Location: Academy Dorm
Date: Day after the Drinking Party (785th year, 8th month, 21st day)
I drank too much.
My head's splitting like someone tried to cast Earthquake inside my skull.
This morning? Pain. Just pain.
Most of us are down with hangovers. Leander and Anna haven't even left their beds. Meanwhile, Lily and Riya look like they slept through a spring morning. No headache, no regret, just peaceful smiles. Good for them.
Gideon's helping Elric make hangover soup in the kitchen.
That sight alone makes me feel old.
As for me?
Alice had to drag me out of bed. I used to drink like this in another life — one I died in far too often. Back then, a hangover was nothing. But now? It feels... heavier. Still, no regrets. The party was worth it.
Though seriously — how does Elric not have a hangover?
If that's a spell or some divine cheat, I want it.
Breakfast was warm. Calm. The kind of silence that makes you hope it'll last.
But of course, it didn't.
While we were eating,instructor David showed up — smug look, as always.
He handed out Purification Potions without saying much. They helped. A bit.
(He definitely gave us the strong stuff last night.)
> "Drink this for now. It'll help.
Nitsuo, once you're done, come to my office."
Then he left.
Elric took the potions up to Leander and Anna. They came back like new — too energetic. I drank mine. Didn't change much. The ache wasn't physical.
After breakfast, Leander, Anna, and Gideon went off to the training yard. Riya stayed behind. Lily said she was going to the library for a book on dark magic.
(Why she needs that is beyond me. Her moonlight magic is already absurd — both offensive and defensive. If she starts dabbling in necromancy, I might actually be scared.)
Alice came with me to David's office.
Inside, David was on the sofa, Mireille standing beside him. Not alone.
A third guest sat near the window — blonde hair, white dress, posture so refined it hurt to look at.
David introduced her:
> "This is Evelyn Caerwyn, second princess of the Kingdom of Eiradon."
Eiradon — a small nation now, but once a power that rivaled Maria.
Fell after the Thousand-Year War. Civil war broke it from the inside.
And out of the ashes, a lone hero built what stands today.
I bowed.
> "Apologies for the delay. I'm Nitsuo Caelum, second year, Accordum Academy.
This is my comrade, Alice von Eirenthal.
May I ask the reason we've been summoned?"
The princess smiled.
> "Oh my. Mr. Nitsuo, Ms. Alice — please, sit. Sage David will explain."
We sat. David got to the point.
Evelyn would be taking the Academy entrance exam in a week.
Until then, she needed protection.
Her request. Not the Kingdom's. Not her guard's.
Her own idea.
Academy rules forbid foreign guards on campus. So it falls to us.
I asked: Why our team?
He didn't answer directly. Which meant — we were the only viable option.
Third-years are off at branch academies.
And our squad… is good. Too good, apparently.
We accepted. No choice, really.
On the walk back to the dorm, Alice asked if the princess would be staying with us.
The spare rooms aren't exactly fit for royalty.
> "I'll handle it," I said.
When we got back, Elric and Riya were in the common room.
The princess introduced herself under her alias: Alishia.
Elric's eyes narrowed. He's sharper than people think.
Still, he stood, bowed, and introduced himself.
Riya offered to ready a room — she was already halfway up the stairs before I finished asking.
Elric went to gather the others.
Alice and I set up some low-level protective magic around the dorm. Nothing flashy, just quiet coverage. Runes. Layers.
Riya returned. Room ready.
She really is good at that. Someday, she'll make someone an incredible partner.
Not that I'd ever say that out loud.
Everyone gathered. I sent "Alishia" to rest.
Then I explained the mission.
Leander and Anna complained first — again. "Another mission already? No break?"
Lily didn't say anything, but she looked… drained.
Gideon asked why us. I understood. He was right to ask.
But there was no one else. Not with our record.
I gave the orders:
Lily and Anna — barrier spells and illusion traps around the dorm.
Leander and Gideon — outside patrol, rotate shifts.
Alice — watch "Alishia" closely, but subtly.
Riya and Elric — house duties, support.
As for me…
I'll take night watch.
Too much? Maybe. But we've seen holes in this Academy before. Students vanish.
Magic gets past defenses.
The title of "most secure place on the continent" means nothing to whatever's coming.
I really hope this mission goes smoothly.
…Though I might've jinxed it.