The sunlight that morning was thankfully not very harsh. It glead softly over the castle courtyard as Aeric and Delva prepared to leave, their mounts walking gracefully toward the gates.
Wandering in his mind as he usually did, Aeric's sharp gaze swept across the grounds, taking in the lively scene around him.
As usual, workers were moving about with their objectives in mind, tending to the cobblestone pathways, trimming the hedges, feeding the beasts and livestock, while commoners milled near the castle entrance, their hands full of produce and goods for the royal household.
"Good morning, Prince Aeric," several greeted warmly, bowing their heads or waving.
Aeric nodded back, a faint smile gracing his lips, his noble poise never faltering. He was really starting to like the feeling of responsibility this gave him, knowing that all the people here looked up to him and respected him and because of that, much was expected from him.
Aeric had tried to hide it so many tis, but he could not chase away the fear that sohow deep down, he was still his old lazy and unproductive self. That he was going to let everyone down and fuck everything up.
That was why he was so desperate to do everything. To help the people of Starlight, to level up, to secure himself from the potential danger in the future. Stretching himself thin because he wanted anything but to be that person he was in his last life.
Aeric caught sight of a blacksmith wiping sweat from his brow, pausing briefly to offer a respectful nod. The smith's young apprentice nearly dropped a horseshoe in his eagerness to bow, earning a chuckle from Aeric.
'If the Snake Queen cos, all these people's lives would be in danger. It is my duty to make sure they do not suffer the brunt of the war.'
Just as they neared the gates, Aeric slowed Sylver and squinted, sothing nagging at his mind. His sharp eyes scanned the courtyard, lingering on the grand staircase leading back into the castle. "Where are my sisters?" he asked, his voice low but curious.
Delva, riding beside him, adjusted her grip on the reins. "The princesses left so ti ago, my lord," she replied.
"That fast?" Aeric frowned, his dark brows furrowing slightly. "That's unusual."
"Is sothing wrong?" Delva asked with a soft but alert tone.
Aeric hesitated, his thoughts drifting back to the strange morning he'd had. "I don't know… Sothing strange happened today." His voice lowered as though revealing a secret.
Then he turned to Delva, looking at her for a while as though he was deciding whether to tell her or not. Reaching a decision, he continued; "I woke up feeling as if soone was watching . It was this… heavy, eerie sensation. Then, just as I opened my eyes, I heard footsteps—soone rushing out of my room. I followed, but by the ti I got to the hall, no one was there."
Delva's brow furrowed in concern. "That is odd," she murmured, her tone thoughtful.
"Fitting adjective, I would say," Aeric agreed. "Spies were my first assumption. Though I believe the knightguards of this castle are vigilant. Our security is almost imperable."
"But a spy has entered the castle before, right?"
"Hm. That is true."
After a brief pause, Delva spoke, "If it would make you feel at ease, I could keep watch by your door tonight."
Aeric's lips quirked upward, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Delva, I think that would be a bit… inappropriate," he said lightly, shaking his head. "There's no need for that. I can handle it."
Delva smirked but bowed slightly in her saddle. "As you wish, my lord. Just say the word if you change your mind."
"I'll be fine," Aeric assured her. He straightened, brushing off the lingering discomfort. "Besides, I have other things to think about today. We'll take the Silver Road this ti as I'm in a hurry."
He turned back to her. "Do well to keep up. The Silver Road disintegrates quickly as Sylver runs past it."
Delva nodded. "Of course. I'll do my best to keep up."
"Alright, boy, summon the road." Aeric said to Sylver and the Beast Companion activated the Silver Road.
The shimring, magical path of silver light stretched from beneath Sylver's hooves, rising into the air like a celestial bridge and extending through the sky's expanse like a rainbow. Sylver surged forward eagerly, his speed effortless and smooth as he climbed the glowing path.
Delva's horse balked montarily but then leapt onto the Silver Road, hooves clinking against the luminous surface.
Then, they began to run. Paws and hooves raced through the glittering bridge as it dissolved behind them, leaving no trace.
They raced forward, wind whipping at them, clouds zapping past them. Aeric glanced back, a laugh bubbling up as he saw Delva's wide-eyed grin. Her composure had completely slipped for a mont, and it was replaced by pure exhilaration.
"Enjoying yourself?" he called over the rush of air.
Delva laughed back. "This is incredible, Master Aeric! I've never experienced anything like it."
The Silver Road arched down as they neared the Institution. The grand golden spires and bustling grounds ca into view, filled with students and faculty. Sylver landed smoothly, his paws touching the earth just as Delva's horse followed.
Not surprisingly, their arrival, as it always did, drew attention. Heads turned, murmurs spread, and so Daughters whispered behind cupped hands.
It was getting boring now activating the Insight Skill to listen to their nonsense repetitive thoughts. So Aeric just ignored them completely.
Before he could get down from his Beast, he felt it once again that he was being watched. This ti by a distinct, piercing gaze, not just the eyes of the gossiping Daughters.
Aeric's sharp eyes darted toward the area where the feeling was coming from. It was the temple far at the end of the Institution walls.
There, he caught sight of that perverted old man in his Priestly robes. The Divine Priest. The man lingered just a mont too long before abruptly turning and retreating into the temple.
Aeric's eyes narrowed, lips curving to s thoughtful frown. 'I'll deal with you later.'
Sliding down from Sylver's back, Aeric dusted off his cape and straightened his posture. Just then, with all the Daughters walking past him towards the Institution doors, a familiar figure caught his eye. Celestia.
He saw her walk briskly across the courtyard, her golden hair catching the morning light like a halo. Aeric's heart skipped and he walked after her.
"Hey, Celestia!" he called, his voice hopeful.
But she didn't even pause. Her gaze remained fixed forward, even though he was certain she had heard him, her pace unyielding as she walked into the Institution's entrance.
Aeric stood still, watching the back of her move as she ignored him. He ran a hand through his hair and scratched the back of his neck nervously.
Delva dismounted gracefully and gave him a sly smile. "Good luck, Master Aeric," she said, leading Sylver and her horse toward the stables.
Aeric still stood there for a mont, watching as Celestia vanished from view. He clenched his fists briefly before relaxing. "I'm going to do everything until she forgives ," he murmured under his breath, determination hardening his expression.
Straightening his cape once more, he strode toward the Institution doors.
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