Early that morning, chewing on stale bread, Lorin felt a flicker of existential doubt. If the Bookkeeper’s intel was accurate—and it never erred—he truly couldn’t believe this was what nobles ate for breakfast.

"Your Highness, it’s time for the academy," the butler beside him reminded gently.

"Oh. Right."

After two more mechanical bites, Lorin let the maids help him into his noble academy uniform. The idea of returning to school still grated on him. As someone who’d happily lazed through society, this sudden plunge back into classrooms felt… off.

The carriage ride from his mansion to the academy passed in a blur. Watching boys and girls his age in identical uniforms, Lorin felt adrift.

Just as he moved toward the main building—guided by the Bookkeeper’s data—a commotion erupted nearby.

"What’s happening?" Curiosity pulled him toward the gathering crowd.

Several girls curtsied politely as he approached. "Good morning, Second Prince."

Lorin nodded back. "What’s going on?"

"It seems Lilith and Xueyi are dueling again," one girl murmured.

*Lilith?* Lorin’s eyebrows lifted slightly. She was the story’s heroine. And Xueyi… that was the character fated to die under the unnamed deity’s gaze.

He studied them. Both sixteen, like him. Lilith’s golden hair shimmered under the sun, radiating elegance. Xueyi’s silver-white locks framed a face just as exquisite—but her expression reeked of spoiled arrogance.

As they drew their swords, Lorin asked casually, "Why are they fighting?"

The girls hesitated.

"Because of your brother. The Crown Prince," the Bookkeeper’s voice cut in sharply inside his head.

Lorin’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. "My brother really is a popular guy."

Crown Prince Romon was the academy’s heartthrob—and the Emperor’s chosen heir. To most, Lorin was just another noble with a royal title.

Steel clashed. Sparks flew. The rhythmic *clang-clang-clang* of blades drew more onlookers. But soon, Xueyi’s movements grew sluggish. Lilith ranked among the academy’s elite; even Xueyi’s talent couldn’t match her.

With a sharp *clang*, Xueyi’s sword flew from her grip. The duel ended as Lilith slowly sheathed her blade.

"I told you," Lilith said coolly, "you can’t beat me."

She turned to leave.

Xueyi’s face contorted with fury. "Don’t get cocky!"

A fireball erupted in her palm—and shot straight at Lilith’s back.

"She’s insane!" Gasps rippled through the crowd. Magic duels outside training grounds were strictly forbidden. One misfire could wound dozens.

Lilith whirled—but the fire was already inches from her chest. She braced instinctively.

No heat came.

A jet of water slammed into the flames, snuffing them out in a hiss of steam.

Silence fell. Every head snapped toward the source: Lorin.

*Awkward.* Not because of the stares—but the Bookkeeper’s voice drilling into his skull:

*"You’ve chosen water magic. Daily limit: three low-tier spells, two mid-tier, one high-tier."*

He’d only meant to watch. Until the Bookkeeper dumped this world’s magic system on him—and forced a choice. Normally, mages wielded multiple elements. Lorin? Stuck with one.

He’d blurted "water magic" without thinking. *Brilliant.* Water was weak against everything except fire. And fire crushed almost everything else.

Xueyi glared at Lorin, then spat, "Get out of my way, you trash!"

Murmurs of anger died instantly under her scorching gaze.

As the crowd dispersed, Lilith approached. "Thank you, Second Prince."

"Just doing my duty," Lorin replied, forcing a tight smile. *If I’d known, I’d have picked lightning.*

"I heard this was over my brother. As his sibling, I had to intervene."

Lilith frowned. "I think you’re mistaken."

"Mistaken?"

"I have no connection to the Crown Prince."

Lorin’s eyes flicked toward Xueyi’s retreating figure. "So… she’s mistaken too?"

"Likely," Lilith admitted carefully. "Though it’s impolite to say… Xueyi shares no special bond with him either."

"Huh?" Lorin’s confusion deepened. *If neither likes my brother… why duel?*

Seeing his bewilderment, Lilith bowed slightly. "Class is soon. I should go. You too, Your Highness."

As she left, the Bookkeeper’s warning echoed:

*"If you’re late, it’ll be reported to the Emperor. Punishment follows."*

"Punishment? I’m still a prince. What, starve me?" He grimaced, recalling the bread. *Lunch better be edible.*

"Hey." A chill crept up his spine. "Answer me. It’s not *that* bad… is it?"

Silence.

Lorin quickened his pace toward the classroom.