Back in her dormitory, Serena barely managed to open the door, relying purely on willpower.
"Hiss…" Her face was deathly pale, and cold sweat dotted her forehead.
Clenching her teeth, she braced herself against the wall and slowly shuffled toward her bed, her body trembling slightly. That kick had landed far too hard.
She finally climbed onto the bed, but unlike usual, she couldn't curl up comfortably. A searing pain tore through her lower back, stealing her breath. All she could do was lie stiffly on her side, clutching her waist with both hands.
"…Feels like my bones are breaking…"
If it weren't for her stronger constitution in this life—more robust than in her previous one—her seven-year-old body might not have survived that blow.
She shut her eyes, trying to calm her thoughts.
But no matter how strong the will, it couldn't completely overcome the body's suffering.
Serena didn't sleep at all that night.
The next morning, in the classroom, Serena sat by the window, unusually quiet.
She sat with her textbook open, flipping through the pages. Her complexion was even paler than usual, and her lips were cracked and dry.
"You don't look so good. Didn't sleep well?" Lucien, her seatmate, quickly noticed something was wrong and whispered to her.
Serena turned slightly and forced a faint smile. "I'm fine… just stayed up a bit late studying."
Lucien frowned. She didn't look like someone who'd just pulled an all-nighter, but he didn't press the issue.
The class bell rang. Mr. Stephen walked in and began the day's lesson.
His voice was clear and strong as always, but Serena couldn't concentrate at all. She fought to stay awake, but the pain in her waist gnawed at her nerves like a dull blade, and her mind grew hazier by the minute.
Quietly, she slipped a lemon-flavored caffeine candy from her pocket and popped it in her mouth. The sourness stung her tongue, but it did nothing to help.
Who said caffeine helps with pain and fatigue? Liar…
The pain persisted, and her thoughts began to drift beyond her control.
She leaned toward Lucien and whispered, "If the teacher turns this way… help me stand and respond."
Before she finished the sentence, her eyelids drooped, and she slumped over her desk, drifting into unconsciousness.
Lucien glanced at her sleeping profile. Normally bright and full of life, her face now looked pale and strained with exhaustion and pain.
He lowered his head, his brows furrowed tightly.
She must've poured everything into the drone project lately. So much time, so much effort…
It's my fault I couldn't help her more with the design…
He reached out unconsciously and placed a gentle hand on her forehead, brushing her hair back.
Suddenly, Mr. Stephen's voice rang out, stern and loud.
"Serena Elton!"
Lucien immediately nudged her arm and whispered urgently, "Wake up—the teacher's calling you!"
Serena flinched, then slowly lifted her head, her face etched with fatigue. She rubbed her eyes and forced herself to stand.
Mr. Stephen frowned. "You don't look well. Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm okay, sir… just didn't sleep much lately. Studying too late, I guess." She tried to smile it off.
But Mr. Stephen wasn't convinced. His experienced eyes clearly saw through her forced calm.
"Go to the infirmary. Lucien, take her."
"Yes, sir," Lucien stood and reached out to help.
But just as Serena took a step forward—
Her body gave out.
Everything went black.
"Serena!" Lucien shouted and lunged forward to catch her, but he was a second too late.
She collapsed silently to the ground. Her face was burning hot—she was running a fever too.
Mr. Stephen's expression shifted instantly. He dropped his book on the podium and rushed over, lifting her into his arms.
"I'll take her to the infirmary. Lucien, follow me."
"…Yes, sir." Lucien trailed behind, heart heavy with guilt.
If I'd realized earlier… maybe she wouldn't have collapsed.
For the first time, he truly felt the crushing weight of helplessness—and guilt.
Serena didn't know how much time had passed when she finally woke up.
She opened her eyes to a sterile white ceiling and the sharp scent of antiseptic. The cold but soft surface beneath her told her she was in the school infirmary.
"…Serena? You're awake?"
A deep, familiar voice full of concern came from beside her. She turned her head slightly and saw a pair of warm, gentle eyes.
"…Brother?" she murmured.
It was Arthur. He was sitting beside her, worry etched deeply into his face. His brows were tightly furrowed, his eyes filled with distress and guilt.
"You worked yourself this hard? When the teacher called me, I was scared out of my mind. I was so worried about you."
"You've been pushing yourself too much lately, haven't you? You don't have to be so strong all the time. You're still a kid—studying and having fun is enough…"
Serena gave him a faint smile. "I'm okay… I just didn't sleep much and got a bit hurt. Don't worry. I recover quickly."
Arthur's eyes darkened.He clearly didn't believe her casual response. He lowered his head, voice thick with regret.
"I thought you could take care of yourself… but I failed as your brother."
Serena shook her head gently. "Don't say that. The only reason I'm still holding on is because I know you're there… I can't let you worry."
Arthur was silent for a moment, then gently brushed her bangs aside with a tender hand.
"No more pushing yourself, okay? Rest properly. I'll ask the teachers for a leave so you can stay in the dorm and recover. Call me if you need anything. Got it?"
Serena didn't speak—just nodded quietly. A wave of emotion surged in her chest.
"…Yeah. I got it."
Arthur chatted with her for a while longer. When he saw some color return to her cheeks, he finally allowed himself a small smile.
"Oh right—Serena."
He suddenly remembered something and smiled.
"The school's annual sports festival is coming up in a few days. Our class is entering the tug-of-war. I hope you'll be well enough by then to come cheer for me."
"You're joining too?" Serena blinked.
"No choice," Arthur shrugged. "No one in our class is stronger than me, after all."
Serena chuckled, feeling a rare moment of lightness in her heart.
"Alright then—I'll be there, cheering you on the loudest!"
"That's all I need." Arthur smiled warmly and gently patted her shoulder. "Just rest now. I'll handle the rest."
They were still talking when the lunch bell rang, signaling the start of afternoon classes.
Arthur glanced at the time and stood up quickly. "I've got to go—don't want to be late."
"Take care of yourself, Serena."
He turned to leave reluctantly. Serena propped herself up and called softly after him, "Be safe—and don't forget to smile every day."
Arthur turned around and gave her a playful "OK" gesture.
At that moment, Serena's gaze inadvertently passed over the parted curtain and landed on the doorway of the infirmary.
There, a figure stood quietly, seemingly waiting for someone from Arthur's class.
Through the gap in the curtain, Serena caught a glimpse of a strand of red hair—radiant like sunlight.
That color—there was no way she could be mistaken.
Serena's eyes widened.
Red hair was the symbol of the Imperial Royal Family, an existence none in the Empire could defy.
If she wasn't wrong—
The young man waiting at the door was none other than the legendary First Prince of the Empire, Altair Astar.
He was actually in the same class as her brother?!
Serena was momentarily stunned, her mind overwhelmed by a flurry of thoughts.
She had heard before that the First Prince was studying at this academy, but she never imagined he would be the same age—and even in the same class—as her brother.
But why was he here? What was his relationship with Arthur? And more importantly, what did all this mean…?