Not really. She's just tired."
And I'm tired too...
Bianca noticed the exhaustion in my eyes and said:
"Master..."
She pointed to her lap. What? Does she want me to sleep there? Why is she turning her face away like that?
"Are you sure?"
"... Yes."
Sigh... whatever. I rested my head on her lap, and Bianca started playing with my hair. It was really comfortable.
Soon, I fell into a deep sleep.
But even in sleep... that feeling didn't leave me.
I saw winding paths, faceless figures, and distant voices whispering names I couldn't understand. I felt a weight in my chest, not pain... but responsibility.
As if something inside me was being quietly rearranged.
The academy wasn't just a destination.
It was a turning point.
A place where illusions are shattered, wills are refined, and those who are willing are separated from those who are brave.
There, people aren't measured by what they're born with, but by what they can endure.
And deep inside, I knew...
I wouldn't come out of there the same way I entered.
The carriage continued on its long journey.
And while Bianca's hand was still gently stroking my hair, the mark on my chest pulsed faintly.
As if it was whisper me...
Get ready.