Chapter 43 " The Search Begins "

  After our swordsmanship class, our long-awaited break finally arrived.

  We made our way to the cafeteria, and as we stepped inside, its sheer grandeur struck me. Rows of long wooden tables stretched across the hall, illuminated by flickering candlelight. Towering vaulted ceilings, adorned with intricate stonework, loomed overhead, while arched windows cast soft natural light across the room. Gothic chandeliers swayed gently, their golden glow blending with the warmth of a crackling fireplace at the far end. It felt like stepping into a royal banquet.

  Yet, for all its splendor, the divide between nobles and commoners was impossible to ignore. The nobles occupied the center, their tables arranged like a court of elites, laughter and conversation flowing freely as they dined on the best portions. Meanwhile, commoners like us sat along the edges, our presence tolerated but separate.

  Some students, though commoners, dressed in fine clothing—likely children of wealthy merchants. There were no official seating rules, yet the invisible lines remained unchallenged.

  At the far end, Sarah was already waiting, joined by a young woman with wavy light brown hair, a white rose tucked among the soft ribbons in her hair. Her bright green eyes held a cheerful warmth, though she glanced at us shyly as we approached

  “Hey, Caelan! How’s your first day?” Sarah asked as I sat down.

  “It went well,” I said, still absorbing the unspoken social order of the hall.

  “Caelan did great! Even Professor Carlos praised him,” Arthur added proudly.

  "That's amazing!" Sarah said with a grin. "Oh, by the way, Caelan, this is my new friend, Lilybeth."

  "Hi, Caelan," Lilybeth said softly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

  I gave a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Lilybeth."

  Sarah clapped her hands. "Alright, let's grab some food—I'm starving!"

  As we moved to the serving area, the rich aroma of grilled meat, warm bread, and spiced stew filled the air. The banquet table overflowed with roasted fish, golden potatoes, and freshly baked rolls. Crystal glasses sparkled with wine and fruit juices, the entire spread exuding effortless luxury.

  I picked up a slice of bread, my thoughts lingering on the quiet divide that no one spoke of—but everyone understood.

  No matter how much the academy claimed to treat everyone equally, some things never changed.

  “The food here is really good,” Corvan said between bites, savoring a piece of roasted meat.

  “Yeah,” Julio agreed, tearing into a crispy potato.

  Around us, students finished their meals—some lingering in conversation, others gathering their things and heading to their next class. The low hum of chatter filled the air, blending with the distant clatter of dishes.

  Arthur leaned in, lowering his voice slightly. "Caelan, our next lesson is calculations. It’s the last one for today."

  I raised an eyebrow. "We only have three lessons?"

  Arthur nodded. "Yeah. The first day has three, but after that, we only have two per day."

  I frowned slightly. "What about tomorrow?"

  "History and archery," Arthur said. "Then the day after, we’ll have spearmanship and herbalism."

  I took another bite, mulling over the schedule. It seemed well-balanced, covering both combat and intellectual pursuits. "And the rest of the week?"

  Arthur thought for a moment. "Warfare strategies and science on the third day, etiquette and business management on the fourth, and then territory management, arts, and music on the fifth."

  That was quite a variety.

  "You missed the first day, so they covered all of this then," Arthur added. "At the end of the year, the professors will evaluate us and suggest which subjects we should focus on, but we still get to choose our own path."

  "I see."

  Out of everything he listed, only one subject truly caught my interest—herbalism. The medical studies in this world were far more advanced than I had expected. After witnessing and experiencing the potency of their potions firsthand, I couldn’t help but be intrigued.

  Hearing the subjects taught at this academy, I finally understood why nobles sent their children here. Even if they couldn’t inherit a title, there were still countless opportunities for a successful career. Beyond that, the knowledge gained here was invaluable for managing territories and businesses.

  Education wasn’t just a tool for advancement—it was a weapon, as powerful as any sword.

  A sharp chime echoed through the hall as a staff member strode past the tables, striking a small brass bell. Conversations hushed, and one by one, students rose from their seats, preparing to leave.

  "We should get going," Arthur said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

  We made our way out of the cafeteria, the hum of chatter and the clatter of dishes fading behind us. The corridors bustled with students heading to their next class, some moving leisurely, others rushing to avoid being late.

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  Back in the classroom, we settled into our seats, the weight of lunch settling in as well. The warm afternoon light filtering through the tall windows only added to the drowsy atmosphere.

  Just as I leaned back, the door creaked open, and a man stepped inside.

  He had a refined, scholarly appearance—tousled brown hair, a well-groomed beard, and sharp, expressive eyes framed by round, thin-rimmed glasses. His well-defined features—strong jawline, straight nose, and slightly arched eyebrows—gave him an intellectual yet approachable charm. The warm lighting accentuated his fair skin, adding depth to his confident and intelligent demeanor.

  "Good afternoon, everyone," he greeted. "I'll check attendance first."

  "That's Professor Baldin, our calculation instructor," Arthur whispered.

  He called our names one by one, then moved on to the lesson. The moment I realized what he was about to teach, I nearly lost the will to stay. Simple division. I wanted to walk out right then and there, but instead, I feigned interest, nodding along as if it wasn’t painfully easy. Yet, surprisingly, many students struggled with this basic lesson.

  At last, the class came to an end.

  "Goodbye, everyone. Next time, we'll be learning subtraction," he said before leaving.

  As soon as he stepped out, our classmates hurriedly packed their things and rushed toward the door. The noble students, dressed in their pristine uniforms adorned with family crests, left in groups, chatting amongst themselves. Some of them barely spared a glance at the rest of us, . A few exchanged polite nods, but most carried themselves with an air of superiority, unconcerned with the commoners around them.

  "Hey, Arthur, Caelan, since we're all living in the Northeast District, why don't we go home together?" Corvan suggested, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

  Arthur glanced at me first, as if asking for my opinion without saying a word.

  "I need to go somewhere. I already have plans," I said.

  "Where are you going, Caelan?" Arthur asked, curious.

  "The library," I replied.

  "Yeah, I remember now. Do you need help with your research?" Arthur offered.

  "No need, I can handle it," I said.

  "Alright," he nodded.

  We stepped out of the classroom, Corvan following alongside us. In the corridor, we passed more noble students, discussing lessons or weekend plans. Others shot us brief glances before resuming their conversations.

  At the entrance of the building, we spotted Sarah and Lilybeth waiting for us. Sarah waved as we approached, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

  "Finally! What took you so long?" she asked, tilting her head.

  I shrugged. "Nothing much. Just had to sort a few things after class." Then, without slowing my pace, I added, "Anyway, I need to head to the library."

  Sarah raised an eyebrow. "The library? Do you even know where it is?"

  I hesitated for a moment. Truthfully, I had only seen glimpses of it on the academy grounds but had never actually been inside.

  Lilybeth chuckled, clearly noticing my hesitation. "It’s easy to miss if you don’t know the way. Just follow the east corridor past the main hall, take the stairs to the second floor, and it’s at the end of the hall."

  I nodded, committing the directions to memory. "Got it. Thanks, Lilybeth."

  Arthur, who had been quiet until now, crossed his arms. "Are you sure you don’t need company?"

  "I’m sure," I replied. "I won’t take long by the way Arthur here it is thank you so much I said while handling their family business emblem

  Arthur took the emblem and tucked it into his bag. "You're welcome. Just let me know if you need anything."

  I nodded. "Will do." Then, adjusting my bag, I said, "I should head out now. See you tomorrow."

  Sarah sighed, shaking her head. "Well, suit yourself. Just don’t get lost."

  Without another word, I turned and made my way toward the library alone.

  I walked as fast as I could, my heart hammering with anticipation. Each step felt too slow, my pulse thrumming in my ears. The world around me blurred—faces, voices, the rustle of cloaks—but I barely noticed. Excitement coiled in my chest, pushing me forward. I was close. Just a little more.

  Following Lilybeth’s instructions, I headed straight for the academy library, my breath quickening with every step.

  The hallway was grand, with towering white stone columns and intricate wooden ceilings bathed in chandelier light. Sunlight streamed through arched windows, casting patterns on the polished floor. At the far end, a carved wooden door bore the word Library.

  I pushed it open.

  Inside, an elderly gentleman sat behind a sturdy mahogany desk near the entrance. His sharp eyes watched me over thick white eyebrows, his silver hair swept back, a neatly trimmed beard framing his stern face. Dressed in a gray overcoat, brown vest, and black cravat, he exuded quiet authority as he rested his hands atop an open book.

  "I'm here to read," I said.

  He gave me a brief nod and gestured toward a parchment. "Write your name. And be careful with the books—many are old and fragile."

  "I will," I assured him, signing my name. As I glanced at the list, I noticed only a handful of names. It seemed the library wasn’t popular, and most who visited were commoners.

  "The library closes in three hours," he said, his voice firm but polite. "Make sure to return any books to their proper place." He gave me one last glance before returning to his own reading.

  I stepped inside and took in the sight before me. Towering bookshelves stretched toward the vaulted ceiling, their contents accessible by wooden balconies and ladders. Stained-glass windows cast colorful patterns on the polished floor. The air smelled of aged parchment and ink. A central reading area, furnished with sturdy wooden tables and antique lamps, invited visitors to immerse themselves in knowledge.

  I made my way to the history section, carefully selecting a book that might hold a clue. Its worn leather cover and yellowed pages hinted at its age, but it had been well cared for. Settling into a chair, I began to read.

  Time slipped away.

  "Excuse me," the librarian’s voice broke my focus. "The library will be closing soon."

  I blinked. Three hours had passed. Nine books, countless pages—nothing. My fingers tightened around the worn leather cover of the last one. Was I looking in the wrong place, or was the information simply not here?

  With a quiet sigh, I returned each book to its shelf.

  Not today. But there were still so many left to check.

  I’d come back tomorrow.

  Stepping outside, the crisp evening air hit me, a stark contrast to the stillness of the library. I rolled my shoulders, exhaling slowly, trying to shake off the frustration.

  The academy gates loomed ahead, the campus eerily quiet. Most students had already left for the day. But just as I reached the entrance, several carriages pulled in.

  Dormitory students. Mostly foreigners with no homes in the city. As far as I knew, they were allowed one attendant each, and their tuition fees were higher to cover the cost of living on academy.

  I watched for a moment, then turned away. My thoughts were elsewhere.

  Tomorrow, I'd search again.