A few days had passed since I had beaten Oliver and with September approaching, it was already time for me and Amelia to go back to the Royal Capital.
Truth is nothing much happened before the departure since I was mainly focused on recovering my strength with the help of Amelia, who never once left my side until I was fully healed.
Still, one thing was clear, everyone who had treated Amelia with disrespect in the past were now respecting her as she rightfully deserved. Her maid, in particular, had realized her place.
It even took me three days to wake up and when I did, I found her sleeping right beside me.
"Are you nervous?" Amelia suddenly asked.
"Not really."
"Really?" Amelia seemed surprised. "Even if father recommended you, you'll still have to pass a test from the Headmistress to properly join the Royal Academy. And the fact that you're a commoner will make it that much more difficult."
A blush appeared on her face as she looked down and started playing with her hands awkwardly.
"Still... with your talent, it shouldn't be that hard," she whispered under her breath.
I pretended not to hear her and simply nodded and told her that I'd try my best.
The real reason why I seemed so distracted lately wasn't because of my admission into the Royal Academy. I was a lot more focused about some of the events that had happened during the fight, especially regarding whatever had made Oliver burst with power for a short span of time.
'To think that he would still be asleep even a week after the fight.'
Ever since the duel, he had not once woken up, and on top of that, there were even rumors within the Lix Estate that his Mana Core had completely shattered after our fight.
'Whatever he took, it was related to my bloodline. What kind of drug or potion could he have taken?'
I dismissed my thoughts as we were about to reach the Royal Academy.
There was no point dwelling over it since I had no idea where to even begin with. Instead, I needed to focus on what was most urgent and that was to escape my old life.
'Once I enter the Royal Academy, all of my files regarding myself will be blocked off from everyone except the Academy's staff and the Royal Family. I can't rule out the fact that there might be members of the organisation within the academy already, but even then, there is no better place for me to be hiding right now. After all, even within the organisation, barely anyone knew my true appearance.'
After all, who would expect an escapee to be hiding in plain sight?
"Try your best to make a good first impression!" Amelia cheered as we reached the Royal Academy grounds.
I nodded and watched her walking off toward the 2nd Year Dorm with her personal maid, Felicia.
'I guess I finally managed to pay her back from saving my life...'
I felt a little sad that I no longer had any reason to keep seeing Amelia. But, since I was a commoner, there was no way for us to continue seeing each other within the academy. After all, it would only create problems for Amelia, which was the last thing I wanted for her.
'Maybe, she will still want to see me...' I thought to myself before shaking my head.
I knew those were useless thoughts.
Amelia had only shown care for me since I had a use for her. Now that I didn't have one, she would forget about me just like everyone always did.
I walked inside of the Royal Academy where a tall lady with long white hair was waiting for me. She wore plain, yet detailed clothes that seemed most fitting of a secretary. And with a glance, I could tell that she wasn't exactly a "normal" secretary.
"The Headmistress has been waiting for your arrival," she uttered in a stern voice, not even exchanging a greeting. "Please follow me."
We walked through the hallways as I received a few glances.
"He must be important, he's being guided by the Headmistress's personal aide."
"He is a member of the Royal Family?"
I knew that their gazes of admiration or envy would soon change once they learned the truth, so I paid no heeds to them and simply focused on my task just like I had always done.
Soon, we reached her office.
Her aide knocked on the door and announced my arrival.
Then, as if by magic, the grand wooden door opened on its own.
'She opened the door only through the use of wind magic?' My eyes widened.
Even if it might seem an easy task, doing so would require a very high level of comprehension and control of the Wind Affinity, probably as far as A-Rank or maybe even S-Rank.
"Hah. I think you're the first person who's more interested in how I opened the door with wind than myself. I guess there's a reason that arrogant brat recommended you."
My eyes widened as the Headmistress which had been sitting behind her desk was now only a few inches from my face.
'I didn't even feel her presence... How is that possible?'
She glanced at me up and down, suddenly smirking.
"Mhm. He wasn't lying, you're definitely intriguing."
With the blink of an eye, she was back in her seat, asking me to sit in front of her.
"So, why do you want to join the Royal Academy?"
Just as I was about to open my mouth and answer one of my prepared answers, I froze. Her gaze, which didn't seem to have changed at all, had this certain aura around it. I wasn't exactly sure of the reason, but I had a feeling that if I lied to her, she would know.
"I want to experience what it's like to live a normal life."
She tilted her head, but didn't probe more.
"Most would have answered fame, power, money, or even making connections. Do you really not desire those things?"
"No, not really," I replied bluntly.
She burst out laughing.
"So, all you want is to live a normal life?"
"Yes."
She shook her head as the aura in her eyes disappeared.
"If you had said this to anyone else, they would have thought that you were lying, but luckily for you... I think I'll believe those words for now." She smirked, giving me a small hint about her eyes. "Nevertheless, even if your character is great, you won't be able to enter the Royal Academy without proper skills."
"I'll do my best," I plainly answered.
"But you don't even know what I'm about to ask from you." She shook her head in disbelief. "I have a task for you. If you manage to fulfill it, you'll be admitted into the Royal Academy."
"What is it?"
I was already to fulfill any kind of crazy demands from her.
Killing an A-Rank Monster, stealing, assassinating someone, I didn't care at all.
However, what she said next was the last thing I expected.
"A very important person will be arriving at the Royal Academy tomorrow. All I want you to do is accompany and protect her from harm. If you manage to do that, you'll be able to enroll into the Royal Academy."