The Princess

In the midst of silence, a faded hand lay nearby. Rainard Von Olaf's heart pounded a tumultuous rhythm as he faced the clear liquid dripping down his forehead, while his gaze cut through space toward the shapeless hand reaching out.

"Are you alright?" the girl's voice, like a night melody dancing in the background.

Slowly, Rainard hesitated, reluctant to respond to the girl's gentle touch. Instead, he withdrew, sitting hesitantly, for the girl behind him was the figure he wanted to avoid, the one who had taken his life multiple times in the span of past lives. The memory of her silver hair flowing long and her gaze emanating silence at the threshold of eternity remained etched in his mind. The girl was Cathrina Ignisia Alcantraz, the prima donna of the Alcantraz Empire.

"S... sorry..." Rainard whispered, pale and drifting.

As Rainard slid backward, Cathrina gracefully stepped forward, extending her hand with boundless kindness.

"Why are you hesitating? But, if you're okay, then it's a relief. You've just entered the academy, haven't you? So have I. Would you like to join me?" Cathrina entreated, her voice flowing with gentleness.

"Y... yes... thank you," Rainard whispered.

With a nod, Rainard accepted Cathrina's offer, standing tall, and together they entered the gate into the darkness of awaiting knowledge.

Rainard Von Olaf gazed at Cathrina with unmistakable concern as the girl presented herself.

"And under what name do I have the pleasure of conversing? I am Cathrina," said Cathrina, her smile flowing like a babbling brook.

"My name is Rainard... Rainard Von Olaf," replied Rainard, his voice trembling along with the waves of anxiety crashing over him.

"Oh, so you're the offspring of Count Olaf. Delighted to make your acquaintance, Rainard. May I address you informally, Rainard?" asked Cathrina sweetly, her charming smile complementing her words.

"Of course... you may," answered Rainard, attempting to mask the tension in his face with a fragile smile.

Rainard stole a glance at Cathrina standing before him, her presence light as if soothing the turmoil in Rainard's heart. Her radiant face and spirited demeanor contrasted with the anxiety gripping him.

"Will she thaw my frozen heart? Why does she seem so different... yet still exude an intimidating aura? Stay calm, Rainard, don't let anxiety overpower you. It's just a simple conversation," Rainard whispered to himself, his trembling hands lightly patting his cheeks in an attempt to calm his inner turmoil.

"Hehehe, you're truly adorable. What makes you pat your cheeks like that?" asked Cathrina warmly, her gentle eyes radiating curiosity.

"Haha, apologies. I'm a bit fatigued, perhaps that's why. It still feels like a dream for me to be at this academy," said Rainard, trying to smile through the ordeal.

"Wow, it seems like your enthusiasm is contagious. We both have the same goal, don't we?" exclaimed Cathrina with infectious excitement.

"I... yes... thank you," replied Rainard, his voice tinged with confusion.

In his heart, Rainard struggled to hold himself back from fleeing, even though his heart screamed to avoid Cathrina's presence. Suddenly, Cathrina turned her face towards Rainard, her eyebrows slightly raised.

"Have we met before? Somehow, I feel like I know you," asked Cathrina, her sharp eyes searching for clues.

Rainard's heart pounded so hard it felt like a stabbing pain. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

"It's... it's impossible. If I had ever met a girl as beautiful as you, it would surely be etched clearly in my memory," replied Rainard, trying to conceal the anxiety behind his words with false calm.

The torrential rain danced atop the roof of the ancient building, painting a picture both beautiful and melancholic. Rainard Von Olaf stood by the window, his eyes gazing towards the ashen sky. Amidst the dazzling flashes of lightning, he caught sight of Cathrina. The girl smiled, and the rain seemed to dance more cheerfully amidst the falling droplets illuminated by the gleaming flashes of lightning.

"You are a flash of beauty amidst this rain," Rainard whispered loudly, the wonder in his eyes shimmering as he gazed at her. The lightning illuminated her enchanting face, and Rainard's heart trembled with deep admiration.

Cathrina laughed, her voice like a melody softly resonating amidst the storm. "Is that so? If I am a flash, then you are the thunder that resonates within my heart," she replied, her voice akin to a flute in the dark night, calming and enchanting.

In his heart, Rainard pleaded with the heavens to halt time. "Oh, gods of the sky, please. Let this moment last forever, amidst the lightning and her captivating smile," he whispered in silent prayer, hoping to experience this magic eternally.

Though his heart pounded fiercely, Rainard bravely walked alongside Cathrina, through the dark corridors leading to the bustling auditorium. His eyes remained fixed on her mesmerizing figure.

Cathrina looked at Rainard with a gaze full of confusion.

"Who is he? I have never beheld eyes as red as blood, seemingly understanding the depths of my heart. His hair is as black as the captivating night, bearing burdens left untold. Is he the answer to my midnight prayers? If so, then I shall embrace happiness with open arms," she whispered in her heart, seeking answers amidst the flashes of lightning streaking across the dark sky.

In the grand auditorium, Rainard Von Olaf traversed its corridors with confident strides. The crystal lights hanging from the ceiling danced, reflecting the beauty of the entire room. Amidst the silence, he gazed softly at Cathrina before bidding her a delicate farewell. For them, separation was an inevitable dance; man and woman, parted by undeniable etiquette. Yet, amidst the distance, their relationship still burned, emitting an unquenchable warmth.

Free from Cathrina's embrace, Rainard felt a sense of relief as he gracefully undid two buttons of his uniform. Precious moments buried in his memory resurfaced, filling his heart with a refreshing tranquility. "Unexpected, how unexpected," he murmured softly, his eyes fixed on the enchanting figure of Cathrina by his side.

Their eyes met in silence, emitting an unspoken stream of secrets. Rainard felt the world stop spinning, ensnared in the captivating gaze of Cathrina's eyes. Yet, when awareness returned to him, Rainard quickly averted his gaze, though he couldn't contain the small smile that crossed Cathrina's lips.

Moments later, the event commenced with grandeur. The thunderous applause welcomed the arrival of the esteemed academy head. However, amidst the cheers, astonishment crept into Rainard's heart as a woman entered the stage with firm steps. She was Mirea Aungalbath, an unexpected figure in the proceedings.

"Greetings, newcomers," Mirea welcomed with gentleness flowing from her lips, although some new students began to doze off at her lengthy words.

Rainard's mind wandered, seeking understanding of this unexpected turn of events. "Why didn't any of the teachers inform me that she is the headmistress? What's the use of broad knowledge if I'm not aware of such things? Indeed, until now, I have never stepped foot in these academy corridors," he mused silently, a sense of wonder enveloping his thoughts.

As the welcoming concluded, a crystal ball was moved to the center of the stage with elegance. Mirea's gaze suddenly directed towards Rainard, causing the young man's heart to beat unevenly.

"You..." exclaimed Mirea, pointing towards Rainard.

With unimaginable astonishment, Rainard glanced left and right, seeking answers to this call. However, around him were only eyes staring at him with anticipation. In confusion, he looked at Mirea still pointing at him, then turned to himself in disbelief.

"Yes, you who undid two buttons of your uniform and whose eyes radiate spirit, step forward. And Cathrina-sama, may I request your presence as well," Mirea said with a friendly smile.

"What's going on? What's happening?" Rainard whispered inwardly, his heart pounding fast due to the unexpected call.

With hesitant yet curious steps, Rainard stepped forward onto the stage. In front of the sparkling crystal ball, he stood tall alongside Cathrina, his heart filled with unanswered questions. Yet, behind his confusion, there was an unquenchable desire to unravel the mystery unfolding before him.