Alcantraz Imperial Palace

At the very same juncture, within the opulent confines of Alcantraz Imperial Palace, a princess of ethereal beauty, with silver tresses cascading and eyes of ruby concealed behind a pair of spectacles, sat gracefully upon the edge of her bed, lost in reverie. With a graceful stride, she approached the window, gazing out upon the enchanting palace gardens before her, arms crossed over her chest as her eyes drifted to the azure sky, stretching infinitely into the distance.

"Hoping she'll enroll in the academy next month," she murmured inwardly, attempting to muster a smile.

With gentle steps, a serving maid entered the chamber, closing the door softly behind her before approaching the princess standing by the window.

"Cathrina, it's time to prepare for your departure to the academy city," the maid spoke softly.

Cathrina turned to regard the maid with respect. She glided past the servant gracefully and resumed her seat on the edge of her bed.

"Very well, please make the necessary arrangements. We leave tomorrow," Cathrina replied in a subdued tone.

"Understood, Cathrina. Excuse me," the maid said, offering a deep bow before departing.

Once the maid had left, Cathrina reclined on her bed, clutching tightly to a book which turned out to be her personal diary. With closed eyes, she smiled in the silence.

"I await your arrival. Return to me," she whispered in her heart, letting the words flow gently through her mind.

A month had swiftly passed in the bustling city of the magic academy, filled with an aura of wonder. Before the grand gates of the sorcerer knights' academy, a horse-drawn carriage came to a halt, its gleaming frame illuminated by the twilight rays. Stepping out from within the carriage was Rainard Von Olaf, a captivating figure with his leaf-like slender face, unruly short black hair, and a tall, graceful stature.

"Helena-san, please take me straight to the mansion. I'll be staying at the dorms, but if I need your assistance, I'll come to the mansion," Rainard said with a soft yet assured voice.

"Of course, Rainard-dono," Helena replied warmly.

Swiftly, Helena closed the carriage door, and with light steps, the carriage slowly departed, leaving Rainard standing in front of the entrance to the grand academy building. Helena's reason for accompanying Rainard was to replace Gerard, who was now appointed as the commander of Count Olaf's knights, a position previously held by Helena. However, behind this official reason, Helena harbored a strong curiosity about Rainard, determined to uncover Ark's true identity. That's why Ark asked Helena to hurry to the mansion and stay with Doria, who was reluctant to stay in the dorms due to being cursed while residing there.

After the carriage vanished from his sight, Rainard turned away. His gaze drifted towards the towering academy building before him. With a heavy breath, Rainard grasped the hilt of the large sword hanging at his back, and with steady steps, he entered the building, a thin smile playing on his lips.

"Finally, I'm here... I never imagined I'd end up in the academy I rejected so many times before," Rainard pondered silently as he walked confidently through the corridors.

Just a few steps from the gate towards the academy building, "Watch out!" a soft voice exclaimed. Rainard turned, and their eyes met with a girl rushing towards him in haste. Without time to react, "Bam!" The girl collided with Rainard with such force that both of them fell.

"Sorry... Are you okay?" Rainard asked warmly.

As he looked at the girl's beautiful face with her flowing pink hair, Rainard was taken aback. The reason being none other than the girl before him was Alisia Einhard, his betrothed since childhood whom he had always ignored while at the palace.

"I lost my balance... Sorry... Huh? You... why do you look so... Familiar... Like I've seen you somewhere..." Alisia said, holding her head in pain as she sat beside Rainard.

"Um... You're too close... Do I resemble someone?" Rainard asked, his face awkward.

"She's my fiancé, the Second Prince Holton. Although many call him the forgotten prince, my heart still admires him. You resemble him, but he has blond hair and a more robust physique than you. Besides, it's impossible for him to be here because he's so averse to the academy world," Alisia answered with a small smile.

"Thank you, alchemy. I can change your hair color thanks to you, but honestly, I'm confused whether to feel happy or sad to meet him here," Rainard muttered to himself as he rubbed his head, even though it didn't itch.

"I'm sorry, I have to go now. See you another time."

Alisia stood up, and with light steps, she left Rainard still seated, only able to watch her retreating figure. Rainard then rose, dusting off his clothes, and he sensed someone behind him.

Amidst the gentle drizzle that caressed the footpath, a girl with light steps greeted the silence enveloping Rainard Von Olaf. Her voice wrapped around the quietness, awakening the hidden admiration within Rainard.

"May I pass?" she called out softly, her voice like a melody flowing from her lips.

Rainard waved back with an open heart, but his eyes widened as the girl's face appeared before him.

"Huuh, Sarah?" he murmured, astonished by her sudden presence.

"Have we met before?" she asked kindly, while her smile danced on her lips.

"Oh, sorry... we haven't been properly introduced," Rainard replied, his heart fluttering as memories stirred in his subconscious.

"May I pass through?" she asked again politely, yet the gleam in her eyes held a myriad of stories painted in the past.

With bold steps, Sarah walked beside Rainard, allowing their shadows to merge momentarily in the embracing drizzle. However, for Rainard, the rain brought back memories of happier times in the Kingdom of Holton, where Sarah was the beacon of light in his darkness.

"Back then, she still shone in her grandeur, not a commoner like now. At the age of 20, I witnessed her becoming a hero in her family's tragic tale. I never imagined we would meet here. Although my feelings have changed over time, her presence still stirs my heart," Rainard whispered in silence, his eyes still fixed on the figure of Sarah as she walked away.