Chapter 39: Arrival (1)

The flying carriage was silent for quite some time, only the occasional shakes from the air turbulence disturbing the two youths inside. It wasn’t the first time that Michael had been a passenger in one of these carriages, but this would be his longest trip.

A small lantern was hanging from the ceiling, powered by mana, illuminating the luxurious interior. The woman across from him was holding a book, completely ignoring his existence.

“Getting some last minute studying in?” Michael queried, trying to make conversation.

Melody scoffed, “I could have passed the entrance exam two years ago if I wanted,” she remarked.

Michael didn’t refute this for a number of reasons. Not only was Melody a genius when it came to mana control, the girl was quite generous when it came to teaching him. It would be rather disrespectful if he were to call her out.

So instead, he kept the conversation moving.

“What sort of exam is it? Do they just test your magic theory?”

The girl paused, raising her gaze from the book she was reading, “Don’t tell me you’re nervous?” the corner of her lips pulled up into a smirk.

This woman… She truly doesn’t stop, Michael lamented.

“Don’t try to act like being nervous isn’t normal,” he stated, crossing one leg over the other, “only people with talent like yours can afford to be this relaxed.”

His words caused her eyes to narrow, “People with my talent?” she spat, “are you making fun of me?”

“Hmm?” Michael sensed that he had hit a nerve, confusing him. Hadn’t he merely complimented her on her exemplary talent?

Melody snapped the book shut, her sapphire-like eyes never leaving him. “You truly believe that huh?” she mused, her exasperation evident.

“What? You are talented, are you not?” he replied, feeling a little defensive.

“Ah, my dear Michael…” she said, shaking her head, “either you’re a fool, or you have some serious self-esteem issues. I guess it makes sense since you aren’t a noble.”

Michael raised an eyebrow, unsure of what she was getting at.

The woman brushed a strand of her icy blue hair behind her ear before letting out a sigh, “Listen, I’m saying this only because you’ll be acting as my fiance…” she began, pausing for a few moments, as if she was finding the words.

She cleared her throat, struggling to finish the sentence, “Your talent—while still worse than mine—is definitely not ordinary…”

Eh? Was that a compliment?

Michael was stunned for a moment, not knowing how to react. Instead, he stared at the girl in bewilderment, unsure if his ears were working properly.

Melody clicked her tongue in annoyance and picked up her book, ignoring him once more. But Michael was sure he saw her cheeks redden briefly.

Is that the first time she’s ever complimented me? He wondered, still caught off guard.

“Ahem, thanks for the comforting words.” Michael replied softly.

The two then spent the next couple of hours of the trip in silence. It wasn’t until the coachman announced that they would be touching down soon that the two teens stirred.

Michael shuffled over to the window and drew back the curtains, his eyes widening as he saw what looked like an ancient castle greet him. Nestled atop a large hill amongst tall mountains, the black stone shimmered as the sun touched it.

So that’s Arcadia Academy…

Just the scale of the castle alone was something he’d never seen before, it was almost as large as Velmara City.

In the distance, he saw other flying carriages beginning their descent, their destination the same as their own. Soon, their carriage also descended and finally, Michael could see the scale of the castle up close.

“It’s huge…”

The carriage touched down on the driveway, causing it to jolt around for a few moments.

“You may now unfasten yourselves, we’ll arrive at the entrance in a few minutes.” The coachman announced as the carriage began to drive along the driveway.

Eventually, they arrived at the entrance and the door to the carriage opened automatically. Michael glanced at Melody who didn’t seem like she was going to move first.

Oh right… I need to be acting like her fiancé

He descended the step and stood outside the door, holding up a hand for the young woman to take. She obliged without a word, stepping down gracefully onto the cobbled entrance of the academy.

This wasn’t anything new to Michael, who had been her butler for the past three years.

Michael looked around the entrance, surprised at how many people there were. It looked like nobles from all over the nation had arrived in droves, wearing their best outfits, as if this was a noble ball of some kind.

“Give me your arm,” Melody whispered under her breath.

Huh?

However, hearing the urgency in her tone, Michael did as he was told, offering his left arm to her. She calmly looped her right arm in and began to walk towards the entrance of the castle.

“What are we doing?” he whispered, slow to catch up.

“You’re accompanying me as my fiancé, remember? The entrance exam isn’t just a regular event, its a place where nobles create connections with those who successfully pass.” She explained softly.

Michael thought about her words, but he still found it rather perplexing.

“Couldn’t they have made connections prior to the exam? Why do they have to wait till now?” Melody’s grip tightened on his arm, almost causing him to let out a yelp of surprise.

“It’s not just the nobles they came for,” she replied, gesturing towards the far end of the courtyard.

Michael turned, only to see some kids around his age standing together, looking out of sorts. Compared to the nobles, their clothes were tattered and they seemed almost dirty.

At a single glance, he could tell that these people were commoners.

Why are they here? Michael asked.

But then a flash of red greeted his eye as one of the teens raised his left hand to scratch his head.

That commoner boy is a Crimson mage!?

Michael’s heart was shook. The boy who looked no older than him possessed a single red ring, likely something he’d had since birth.

Remembering all the suffering he’d needed to go through to reach the same level, Michael couldn’t help but question the fairness of this world.

Sure he was born into a noble family, but he’d been given the weakest power, essentially negating his position.

“Keep your head up,” Melody whispered to him, knocking him out of his reverie.

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