A bright morning sun shone into Kaito's room. The light filtering through the window warmed the air, and the sound of birds chirping outside made everything feel more alive.
Today felt different—he wasn't sure why.
Maybe because this would be his last morning at home for a while.
From downstairs, his mother called out,
"Kaito! Breakfast is ready!"
Kaito hurried down after roughly fixing his messy hair. As he sat at the table, he lifted his head and spoke with a slightly awkward expression.
"I… want to say something. Starting today, I'll be living in the Silverridge Academy dormitory."
His parents exchanged a look. They knew this day would come eventually, but hearing it out loud still made the house feel emptier.
His father stroked his chin.
"The academy really is far… over an hour away. Staying in the dorm is the better choice," he said, trying to smile even though his eyes looked a bit sad.
His mother added, "Yes, but still… the house will feel so quiet without you."
Kaito tried to smile back. "I'll miss you both too."
After breakfast, Kaito rushed to take a shower and put on his brand-new Silverridge Academy uniform—still stiff and smelling like new fabric. Then he began packing clothes and important items into a huge bag. Much more than Zack ever expected.
From downstairs, his mother called again,
"Kaito! Zack is here!"
"Okay, I'm coming!"
Kaito descended the stairs while dragging the giant bag behind him. When Zack saw the mountain of stuff, he immediately grinned.
"Heh, you're way too diligent. Why bring so many clothes? You don't have any good ones? You'll get bullied by those status-obsessed nobles, you know."
Kaito could only laugh awkwardly while scratching the back of his head.
"W-well… I just brought whatever I had…"
Zack sighed dramatically.
"Huffh… fine. I'll buy you some decent and formal clothes later. Don't refuse. We're best friends, remember?"
Kaito's eyes sparkled instantly. He never had many nice clothes, so just hearing that made him weirdly happy.
They walked out of the house, and Kaito waved goodbye to his parents from the window of the red, gold-decorated carriage.
As the carriage moved, ten minutes passed before Kaito's curiosity finally overflowed.
"Hey, Zack… your family isn't that famous among nobles, right? So how do you have a carriage this fancy?"
Zack froze for a moment.
(Inner thoughts)
Oh crap. I should've used a normal carriage. Whatever, I'll just bluff my way out.
"I… borrowed this from the Crown Prince," Zack answered while turning his face away.
"Huh!? What did you say!? You borrowed a carriage from the royal family!?"
Kaito stared at him in disbelief. Zack only shrugged.
"Yeah. It's a long story."
"Tell meeee!" Kaito leaned forward, pestering him.
"Not now. I'll tell you when the time's right," Zack insisted immediately.
Kaito puffed his cheeks in frustration, but didn't push further.
Zack always had his own reasons.
Soon the carriage stopped in front of a prestigious clothing store in the capital of Rosehart, a favorite spot for nobles. The scent of new fabric and perfume filled the air the moment they stepped inside.
"Kaito, pick five outfits you like. I'll add five more," Zack said.
"Five!?" Kaito's eyes widened. "That's too many—"
"No complaints. Just choose."
Kaito wandered around slowly, touching the fabrics one by one, trying to imagine which clothes would suit him.
Twenty minutes later…
"Hey… why are you taking so long to pick clothes!? You're like a girl!" Zack glared.
Kaito let out a small laugh. "I'm done choosing."
Zack turned, and his eyes widened.
"Seriously? You have good taste… these are all cool."
He leaned in and whispered,
"These outfits might make your fiancée even more attracted to you… hehe."
Kaito smacked his shoulder lightly.
"You idiot… but if it helps me get closer to Lyria, then sure, haha."
The doorbell rang—kring.
A silver-haired girl wearing a yellow dress stepped in.
"Oh? So now you're trying to charm Lyria, Kai?" she said casually.
Kaito instantly froze.
"L-La— Lady Celestine!? W-what are you doing here?"
Celestine smiled sweetly.
"Buying clothes, obviously. And I never told you to call me formal anymore, right?"
"But… you're a noble…"
Celestine gave him a deadpan look.
"And what about the noble standing next to you? He talks casually all the time."
Zack raised a hand awkwardly.
"Ehe… well, we've known each other for seven years so—"
A chilling pressure suddenly filled the store.
Zack stiffened instantly. Celestine's aura made it obvious she and Zack had a history Kaito didn't know about.
Celestine turned back to Kaito.
"So? How's Lyria?"
Kaito scratched his head.
"I think… she's starting to open up to me. Still awkward, but definitely better than before."
Celestine smiled in relief, though a tiny hint of jealousy or concern lingered.
"That's good. She finally has someone she can talk to."
Then her expression sharpened.
"You're not doing anything weird to Lyria, right?"
Kaito nearly choked at the intimidation.
"N-no! I just… feel kind of 'drawn' to her. I had this weird dream… like something bad would happen to her if I wasn't near her."
Celestine fell silent, her eyes narrowing.
(Inner thoughts)
Just as I thought… he really does have that ability. But… can I trust him?
After paying for the clothes, Kaito and Zack said goodbye to Celestine. She waved gently, though her mind was still occupied by the "fate" that might be waiting for Lyria.
Their journey to the academy continued.
The scenery shifted from bustling city streets to open green fields. Eventually, they reached the massive gates of Silverridge Academy.
They headed to the dormitory administration building. Zack handed over the documents, and the dorm supervisor—a gray-haired old man—checked them carefully.
"Everything is in order. Your rooms are ready. You'll be staying across from each other on the second floor," the supervisor said.
Kaito bowed slightly. "Thank you, sir!"
When they reached their rooms, Kaito's jaw dropped.
"WOAH… this is so luxurious. Even better than my room at home…"
A soft bed, polished wooden desk, large wardrobe, elegant wall decorations…
Meanwhile Zack swallowed hard.
(Inner thoughts)
I actually booked the VIP rooms for us… Kaito hasn't realized it yet…
"Hehe… yeah. I didn't expect it to be this nice either," Zack lied smoothly.
"We should change quickly. Class starts soon! I'll wait at the dorm gate. Don't be slow!"
"Got it!"
Kaito changed into his academy uniform and looked at himself in the mirror.
"Wow… I really look different."
He stepped outside and found Zack leaning against the wall, waiting.
"Our rooms are amazing, huh?" Zack laughed.
"Yeah… I still can't believe it," Kaito joined in.
Together, they walked toward their first class of the day.
To be continued~
Just for info, this novel will add 2 chapters every Saturday