The headmaster’s office was quiet.

  Sunlight filtered through tall arched windows, illuminating shelves lined with ancient tomes and medals of distinction. Behind an elegant oak desk stood Itsuki Shiraishi, her posture relaxed, hands folded behind her back as she gazed out over the academy grounds.

  A presence lingered across from her.

  “Ashen Miyazuki,” Itsuki said calmly.

  The Student Council President stood at attention, her pristine white uniform immaculate, red sash draped proudly across her chest. Her amber eyes were sharp, disciplined—yet beneath them burned a familiar impatience.

  “Yes, Headmaster,” Miyazuki replied.

  Itsuki turned, her expression unreadable but keen.

  “There is a new student I want you to be aware of,” she said. “His name is Akitsu Shouga.”

  Miyazuki’s brows furrowed slightly. “Another talented recruit?”

  “More than that,” Itsuki replied. “He is… unusual.”

  She walked past Miyazuki, stopping beside the window.

  “Raw instinct. Precise control. No formal pedigree—yet his restraint rivals seasoned veterans.”

  Miyazuki’s fingers tightened subtly at her side.

  “Much like your fiancé,” Itsuki added smoothly. “Kael Ardent.”

  That earned her full attention.

  “…I see,” Miyazuki said quietly.

  Itsuki smiled faintly.

  “I want you to test him,” she continued. “Later today. Nothing excessive—but enough to understand what kind of strength he truly possesses.”

  Miyazuki hesitated. “And if he fails?”

  Itsuki’s eyes gleamed.

  “Then he was never special to begin with.”

  A pause.

  “But if he succeeds,” Itsuki said softly, “then Fiester Academy has gained another one-of-a-kind existence.”

  Miyazuki bowed. “I understand.”

  As she turned to leave, Itsuki added—

  “Do remember, Ashen. Strength without judgment becomes tyranny.”

  Miyazuki’s jaw tightened—but she nodded and departed.

  The headmaster remained alone, a smug grin slowly forming.

  Later That Day

  Akitsu Shouga and Kaoru wandered through the expansive grounds of Fiester Academy, their footsteps echoing softly against stone paths lined with neatly trimmed hedges and elegant lanterns. The academy felt less like a school and more like a self-contained city—grand buildings rising in harmony, their architecture blending authority with refinement.

  “The academy is big,” Akitsu said, glancing around. “It must have cost a lot to build this entire campus.”

  Behind him, a familiar presence drifted into view.

  Seraphine Orion floated lazily in the air, her small white fox form shimmering faintly under the sunlight. Her tails swayed as she smiled sweetly.

  “Yes, it is, isn’t it?” she said. “I wonder what will happen if you enter a restricted area.”

  Her smile sharpened—menacing.

  Kaoru, unaware of Seraphine’s expression, continued speaking.

  “This place is the kingdom’s first ever academy. They spent a lot of money building it because it was meant to be the kingdom’s best academy—for future stars.”

  Akitsu glanced at Seraphine again. The grin she wore sent a faint chill down his spine.

  “If that’s true,” he said carefully, “why build it in this town? Why not the capital?”

  “They could,” Kaoru replied. “But this town was the first ever settlement in the kingdom. It existed before any other villages or cities. That’s why the King chose this place. Some even say it’s the core of the kingdom.”

  “Oh,” Akitsu nodded. “Alright.”

  As they walked on, Akitsu noticed someone standing ahead.

  A girl.

  She wore a pristine white uniform, a red sash across her chest embroidered with elegant lettering:

  STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  Her long amber hair flowed down her back, catching the light. Her amber eyes carried sharp authority—and at her waist rested a sword that radiated intent.

  “Is that the student council president…?” Akitsu murmured.

  “Shouga-kun?” Kaoru asked. “Did you say something?”

  Behind them—

  “NOW the real fun is about to begin!!” Seraphine yelled gleefully.

  “It’s nothing,” Akitsu said quickly. “Don’t worry about it, Kaoru.”

  The girl approached, steps firm and deliberate.

  “What are you doing here??” she demanded.

  “What do you mean?” Akitsu replied calmly. “I’m just looking around. Is there a problem?”

  “This is the women’s residence,” she said coldly. “Any men are strictly forbidden from entering these grounds.”

  “My mistake,” Akitsu said politely. “I’m new. I don’t know all the rules yet. I’ll leave.”

  “Wait.”

  Her hand moved to her sword.

  “Since you entered these grounds, I will have to punish you.”

  Steel slid free from its sheath.

  Students began gathering, whispers rippling through the courtyard.

  “…Are you planning on killing me?” Akitsu asked flatly.

  “You cannot leave until I say so,” she replied, pointing her blade at him.

  “You’re kidding,” Akitsu said. “You know this could kill me. Do you even have permission?”

  She smiled.

  “I have permission from the headmaster to kill anyone who breaks into the women’s residence.”

  “Hold on—I’m a new stude—”

  She attacked.

  The blade flashed relentlessly—but Akitsu moved like a shadow, dodging with precise footwork. In an instant, he closed the distance and struck her face with a clean punch.

  She crashed to the ground.

  “You’re insane!!” Akitsu shouted. “Killing a student over a rule they didn’t even know is absurd!”

  Kaoru stood frozen.

  The gathered girls erupted.

  “Get out of here!!”

  “Kill that filthy rodent!”

  “How dare you hit Princess Miyazuki!!”

  “…What the hell is wrong with these crazy bitches…?” Akitsu muttered.

  Miyazuki rose, eyes burning with fury—and charged again.

  Before Akitsu could move—

  CLANG.

  A white katana struck her blade mid-swing, sending it flying.

  A man landed between them.

  White hair.

  Black blazer.

  Red sash bearing the words:

  DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

  Kael Ardent.

  He pressed his katana to Miyazuki’s throat.

  “ASHEN MIYAZUKI!!” he roared. “I didn’t expect this behavior from a royal princess!”

  The courtyard went silent.

  “You should be ashamed,” Kael continued. “Using students to vent frustration—ALL of you should be ashamed!”

  Akitsu placed a hand on Kael’s shoulder.

  “Thanks,” he said with an innocent smile. “I would’ve killed her if needed.”

  Kael wasn’t surprised.

  “Let’s go,” he said calmly. “Class will start soon.”

  “Let’s go, Kaoru.”

  The crowd dispersed.

  Kael turned back, extending his hand to Miyazuki.

  “Frowning will give you wrinkles,” he said casually. “Your beauty will disappear.”

  She hesitated—then took it.

  “If you ever do this again,” Kael said softly, “I’ll rethink our engagement.”

  She nodded.

  Akitsu and Kaoru walked away.

  “I had a bad feeling about her…” Akitsu muttered.

  “I thought you were going to die!” Kaoru cried, clinging to his arm. “Don’t do that again!”

  Akitsu laughed nervously. “Sorry… but I’m stronger than I look.”

  “…Promise me,” Kaoru whispered.

  “I can’t,” Akitsu said gently. “If you’re in danger—I’ll fight.”

  “…Okay.”

  “Class is about to start,” Akitsu said. “We should hurry.”

  They walked on—

  Unaware that from the rooftop of the girls’ dormitory, Headmaster Itsuki Shiraishi watched them, her smug grin widening.