Cousins' Reunion

The thunderous applause that had filled Orion Academy's Grand Hall gradually faded, but three people remained seated, their expressions darkened by jealousy.

They were the Crown Prince of the Hyperion Empire, Ryan Devent Hyperion; the Empire's Second Princess, Alicia Hera Hyperion; and their cousin, Kaleb Kleins Hyperion, the son of Marquis Rowan and the Emperor's younger brother.

Their eyes were fixed on the seven graduates standing proudly upon the stage.

What fueled their hatred was not merely the recognition those seven received.

It was the respect they commanded.

---

Ryan clenched his fists as he watched Theodore casually pat his younger sister, Kyra Asterion, on the head.

The sight alone was enough to irritate him.

Despite being an Imperial Crown Prince, Theodore had never once shown him the slightest respect. To Theodore, Ryan was nothing more than another student.

The same was true for Alicia and Kaleb.

Even though they all carried the blood of the Imperial Family, none of them possessed the rare inheritance that marked those chosen by destiny.

Jet-black hair. Crimson-red eyes.

Throughout history, these traits had been regarded as the blessing of the angels and the symbol of supreme power.

Although the Emperor himself had black hair, neither Ryan nor Alicia had inherited those legendary crimson eyes. Worse still, they lacked the overwhelming talent expected of the Imperial bloodline.

Ryan had challenged Luke Dean Asterion to countless sword duels.

Every single one had ended in defeat.

After so many losses, he had long since stopped counting.

---

Alicia's situation was no better.

Ever since entering Orion Academy, she had dreamed of becoming the academy's idol—the princess admired by both nobles and commoners alike.

Instead, every comparison ended the same way.

She was compared to Penelope Violet Chalde.

Kind, graceful, humble, and loved by everyone, Penelope had earned the admiration of the academy through her actions rather than her noble birth. She treated servants, commoners, and nobles with the same kindness, never once allowing status to influence her judgment.

The more Alicia tried to surpass her, the more she found herself overshadowed.

Every examination...

Every public event...

Every award...

Penelope always came first.

---

There was another reason Alicia's resentment continued to grow.

She had secretly admired Tristan Henry Chalde for years.

Yet Tristan never spared her more than a polite glance.

Instead, he was almost always seen with Luke, Christina, Neil, and the others.

No matter how hard Alicia tried to approach him, the distance between them never changed.

---

Kaleb's frustration stemmed from a different source.

Ever since childhood, he had dreamed of becoming the disciple of the Academy's legendary Archmage, Leo Winchester.

The young Archmage was hailed as the strongest mage on the continent, a man whose magic was said to possess the power to destroy kingdoms.

Yet despite Kaleb's repeated requests, Leo rejected him every single time.

Ironically, Leo had accepted Tristan and Neil as his disciples instead.

No one knew why.

Some whispered that Leo despised the Imperial Family.

Others believed Kaleb simply lacked the talent worthy of becoming his student.

Whatever the truth, Kaleb refused to accept it.

---

The three Imperial heirs shared one thing in common.

They despised the seven graduates.

Not simply because of their accomplishments...

But because none of those seven had ever cared about their Imperial status.

Within Orion Academy, the title of prince or princess carried no weight.

Even the Emperor himself had no authority over the academy's traditions.

That reality was something the three could never accept.

---

As the ceremony came to an end, the graduates gathered near the academy gates.

Luke stretched lazily before grinning.

"So," he said, "we've finally graduated. Since Theo finished four years before us, he should show us around the academy one last time."

The others nodded in agreement.

Before Theodore could answer, Ryan, Alicia, and Kaleb stepped into their path.

Alicia forced a smile.

"It's been a while, Theodore. Why don't we accompany all of you?"

Before Theodore could respond, Ryan spoke with a mocking laugh.

"Oh? So the great graduates are finally willing to acknowledge us? That's surprising. I thought you all looked down on the Imperial Family."

Luke couldn't help laughing.

"Come now, Your Highness," he said with a teasing smile. "Everyone knows you're only here because you want Uncle Alcred's favor."

Ryan's smile instantly froze.

Alicia lowered her head in embarrassment, while Kaleb silently clenched his fists.

None of them could deny Luke's words.

The Grand Duke of the North held enough influence that even the Imperial Court treated him with caution.

---

Seeing the awkward silence, Theodore finally spoke.

"Enough."

His calm voice immediately silenced everyone.

"Tonight, we must attend the Imperial Banquet. There isn't enough time to wander around the academy today."

He looked toward his friends.

"I've already received the Headmaster's permission. Tomorrow, we can return and visit every place we want."

Everyone nodded.

As they prepared to leave, Theodore turned back toward Ryan and the others.

"If you wish..."

"...you may join us tomorrow."

Ryan merely snorted and looked away, refusing to answer.

Yet neither Alicia nor Kaleb rejected the invitation.

Deep inside...

They knew tomorrow's reunion would not be an ordinary visit.

For there were people waiting in the Imperial Capital whom they had not seen in many years.

And that meeting...

Would change all of their lives forever.