"Why do I have to go to the Academy today when the entrance day is tomorrow?" I questioned my mom while slipping on the white blazer of my uniform.

The attire was composed of a pristine white shirt, trousers, and the blazer, with the only color variation being my silver tie.

"Today, the new freshmen are given the chance to explore the campus and gain a better understanding of the place," Christina chimed in, appearing in her own elegant white uniform. She winked at me. "Don't worry, seniors like me will be there to show you around."

"Wait a second... freshmen? But I'm not a first-year student. I've already completed my first year in Celesta," I said, a hint of annoyance in my voice.

[<Barely, though.>]

I did pass, though!

"True, you're a sophomore, but since you're new to this academy, you still need to get acquainted with it," Mom explained, joining us in a skirt-like uniform.

"Come to think of it, why are both of you tagging along? I don't need protection—ow!"

Mom pinched my cheeks. "I did mention that I'm a teacher here, didn't I?"

"Oh, right, I forgot..." I replied.

My mother, a teacher? It was a strange thought.

"Unfortunately, I'm taking care of the third-year students this year," she sighed in disappointment, but secretly, I was relieved. Having your mom as a teacher would be kind of embarrassing.

"As for me, I'm helping out as a good senior should," Christina added.

"But you already finished your last year," I pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

"True, but I've been accepted as Professor Priscilla's assistant!" Christina declared proudly. "So, I'll be around if you have any questions, little brother! Anyway, bye for now, I'm off—"

"Wait right there, young lady!" Mom vanished and stood in Christina's path.

"M-Mom?" Christina stammered, looking a bit nervous.

Mom glanced at Christina's skirt, which was clearly above the knee, showcasing her legs. "Is that a mini skirt?"

"Oh, come on, Mom! I'm nineteen already!" Christina protested.

"Don't 'come on' me, young lady. I don't want any inappropriate gazes on my daughter. Adjust it to be at least thirty centimeters longer," Mom demanded sternly.

"Fine!" Christina pouted, lowering the skirt slightly, but certainly not by thirty centimeters.

"That's still not enough—"

"Goodbye, Mom. Bye, little bro!" Christina hurried off before she could get scolded any further.

"That girl!" Mom stomped her foot, then let out an exasperated sigh. "Wait for me, Amael. I'll personally drop you off at school."

"Am I a toddler, Mom?" I said with a grimace. I didn't want to acquire a new nickname even before my time at the Academy started.

Who gets dropped off by their mom at seventeen? Unless you're really very far away, but even then, it would be pretty embarrassing for me.

"You'll always be my cute little child to me, Amael!" Mom said, her eyes misty.

"I-I'll go on ahead!" I declared and started walking away, but Mom caught me by the tie and adjusted it with a sigh. Then she kissed my cheeks. "Don't get into any trouble."

"Don't worry," I assured her and walked off.

[<I don't think you'll be able to avoid getting into trouble.>]

"Come on, trust me," I replied, but then I remembered something and called out, "Helga?"

The headmaid appeared promptly with a smile. "Yes, Young Lord?"

"Can you take care of her for me?" I motioned to Annabelle.I think you should take a look at

"Wow, Papa! I was playing hide and seek with Samara sis!"

"Samara sis...? Whatever, Annabelle, you need to relax a little and learn about the world, so be kind to Helga." I ruffled Annabelle's hair as she hugged me.

"Okay..." Annabelle nodded and joined Helga.

I didn't really want to be apart from her, but she needed more company than just me during my often-annoying days at the academy. She was still too young for that. I wanted her to enjoy herself a bit while still learning.

As for protection and assistance, I had Samara with me. That was certainly enough.

"Milord." One of the butlers opened the door to a luxurious silver limousine.

Indeed, our family was quite well-off, and Mom had just acquired this limousine for me yesterday. There was a beautiful white car parked behind it, belonging to Mom, and the grey car that had just left was Christina's. Just today, she was complaining about always having a driver to drop her off, but Mom was firm in her decision not to allow either me or Christina to travel alone. The drivers were Olphean Knights of high caliber, personally trained by Mom and Dad.

"I should perhaps tell her to sell the limousine and get a more modest car..." I didn't want to display affluence with a limousine, and it was somewhat awkward as well.historical

Oh well.

I settled into the backseat, and the driver started the car.

"What's your name?" I asked the driver, who appeared to be no more than forty years old.

"Francis, Milord," he responded respectfully.

"You're more than just a driver, aren't you? You seem quite strong," I remarked with a grin.

Francis chuckled at my words. "Indeed, Milord. I hold the position of one of the Commanders within Lady Alea's Olphean Army. She personally requested me to look after you, and I was more than glad to comply."

"Why?" I inquired.

"Because you're the last heir of the Olphean House, Lord Kleines' youngest son, Lady Alea's final son and youngest child, Young Lord Connor's younger brother, and Lady Christina's remaining brother."

I furrowed my brows slightly at his words.

"Lady Alea revealed your true identity to me to assist with my responsibilities, Milord. It's truly heartwarming to witness you alive, Young Lord Amael. You've developed into quite the man since the last time I had the honor of seeing you," Francis said, his smile radiating warmth.

"You know my brother, huh? How was he?" I asked curiously.

"The Young Lord was someone truly attentive and caring," Francis began with a pained expression. "He would wake up early every morning to greet us in the training field, and he would often train with us in swordsmanship. He befriended many of us, and he felt like a son or a younger brother to us."

"But you failed to protect him," I said coldly.

"Indeed... Lord Connor was deeply concerned for his family. He would secretly assign some of us to ensure the safety of his sister and mother, even though I suspect Lady Alea was aware of it. But... Lord Connor was also a very emotional person. A few years after you 'left' due to the danger and your near-fatal experience, everything within your family began to fall apart. Lord Kleines was desperately searching for answers about what had happened to you and who was responsible, but he was also killed a few months later, leaving no clues. Lord Connor became more mature after that day and started investigating quietly into what had happened to his younger brother and father. Some of us were assisting him in this endeavor... It's our failure... we couldn't protect Milord," Francis said through gritted teeth.

I remained silent for a moment before sighing. "I don't blame you. I failed too, just last year, losing people dear to me. But..." My tone turned neutral. "I won't make the same mistake twice, Francis."

"Yes... I won't either, Milord."

"Good. Now tell me about what might have led to my brother's death."

"Milord..?"

"I know you likely have no information. Mother is also searching desperately, but she's reluctant to involve me," I sighed, understanding her concerns. "However, I need to know for the sake of my family's safety."

I knew there was a vast conspiracy that led to my departure from the island at the age of four, my father's death, and my brother's death. It all seemed to point to Sancta Vedelia, and I was determined to uncover the truth and exact revenge this year. There was no mention of anything like this in the Game, so I had no prior knowledge about it. Furthermore, in the Game, I destroyed the Olphean House even before the Game began, so the enemy remained unknown to me. But I was certain they were within Sancta Vedelia.

They tried to eliminate me for some reason and failed. When Father tried to unravel the truth, he was killed. And eventually, when my brother sought answers, he met the same fate.

I will never accept this.

They won't get away with me.