The large hall gleamed with silver chandeliers, marble floors reflecting the light of hundreds of enchanted candles. The air was too perfect, too polished just like everything else in the palace.
The princess stood near the throne, arms crossed and chin tilted upward. Her golden hair shimmered faintly under the lights, and her tone was dripping with pride.
"To be honest," Aurora said, smirking faintly, "when they said one of the Saints was coming, I thought they meant Alys… not you."
Her words hung heavy in the air.
Ragnar stood at the center of the hall, calm as a still lake. His hands were in his pockets, his expression unreadable. "Sorry for disappointing you," he said flatly. "But why did you call me here?"
Aurora's smug grin faltered slightly. "Well, you see, you filthy pea—"
"Aurora."
The queen's voice cut through the air like a blade.
Aurora froze instantly.
Queen Elara's tone wasn't raised, but her eyes sharp and royal made the young princess straighten up at once. "That's unbecoming of a princess," she said, her voice calm but laced with authority. "Must I remind you that he is here because you asked for help?"
Aurora's lips pressed into a tight line. "…No, Mother," she said quietly, her voice barely audible.
Ragnar's gaze drifted to her not in pity, but in analysis.
'So even spoiled brats have leashes,' he thought dryly.
The silence that followed was broken by the king's deep voice.
King Alaric leaned forward from his throne, his tone firm yet diplomatic. "Young Ragnar, ignore them. The reason we've summoned you is because my daughter wishes to learn magic and she specifically requested to be taught by a Saint."
Ragnar raised a brow. "Out of all the Saints… why me?"
"Because," Alaric replied bluntly, "the rest recommended you and... you were the only one available."
Ragnar's brow twitched slightly.
'Basically, those jerks didn't want the job and tossed it to me,' he thought bitterly. 'Figures.'
The queen cleared her throat softly, drawing his attention. Her voice was gentle, carrying the calm that balanced her husband's weight. "So, will you teach her?"
Ragnar thought for a moment, then stood up from his chair. "Sure," he said simply, "but not for free."
"If it's within our power, we can provide it," said the queen, unfazed. "So what do you want?"
Ragnar crossed his arms, thinking for a moment. "I want one favor from the king. I can cash it in whenever I want. No questions asked."
The king leaned back, eyes narrowing with curiosity. "A favor, huh?" He exhaled slowly. "I can't imagine what you'd need from me, but fine. I accept. I suppose even if I asked, you wouldn't tell me what you plan to use it for, would you?"
Ragnar smiled faintly. "Nope."
Alaric chuckled under his breath. "Figures."
He tapped his fingers on the armrest. "So, when will you start her training?"
Ragnar glanced outside the nearby window the sky painted orange with the setting sun. "It's almost nightfall… You've got guest rooms, right?"
"Of course,""said the king, puzzled.
"Then I'll start training her tonight until the dead of night," Ragnar said casually. "After that, I'll rest here."
The king blinked, slightly thrown off. "You intend to train tonight?"
"It's the best time," Ragnar said. "Darkness teaches focus plus it will be quicker. "
Before the king could respond, Aurora who had been simmering in silence since being scolded finally spoke up. "Thank you… for agreeing to train me." Her tone was forced, the words strained and awkward, like she had to push each syllable past her pride. "I'll… go change into something appropriate for training."
Ragnar sighed. "Fine. I'll wait."
The princess turned and left the hall, the sound of her heels echoing until the doors closed behind her.
The air turned thick again.
Ragnar looked down at the red carpet, clearly trying not to speak.
The king broke the silence. "Ragnar—"
"I'm not in the mood to talk to you, Mr. King." Ragnar's voice was cold.
The king blinked, then laughed softly. "I don't blame you, kid."
Ragnar didn't answer but the disdain in his eyes said enough. After all, how could he feel anything else toward the man who sold him to the Monster Nation, Nareth?
Although Ragnar like to pretend like he forgot he still angry about the matter.
Minutes passed in tense quiet.
Finally, the great doors opened again.
Aurora stepped through and the entire hall seemed to shift.
Gone was the delicate royal wrapped in luxury. Standing there was someone completely different.
Her long golden hair flowed freely around her shoulders, a few strands rebelliously crossing her face. She wore a cropped white top that revealed a toned midriff, the faint line of muscle showing her training wasn't for show. Straps and black harnesses crossed over her chest and waist, giving her an almost militaristic look.
Her loose, black cargo pants were strapped with buckles and belts, tucked into combat boots that thudded with authority as she walked. Each metallic clink echoed confidence or maybe defiance.
The royal gown had been replaced by the attire of a fighter.
She adjusted her gloves, exhaling softly. :If I'm going to learn magic,""she said under her breath, "I'm doing it my way."
Even her parents looked momentarily speechless.
The outfit, inspired by ""therworlder culture," had been tailored for women who fought not who watched from balconies.
Ragnar stared at her for a second, unimpressed. "Wow. How flashy," he said, his tone dry. "Did you spend all night practicing that line, or did it just come naturally?"
Aurora's face flushed crimson. "Why you— you brat!
She stormed toward him, her boots clanging against the marble, hand raised to hit him.
But Ragnar sidestepped casually. "Careful there, princess. Training starts outside. Don't wanna ruin the fancy carpet."
He smirked as he walked away, leaving her fuming.
Aurora clenched her fists, growling under her breath before following him.
The queen sighed, rubbing her temples. "Honey… are you sure this is a good idea?"
In truth the king didn't want to let his daughter learn magic but because war might break out soon he needs his daughter to know basic protection for her own safety.
The king cleared his throat. "Well, I, uh… have a royal meeting to attend."
"There are no meetings tonight."
"Exactly. I'm attending none of them," he said, quickly leaving before she could respond.
---
The moonlight spilled across the vast garden, flowers glowing faintly with traces of magic. Ragnar was stretching casually near a stone fountain while Aurora stood a few feet away, arms crossed and glaring.
"So," Ragnar began, "what's your magic affinity?"
Aurora blinked. "My what?"
"Affinity," he repeated. "The type of magic your soul naturally connects with."
"I don't know" she admitted reluctantly. "My parents never allowed me to get involved with magic until now."
Ragnar frowned slightly but didn't pry. Royal family politics weren't his concern.
"Alright," he said. "Give me your hands."
Aurora hesitated, eyes narrowing. "Why?"
"So I can find out," he said simply.
She glared, but curiosity won. Slowly, she placed her hands in his.
Ragnar closed his eyes. For a moment, the air shimmered. Magic energy swirled softly between their palms blue and gold threads intertwining. Aurora gasped slightly at the strange warmth.
Then it stopped.
Ragnar opened his eyes.
"Well?" she asked quickly. "What did you do to me?"
"Nothing harmful," he said, letting go. "I just checked your affinity."
She leaned forward, eyes wide. "And?"
Ragnar smirked faintly. "Summoning magic."
Aurora blinked, then gasped. "Summoning?! That's one of the rarest!"
Her shock quickly melted into pride. She jumped slightly, grinning ear to ear. "Well, of course! As expected from royalty!"
Then she turned to him with a mocking smile. See? If you were born into royalty like me, you'd probably have a rare affinity too."
Ragnar chuckled, shaking his head. "You really believe that, huh?"
"Obviously."
He smirked. "Funny. Because I have two affinities and one of them is rarer than yours. Because the ladt person to have it lived over a thousand years ago."
Her smile froze. "Don't lie. Your file says you only have fire magic."
Ragnar laughed and waved his hand. A swirling dark-blue portal opened beside him, faint sparks of blue flames around its edges.
"Who's lying now?" he said with a grin. "Face it, princess you're not half as special as you think."
Aurora's jaw dropped slightly.
Then, she scowled. "You— you arrogant—!"
But Ragnar had already turned away, his expression cooling again.
Inside, though, his thoughts raced.
'Why do my academy files still show only fire magic? What's hiding that second one?'
He shoved the thought aside.
'One problem at a time, Ragnar. One problem at a time.'
He looked at Aurora she was still rather angry and jealous.
'Focus on the task at hand you will worry about the rest later Ragnar. That's a smark move, right?'