The top ten students in the freshman assessment each received a Mana Crystal as a reward from the academy. Plan Dominic, however, had already given Mana Crystals to Lumiere, Phoenix, and Leyang in advance.

Mana Crystals served a wide range of purposes. They could fuel any magical artifact as consumables or aid personal magic cultivation...

The second-tier Mana Crystal in Leyang’s hand was about half the size of a baby’s fist—enough to power several second-tier spells. If sold, it would fetch at least ten Small Yala Coins.

"Leyang-sama! Wait, Leyang-sama!"

A sweet, youthful voice called out hurriedly.

"Hm? Phoenix. What is it?"

Nebis Leyang turned back and asked calmly.

"Ah? N-nothing! I just... wondered why you refused Master Bark Keith’s invitation. Don’t you want to become a powerful warrior, Leyang-sama?"

Phoenix hesitated. Truthfully, she hadn’t wanted to ask that at all—she’d just wanted to talk to him.

"Becoming a powerful warrior and accepting Master Bark Keith’s offer—what’s the connection?"

Leyang tilted his head, chuckling softly.

"Huh?"

Phoenix looked adorably confused.

"You’re too young. True strength comes from within. External factors matter sometimes, but ultimately, it’s about you. Even without becoming Master Bark Keith’s disciple, I’m confident I’ll become truly strong. No need for a little girl like you to worry about me."

He gently tapped Phoenix’s forehead, his voice warm.

"Besides, suddenly revealing such astonishing magical talent... you’ll attract plenty of ill-intentioned people. Stay vigilant. Don’t let yourself get tricked before you even realize it."

"I won’t! I’m a knight’s daughter!"

"Being a knight’s daughter doesn’t make you immune to tricks."

"I can’t argue with you. Hmph!"

Unable to counter him, Phoenix huffed and turned away, her delicate face flushed pink.

"Don’t tease Phoenix too much, sir."

A girl in a crimson princess gown approached them slowly, a gentle smile on her face. She radiated delicate charm.

Seeing both staring at her, Lumiere lifted her skirt hem and curtsied gracefully. "My apologies. I am Ailin Camila Lumiere, Seventh Princess of the Camila Empire. You may call me Lumiere, if you wish."

"Seventh Princess of the Camila Empire? So you truly are royalty. Your Highness, I am Nebis Leyang, fourth son of Viscount Nebis Light. An honor to meet you."

Leyang pressed a fist to his chest and bowed slightly. His father was a viscount; proper respect for imperial royalty was non-negotiable. His parents had drilled etiquette into him before he left, especially regarding nobility. Befriending royalty could revive the Nebis Territory.

"Your Highness," Phoenix hurriedly curtsied. "I am Glantham Phoenix, eldest daughter of Glantham Anke. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Would you join me for tea? I’ve prepared fine pastries and Earl Grey."

Though an imperial princess, Lumiere carried none of the expected arrogance. Her warmth was genuine. Yet her invitation held purpose: Phoenix’s magical talent rivaled her own, securing her future in the empire. And Leyang... he felt unusual. Her intuition rarely failed. Since Phoenix and Leyang were close, winning her over might start with this boy.

Royal children matured faster. Court intrigues and hidden schemes were relentless. Thankfully, Lumiere was female—had she been a prince with such talent, she’d likely have been assassinated long ago. The Camila throne passed only to sons. No matter her power, Lumiere’s fate would be marriage to some noble’s heir. Exile was impossible; her magical prowess was too vital an asset. To the Emperor, she was destined to become an Archmage, perhaps even the empire’s third Guardian Deity. He’d never trade her away.

"Since Your Highness insists, I accept gratefully."

Leyang paused, then nodded. Cultivating ties with Ailin Camila Lumiere might prove useful later.

"T-then I’ll come too," Phoenix added, stiff with nervousness.

Leyang’s gaze flickered toward a shadowed corner before he strolled after them.

"Do you think that boy noticed us?"

"Impossible. Just coincidence. His Majesty ordered us to guard Princess Lumiere without fail."

"Right. I’m overthinking it."

Two shadowed figures whispered in the dark.

Led by Ailin Camila Lumiere, they soon reached the A-block dormitories. The moment Leyang stepped inside, the stench of class disparity hit him. If C-block offered plain rooms, A-block boasted luxurious villas!

*Envy. Pure, burning envy!*

"Wah! Is this where the princes and princesses live? It’s gorgeous!"

Phoenix gasped, eyes sparkling. Her own room felt like a doghouse compared to this.

"Phoenix, you’ll live here soon too. Come, I’ll show you my place."

Lumiere smiled, took Phoenix’s hand, and dashed ahead. Leyang followed at a leisurely pace.

At Lumiere’s door, a maid stood poised to greet them.

"Princess Lumiere, welcome back."

"Yvette, we have guests. Please prepare tea and pastries."

"At once."