ch - 3 (Glimer of the Forbidden bloom)

It was a radiant afternoon—the sun bathed the Academy grounds in gold as a soft breeze rustled the leaves of the forest behind the Royal Academy. By a shimmering lake, where the surface sparkled like crystal under the sunlight, a tea picnic was laid out on a neatly patterned ivory-and-red blanket. Iris had organized everything down to the last detail.

The group sat in their official Academy uniforms: finely tailored black coats with crimson embroidery tracing the cuffs and lapels, their house insignias sewn in silver thread on their left sleeves. Girls wore pleated skirts with a formal touch, while the boys had polished boots and neat sashes tied around their waists.

A silver tea set rested atop a short wooden tray, steaming with floral-scented brews. Tiered stands held an array of sweets—strawberry tarts, almond scones, and soft lemon cakes dusted with powdered sugar. Colorful wildflowers bloomed across the lake’s edge, their petals swaying in tune with the breeze.

Iris chatted energetically with Lana, her laughter ringing like a bell, while Crown Prince Cain Tempest sat nearby, his sapphire gaze fixed on Lana with veiled hostility. In his mind, he imagined hurling her into the lake with a flick of his finger. Blair Auryn, the Duke’s son, quietly gritted his teeth, trying not to laugh at the prince’s barely concealed expressions. Yuki Nazuko, as always, sat calmly, sipping tea with a distant air.

Breaking the tension, Blair cleared his throat. “We should talk about the assignment.”

“Oh! Right, I nearly forgot,” Lana chimed, brushing crumbs from her gloves.

“What ingredient did we get again?” Yuki asked in her usual low, composed tone.

“It’s the Midnash Bloom,” Cain replied, sitting upright. His voice was firm but thoughtful. “It’s rare. Very little is documented, and since the assignment is based on personal experience, we’ll need to find it ourselves.”

“I read about that flower once,” Iris said, setting her cup down with a soft clink. “Why don’t we head to the library?”

The group nodded in agreement and began packing. Their personal servants, permitted for noble students, took over cleaning the setup. The group strolled back through the forest path, dappled sunlight following them like a silent guardian. They went to the Library, there servants followed behind them.

The Academy Library, an ancient tower lined with spiraling staircases and enchanted lanterns, smelled of parchment and ink. The group, now seated among tomes both ancient and modern, flipped through pages describing magical flora.

Midnash Bloom... Blue petals. Found in colder climates. Glows under moonlight. Ancient in origin. Possibly used in forbidden rituals.

That was all they found—no diagrams, no cultivation methods, and no confirmed sightings in recent decades.

“We’re not getting anywhere,” Blair sighed, shutting a book gently.

Cain stood up. “Then let’s ask someone who knows more.”

They visited Cain’s older cousin, Pabel—a fourth-year student known for his practical knowledge and calm demeanor. With tousled brown hair and a lazy smile, he welcomed them in his study lined with specimens and alchemical flasks.

“Midnash Bloom? That’s rare,” he said, thoughtful. “My father mentioned it once—it was found up north, before we were born. Researchers couldn’t cultivate it. The project was abandoned.”

“The north?” Cain repeated.

“There’s a teleport pad in the city,” Pabel offered. “You could be there in under an hour.”

Blair nodded. “Then we leave tomorrow.” 

...–––The Northern Journey–––...

The next morning, the group met in the town square, this time in casual wear. Cain wore a high-collared dark blue coat with silver trimming; Blair dressed in earth-toned trousers and a black long-sleeved shirt. Yuki’s attire was minimalist—soft gray and deep navy, with her dark hair tied back in a neat braid. Iris and Lana wore traveling skirts and light cloaks, their boots polished and matching the gold embroidery on their hems.

Their servants followed closely behind, carrying bags enchanted to resist weight and weather.

In the town’s center stood a grand teleportation podium—an elevated stone disc carved with runes that glowed faintly. At its center, a massive crystal pulsed with arcane energy. A royal-certified mage bowed to greet the group.

“Your Highness, Lords and Ladies, the circle is ready.”

The air shimmered as the spell activated. The moment they stepped in, they were engulfed in blinding light. A disorienting pull surged through their bodies.

“That… felt awful,” Lana muttered, pressing her hand to her forehead.

“First time teleporting always feels like that,” Iris said, placing a hand on her back kindly.

They arrived in the snowy northern town of Elderglen, where a polished black carriage awaited them. The local lord, Count Ackerman, personally received them with a respectful bow. “It is an honor, Your Highness. Please allow me to show you around.”

After a brief tour, the group wandered through the town’s bustling market. Vibrant stalls sold herbs, enchanted tools, and winter-specific magical gear. Iris and Lana, wide-eyed with curiosity, got distracted by trinkets and pastries while Cain, Blair, and Yuki stocked up on books—mostly on herbology and botany.

They brought far too many.

Still lacking key information, they met with Mr. Phill, a renowned senior botanist who lived in a cottage near the frozen woods.

“The Midnash Bloom…” he murmured, adjusting his spectacles. “It was once feared. Rumored to be used in witchcraft—potent, mystical, dangerous. The church outlawed it. Even now, few dare speak of it. But myths say it glows blue under moonlight, found in the mountains just north of here. It’s safer these days… If you’re brave, you might still find it.”

That night, gathered in the inn’s drawing room lit by a warm hearth, the group reviewed what they had.

“It’s not much,” Iris admitted, sipping hot cocoa. “But it gives us something to work with.”

“We should check the mountain ourselves,” Cain said decisively. “We’ll never know unless we try.”

“They said it’s safe, right?” Lana asked uncertainly.

“There haven’t been any beast sightings in years,” Blair replied, trying to reassure her.

Everyone nodded. Plans were made. Tomorrow, they would climb the mountain in search of a forgotten flower glowing in the dark.

......–––To Be Continued–––......

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