The morning light filtered softly through the tall windows of the Kerl residence, casting golden patterns across the white stone walls adorned with mahogany panels and delicate spiral runes. Chester sat alone at the long dining table, surrounded by plates of freshly toasted bread infused with mystical honey and a steaming cup of shimmering tea. Across from him, Lila, the loyal maid of the Kerl family, cleared the dishes with a small, knowing smile. Frookvolt Fernandez, the family's magical carriage driver, entered in his black-and-silver uniform, carrying the daily report for Lord Kerl.
"You look unusually cheerful this morning, Young Master. Did Miss Marcia make your heart flutter?" Lila teased gently, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced toward the guest wing.
Chester snorted, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Lila, your teasing never ends, does it? Marcia just stayed over because it got late last night. Don't read too much into it." He took a bite of toast, but his thoughts drifted back to the previous night's battle with Liane.
Frookvolt chuckled, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Still, Young Master, you rarely bring guests home, especially not a girl like Miss Marcia. She's fierce, but she seems kind-hearted, doesn't she?"
Chester shook his head, trying to suppress a laugh. "She's fierce to the bone. But... she helped me fight Liane last night, so maybe she's not as bad as I thought." He sipped his tea, his expression turning serious as he looked at Frookvolt and Lila, who had now fallen silent.
"Frook, Lila... last night I came back late because something serious happened. One of my classmates, Liane, tried to kill Alise, Princess Seraphim."
Lila gasped softly, her hand pausing mid-motion. "Liane Margaux? The quiet girl who always follows Lady Alise?" Her voice was filled with shock, but also concern. "Young Master, are you alright?"
Frookvolt frowned, rubbing his chin. "That's serious, Young Master. The Seraphim family isn't to be trifled with. If Liane tried to assassinate Lady Alise, this isn't just a student matter. Do you know anything more?"
Chester nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the table. "I saw it myself. She used iron chains with strange magic, like she was trained to kill. She accused me of wanting to kill Alise, but Marcia witnessed everything. Liane fled when the guards arrived."
The atmosphere grew heavy. Lila and Frookvolt exchanged glances. Just then, Lord Kerl Ormund entered the dining hall, his emerald-green robe flowing elegantly, his silver-gray hair neatly combed. His face was stern, but a flicker of warmth appeared when he saw Chester.
"Good morning, Chester," he said, his voice deep and composed. He did not mention Marcia staying overnight, as if it were of no concern. "Lila, a cup of tea for me. Frook, the noble council report."
Chester took a deep breath, trying to keep his tone steady despite the familiar tension between him and his father. "Morning, Father. I came back late last night because something major happened. Liane Margaux, Alise's friend, tried to kill her. Marcia and I had to fight her in the alley near Lilith Café."
Lord Kerl raised an eyebrow, his expression turning grave. "Liane Margaux? That's a grave accusation, Chester. What evidence do you have?" His tone carried authority, but also a trace of worry.
Chester clenched his jaw, knowing his father had always doubted him since his reputation as a delinquent student became known. "I saw it with my own eyes, Father. She used iron chains with strange magic, like she was trained to kill. She accused me of wanting to kill Alise, but Marcia saw everything. Liane fled when the guards came."
Lila and Frookvolt remained silent, the room thick with tension. Lord Kerl nodded slowly, rubbing his chin. "If this is true, it's no small matter. The Seraphim family must be informed, and I will investigate Liane. But Chester, be careful. Don't do anything reckless."
Chester nodded, but his heart felt heavy. He drained his tea, then changed the subject with a serious tone. "Father, why was I chosen for the Royal Magical Event? With my reputation, why not a more deserving student?"
Lord Kerl looked at Chester, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and disappointment. "You want to know why? Because I believe you can be better than your reputation. Others see you as a truant student, but I saw your potential during the student selection. You have talent, Chester, but you waste it with your cynical attitude."
Chester flushed, anger and frustration rising. "Talent? Father, that was the old me. I'm not the same anymore!" His voice rose, full of defiance. "I won't become the person you want me to be. I do things my way!"
The tension filled the room. Lila and Frookvolt looked down at the floor. Lord Kerl sighed deeply, his face stern. "If that's your choice, Chester, prove me wrong. Win the Royal Magical Event and show me you're worthy." He stood and left the room without another word.
Chester clenched his fists, breathing heavily. "Frook, prepare the carriage. I'm going out to the city," he said, his voice low but resolute. Frookvolt nodded. "Yes, Young Master. Where to?"
"Just for a walk. I need to think," Chester replied, standing up and slinging his small bag over his shoulder as he walked out.
The magical carriage rolled through the gray stone streets of Razack, its soft yellow magical lanterns glowing gently in the bright morning. Chester gazed out the window, his mind in turmoil. The argument with his father still stung, but his worry for Alise was stronger. "Liane... if she tries to attack Alise again, I have to be there," he whispered, his hand clenching into a fist. He remembered the loops, the pain of blades and spears, but he pushed the fear aside. "I have to unravel this mystery."
Frookvolt stopped the carriage in front of a fashionable boutique in the city center. The walls were adorned with glowing runes, and large windows displayed the latest magical robes. "I'll wait here, Young Master," Frookvolt said warmly. Chester nodded and stepped inside.
The boutique was lined with racks of robes embroidered with shimmering magical patterns, from lightweight combat cloaks to elegant gowns for noble gatherings. Chester walked slowly, his fingers brushing the fabrics, trying to distract himself from Liane and Alise.
Suddenly, a soft but cheeky voice called from behind. "Wow, Chester Kerl shopping for clothes? Is the world ending?"
Chester turned and saw a girl about 158 cm tall, with short blonde hair tied in twin tails, brown eyes sparkling with mischief. Her face was unfamiliar, but Chester Kerl's memories flooded back like a broken dam. "Cassandra," he said automatically, his voice filled with surprise and familiarity.
The girl, Cassandra, grinned mischievously, hands on her hips. "Hah, you remember my name? I'm surprised, Chester! I thought you'd forgotten me since we went to different academies."
Her tone was playful, but her eyes held genuine warmth. She stepped closer, studying Chester with interest. "You look... different. What's up? Don't tell me you've suddenly become a model student!"
Chester gave a small laugh, feeling awkward yet relieved. Chester Kerl's memories of Cassandra flowed, his childhood friend, always cheerful, always teasing, but never cruel despite his bad reputation. "Hmph, you never change, do you? Still love messing with me," he replied, his voice casual but with a genuine smile. "I'm just out for a walk. What are you doing here? Your academy is far away."
Cassandra shrugged, her smile widening. "Weekend break, so I came back to Razack. Looking for a new robe for an event at my academy. But seriously, Chester, are you okay? You look like you've got big problems." Her eyes narrowed slightly, trying to read his expression.
Chester paused, thinking about the loops and the threat of Liane. "Just... weird things happening lately. Hard to explain," he said quietly. Cassandra looked at him, her smile softening. "Hmph, you always keep secrets. But if you want to talk, I'm here, okay? Friends like me won't abandon you." She patted his shoulder lightly, the gesture full of sincerity.
Chester smiled, a warmth spreading through his chest. "Thanks, Cass. Maybe later I'll tell you. But for now, help me pick a robe. I don't want to look like a delinquent at the Royal Magical Event," he said, trying to change the subject.
Cassandra laughed. "Oh, now you want to look stylish? Alright, Young Master Kerl, let me help you become the most handsome student at the academy!" They walked together through the racks, Cassandra teasing Chester with every choice of robe, but behind the jokes, Chester felt someone truly understood him, even in a world full of mysteries and dangers.