Chapter 30: Arrival at the Academy
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Opening his eyes with an indifferent gaze, Daniel stared at the unfamiliar ceiling for a few seconds before rising from his bed.
"Ah... I have a slight headache."
He straightened himself, gently rubbing the back of his head before walking toward the window, his dull eyes fixed on the scenery of dawn.
"There's still some time before morning arrives."
Stepping away from the window, he opened the wardrobe in front of him and took out an ornate suit.
Hmm... I really don't like this outfit. Every time I wear it, the feeling that it doesn't suit me never disappears.
After taking a bath and changing into his academy uniform, Daniel left his room and headed toward his companion's room.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Bianca, are you awake?"
"Oh, Young Master? Go downstairs first, I'll join you shortly."
"Alright then."
Looks like she hasn't finished getting ready yet. Anyway... has Sylvia woken up?
While Daniel was lost in thought, a voice called out to him from behind.
"It seems you've finished getting ready, as I can see."
"Yep. And it seems you've woken up too..."
Before he had the chance to finish speaking, something else caught his attention.
"What the...? What's wrong with this look?"
"Ah, you mean this? I realized my previous appearance attracted too much attention, so I changed it."
"I know the fox appearance sparks controversy, but do you think a cat appearance doesn't?"
"Well... it's still better than looking like a fox."
Looking at her with doubtful eyes, he decided to let it go and headed downstairs.
Well, I suppose this will reduce some of the unwanted attention.
"By the way, you're going to hide your family affiliation again this time, right?"
"Yes, I am. Entering under my family's name would limit my actions and restrict me far too much."
"But you'll also lose a lot of freedom that way. Or are you planning to rely on your sister again, as usual?"
The corners of his lips curved into a faint smile.
"If I don't, then what's the point of having family connections?"
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye and let out a quiet hum.
"Selfish brat..."
Daniel looked at her with slight annoyance.
"Did you say something?"
"Sigh... never mind."
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After they arrived at the carriage, they didn't have to wait long before Bianca joined them.
"Young Master, good morning."
"Morning. Did you bring all the luggage?"
"Yes, Young Master. Sir Charles helped me as well."
"Young Master, good morning."
Bowing respectfully, the soldier greeted Daniel energetically.
"Oh, Charles. Have things been well?"
"Couldn't be better, sir."
As they exchanged greetings, a rough voice came from behind them.
"Young Master, it's time to depart."
Hearing that, the three quickly boarded the carriage.
An awkward silence filled the carriage as it began moving, but Daniel was the first to break it.
"Bianca, is the uniform too tight?"
"Huh? No, it fits perfectly."
The teenage girl looked down at her uniform, and an innocent smile appeared on her face.
Heh... she really is happy.
From a noble lady... to a homeless orphan... and now to the personal maid of an imperial prince.
The poor girl has suffered so much.
But not anymore.
Staring out the window of the luxurious carriage, his smile disappeared, replaced by a gaze sharp enough to pierce the glass.
A fallen angel... a forgotten god... an immortal who lost his way... whoever you may be... anyone who stands in my path or threatens the peace of my life... I'll make you wish you had never been born in my era.
For the sake of my goals, I must change... even if that means standing against the very world I'm trying to protect.
Change is not a betrayal of oneself—it is the reshaping of oneself when protection becomes the ultimate purpose. And when that happens, the means are defined not by how much they condemn, but by how much they save. After all... the only thing that never changes is change itself.
As he sank deeper into his thoughts, the carriage driver interrupted him.
"Sir, we're approaching the academy."
I looked outside. Even though we were still a few minutes away, the area was already crowded.
"That's enough. We'll continue on foot from here. I don't want to attract attention."
"But, sir—"
Before he could finish speaking, Daniel's gaze fell upon him, prompting the driver to stop the carriage immediately.
Daniel stepped out alongside Sylvia, followed by Bianca, who bid farewell to the companions she was leaving behind.
"This way."
Obeying his words, Bianca followed Daniel's footsteps, and after a ten-minute walk, they arrived before the academy's towering gates.
It's really been a long time... hasn't it?
Turning his gaze toward the girl, he noticed beads of sweat running down her face.
"Are you nervous?"
"Ah... yes. A little."
With a faint smile, he gently patted her head to reassure her.
"There's nothing to be nervous about. Just stay by my side. Now... let's go."
Despite saying that, the smile quickly vanished from his face.
What's this feeling? There's a strange aura surrounding the academy. Does it belong to the Headmaster? No... it's far weaker than his. Then what is it? More importantly... why does it feel so repulsive?
"Sir, are you alright? Why did you suddenly stop?"
What? I didn't even notice myself stopping...
Haa...
"It's nothing. Let's go inside."
I just hope the opening ceremony passes without incident.
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Writer's Note:
First of all, i want to apology to my dear readers, for some reasons, I stopped posting, but from now on, I will post at least 4 times a week. Thank you for listening to me, and I hope your support continues.