"Hm?"
Yuma tilted his head as he looked toward the palace gate. It wasn't just Diana waiting for him—Camelia, Bonnie, even Kru were there.
"…why did I get dragged into this… it's rare for Captain Lavis to be absent. I was supposed to rest."
"By getting drunk at a pub?"
"…."
"Camelia is right. Why would you even join those barbaric children?"
"Oh, Commander."
"The Commander has arrived."
"Commander!"
"Good morning, Commander."
Dahlia, Camelia, Bonnie, and Kru all turned toward him as Yuma approached.
"You're all gathered here?"
"Yes, we have to send off our Commander on his first day of school, don't we?"
"I need to give you your allowance."
Yuma then turned toward Kru, who was glaring at the girls.
"Kru too?"
"I was dragged here, Your Highness."
Kru continued to complain, as if venting all his frustration.
"We were planning to go to a pub since it's rare for Captain Lavis to be absent."
"I see… Lavis came to see me earlier. But right now, he's probably doing his duties."
"It was definitely Captain Rue, wasn't it?"
"Of course."
Camelia smiled disdainfully before continuing.
"There's no way that lunatic would take initiative on his own. Didn't you see how Artian showed up after so long, looking half-dead? What kind of captain throws all administrative work onto his vice-captain?"
"Exactly! So why drag me along when this was the perfect chance to rest?!"
"My, our little puppy… how dare you raise your voice? Hm?"
"D-don't come closer—hic, Commander!"
Kru quickly hid behind Yuma's small frame, making Yuma smile faintly.
"Don't bully him, Camelia."
"Tch, you should get rid of that cowardly nature, Kru."
"I'm a purifier, I don't need social interaction!"
"Then doesn't that make it even more correct to drag you here instead of letting you gather with the others?"
Bonnie responded with a bright smile, making Kru stammer.
While Bonnie continued teasing him, Camelia handed Yuma a plaque.
"This is…"
"If there's anything you want to buy, just show this to the cashier. Almost all trade businesses cooperate with my family, so as long as you show this, they'll give you the best service."
"I have money too, Camelia."
"But this will be easier. Just take it."
"Yes, just take it."
Bonnie chimed in, taking the plaque from Camelia and slipping it into Yuma's hand.
"Hmm."
"And my family's residence is over there. Since your identity as Commander is hidden… you can just say you're a prince. No one has seen the Commander's face directly anyway, so it won't seem strange even if you visit with blue hair instead of white."
"You should inform the Marquis directly."
"Right, I'll tell him later. Or you can ask a servant while carrying the imperial emblem."
Bonnie tapped her foot while pressing her cheek with a finger, as if thinking.
"Yes, that works! I'll explain it directly to my brother. I'll head off first, Commander!"
"Mm."
Bonnie shook both of Yuma's hands before running off cheerfully.
"What about you, Camelia?"
"I'll head back as well. Rue said we have three days off and told everyone to rest. Looks like Lavis will really be trapped for the next three days."
Yuma let out a small laugh.
"I'll take my leave, Commander—no, I'll take my leave, Prince."
"Hm."
"May the glory of the empire always be with you."
Yuma gave a faint smile and returned the imperial salute.
"May the light of peace be with you as well."
Camelia turned and walked away.
Kru, who had been standing behind Yuma, stepped forward.
"I—I can only give you this. Chloe and I visited many temples of the god of fortune and asked the priests for blessings."
Yuma looked at the small golden pouch.
"I hope luck will protect you out there."
"Yes, thank you, Kru."
Kru's eyes sparkled.
"May the glory of the empire always be with you."
"May the light of peace be with you as well."
Kru smiled, then ran toward the city station.
"Seems like he's going to meet the others at the pub."
"Yes. They actually wanted to come as well, but they thought it would turn into chaos if everyone gathered, so they could only send their messages."
Now alone with Yuma, Diana let out a small laugh.
"If anyone bothers you—even if they're from another kingdom—just tell us."
"Just tell you…?"
"Yes. Just say the word, and they'll storm that kingdom."
"…war isn't that simple."
"They said it's not war. Just a personal attack."
"…."
Yuma let out a quiet sigh. He knew that would actually happen.
There had been an incident before—while he was training, a noble from another kingdom had entered the training grounds without permission.
Not knowing who Yuma was, the man threw insult after insult, assuming he was just a child.
Yuma tilted his head slightly.
Then what happened next…
Ten squads infiltrated the man's residence and destroyed his room—while wearing extremely tight children's clothing.
They said they were annoyed—and that children throw tantrums when they're annoyed.
Sure enough, the noble sent a protest letter, which was answered by Brother Rue and Uncle with a ban from entering the empire and a refusal of all assistance—because their forces were just weak children.
"Ah, that reminds me of that incident. Hehehe, that was quite refreshing… You stopped us from cutting off his head back then, but what happened afterward was still satisfying. Though not as satisfying as removing the unnecessary parts."
"That was still excessive."
"Not at all. Trespassing into someone else's training grounds is already a violation, yet he dared insult our forces? Besides, insulting you is the same as insulting the empire. It was entirely justified."
Diana shrugged as she began walking toward the train station.
Yuma could only smile helplessly.
That incident ended with the kingdom sending apology gifts that nearly made Uncle jump for joy, and the noble kneeling with tears and snot running down his face—after Lavis broke his legs and Bonnie repeatedly healed them with a smile.
"What happened after that, Your Highness? I heard his noble title was revoked?"
"Apparently, the king had already intended to deal with him. But since he had served the previous king and held influence, it hadn't been carried out until now."
"Wow… isn't that unfair? Didn't we end up helping that trash?"
"Watch your words, Diana. You're a lady."
Diana pouted as Yuma continued.
"Yes, but it gave the king a reason to remove him and conduct a purge. It turns out quite a lot of the kingdom's wealth had been flowing into his pockets."
"Hearing that… Rue and the Archduke must've laughed like crazy."
"…yes… they demanded even more until the king walked out looking as if…"
"Like he stepped on something filthy."
"…."
Yuma wanted to correct her wording—but he knew she wasn't wrong.
"Hehehe, oh, let's go in, Commander. The train is about to depart."
"Have a pleasant journey, Your Highness."
Yuma smiled gently at the guard before stepping inside.
He didn't notice the guard's face flushing at the sight of his soft smile and gentle aura.
"Good work."
"Y-yes!"
Diana chuckled and patted the guard's shoulder before following Yuma into the private cabin.
"Empty?"
"Yes. I requested a separate train for your comfort. Besides, you're in disguise. It would be strange if a prospective student came from the main district, which is filled only with military barracks and the palace."
"I see."
"I also asked the station to close access an hour ago until an hour from now under the pretense of maintenance, so we won't run into anyone. We'll exit through the back, and a carriage is already waiting."
"Won't that inconvenience the citizens?"
"No, the announcement was made a month ago…"
"I see. By the way, Diana."
"Hm?"
"The announcement… was made a month ago?"
"Oh… ups."
Diana covered her mouth and turned her gaze toward the window.
She slipped.
Sorry, Captain Rue.
While silently praying and apologizing, Diana heard Yuma sigh and flinched.
"So even if there wasn't a mission… he would've sent me anyway, wouldn't he?"
"Ehem… Your Highness—I mean, Commander—I, as someone who also has a younger sibling, understand Captain Rue's feelings."
"…."
"I'm not trying to defend him, but… I understand his way of thinking. He… could you try not to be too upset? Maybe… just a little… try to enjoy the academy. Until now, the people you've spoken to have been older—or us, who are five to eight years older than you. So… please, just try a little to socialize while carrying out your mission… ah… have I overstepped? I'm sorry, Commander."
Yuma shook his head and looked toward the gate of the first district they passed.
"I can't promise."
"That's enough."
Diana laughed softly, humming as if she were genuinely happy.
But Yuma's gaze dimmed as he remembered her request.
Reading the emotions of people in the palace and barracks isn't difficult, since I've seen them through several regressions, but…
Yuma closed his eyes briefly.
Can he still become normal…?
Even now… living sometimes feels exhausting.
"Look at that, Commander."
Yuma turned toward the window and saw the oldest and largest library in the world.
The grand stone building gleamed under the light.
The crowd moving in and out while carrying books looked so lively and bright that Yuma felt slightly overwhelmed.
The streets were just as crowded, filled with people trading with one another.
Nobles and commoners mingled without any sense of awkwardness.
"This is the empire you created, Commander."
Yuma froze slightly as he looked at Diana, whose eyes were shining.
"Thank you."
Yuma's eyes widened slightly before he turned back to the window.
There, a noblewoman was helping up a merchant's child who had fallen, smiling warmly as she spoke with the merchant—likely the child's mother.
"…it wasn't just me."
"Yes, but you were the one who created the rules and gave the direction. We only carried them out. This empire has become the most peaceful nation in the world—with zero discrimination and a crime rate below one percent—all because of you."
Diana bowed her head sincerely once more.
"I've wanted to say this for a long time—no, not just me. Everyone in the palace and the barracks must feel the same. Truly… thank you very much."
"Raise your head, Soldier Diana. It was only my duty as a prince."
Diana said nothing and only lowered her head once more.
Prince Ark was the wisest prince to all of them.
Walking toward the academy, Yuma looked at the large building with a calm expression.
"Call me Yuma later."
"…is that really alright…?"
"Yes. It would be suspicious if you kept calling me Your Highness or Commander."
"In that case… Yuma."
Yuma turned toward Diana and smiled brightly.
"Yes, Sister Diana."
Diana immediately clutched her chest.
The Commander's smile was too critical—she felt like she might collapse on the spot.
Unfortunately, she still had to escort him. Otherwise, she would've gladly rolled around while shouting about how adorable that smile was.
"S-Sister Diana?"
"O-oh, um, yes. I mean—yeah."
Yuma tilted his head, looking worried.
"Are you really alright?"
"Yes, ahem. If you need anything, ask Mylo—my younger brother—ah, no. That child is like a wild horse. It's better to ask Noel. He's the type who will give a thousand percent even if a hundred is enough."
"I'll remember that."
"This is just so you know, but my brother Mylo has a strong sense of justice because of my strict upbringing."
"…strict?"
"Hm. I started training him once he got healthier. Yes… around six? Anyway, he's a good kid."
"…I see."
"There they are."
Yuma looked ahead and saw two boys.
One had dark red hair—Noel, whom he had met before. The other had cream-colored hair and purple eyes like Diana.
"His name is Mylo Dominic Colsen."
Both of them looked at Yuma blankly.
"Mylo? Greet him."
Hearing Diana's low voice, Mylo snapped out of it and extended his hand.
"You can call me Mylo. This is my friend, Noel Riggs Kaysen."
Noel also extended his hand, as if they were meeting for the first time.
"Noel."
"Yuma Soren Cody. You can call me Yuma."
"Yu-Yuma?!"
Yuma flinched as Mylo suddenly pulled him into a tight hug.
"I've wanted to meet you for so long!"
"…what?"
Yuma looked at Diana, who shook her head—she hadn't said anything about his identity.
Noel frowned slightly, looking at Mylo.
"Mylo."
"Hm?"
"When did you ever meet Yuma to want to meet him this badly?"
"Oh… did you forget? Seven years ago! I saw you at the merchant guild with Yuma and a tall woman. Since then, I've often dreamed about Yuma!"
"Ah… right… back then, you still hadn't stopped visiting the doctor."
"Yes. Yuma was chubby back then, and his eyes were sparkling. When our eyes met, he smiled sweetly! Even the sunlight suddenly shone on him! He looked like a little angel!"
Clutching her chest, Diana laughed awkwardly and nodded, then pulled Mylo away from Yuma.
"Maybe I saw Yuma there too. The Cody family is quite a famous merchant family."
As her talkative younger brother continued, Diana dragged Mylo toward the registration desk, with Yuma and Noel following behind.
"Excuse me."
"…?"
Noel bent down and smoothed out the wrinkles on Yuma's clothes before approaching the staff.
"Oh… he really is attentive."
Noel's behavior matched exactly what Diana had said—he liked taking care of others.
His movements were light, as if he was used to caring for children.
…
"—Yuma Soren Cody."
"Yes, everything has been confirmed."
"These are your temporary dorm keys. You are not allowed to bring additional belongings until the selection process is complete. The selection will begin tomorrow and continue until all applicants have been tested."
"Understood."
"Next, Mylo and… Yuma."
"Yes."
"Hm."
"You both have weak physical conditions and have been granted special permission. Since you are a purifier and a Guardian who do not rely heavily on physical strength, the exception is granted."
"Ah? Yuma too?"
Yuma blinked slowly.
This was the first he had heard of it.
"Special permission means that if you feel unwell during physically demanding activities, you are allowed to be absent, as long as you do not exceed the attendance limit."
"After you are accepted," the staff added.
Yuma nodded.
He already knew who had arranged it.
It was excessive… but not a problem. He wasn't a student who needed to be taught.
"Did you hear that, Mylo?"
"Ah, I'm already healthy!"
"I know. I'm just being careful."
Mylo grimaced, but since it was said out of concern, he didn't argue.
"Here are your dorm keys. The first letter indicates the building, the first number the floor, and the last number the room."
Diana handed each of them their keys, and Mylo immediately exclaimed:
"Woah… third floor of Building D? That's far!! Look at yours, Noel."
"…."
"We're in the same building, but you're on the first floor. My legs are going to die… What about you, Yuma?"
Then Mylo fell silent.
"…?"
"Hm?"
Diana, confused by his reaction, looked at Yuma's key.
"Ah… Building A."
"Why?"
"Building A is the teachers' dormitory!"
Mylo shouted, eyes wide, while the staff nodded as if confirming nothing was wrong.
"What's wrong with the teachers' dorm?"
Noel asked flatly.
"It's spacious and has no roommates. Honestly, it's a better place."
"Hm? Then what's the problem?"
"Think about it, Yuma."
Mylo casually placed a hand on Yuma's shoulder, making Diana frown.
"You can't bring friends, can't sneak out at night, can't make noise without being scolded by teachers. And imagine—just waking up, opening your window… and seeing a teacher staring at you. Ugh."
Mylo rubbed his arms as if getting goosebumps just imagining it.
"Oh, you know quite a lot, future junior. Hehehe… indeed, that unfortunate senior always avoided the dorm and only returned right before curfew because he was scared. He even sent transfer requests three times a day—morning before leaving, noon during lunch, and night before curfew. And do you know the funniest part?"
The staff laughed.
"Hahaha, he laughed hysterically when he finally got transferred."
"Ah, I've heard that story. So this is the full version?"
"Yes."
Another staff member laughed and added:
"Half a month ago, the teachers' dorm was renovated. So the students living there were temporarily moved to other dorms. After it was finished, they were given the choice to return or stay. And every single one chose to stay where they were—even though the teachers' dorm became extremely luxurious."
"And the person we mentioned was the most dramatic about it."
"Yes, apparently because his left neighbor was the science teacher, his right neighbor the math teacher, and in front of him was the field training instructor."
"Woah… Hahahaha."
Both staff members laughed, while Mylo turned pale and Noel glanced toward Building A.
"…half a month ago…?"
Meanwhile, Diana broke into a cold sweat upon hearing Yuma's quiet murmur.
Once again, she silently prayed for Captain Rue's well-being.
"Ah, another student. See you again, future junior."
The staff winked mischievously at Yuma.
"That dorm will become your permanent one, you know. Hahaha!"
Mylo's face had gone completely pale as he looked at Yuma with sympathy.
But Yuma only smiled.
He knew this was likely arranged by Richard, so it would be easier for him to review palace documents or hold emergency military meetings.
There was even a possibility the renovation had been done to install soundproof walls.
"Alright, go on your own from here. I can only escort you this far."
Diana clapped her hands lightly.
"Noel, Mylo, and Yuma. Have a good school life."
She waved as the three of them began walking in different directions.
"See you later, Yuma! See you tomorrow!"
"Hm."
"See you tomorrow."
"Yes."
Yuma parted ways with them.
But just as he was about to reach Building A…
He walked in a different direction.