Ch - 2 (Shadows in Bloom)

Later that same day, during the midday break, Iris found Yuki sitting alone on a stone bench in the Academy garden, surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and the soft buzz of distant student chatter. Sunlight dappled through the trees, casting moving shadows across the cobblestones. Iris walked up slowly, her silver hair catching the light. “Hi,” she said gently, waiting for a response. Yuki didn’t look up.

Undeterred, Iris sat beside her. “It’s a wonderful day, isn’t it?” Still no answer—but Yuki didn’t move away either. Encouraged, Iris smiled. “You must be new, Lady Yuki. Did you know the Royal Academy of our kingdom is the largest and most prestigious in the region? Students from other kingdoms dream of studying here.”

Yuki remained silent, her gaze fixed on a distant point. Iris didn’t mind. She just kept talking, her voice bright and hopeful. For the next few days, Iris shadowed Yuki like a loyal puppy, always trailing behind her—even leaving the crown prince’s side, much to his visible annoyance. In the Magic & Alchemy lecture hall, Iris took the seat behind Yuki—and so did Crown Prince Cain Tempest and Duke Blair Auryn. The students exchanged curious glances at the unusual seating pattern.

The instructor, a stern man with streaks of gray in his beard, stepped forward and clapped once to get their attention. “Today’s announcement,” he said, “-is simple. You will form groups of five. These teams will last until the end of the semester. Choose wisely—you can pick anyone, but you cannot change your group afterward. Dismissed.”

The room buzzed with excitement. Iris’s eyes sparkled. She jumped to her feet and hurried to Yuki. “Lady Yuki! Join us—please? I mean... you’re incredibly strong, and I just know we’d make a great team!” Yuki hesitated. No one else had asked her—whispers and rumors clung to her like a shadow. Slowly, she nodded. “Alright.”

Nearby, Cain muttered under his breath, “Annoying...” but didn’t object. Blair cleared his throat to break the tension. “We’ll join. But we’re still one short.” They looked around. Most students avoided their gaze, pretending to be deeply fascinated by their desks. Just then, a hesitant voice came from behind them. “Um... Your Highness, if it’s alright... I’d like to join your group.”

They turned to see Lady Lana Krist, cheeks flushed pink and hands clasped nervously in front of her. She looked shy—but Cain narrowed his eyes, suspicious. She's pretending, he thought. Just like before.

Cain’s voice was cool. “I would’ve allowed it, Lady Krist, but given the... situation between you and Lady Yuki, I think—” Before he could finish, Iris stepped forward cheerfully. “It would be an honor! I’ve heard you have an affinity with water magic. That could really help the group.” Blair gently patted Cain’s shoulder in mock sympathy, earning a sharp glare from the prince, who was clearly holding back a groan.

...——The Next Morning—–...

At breakfast, the new group sat together at one of the long tables. Iris was positively glowing. “Let’s introduce ourselves!” Iris chirped. The others looked far less enthusiastic. Cain sighed, setting down his fork. “I am Crown Prince Cain Tempest of the Dragon Wing Kingdom. You may continue addressing me as ‘Your Highness.’” His tone was polite, but cool. Only Blair and Iris were permitted to speak to him casually.

“I’m Blair Auryn,” said the duke’s son, barely glancing up. “Just call me Blair.” “I’m Iris!” she beamed. “Your turn, Lady Yuki!” Yuki looked up, her voice soft but clear. “I’m Yuki Nazuka, from the Pandora Kingdom. You can call me Nazuko.”

The last to speak was Lana Krist. “I’m Lana Krist, daughter of Count Krist.” “Great!” Iris said, clapping her hands. “Now that we’re all introdu—”. “We’re late,” Blair cut in flatly. Iris’s shoulders slumped. “Oh, come on...”

...——Alchemy & Magic Class–—...

They filed into class together. Today was special—mages from the renowned Lambert Circle were visiting. At the front of the room stood an older man with a commanding presence and piercing eyes. He was known as Master Kyle, a senior mage with the title Alep. The class proceeded with an evaluation of magical affinity. One by one, students stepped forward to place their hands on a glowing orb.

Cain’s magic shimmered bright gold, nearly blinding. Yuki’s orb glowed with a calm, steady blue. Blair’s flared with vivid red. Lana’s magic was a lush green with flickers of soft violet. Iris’s orb gave off only a faint glow—barely visible, like a spark waiting to ignite. Then came Haruka.

He stepped up with little fanfare—black hair, silver eyes tinted with grey. When he touched the orb, it pulsed with dark energy—pitch black with streaks of deep violet. A hush fell over the room. Whispers spread like wildfire.

“I’ve never seen anything like that...”

“Is that even a known affinity?”

“He might rival the prince...”

Iris nudged Cain with her elbow, whispering, “Hey, Cain... isn’t that interesting? His magic is completely different. What do you think?”

Cain’s eye twitched. She’s been paying more attention to that commoner than me since we got here...

He muttered under his breath, “Should I burn this place to the ground...?”

“Hm? Did you say something?” Iris asked, oblivious.

“Nothing,” he said curtly.

At the front of the class, Master Kyle cleared his throat, silencing the chatter. “We’ll begin with the basics,” he said, his voice deep and composed. “Even those who consider themselves experts will return to the fundamentals. Each of you will receive an ingredient or formula. Your task is to create an alchemical report and practical demonstration by next week—based on your experience, not just theory. Best of luck.” Though kind in tone, his reputation for discipline made it clear: he expected nothing short of excellence.

...——To Be Continued——...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***