Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Second Meeting (1)
The carriage gradually slowed before coming to a stop in front of a massive outer gate.
Endless rows of merchant carriages and nobles dressed in elaborate attire stretched into the distance.
Standing in their way were imposing imperial guards, conducting strict inspections.
As expected of the gateway to the heart of the empire, the walls were so high they seemed to touch the clouds, and female guards clad in steel armor examined every passing carriage with sharp eyes.
Ordinary merchant caravans and provincial nobles would have to wait hours in line.
But not us.
"Stop the carriage! Present your pass and identification—!"
A guard approached, holding her spear at an angle.
But the moment she saw the silver lion and rose crest engraved on the carriage—
her face turned pale instantly.
"...Th-the Castel ducal house?!"
"A ducal carriage! Clear the way immediately!"
Through the window, I saw the captain of the guards rush forward, bowing deeply.
Yuki slightly lowered the window and, unlike her usual clumsy demeanor with me, presented the pass with a cold, arrogant expression.
"We are returning for enrollment. Is further inspection required?"
"N-no, not at all! How could we dare! Please proceed!"
Clang—!
At the sharp command, the guards split to both sides.
Carriages blocking the path moved aside as if parting like a miracle, and the massive iron gates opened with a thunderous sound.
Nearby merchants and nobles watched with a mixture of awe and envy.
Yuki glanced down at the guards with an indifferent gaze.
It was hard to believe this was the same girl who had been eating earthworm jerky with me earlier.
"Good work."
"Forgive our rudeness, my lady! Clear the way!"
At that moment, I truly realized what kind of presence Yuki held in the capital.
"Wow, my lady. You’re more impressive than I thought. No lines at all."
At my remark, she lifted her chin proudly again.
"Hmph. You can rely on me as much as you want. You’re my personal teacher—no, my special sponsored student."
"My lady, just now you really looked like a villain."
"What?! That’s called elegance!"
She instantly returned to her usual self.
"Come on, Ian! If you’re done unpacking, let’s go! I’ll show you the taste of the capital!"
Not even an hour after arriving at the mansion, Yuki burst into my room.
She had already changed into an elegant outfit—a layered lavender dress that suited her silver hair.
"My lady, what about my exam preparation? You said there’s only a week left."
"Hmph, you can study at night! And learning the city is part of the test! The academy is connected to the entire capital!"
It made no sense, but refusing seemed pointless.
I grabbed a sketchbook and followed her.
The central district—Solaris Street—was bustling with life.
Yuki clung tightly to my arm, enthusiastically explaining everything.
"That white building is the Imperial Bank. And over there are famous workshops. Oh! That’s my favorite dessert shop. Their pudding melts in your mouth like art!"
"What does ‘melting like art’ feel like?"
"You’ll know when you taste it!"
She dragged me into a luxurious café called Le Chacha.
Noble youths sat chatting elegantly inside, and our arrival immediately drew attention.
"Say ‘ah.’ This is the pudding I told you about."
She fed me a spoonful without hesitation.
"My lady, my hands are perfectly fine."
"You need energy for studying! Hurry!"
I gave in.
The pudding melted sweetly on my tongue.
"...It’s good."
"See? A hundred times better than eel extract, right?"
"That comparison is unfair, but yes, it’s delicious."
We walked through the fountain plaza and watched magical puppet shows.
Yuki stayed close the entire time, glaring at anyone who looked at me.
"Ian, look. That’s the academy wall."
In the distance, a massive forest and towering magic spires rose above the city.
Mana flowed faintly through the air beyond the walls.
"In a week, you’ll be part of that. As your senior, I’ll train you strictly."
"Then why are you still holding onto my sleeve?"
"...So you don’t get lost!"
She puffed her cheeks and turned away.
She looked less like a noble lady and more like an ordinary girl enjoying a walk.
Three days before the exam—
While Yuki was away on family matters, I went for a walk alone.
If she found out, she’d definitely object.
In a quiet corner of the park, beneath a large plane tree, I opened my sketchbook.
This spot is nice.
After drawing for a while, I decided it was time to head back.
Then—
Crash!
Someone came tumbling toward me.
Lines tangled chaotically in my vision.
Instinctively, I moved and caught them.
"Ugh..."
The person in my arms felt unexpectedly soft and warm.
The scent of freshly baked bread and sun-dried cotton filled the air.
"Oh dear... are you alright? My eyesight isn’t what it used to be."
The person I caught had short blue hair and wore loose training clothes.
At first glance, a young man.
But—
...a woman.
Even disguised, the lines revealed everything.
"Are you hurt?"
Instead of answering, she cupped my cheek with both hands, her expression worried.
"I’m so sorry! Did you hurt your arm catching me?"
"I’m fine."
"That’s a relief. If you were hurt, please tell me honestly."
Her voice was warm and gentle.
It felt like being welcomed home.
"Do you know the way to the residential area?"
"Ah, are you lost? I’ll help you."
"Thank you."
She picked up my sketchbook from the ground.
Up close, her deep blue eyes and soft voice stood out.
"Is this yours?"
"Yes, thank you."
As I reached for it, she stared at the drawing.
"Wow... it’s beautiful. It looks alive. Did you draw this?"
Before I could answer, she gently ruffled my hair.
Like treating a younger sibling.
"...Could you let go of my head?"
"Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize."
She brushed a leaf from my hair.
"Thank you."
Her touch was warm—like spring sunlight.
"My name is Lil. What’s yours?"
"Ian."
"Ian... okay."
She repeated it softly.
"Are you here for the academy exam?"
"Yes, for the Arts Department."
Her eyes lit up.
"That suits you perfectly! I’m a second-year in the Knight Department. You can call me Lil. If you need anything, come find me. I’ll buy you snacks and listen to your worries."
She grabbed my hands warmly.
"Don’t be nervous on exam day. Just do what you normally do. I’ll be cheering for you."
Her hands were calloused from training—but soft.
"...We just met."
"That doesn’t matter."
She handed me something wrapped.
"Homemade madeleines. Eat them when you’re tired."
They smelled like butter—just like her.
"Let me guide you. Hold my hand."
Her kindness felt overwhelming.
Like an older sister—or even a mother.
I followed her.
She cleared stones from my path, shielded me from dust, and guided me carefully.
"Good luck on your exam, Ian. Come visit the Knight Department anytime. I’ll grill meat for you."
She patted my head one last time and left.
I stood there, unable to react to such unfamiliar kindness.