Chapter 1: Peaceful Days and Shadows

The dormitories in which the students of the Magic Academy lived were scattered around its expansive, verdant grounds. With the location boasting a four-hundred-year history—just like the Yulgran Empire itself—it was no wonder the ages of the buildings were diverse, and the architectural style of each dormitory reflected this.

While there had been periods of domestic conflict, the Yulgran Empire had mostly flourished in peace. Its population had steadily increased, and with that, the number of prospective students who met the academy’s admission criteria. More dormitories had been added one after the other to keep up with the demand.

Deluxe suites sat on the top floors of the oldest dormitories. While most students’ rooms were studios with a bed, a desk, and a closet, these deluxe suites were something else entirely. They were composed of a large bedroom, an equally spacious living room that doubled as a study, plus a small bedroom and kitchen for a servant’s use.

Only the scions of the imperial family and the grand ducal houses were allowed to use these luxurious rooms, which were located in historical dormitories built at the same time as the foundation of the academy. Sometimes, years would pass without anyone noble enough to stay in one of these rooms entering the academy, so there was no need for many of them. Nevertheless, the sons and daughters of the noblest families were often of similar ages, so they regularly studied at the academy at the same time.

At the moment, four deluxe suites were in use, which meant that four noble students worthy of them were attending the academy: the crown prince of the empire, Mikhail; the duke of Yulnova, Alexei; a young lady of the House of Yulnova, Ekaterina; and a son of the House of Yulmagna, Vladimir.

A young man with black hair tinged with blue climbed the stairs that led to Vladimir’s room. He had a slender frame and wasn’t particularly tall, but a peculiar strength seemed to emanate from him. In shadow, his eyes looked black, but in the light, they reflected a dark, rich blue. His features were beautiful by most people’s standards, but they held an off-putting sternness that clashed with his youth, detracting from his charm.

This young man was