The Ducal city of Waham was bustling with excitement and anticipation for the beginning of the spring festival the next day. The decade had been largely peaceful due to the efforts of the Empire, so naturally, everyone looked forward to the festivals even more.

  Even though Waham didn't have a long-standing tradition of celebrating the festival, it was, after all, a Ducal city, and the Duke of Waham had spent no less money and resources than Count Hainar on the festivities.

  As the gentle orange and purple shades of twilight took over the western skies with the gradual descent of the sun beyond the horizon, the city began coming alive with joy and laughter.

  The city, as though suddenly injected with chicken blood, was energetic and overflowing as preparations began for “Stokhma”—the night before the arrival of spring.

  From the outskirts in the north to the crowded bazaar near the city centre, lamps and candles began illuminating the streets and the homes. A cacophony of various sounds—the laughter of children, occasional bursts of fireworks, and the loud clamour of the large crowds—made the entire city lively everywhere.

  Everywhere, except the towering, expansive structure that was the Spire of the Magi Order. This was the only place in the entire city that remained calm and ordinary, although in the shadow of the bustling, lively city, it felt especially lonely and depressing at this particular time.

  In a way, the Spire stood tall and intimidating like a majestic dragon, but that majesty and awe also kept it isolated and distant—as though it were a separate world unto itself.

  From the top of the majestic spire, glowing with the light of lamps that held no flame, Master Vincent Foilen stood silently in his office at the window, watching the liveliness of the city from afar while holding a letter bearing the insignia of the daylight owl behind his back, his face expressionless.

  In the distance, he could see the flow of the crowd converging toward the centre, where a massive ceremonial bonfire was being prepared.

  Lowering his eyes, Master Vincent sighed and turned to face his apprentice, Epher Hancey—a teenager with fiery eyes, wearing the ivory robe crested with the symbol of the Magi Order—an ancient torch with the flame of Chaos outlined atop it, a singular eye amidst that flame, made of countless tiny runes and silver lines.

  “It's proving rather difficult to gain a foothold in the Empire,” Master Vincent said with a sigh as he caressed the signet ring on his finger.

  Epher glanced at the letter in his teacher's hands not so discreetly, a curious glimmer in his eyes as he said, “The hearts of the people sway toward Divine Authority after centuries of entrenched partisan influence from the Divine Order.” He paused for a moment, glanced at the letter again, and continued in a low voice, “Fortunately, Emperor Corrino is enlightened.”

  Master Vincent smiled as he raised his hand, holding the letter right in front of his face and dangling it like a carrot.

  “That's right, Chaos is a ladder, as they say.” Master Vincent chuckled. A peculiar reddish glow flashed behind his eyes as the letter held between his fingers caught fire out of nowhere and turned to ash within seconds, incinerating without a trace and drifting away into the unseen wind.

  “Master… what about that message…” Epher walked closer to his teacher, his expression hesitant while his eyes shone with a sense of childish curiosity and intense yearning as he spoke softly. “…From Seleron.”

  Master Vincent was momentarily captivated by the intensity of the yearning in his apprentice's eyes. At one time, he too had held such a yearning for Seleron—the ‘Holy City’ of the Magi across the continent. And indeed, it had been worth it.

  The aspirations of youngsters… such a good thing, Master Vincent reminisced inwardly.

  This reminiscence only lasted for a moment, however, as the troublesome question brought him out of the daze instantly. Master Vincent's scholarly face showed a rare expression of solemnity and a tinge of apprehension.

  “The Starfall Event…” he muttered softly, his voice growing even heavier. “…as well as the resurgence of Beast Tides…”

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  Suddenly, just as he was about to continue, Master Vincent's face changed slightly as the sound of hooves and carriages from below the spire broke the tension.

  He buried the troublesome query from his apprentice, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face. Changing the topic completely, he said, “Speaking of beasts and monsters, our guests have finally arrived.”

  Epher joined his teacher at the window, the view of the entire city opening up before him from the top of the spire. His gaze, however, drifted downward as he watched the carriages of the Ducal Household below.

  With an escort of a few knights, the carriages parked beneath the spire. The doors of the carriages opened. From one carriage, Count Hainar stepped out, and from another, to Epher's surprise, a young man he believed to be the rumoured bastard prince emerged, followed by a familiar lady as she stepped out gracefully, holding the young man's hand.

  ***

  Rewinding an hour earlier.

  Serin and Princess Leia were completely lost in discussion of the book Chronicles of the Known and Unknown World, so much so that they didn't even realise how quickly time had passed.

  Serin was very happy with this little excursion to the library, but more than that, he was grateful to Leia, as she made it easier for him to understand the memoir. He had not felt such a unique sensation after coming to Eidryth for a long time. It was similar to when he interacted with his sister Ellis, but not quite.

  Serin instinctively felt the same kind of sincerity from Leia as he would from Ellis—especially when it came to knowledge and books.

  Leia felt more like a reading companion or a friendly deskmate, sharing the same enthusiasm and curiosity toward knowledge and learning. This was the very first time Serin had met someone like this in the new world.

  His satisfaction was quite evident from the free, unfettered smile on his face.

  Unfortunately, all good things must eventually come to an end. Leia and Serin were interrupted in the midst of their exploration of the book as Butler Fyhill knocked.

  “Prince, the Count is waiting for you in the carriage outside,” Butler Fyhill informed him, urging Serin along with his eyes.

  Serin sighed reluctantly. On one hand, he was enjoying his time at the library too much; on the other, he was equally curious to visit the Magi Temple. Alas, there was no other way but to leave.

  Serin stood from his seat and offered Princess Leia a sincere bow, which she quickly dodged. Serin smiled awkwardly, his eyes clear as he said, “Thank you, Princess.”

  Princess Leia curtseyed and smiled back. “It was my pleasure. I got to know a new perspective about a few things.” She chuckled softly. “It seems it would not harm to read it again.”

  Serin nodded. “I take my leave, Princess,” Serin said, and turned to leave the library with Butler Fyhill, leaving the book behind in Princess Leia's hands.

  After a few minutes of walking, as he reached the reception, a voice rang out from behind, “Wait!”

  Serin paused. Looking back, he asked politely, “Yes? Princess?”

  Princess Leia ran toward him. Even that action felt graceful, like a swan drifting across the surface of a lake or river, momentarily catching Serin off guard.

  He only broke out of the reverie after Leia reached the reception as well, handing the heavy book to the librarian as she gasped for breath.

  “Um, may I ask, are you heading to the Spire?” she asked after taking a breather.

  “Yes,” Serin answered somewhat absentmindedly, unsure where this was going.

  Princess Leia's eyes brightened. “I will go with you! Master Vincent is my teacher… remember?”

  Serin widened his eyes slightly. Of course—Leia was an Acolyte. He remembered.

  Serin was happy to have the company of a beautiful girl anyway. He could prolong their previous conversation and get to know more about the Magi Order before going to the Spire, which would be beneficial.

  “Perhaps Princess Leia's presence can prove helpful?” Serin thought inwardly and readily agreed.

  The two, accompanied by Butler Fyhill, left the library.

  Serin immediately noticed that the Duke had arranged a carriage for them. It bore the insignia of the Erwen family. Escorting the Count to the Spire in a carriage bearing the Ducal family's insignia was, in itself, an interesting choice, Serin thought.

  He greeted the Count and quickly told him about his encounter with Princess Leia. The Count wore a thoughtful expression and then simply said, “Let's go.”

  Just as Serin was about to follow the Count into the carriage, Princess Leia called out to him, “Prince Hainar! Please, join me. I have something to ask you as we go.”

  Serin looked back and saw that Princess Leia was standing in front of her own personal carriage, beckoning him to join her for the journey.

  Serin couldn't help but feel awkward. He knew that the world of Eidryth wasn't as rigid as he had expected, but he still felt very strange riding in a carriage with the opposite gender like this.

  Fortunately, the conundrum didn't last long, as he caught a glimpse of the Princess’s two handmaids already sitting inside the carriage.

  The Count also nudged him along from behind, and knowing that he wouldn't be alone in the carriage with the Princess, the weight on his chest lifted.

  Not wasting more time, he quickly went to the other carriage. The Princess went inside, and Serin followed her. As he stepped in, he couldn't help but laugh at himself inwardly.

  Serin chuckled under his breath, feeling much lighter and freer. He was not someone to make a fuss over something so minor. What had he not seen in his previous life?