**Chapter :Letters from Rikos**
Back in the study, Jones handed Dian two scrolls, each sealed with deep red wax.
"From the Royal Academy of Rikos," the butler said respectfully.
Dian raised an eyebrow.
*The Royal Academy of Rikos…* The name alone triggered a flood of memories within his mind.
Founded ages ago by the royal family, alongside all the prominent houses—including the Skyster family—it stood as one of the greatest institutions in the kingdom.
Located at the edge of Lian Town, the Kingdom's capital, it bordered a nearby settlement and sprawled over vast land. Tall, majestic, and modern in design, the academy featured lecture halls, elemental training grounds, vast student hostels, a massive cafeteria, carefully maintained gardens, and, most importantly—top-tier instructors. At the helm was none other than **Headmaster Albio Thornwood**, a man who held the awe-inspiring title of **Supreme Mage (1st Stage).**
But the academy wasn't limited to magic alone.
Weapon masters from every discipline trained students in the arts of the sword, spear, hammer, daggers, and more. Those who awakened just one element at the ceremony often chose to combine that power with weapon training, aiming to become hybrid warriors—sword mages, elemental lancers, and so on.
Here, kings stood alongside commoners. Nobles trained next to peasants.
In theory, all that mattered was **talent** and **hard work**.
But in reality… the gap between noble blood and common folk remained.
The Academy of Rikos wasn't the only academy in the world. Each kingdom had its own, and every year, a joint competition was held—a clash between academies to determine supremacy. The rewards were great. For the victors, glory. For their academy, prestige.
Talented individuals could also enter, but their admission required extensive procedures due to security and politics.
As all this settled into his thoughts, Dian nodded to himself and unsealed the first scroll.
"What's this one about?" he asked.
"The Academy is holding an additional Awakening Ceremony," Jones replied. "Scheduled for one month from now. For those who missed the main event."
Dian arched a brow.
*That's rare. Has the headmaster already heard of me...?*
"And the second letter?" he asked, unfurling the other scroll.
"Your admission," Jones said, his tone formal but proud.
Dian paused mid-read. "Hm? But I didn't even attend the Awakening Ceremony. And the trial comes after that."
"True. Normally, only those who awaken two elements receive minor benefits—like a recommendation. They still need to pass the trial. Only the rarest cases—those who awaken **three elements or more**—are granted **direct admission**."
Dian chuckled. "So what's going on with this fast-track invitation?"
Jones gave a small smile. "You are a Skyster, my lord. Your family has always produced the greatest mages of their time. It's no surprise they wish to recruit you."
Leaning back in his chair, Dian tapped his fingers thoughtfully against the polished desk.
"Rikos Academy... Awakening ceremony and admission, huh."
*System,* he called in his mind. *I'm already awakened. If I go through the ceremony again, won't everyone discover my elements?*
A soft chime rang in his mind before the familiar voice responded.
> "Don't worry, Host. I'm here for that. No one will be able to detect anything. Your awakening will appear... normal."
Dian raised an eyebrow. *That easy?*
> "However," she added, "I suggest purchasing a concealment item from the shop. Just in case someone tries to probe your Mage stage."
Dian's eyes narrowed slightly.
Right… he was now a **Supreme Mage (2nd Stage)**. Far ahead of anyone his age.
His gaze drifted to Jones. *Does he know?* he wondered.
> "Of course not," the system answered flatly. "He is loyal, yes, and truly cares about you—but he has not pried. He wouldn't risk it."
Dian smiled faintly, memories from the past returning to him.
When the original Dian's parents died, Jones had been the only one who stood by him—protecting, guiding, and caring for the young heir.
The old Dian had ignored his counsel… and sought solace elsewhere—until betrayal claimed his life. Poisoned.
But now?
A new Dian had risen.
Stronger. Sharper. Not one to repeat those mistakes.
"Open the system shop," Dian said internally, his voice resolute.
His gaze returned to Jones. "Alright. We'll depart for the Awakening Ceremony in a month."
"As for the admission..." Dian hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. "I'll think about it later."
Or maybe not take it at all.
*With the system on my side, I can grow far faster than they ever could. It takes them three years to train a Grand Mage… I did more in a month.*
"As you wish, my lord," Jones bowed. "I'll inform them of your attendance."
But just as he turned to leave—
"Butler," Dian called, his voice quiet.
Jones paused and looked back. "Yes, young lord?"
Dian's gaze softened slightly.
"...I have a request for you."
-----
Outside, the sun dipped toward the horizon, bleeding orange and violet hues across the sky. The castle's walls shimmered in the dying light, and the gardens glowed like something out of a dream.
The air felt alive.
Far from the quiet, formal air of the study, a different atmosphere bloomed in one of the private chambers. Gentle giggles echoed through the king-sized room, its elegance bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Velvet curtains framed the windows, casting soft shadows that danced across marble floors.
Suzine sat gracefully on a velvet couch, a delicate porcelain cup in hand, steam rising lazily from the herbal tea within. She glanced sideways at her companion, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
"So…" she began, voice light and playful, "you had quite the adventurous love story with our husband, didn't you?"
Her words were warm, not edged with envy but filled with gentle amusement and affection—for the woman sitting across from her. Her sister, not by blood, but by heart.
Gianna giggled, her long, light-green hair bouncing slightly as her shoulders shook. The faintest pink colored her cheeks, and her pointed ears twitched in delight.
"You too had a… thriller experience, I'd say, Sister Suzine," Gianna replied, mirroring her sister's tone as she took a careful sip from her own cup.
Since Dian had stepped out, the two had spent a good deal of time together—walking through the gardens, sharing little details about their pasts, their likes and dislikes, and of course… their moments with the man they both now called husband.
As the sun dipped further below the horizon, golden-orange rays slipped through the tall windows, painting the room in hues of amber and lavender. The maids had already served tea and a platter of light snacks, and Suzine, ever curious, had asked about the newly appointed Head Maid—Sara. Unfortunately, she was tied up with duties and couldn't join them.
Now, with only the fading light, warmth, and conversation between them, it felt like something sacred. Peaceful.
But as Gianna lifted her cup again, a flicker of emotion crossed her face. A fleeting sadness—there and gone in an instant.
But not quick enough to escape Suzine's eyes.
"Sister Gianna?" Suzine leaned forward, her brows drawing together. "What is it?"
Gianna blinked, surprised by the question… and the concern behind it.
For a moment, she hesitated. But then, she set her cup down gently.
"It's nothing. Just…" Her voice faltered slightly, tinged with longing. "You reminded me of my sisters back home. And my mother… I wonder how they're doing. I don't even think they know I'm married now."
Her voice wasn't quite sorrowful… but it carried a quiet ache. A sense of distance. Of roots severed too quickly.
Suzine didn't hesitate. She stood and moved beside Gianna, taking her hand gently in her own.
"Then why don't we visit them?" she said, smiling.
Gianna blinked, her expression caught between surprise and wonder.
"I don't think darling would say no to you. Or to me," Suzine continued, her tone bright and hopeful. "And if they're still searching for their lost princess… well, just imagine—two good pieces of news at once. Their daughter is safe, and she's married to someone amazing."
Gianna's eyes widened. A spark returned to them. Then, slowly, a small but growing smile stretched across her face.
"But…" she hesitated, then gave in with a nod. "O-Okay."
Their hands remained clasped, two hearts steady and united.
In that moment, the room glowed—not from the sun, but from the warmth between them.
Everything was moving forward. Peacefully. Beautifully.
But none of them knew…
What awaited beyond the horizon.
Change was coming.
.
.