Ch - 2 (Shadows in Bloom)

...——Later That Same Day——...

During the midday break, sunlight filtered through the Academy garden’s flowering treetops, casting dancing shadows over mossy cobblestones. The air was sweet with the scent of blooming hydrangeas, and the faint hum of gossip and laughter floated on the breeze.

Iris spotted Yuki sitting alone on a stone bench, her posture quiet, gaze fixed on something far away. Without hesitation, Iris skipped—yes, skipped—down the path, the silver strands of her hair catching in the light like wisps of cloud.

“Hi!” she chirped brightly, standing in front of Yuki with her hands clasped behind her back. No reply.

Unfazed, Iris plopped down beside her, kicking her legs slightly as they dangled from the bench. “It’s such a nice day, don’t you think? The flowers are all blooming, the sun is warm, and look!”—she pointed excitedly—“That bee’s got little pollen socks on his legs!”

Yuki didn’t even glance. But Iris simply giggled and continued, “You must be new, Lady Yuki. This place—Royal Academy, you know—is the biggest and most prestigious in the whole kingdom! Maybe even the world. Some people say it’s where legends start!”

Still silence. But Yuki didn’t walk away either. So, naturally, Iris took that as a sign of budding friendship. Over the next few days, Iris shadowed Yuki like a curious kitten—poking her head around corners, appearing at her table at lunch, offering her snacks (and occasionally throwing candy at her when she wouldn’t take it).

Even Cain, the Crown Prince himself, noticed—and was not amused. He watched Iris drift away from his side again, practically glowing as she chased after her new quiet fascination. Cain’s brow twitched. “She’s forgotten I exist,” he muttered through gritted teeth.

...——Magic & Alchemy Lecture Hall——...

Today’s class buzzed with energy. The grand lecture hall, lined with arcane diagrams and glass cabinets of glowing herbs, filled quickly. Students whispered excitedly as Cain, Blair, and Iris entered—only to head straight for the seats behind Yuki.

Gasps and raised brows rippled through the room. The Crown Prince, abandoning his usual front-row throne, now sat next to a girl with no title.

“Has Iris finally lost it?”

“Is she following that silent girl again?”

“Look at Cain’s face—he’s going to explode.”

The instructor, Professor Helbor, clapped once, voice gravelly and stern. “Group announcement. You will form teams of five—permanent until semester’s end. Choose carefully. Dismissed.”

The room erupted into motion. Iris bounced to her feet. “Yuki! Lady Yuki, please join us! You’re super strong, I just know it. We’d be amazing together!”

All eyes turned to Yuki. Most students eyed her with suspicion or kept their distance entirely. Yet after a moment of hesitation, she gave a small nod. “Alright.”

From behind, Cain mumbled darkly, “Annoying...”

Blair, ever the instigator, patted Cain’s shoulder. “Aw, jealous she didn’t ask you first?”

Cain didn’t reply—just radiated silent fury.

“We’re still short one,” Blair added.

Before they could scan the room, a soft voice piped up behind them. “Um... Your Highness, may I join your group?”

Lady Lana Krist stood there, fingers twined nervously, a hesitant smile on her face. Her soft eyes sought Cain’s.

Cain’s gaze turned icy. “Given your… history with Lady Yuki, I think it’s best—”

“Lady Lana!” Iris gasped, spinning toward her like a child meeting a fairytale princess. “You have water magic, right? That’s so cool! You’d be perfect! Say yes!”

The tension cracked like ice under sunlight.

Cain stared at Iris, incredulous. “Iris—”

“We’ll be the strongest group ever!” she declared, twirling with excitement.

Blair stifled a laugh. “You’ve lost control,” he whispered to Cain.

Cain groaned into his hand.

...——The Next Morning, Breakfast Hall——...

The five of them sat together at one of the long tables. Plates clinked, students stared.

Cain was clearly suffering.

“I suggest we introduce ourselves properly,” Iris said between bites of buttered toast. “Group bonding time!”

Cain slowly set down his fork like it offended him. “I am Crown Prince Cain Tempest of the Dragon Wing Kingdom. Address me accordingly.”

“Formal much?” Blair muttered.

“I’m Blair Auryn,” he added. “Just Blair. Please.”

“I’m Iris!” she beamed. “Lover of sparkly mushrooms and sleepy foxes! Your turn, Yuki!”

Yuki spoke quietly. “Yuki Nazuka, of Pandora Kingdom. I don’t mind being called Nazuko.”

Lana, who had barely touched her tea, said softly, “Lana Krist, daughter of Count Krist.”

“Perfect!” Iris clapped. “Now that we’re all official frien—”

“We’re late,” Blair interrupted flatly.

Iris pouted. “But I didn’t get to tell them about my beetle collection...”

...——Alchemy & Magic Class——...

The students filed into the lecture hall with a nervous buzz. Word had spread quickly: Today, the legendary Lambert Circle mages were visiting. Every student sat up straighter. Master Kyle, an imposing figure with steel-gray eyes and a robe lined in celestial thread, stood at the front like a mountain. His presence was serene but commanding—like a still lake that might become a storm at any moment.

His gaze swept the room, quieting even the loudest whispers.

“We begin,” he said, voice calm but firm. “Place your hands upon the orb. Affinity first.”

One by one, students stepped forward.

Cain’s hand touched the orb, and it erupted in radiant gold. Murmurs spread, but no one was surprised.

Yuki’s was a cool, even blue—mysterious and stable.

Blair’s burned vivid red, flickering like firelight.

Lana’s glowed with forest green edged in soft violet.

Then came Iris.

She bounced forward, practically skipping, and placed her hands delicately on the orb. It gave off a faint shimmer—barely more than a sparkle.

A few students stifled chuckles.

“Aw,” Iris said, tilting her head, “it's a little sleepy today.”

Cain covered his face with his hand.

Then came Haruka. Silent and reserved, he stepped forward and laid his hand on the orb.

The reaction was immediate—dark energy surged from it, black streaked with violet, humming with something otherworldly. A hush fell across the room like a dropped curtain.

Master Kyle raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

“...Is that even a known element?"

"..That’s not normal.”

“Is that void magic?!”

“He might be stronger than the Crown Prince...”

Iris leaned toward Cain and whispered, “He’s like a haunted gemstone! Maybe smoky quartz?”

Cain muttered darkly, “I’m going to set something on fire.”

“Huh?” she blinked. “You said that out loud.”

He looked away. “Forget it.”

Master Kyle stepped forward. The orb dimmed behind him as he addressed the class again.

“Magic affinity is only a glimpse,” he said, voice even. “Raw potential is not mastery. Control, understanding, and teamwork will determine your success here.”

He waved his hand, and papers fluttered down onto each table—one per group.

“For your first major evaluation,” he continued, “each group will receive a unique magical ingredient. You will study its properties, test its behavior, and produce one of the following: a potion, a charm, or a compound with practical use. All must be documented in a report.”

He paused just long enough for the gravity to settle.

“You have one week. No changes in team members. No substitutions. No excuses.”

Students around the room immediately broke into whispered strategizing.

Iris raised her hand with visible excitement. “Um! Master Kyle—can ours sparkle?”

A few students snorted.

Cain groaned audibly.

Master Kyle tilted his head slightly. “If the magic demands it,” he said, “then it will. But sparkle is not the goal, Miss Iris. Usefulness is.”

Iris beamed. “What if it’s usefully sparkly?”

He didn’t smile—but his eyes, sharp as ever, twinkled just slightly. “Then surprise me.”

Cain banged his head lightly against the desk.

Blair leaned over and whispered, “I like him.”

Master Kyle’s gaze swept the room one final time.