A carriage stopped just outside the gate of the Marinus mage academy, just like the many others that had arrived. Regina quickly stepped down from her carriage, dressed in the academy’s uniform.

The break period was about to end, so most of the students were returning a few days earlier to prepare. After weeks away, the sight filled Regina with a bittersweet nostalgia. It hadn’t even been that long, but she missed the academy.

Her vacation had been far from restful. Returning home, she embarked on an unexpected journey with her grandfather. The experience had been both enlightening and grueling, filled with tales of old battles, lessons in combat, and deep dives into the Dragonlancer legacy. Her grandfather’s teachings left her with new insights—and questions about her path as a mage.

Since she was Rasiel’s younger sister, she had to keep up their image. For this her grandfather he decided to train her personally, though in his own way. Thanks to this, she didn’t really rest while vacation, which only made her want to return sooner.

“Young Lady, your luggage… We have also prepared some of your favorite treats.”

Her personal maid, interrupted her glee as she handed over her a bag. The bag was simple in shape and design, being small and light enough to be held with one hand.

“Thank you so much, Josephine!”

With a smile, Regina grabbed the bag and shook it slightly. Immediately, two cupcakes appeared from the bag, still in perfect condition.

“Perfect! Now I can have a bit of a stash for a few days!”

Regina couldn’t help but grin as she took a bite of one of the cupcakes, savoring the familiar sweetness. The academy’s halls and schedules were rigorous, and even small comforts from home felt like precious treasures.

Waving at her butler and maids, she ran through the academy gates, careful not to drop the cupcakes.

Regina made her way through the bustling courtyard, where returning students gathered in clusters, exchanging stories of their vacations.

She felt a surge of pride, straightening her posture as she walked. Being Rasiel’s younger sister and a Dragonlance meant expectations surrounded her—expectations she wasn’t about to disappoint. She also had to have a good image for her new juniors.

Though the entrance examinations had yet to start, the whole academy was already in a preparation phase.

Regina’s first stop was her dorm room. She unpacked quickly, patting the bag to remove all her belongings from inside. Within a few seconds over ten luggage bags popped out of the small bag, along with a few tools and books.

Taking some time to organize things, Regina used magic to clean her room and also make it feel a bit more comfortable.

After being done, she sighed and glanced at her room with pride.

“Time for a shower I guess…”

Regina stepped out of the shower, a warm mist filling the room as she wrapped herself in a soft towel. She crossed to the vanity, sitting on the small cushioned stool, and gazed at her reflection in the mirror.

Her eyes lingered on the small, familiar details—her slightly freckled cheeks, the determined set of her jaw. She reached for her comb, beginning to pull it gently through her damp hair. With a flick of her fingers, a soft breeze spell enveloped her, warm and controlled, drying her hair as she combed.

Her thoughts drifted to the upcoming term, wondering what challenges awaited her in the new classes.

‘I wonder if anything has changed… or if it’ll feel like no time has passed at all.’

She smiled faintly at the thought, a familiar thrill sparking within her. The academy had become her second home, a place where her skills were tested and refined, and friendships made. Her heart swelled with anticipation as she thought of seeing her friends again, the hours spent sharing secrets and catching up over long, exhausting days of study.

With a deep breath, she reached over to the nightstand and picked up a small pendant, its delicate silver chain glinting in the soft light. It was the pendant her older brother had given her before leaving on his journey with the Hero Party.

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She gently ran her thumb over the intricate design, a dragon in flight etched into the metal, a symbol of the Dragonlancer lineage. She felt his absence acutely; Rasiel’s presence had always been a steady force in her life, and the pendant served as a comforting reminder of him.

‘I’ll make you proud’

She thought, gripping the pendant briefly before setting it down.

Once dressed, Regina carefully laid out her study materials on her desk, allowing herself a few minutes to catch up.

The Dragonlancer legacy was as much a responsibility as it was a heritage, and her grandfather’s recent lessons had stirred within her a desire to further her magical understanding.

She flipped through a few pages, her fingers tracing the diagrams and notes. The silence of her room allowed her to immerse herself fully in the text, reviewing the spells and theories she had struggled with over the break.

But soon, her thoughts wandered to William. She hadn’t seen him since the term had ended, but his presence lingered in her mind.

William was… complex.

There was a mystery about him, a quiet power that she couldn’t quite understand. She wondered if he had changed, if his intense focus had grown sharper over the break, or if he’d even taken the time to relax.

With her studies temporarily set aside, Regina left her dorm, stepping into the crisp air outside. The campus stretched out before her, bathed in the afternoon light. She moved along the cobbled pathways, feeling the life around her—students reuniting, catching up, and exchanging laughter.

The academy grounds seemed almost alive, a timeless beauty that reminded her how lucky she was to be here.

Regina entered the library, its familiar warmth and soft lighting instantly soothing her. She made her way toward the librarian’s desk, where an elderly woman with silvery hair and gentle, knowing eyes sat behind a stack of books.

Mrs. Hawthorne had been at the academy library for as long as Regina could remember, always greeting students with a warm smile and a helpful demeanor. Be it day or night, it was like she never left the building.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Hawthorne!”

Regina said, her voice soft but cheerful.

“Ah, Regina, my dear…”

Mrs. Hawthorne replied, her eyes twinkling.

“Back already, and right to the library, as always. It’s good to see you. How was your break?”

Regina laughed lightly, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

“Far from restful,” she admitted. “Grandfather decided it was time for… extra training.”

Mrs. Hawthorne chuckled knowingly.

“Ah, the Dragonlancer legacy must be upheld, I suppose.”

She paused, giving Regina a fond look.

“I missed seeing you here, though I think that brat William has been missed more here.”

Regina rolled her eyes with a grin.

“Typical of him. I swear, he’d rather spend all day here than go to his actual classes.”

Mrs. Hawthorne nodded, her smile widening.

“Yes, he’s better suited to studying alone, that one. But you and he make quite the diligent pair. Now, do let me know if you need any recommendations.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne.”

Regina gave a polite nod and excused herself, making her way through the shelves. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she approached her favorite section—the romance novels. It was a small guilty pleasure, one she indulged in whenever she had free time, though she’d never openly admit it.

She scanned the shelves, fingers brushing over titles until one caught her eye: Paradise of Us.

A blush rose on her cheeks as she quickly grabbed the book, hoping no one had noticed her choice. She found a cozy spot near a window, settled down, and opened the book, feeling herself slip into the world of the story.

Just as she was about to turn to the first page, a familiar voice sounded right behind her.

“Paradise of Us, huh…”

William’s teasing tone dripped with amusement.

“I didn’t know you were into smut novels, Regina.”

Her heart skipped a beat as she jumped, snapping the book shut in one swift motion. She spun around to find William standing there, his sharp green eyes twinkling with mischief. His long brown hair framed a face that seemed almost too handsome to be real—a v-shaped jaw, high cheekbones, and lashes that accentuated his piercing gaze. He had the kind of face that looked as if it had been plucked straight out of one of her romance novels.

“W-William!”

Regina stammered, clutching the book to her chest as though it could shield her from his mocking smile.

“It’s not—it’s not what you think!”

He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms and leaning casually against the bookshelf.

“Oh? So, it’s not a novel where two lovers defy all odds to be together in a secluded paradise, driven by… overwhelming passion?”

He smirked, clearly enjoying her embarrassment. To begin with he was far too old to be embarrassed by just a smut novel, he couldn’t help but admire her taste though. It was quite bold.

Her face turned crimson as she spluttered, trying to find a retort.

“I just—I just thought it would be… interesting research, that’s all!”

She bit her lip, inwardly cursing herself for sounding so unconvincing.

William chuckled, his tone shifting to something softer, though the amusement still danced in his eyes.

“Don’t worry, I won’t judge. Everyone needs a little escapism now and then.”

He plucked a book from a nearby shelf and plopped down in the chair beside her, giving her no choice but to share her corner.

Regina sighed, the initial embarrassment beginning to fade, replaced by a reluctant smile. She leaned back, opening her book again and trying her best to ignore the way his presence set her heart racing.

“Fine, but if you’re staying, no more commentary…”

She muttered, unable to meet his gaze.

William raised his hands in mock surrender, his sharp grin softening into something almost affectionate.

“Alright, alright. Your secret’s safe with me.”

As they both settled into their respective books, a comfortable silence fell between them. For a moment, in the quiet of the library, it felt as though they were the only two people in the world, lost in their own little paradise.