My first operation was a resounding success, earning me assignments to more missions. Each one grew more complex than the last, yet I never disappointed. I completed them flawlessly, allowing myself not even the smallest mistake.
Because that single mistake could mean a death.
I hadn't heard a word about the Broken Eclipse Order in quite some time. No operations had involved them since then. Still, I was certain they lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to pull the strings.
The absence of information does not mean the absence of activity.
That was why I trained to stay prepared. I developed further shadow skills through this practice, but kept them hidden for the right moment.
Of course, my parents were pleased by my obsession with training. My mother was serious and disciplined in public—she was the clan matriarch, after all. But in private, she was warm and affectionate. She never bothered me, though sometimes she was a bit too intense and overbearing.
My father, on the other hand, was serious both in front of others and alone with us. I couldn't fault him for it; being patriarch demanded that demeanor. It was a way to protect himself and those around him.
My relationship with Liria remained much as it had been since she gave me that handkerchief—just like when we were children. We didn't speak often, but every conversation left a quiet peace between us.
I noticed she spied on me during my training sessions, watching silently under the impression I couldn't see her.
I still keep her handkerchief with me. I care for it carefully, making sure it never tears in combat.
Whenever she's far away, I look at that cloth and feel as if she's right beside me. She's one of the most important people in my life… though I'd never say so out loud.
The day I turned eighteen arrived. The celebration wasn't what mattered—it was what coming of age meant in this world. When nobles reach eighteen, they must travel to the capital and attend the Aesoria Academy by law.
This is the most prestigious academy in the realm; commoners and lower-ranking nobles are not permitted entry, and must settle for more modest institutions or none at all.
The ArcDusk clan comes from noble lineage, but my father explained this is hidden from all official records. It was done to keep the clan out of the public eye, allowing us to operate from the shadows without issue.
Even so, the academy recognizes noble status if a registered patriarch vouches for it—even if the family does not appear publicly.
So my father spoke to the right people to secure my place at the academy. No one there would know my true identity or family of origin.
And that was for the best.
✦☾✦
Only one day remained before I had to leave for the capital. News of my departure spread through the temple far more than I'd expected. I was training in the garden when it happened.
Liria entered the garden, dressed in her usual maid's uniform—but one detail didn't escape my notice.
Her eyes were red.
She had been crying.
For the first time in hours, I froze still. Liria had always been a sensitive girl… but seeing her like this was rare. What could have happened to her?
"So… you're really leaving?" she said, her voice trembling.
I looked at her with the gentleness I reserved only for her, choosing my words carefully to avoid hurting her more.
"It's what I must do."
Liria dropped her gaze, unable to hold mine without breaking.
"I don't want you to go."
She threw herself into my arms. My body stiffened at the unexpected contact—I'm not used to being touched—but slowly I wrapped my arms around her, resting my hand on the nape of her neck.
"I'm not leaving you behind," I murmured. "I'll come back for you. I promise."
I don't make promises lightly, but when it comes to her, things are different. I don't want to hurt her.
She lifted her eyes just enough to meet mine.
"Are you serious?"
I didn't answer with words. In moments like this, actions speak louder than anything I could say.
I took her shoulders, tilted my head, and kissed her forehead.
It's an ArcDusk gesture that means:
"My shadow will always remember you."
She understood. She dissolved into sobs against my chest.
I let her cry there for a few seconds.
She needed it.
Liria held me close for a long while, her face buried in my chest. I stayed silent, one hand resting on her head. The contact made me uncomfortable… but what mattered was that she was okay.
I didn't know how long she'd want to hold on. But as long as no one saw us like this, there would be no trouble.
And then—
My mother appeared at the garden entrance.
She froze for a second.
Her eyes went wide as saucers.
She covered her mouth with her hands.
"Oh my. Well! My little Rei has a girlfriend!"
This can't be happening…
"WHAT?! No! Mother, that's not—!"
Liria flushed bright red, pulling away from me as if burned.
"Lady ArcDusk, it's not what it—!"
But my mother wasn't listening. She'd already decided what was happening.
She crossed her arms, smiling as if she'd uncovered the temple's greatest secret.
"I always knew my son had good taste… little Liria… what a lovely couple you make~"
I tried to keep my expression serious, but felt heat rising to my face. I hate this.
"Mother. I'm telling you the truth. It. Is. Not. Like. That."
She stepped closer and gave me a playful nudge in the ribs.
"Son, there's no need to be shy. Things like this happen at your age…"
That's it.
There's no way to convince her. This woman will be the death of me one day.
Liria is so red she looks ready to burst into flames.
"But look at them… they look like they're engaged already," my mother said, clasping her hands together excitedly. "How adorable you are together!"
"…I leave tomorrow. Can we not do this right now?"
"Oh, forgive me! Forgive me… carry on, you two. I didn't see a thing~"
She walked away slowly, but I could see her peeking around the corner to keep watching.
This will be all over the temple by sundown…
At least Liria has stopped crying.
Liria was still flushed, but managed a smile.
"Your mother is very… warm."
"You wouldn't say that if you lived with her," I replied with a sigh.
She wiped away the last of her tears and changed the subject.
"Rei… will you really come back?"
"Yes. Just be patient," I said, returning to my serious tone.
"I will."
I turned to leave, but Liria tugged at my clothing.
"…Can I hug you one more time?"
"All right."
The embrace lasted only a few seconds. But for Liria… and for me… it was enough to carry us through what lay ahead.
✦☾✦
The next day, the temple was quieter than usual. And I knew exactly why. My mother has never been good at keeping secrets.
As I walked down the corridor toward the temple exit, I heard a pair of maids whispering.
"Did you hear? They say the young master and Liria… they're a couple."
"What?! Rei and Liria together?"
"Yes. And they say Lady ArcDusk is training her to be the young master's wife."
Wife?
What is my mother doing to Liria?
This woman…
I kept walking toward the exit, trying to ignore the murmurs that echoed along the walls.
I don't care what they say.
There are more important things at stake.
A carriage waited at the gate to take me to the capital. But I wasn't alone.
My parents. Liria. Isei and Saechi.
All of them were there to see me off.
Liria was the first to approach. She looked calmer than the day before—that was good. I noticed she held something in her hands.
A dark wooden box, decorated with a red ribbon.
"T-This is for you," she said, holding it out to me.
"What is it?"
"A bento. So you'll have something to eat on the way."
"Was this my mother's idea?"
Liria dropped her gaze, a faint blush betraying her.
"Yes… it was part of my training. For, you know…"
Training.
So the rumors were true.
"…I understand. Thank you for your effort."
"Will you try it?" she asked timidly.
I nodded slightly and opened the box carefully. Inside were small buns, spiced meat, fruit, and a tiny cat-shaped dessert. It was clear Liria had pushed herself, even though she doesn't cook often.
I took one of the buns and brought it to my mouth, chewing slowly to savor the flavor.
The taste was… surprisingly rich.
"It's delicious," I said, no exaggeration in my voice.
Liria's face lit up with a radiant smile she couldn't contain.
"I'm so glad you like it. It makes me very happy."
My mother, who had been watching quietly until now, stepped forward with a knowing smile.
"So my 'love charm bento' recipe worked. It fills my heart to see you two so close."
Here we go again.
"Mother, don't start."
She smiled even wider, feigning innocence.
"Start what?"
"You know exactly what I mean. And stop bothering Liria."
"Awww! How sweet! You're protecting her like she's already yours!"
I ignored her comment—indulging her would only make things worse. I looked back at Liria to check if she was all right with everything.
She shook her head gently, understanding the unspoken question.
"It doesn't bother me," she said. "I made this… because I wanted to."
I didn't ask what she meant. There was no need.
"I understand."
Next came Isei and Saechi. Isei wore his usual grin; Saechi was as quiet as ever.
Isei spoke first, his tone clearly teasing.
"Well then, friend—take care of your girlfriend."
"Be quiet."
"All right, all right, just a joke," he said, still smiling. "Don't forget about us, okay?"
"I won't."
Saechi broke his silence to say only what was necessary.
"Safe travels."
"Thank you."
Finally, my father approached. He wore neither a smile nor warm farewell words—just his characteristic serious expression.
But he looked more solemn than usual.
His shoulders were tense. His eyes scanned the area as if expecting an attack. His jaw was set tight.
Something important had happened.
"Rei—can we speak privately?"
There it was. This meant nothing good.
"Of course."
I followed him to a more secluded corner, away from curious ears. Only then did he relax his posture even slightly.
"It's about the Broken Eclipse Order."
"Have reports come in again?"
"Yes—but not from here."
I furrowed my brow slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"The reports are coming from the capital," he explained. "The Order is concentrating their operations there."
So that's why they vanished.
They'd simply changed targets.
"So my trip isn't just for the academy, is it?"
"Exactly. I want you to investigate what they're after while you study there."
My father had thought everything through.
The academy was the perfect cover.
The perfect excuse to go to the capital without raising suspicion.
"Understood, Father. It will be done."
The Broken Eclipse Order…
I felt the shadow in my chest tighten. I didn't say it aloud, but I thought it: At last, they're making their move.
My father and I rejoined the group. My departure drew closer by the minute, so I said my goodbyes properly.
I stood a step away from Liria—close enough to show I cared, not so close as to invade her space.
"Liria."
"Y-Yes?"
"Do you remember the handkerchief you gave me?"
"I do. What is it? D-Do you not like it anymore? I can make you a much better one."
"That's not it."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a black handkerchief. It had Liria's initials embroidered on it, plus a small dot like the one on hers—but this one was red, the color of my eyes.
"This is for you."
I stepped forward and tied it carefully around her neck.
Liria looked down slowly at the cloth resting against her throat, her eyes shining with emotion.
"Rei…"
I didn't smile. Smiling feels wrong at moments like this.
"This way I'll know you're safe… even when I'm not with you."
Her eyes glistened brighter—this time with tears.
"T-Thank you… I'll keep it safe."
I'm glad she likes it. I spent all night making it, but it was worth it to see her happy.
"And I'll keep yours."
"It's time to go!" the carriage driver called from behind, breaking the moment.
How convenient.
I looked at Liria one last time.
"I have to go."
A strand of hair fell across one of her eyes, but this time she didn't brush it away. Her hands stayed still, too weak to lift them.
"G-Goo… good…" She choked on the words—saying goodbye was hard for her.
Liria…
I reached out and moved the hair aside gently, with a softness I didn't know I possessed.
"Look at me."
She lifted her face.
Her cheeks were damp, and her eyes were already reddening with tears.
"Don't cry," I said—not as an order, but as close to comfort as I know how to give. "I promised you, remember? I'll come back for you."
"I know. But it still hurts."
"I understand. That's why I gave you the handkerchief. So you'll remember me, even when I'm far away."
I closed the distance between us and pulled her into my arms of my own accord.
It was an awkward embrace—I'm not used to showing affection—but it was sincere.
Liria clung tightly to the fabric of my coat, as if she feared letting go would make me disappear forever.
"I'll wait for you… but please… come back," she sobbed against my chest.
"I will."
My hand rested on her waist—not squeezing, just holding.
"Whenever you look at that handkerchief… remember me. Imagine I'm right beside you."
Liria took a deep breath against me and nodded.
"I will," she said, her body steadying. "Until… until you return."
"Good."
I pulled away slowly. The driver called out again that we had to leave.
"I have to go," I said, looking at Liria one final time. "See you soon."
"Goodbye… safe travels," she replied, wiping her tears. "And see you soon."
I turned and walked away, unable to look back without my heart aching. The carriage was somewhat old-fashioned, pulled by a large magical beast. As I've said, people here still rely heavily on magic.
I climbed aboard without stopping to look back.
Behind me, everyone called out—wishing me safe travels and… goodbye.
But the only farewell that mattered was Liria's.
I will keep my promise.
I'll come back, Liria. Just wait for me.
✦☾✦
The journey to the capital took less than two days. Along the way, I ate every bite of the bento Liria had made me. It really was all delicious—she truly did work hard…
I'll miss her.
The capital is called Lumengrad—the Kingdom of Light. Compared to Duskvany, Lumengrad is a metropolis. Its architecture is European in style, reminding me of my own world during the 1800s and 1900s.
The buildings were large, wide, and sturdy—built from stone, brick, columns, cornices, and enormous windows. They featured spacious terraces, mansard roofs, and small towers.
The streets were broad, with straight avenues stretching for miles. There was diverse commerce, an extensive network of elevated bridges, and canals.
I saw a great variety of different species along the way—humans, elves, beastfolk, civilized demon races, and many more.
All living together in one place.
Unaware of the shadows lurking in the darkness.
The carriage stopped at the entrance to a grand building.
We had arrived.
I stepped down from the carriage and paused for a moment before crossing the main gate.
The complex was immense.
Several buildings of light-colored brick and stone rose around a large central courtyard, connected by open walkways and arcades. They weren't absurdly tall like some kingdoms' palaces, but still commanded respect. Four or five stories were enough to dominate the entire academic district.
Large windows lined every level. A clock tower jutted from the main building—surely marking the rhythm of classes… and of the students' lives.
Everything was far too orderly.
Far too clean.
Far too… civilized.
But even from the entrance, I could sense it.
Runes carved discreetly into the pillars.
Lamps glowing with a faint magical pulse.
And a subtle pressure in the air that betrayed the constant presence of mana.
A society that boasts of great progress.
But one clearly built on magic.
I let out a sigh.
"Aesoria Academy… interesting."
Starting today, this place would be my new home.
I knew I'd miss many things—the temple corridors, my old routine, the people I'd left behind.
And if I'm being honest, the one I'll miss most is Liria.
For years she's been by my side as my maid—always quiet, always attentive… as if she could anticipate what I needed before I spoke a word.
It will be strange not to see her every morning.
But I didn't come here to look back.
I came because I have a mission.
The Broken Eclipse Order is moving in the shadows, and Aesoria Academy is the perfect place to begin searching for answers.
And if shadows truly dwell here…
Then so will I.