The Kingdom of Avangard was vast—filled with beautiful gardens, streets where children constantly chased one another and crowded districts of ancient, crumbling buildings. People interested in different kinds of goods and vegetables always came to experience the lively atmosphere of the shops and nearby places.
Of course, it was really easy to get lost in such kind of big streets so people were usually sharp enough to remember the places that they went.
Among commoners, nobles and royalty were always easy to notice.They carried a different kind of elegance—something villagers and ordinary folk could never imitate. Their beauty, posture, and refined behavior often captivated everyone around them.
Cezanie was the perfect example of this distinction.
She possessed a rare charisma, much like royal mages—beings as scarce as diamonds. Her long silver hair was always clean and straight, falling like a faintly golden veil over her shoulders. She was fortunate enough to inherit the Matthew family's golden eyes, shimmering with quiet authority. And her smile—beautiful and dazzling—made it impossible for people not to admire her. It was only natural that she drew attention wherever she went.
Yet beneath that angelic appearance hid a gifted magician whose tricks never seemed to end. Her clever traps and mischievous actions revealed her true nature: a trickster in disguise, despite what her gentle face suggested.
As usual, Cezanie wandered through the streets with a bright smile that seemed to lift everyone's spirits. Because of her fame, she was rarely alone, especially outdoors. Her companions—healers and wisdom bearers—were busy arguing over some trivial topic, while Cezanie scanned her surroundings, searching for something exhilarating.
Ever since childhood, she had been a spoiled princess, capable of getting anything she wanted with a single command—her words were golden rules to the servants. As she grew older, jewels, dresses, rings, even lavish banquets lost their charm. Her curiosity demanded more. Then she met Theoren—the first prince, cold as hell. She enjoyed talking to him, though getting even a single word from him felt like chiseling stone.
While strolling past bizarre shops, the crowd suddenly shifted. Panic rippled through the streets as people moved like startled animals. The sudden change snapped Cezanie out of her daze, and she quickened her pace toward the gathering mass.
That was when she saw them.
A small child smiled innocently in his mother's arms, while beside them stood a girl with hair as messy as wild forest bushes. The girl spoke calmly, explaining something as the mother listened closely. What surprised Cezanie was how, within moments, the girl had stolen everyone's attention with nothing but her words.
At that instant, Cezanie realized it—this girl possessed natural leadership or perhaps something even more.
That girl was of course Athenis.
And that was how this strange encounter began.
When Cezanie stopped Athenis from leaving, she immediately began thinking of ways to make her talk—no matter what. Athenis, however, had no intention of entertaining a noble magician. She was in a hurry to reach Lilith, who watched the scene with concern and curiosity.
Knowing how sly magicians could be, Athenis prepared herself for the worst. Noticing her cautious expression, Cezanie let out a soft chuckle.
"Oh, come now, dear," she said playfully. "Is it really that hard to introduce yourself? I won't bite unless you make me."
Her eyes glinted with mischief. The crowd leaned in, eager to witness the exchange.
Athenis had absolutely no desire to continue.
"My apologies, Miss," she replied calmly, "but I believe it's 200% acceptable to remain modest."
Cezanie raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Feisty, aren't we?"
She smirked, mulling over the words.
"Two hundred percent… Why such a number? Does she love calculations—or is she simply mad?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly. Athenis reacted instantly.
"Sorry if my words were rude."
She smiled, stepped back, grabbed Lilith's hand—and vanished like a ghost.In other words, she ran as fast as she possibly could, leaving the crowd tilting their heads in confusion.
Lilith was utterly stunned.
That was the great noble Cezanie, wasn't it?
She quickly shook her head and focused on Athenis.
"Wait—wait! Why are we leaving? Why are we even running?!"
She wiped the sweat from her forehead. Athenis stared at her as if she'd said something absurd.
"To go home," she replied flatly. "Isn't it obvious?"
Lilith glanced back thoughtfully.
"Thena, you ran without saying anything! That's rude, you know… people like her—"
She suddenly stopped and grinned like a maniac. Athenis tilted her head.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
Lilith smirked mischievously.
"If we negotiate with someone like her, it could be a great opportunity to enter the academy, don't you think?"
Athenis stared at her as if she were a stupid rock.
The idea was both insane and idiotic.
Lilith was hopeless.
Athenis sighed deeply and facepalmed.
"No… but there are other ways for both of us to get into the academy."