A Few Moments Later

  "Are you two angry with me?" I asked, looking at Thailon and Caelum, who stood in front of me with arms crossed and stern expressions.

  "We were dead worried about what might happen," Thailon huffed, crossing his arms tighter, his lips forming a slight pout. "You just put yourself to sleep without any warning! At least give us a heads-up next time."

  I smiled at his reaction. "I thought you'd notice. You know me better than that." I said, raising a brow at the Thailon "The magic I used should have been obvious to the two of you."

  "That's exactly why I was suspicious of that gold light around you," Caelum added, scratching his head. "So, it was sleeping magic, huh?"

  I nodded, a little sheepish. "I'm sorry if I worried you both, but honestly, I figured you'd catch on."

  Thailon narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed. His usual tsundere nature shone through as he clicked his tongue, avoiding my gaze. "Hmph, we're not mind readers, Lara."

  "I thought you two could at least figure it out without me needing to explain every little thing. After all, you've known me long enough," I teased, treating them like the children I still viewed them as—despite their youthful appearances, I was far older than both. "But I do apologize for worrying you."

  Thailon glared at me, though I could see the soft blush rising on his cheeks. "You better be sorry."

  Caelum, ever the nicer one, stepped in. "It's okay. Honestly, Thailon and I should've noticed sooner." He glanced over at Thailon, giving him a knowing smile. "Right?"

  Thailon's eyebrow twitched. "Are you seriously taking her side?"

  "Why not?" Caelum replied, grinning as if he enjoyed pushing Thailon's buttons.

  I laughed lightly, shaking my head at their bickering. "Alright, alright, no need to fight over it. How about this—let me make it up to you both. I'll treat you to dinner tonight. I know how much you both miss my spaghetti and Leche Flan. What do you say? I also want to catch up with you two" I offered, knowing that would break the tension.

  A brief moment of silence passed between them, their eyes flickering with interest. Finally, Thailon looked away, trying to mask his excitement. "You're treating us like children, you know," he muttered, but his tsundere nature couldn't hide his eagerness. "But... since you're offering, I suppose it wouldn't hurt."

  Caelum's eyes lit up, always the easygoing one. "It's fine with me-I'd never turn down your cooking."

  I smiled warmly, watching them both. "It's settled, then. Dinner at my place tonight. And this time, I promise I won't fall asleep."

  Thailon and Caelum exchanged looks, and though they tried to keep their cool, I could tell they were looking forward to it. Even after all these years, some things never changed.

  Third Point of View

  "What kind of useless thing to say," Thailon muttered, pushing himself up from his chair with a deliberate slowness. His eyes were dark, smoldering with a simmering anger as he straightened his suit.

  Julen, standing nearby, took a cautious step back. "Your esteemed image as the great hero and headmaster of this school is at stake. You can't just go to the king unannounced and request approval for a mere girl," he warned, his tone respectful but firm.

  Thailon's expression hardened, his gaze narrowing as he processed Julen's words. "A mere girl? A piece of paper?" he repeated, his voice low, barely containing his disdain. His eyes locked onto Jule with such intensity that the younger man immediately bowed to the ground, his head nearly touching the floor.

  "I don't mean to disrespect you, sir," Julen stammered, his voice trembling as he pressed his palms against the cold floor. "But going to the king without prior notice—it could undermine your status. It's not fitting for someone as revered as you."

  Thailon let out a harsh, bitter laugh, his lips twisting in a snarl. "Their mere existence annoys me. Respect? They sit on that throne, taking lives, claiming merits, and basking in titles they've done nothing to earn." He glanced at the door, his fists clenching at his sides. "They should consider themselves lucky to even encounter someone like me. Long ago, I wanted to end them, to put a stop to their empty reign. But instead of fulfilling my wishes, they gave me a useless title. They are not them without us"

  He reached for his suit jacket, slipping it on with a renewed sense of purpose. "I'll no longer let my sunshine suffer. Not anymore. I won't disappoint her as I have in the past, I already done so much that could disappoint her I will not go it up" he said, his voice tinged with a rare softness that quickly vanished as he turned his gaze back to Jule.

  Jule, still on his knees, tried to speak, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "B-but—"

  "Don't disappoint me any further," Thailon commanded, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. Without waiting for a response, he strode towards the door, his resolve unshakable.

  Jule watched him go, his heart pounding in his chest, feeling the weight of Thailon's expectations press down on him like an invisible hand.

  Julen can't do anything.

  Third Point of View

  Somewhere in the heart of a grand estate

  "Where are you going, Master?" The old butler's voice trembled as he hurried after Caelum, his wrinkled hands clutching the edge of his uniform.

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  "The entire country awaits your return. They're expecting you to take your rightful place as master of the house. You can't just leave so casually!" His gaze fell on Caelum's attire, and his eyes widened at the sight of the unfamiliar garments.

  "And why are you dressed as a priest? Are you... planning to go to the church?"

  Caelum did not respond, his gaze fixed resolutely ahead as he strode through the marble hallways with silent purpose. His silence was as cold as the polished floors beneath his feet, and he moved with such determination that the butler felt a chill run down his spine.

  "Master?" the butler called again, his voice wavering between worry and bewilderment. He could only watch as Caelum disappeared down the corridor, the heavy doors of the mansion closing behind him with a resounding finality.

  For a moment, the old man stood alone in the echoing silence, his hand still extended as if he could somehow hold Caelum back. Yet no one dared to stop him. Even the walls of the mansion seemed to understand that they should not stand in his way.

  -

  Lara gently patted Caelum's head, a warm smile softening her features. "Aigoo—you're always such a good kid, aren't you?" she teased, watching as he carefully tended to the wound on her hand.

  Caelum returned her smile, his eyes crinkling with gentle amusement. "I've told you before, you need to be more careful," he chided, his tone full of quiet affection.

  Lara shrugged and let out a little laugh. "How can I avoid it? You know I've always been clumsy. Remember all those times I got hurt when we worked together? I can heal others, but my own injuries?" She raised her hand, now fully healed, as if in proof. "Useless."

  Caelum's smile faltered, a shadow flickering across his face. "And that's how we lost you..." he mumbled under his breath, too softly for Lara to hear. She was already glancing out the window, her thoughts drifting to the bustling street beyond.

  "Did you say something?" she asked, turning back to him, but Caelum merely shook his head and rose from his seat, brushing off her question.

  "I'm finished with your hand. Now, what's this proposal you wanted to talk about?" he asked, shifting the conversation smoothly.

  "Oh, right! Thanks for reminding me." Lara snapped her fingers as if to jog her memory. She leaned forward, her eyes glimmering.

  "You once told me it was your dream to find ways to help as many people as possible. Ring any bells?"

  Caelum paused, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. Did I say that? he wondered, but before he could reply, Lara continued, her tone taking on a rare gravity.

  "You said you wanted to help people quickly and effectively. And I think I have an idea how you can do just that." She handed him a worn book, which Caelum accepted without question, flipping through the pages as he settled back in his chair. Lara's smile grew as she watched him, a sense of anticipation in her gaze.

  "What about establishing an institute or hospital?" she suggested, leaning closer as if confiding a secret.

  Caelum raised an eyebrow, glancing up from the book. "This city already has those," he pointed out. "Plenty of them, actually."

  "Yes, but only for those who can afford it," Lara replied, a hint of frustration in her tone. "Sure, people can go to the church for help, but even the church has its limitations. You know that better than anyone."

  Caelum's skepticism deepened. "Helping people is often a thankless task. One misstep, and suddenly they turn against you," he murmured, more to himself than to her.

  Lara placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Caelum, you have a gift. You understand medicine, and you're a natural caregiver. Imagine creating a place where you could share that gift with others—a place where you could make a real difference, you said it is your dream to be the best isn't it?" she said, her voice full of quiet conviction.

  Caelum looked up from the book, meeting her gaze. This wasn't just a suggestion from an old friend; there was a fierce determination in her eyes that he hadn't noticed before. He leaned back, considering her words carefully. "You really believe in this, don't you?"

  "Absolutely," Lara replied, her gaze unwavering. "And I believe in you. So, what do you say?"

  "Why do you always believe in me?" Caelum asked, his expression softening as he regarded her with genuine curiosity.

  "Because you're kind," Lara answered simply, a radiant smile lighting up her face.

  A few moments later, Lara was preparing to leave, gathering her things with a swift efficiency.

  "You sure you're not coming along?" she asked as she turned toward Caelum, looking hopeful.

  "Yeah, no, you go on ahead," Caelum replied, waving her off with a faint smile. He wasn't particularly in the mood to face the Academy crowd that day.

  "Are you really sure?" Lara pressed, raising an eyebrow.

  "Yes, yes." Caelum chuckled, brushing her off. "Go on, enjoy yourself."

  "Alright, if you say so." She laughed, rolling her eyes as though she knew he'd regret it later.

  Turning to her brother, Fernin, who was wiping down the counter, she asked, "How about you? Care to join me?"

  Fernin sighed dramatically, surveying the messy restaurant. "Haah, you handle it. I'll stay and tackle this disaster zone. It's a mess in here—you go have fun for the both of us."

  "Alright then. See you both later at dinner!" she called, waving as she stepped out into the city's bustling streets.

  A Few Moments Later

  At the gates of Lareon Academy, Lara approached the guard, who was built like a brick wall and seemed about as friendly as one too.

  "Sorry, without any prior notice, you can't meet him," the guard said, crossing his arms and standing firmly in her way.

  Lara's shoulders slumped a little. "Is that so? What a hassle. I even brought his favorite sandwich!" She held up the basket, peeking inside as if to make sure the sandwich was still there—as if it had suddenly disappeared from sheer disappointment.

  This is ridiculous, she thought. I came all the way here to see Thailon because he promised me the approval paper by today. But it's almost night, and he's nowhere to be found. Typical Thailon, always making things difficult I should just go with him.

  "Can you just give it to him?" Lara asked, her voice turning sweet as she tried to pass the basket to the guard.

  "No, we cannot," the guard replied, almost barking at her. His stern expression didn't waver, not even for a second.

  Lara groaned inwardly. Why is he so popular that even getting past his guards is like trying to break into a fortress? But atleast he became popular I'm still proud of him She sighed, realizing that the guard looked like he'd taken an oath never to let anyone through unless it was a matter of life and death.

  "But isn't she the one from the competition—the one who—" the second guard started to whisper, but before he could finish, a carriage rolled up to the front gate, drawing everyone's attention.

  Thailon stepped out with his usual air of authority, looking like he'd just conquered an empire. But then, his eyes met Lara's, and his expression melted from serious to something resembling... puppy-like eagerness?

  Lara blinked, not expecting to see him rush toward her with that expression on his face. In a split second, Thailon was moving—no, practically sprinting—toward her, causing the guards and everyone around to stare in shock.

  He came to a stop in front of her, catching his breath. "What are you doing here?" he asked, trying to sound casual but clearly excited to see her.

  Lara crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You promised me something, didn't you?" She wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily.

  Thailon blinked, his expression shifting back to his usual stoic self. "Oh, right. The approval paper." He cleared his throat, suddenly feeling awkward. Gah, I knew she'd call me out on that!

  Lara smirked, holding up the basket with the sandwich. "I brought your favorite, too. Don't say I never did anything for you."

  Thailon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Fine, fine. I'll get you the paper." He reached for the sandwich, but she pulled it back, making him look even more like a scolded puppy.

  "Paper first, then sandwich," she quipped, shooting him a mischievous grin.

  Thailon sighed, resigned, but a smile played on his lips as he turned to get her the paper. She really knows how to keep me on my toes.