"Bonds?" Si-Woo says, "How many do you have?" "I Have three," Ha-Yoon shouts back." I can only control about three at the moment." What? Si-Woo thinks. I heard it's rare to have two bonds due to beast natures but to have three of them when not even one has approached me!! Absolutely insane.

Minho chuckles, his eyes twinkling. "Princess Deane is quite adept at making friends," he says, a hint of pride in his voice. "She has a way of bringing people together, she is quite capable indeed."

Ha-yoon nods and glances at Minho with knowing eyes.

Back in Yohen, the siblings enter their restored house, the silence feeling almost deafening after the grandeur of the palace. Ha-Yoon clutches the grimoire tightly, feeling its strange warmth pulse against her chest. She looks over at Si-Woo, who is lost in thought, staring at the soul weapon he had chosen.

"We should get some sleep," Si-Woo finally suggests, his voice piercing the silence. "Minho said he's going to train us tomorrow after school."

But Ha-Yoon has other ideas. "I know," she says, rolling her eyes playfully, "but let's eat first. I'm starving."

They find the kitchen stocked with food, a feast of Ondurian delicacies that neither of them had ever seen before. The smells are exotic, a mix of spices and flavors that tickle their nostrils and make their mouths water. Si-Woo grabs a plate and starts piling on food, but Ha-Yoon lingers, her gaze drawn to the book she had picked. It's calling to her, whispering secrets that she can't quite understand.

"I think we should put it somewhere safe," she says, eyeing the book warily.

"Good idea," Si-Woo agrees, his hand moving almost instinctively to the grimoire. He strides over to the refrigerator, the soul weapon at his side seemingly humming with anticipation. With a gentle but firm touch, he places the book on top of it. The fridge's cool, metallic surface seems to muffle the whispers of power that emanated from the book's pages. "We'll deal with this in the morning after we've had some rest."

The siblings fill their plates with the unfamiliar yet tantalizing food. As they sit down to eat, Si-Woo finally removes his mask and sunglasses, revealing his healed face.

"You okay?" Ha-Yoon asks, her eyes searching his.

Si-Woo nods, attempting to disregard the faint stinging sensation in his hands left by the book. "Yeah, let's just eat," he suggests, his tone a tad too nonchalant.

...

The next day dawns with a gentle nudge of light through their curtains. The siblings stir from their slumber, the events of the previous day feeling like a vivid, unending dream. The scent of the Ondurian delicacies lingers in the air, reminding them of their new reality. Ha-Yoon opens her eyes to find the grimoire on her bedside table, its cover glinting in the early light. She can feel its power, a siren's call to the secrets it holds.

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They arrive at school, their stomachs filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. The corridors of the Young Academy are bustling with students, their whispers and laughter echoing through the halls. The siblings make their way to their respective classrooms, eager to learn more about the world they've been thrown into.

In Ondurian History class, Si-Woo's eyes widen as the teacher, Mistress Elyria, outlines the five families that govern Ondur.

"Each family," she says, her eyes scanning the room, "plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our society. The Economy Family, with its headmaster, Lord Haneul, oversees the health, architecture, and landscaping of Ondur, ensuring our kingdom's prosperity. The Military Family, under the watchful eye of General Minho, protects our borders and upholds peace within our lands."

Si-Woo nods along, his mind racing with questions about the family he and Ha-Yoon will be part of. The teacher's gaze lingers on him as if sensing his curiosity. "The Agriculture Family," she continues, "managed by Lady Somin, ensures that our lands yield bountiful harvests to feed our people and the health of our mystical beats. The Knowledge Family, guided by the wise Headmistress Princess Deane, is dedicated to education and the advancement of our understanding of the worlds around us."

"And what about the Market and Sales Family?" a voice calls out from the back of the classroom.

Mistress Elyria smiles, her eyes sparkling with approval. "Ah, yes. The Market and Sales Family, under the leadership of Lady Luna, is responsible for the distribution of goods and the prosperity of our trade with neighboring lands and taxes. Each family is interconnected, and each plays a vital role in keeping our kingdom thriving."

A student in the front row raises their hand. "But Mistress, is it possible to serve more than one family?"

Mistress Elyria nods. "Yes, indeed. Some individuals are gifted with talents that align with multiple branches. Take, for instance, Minho, who is not only our esteemed general but also serves as an instructor under the academy branch of the Knowledge Family. His dedication to both the protection of Ondur and the education of its youth exemplifies the interwoven nature of our societal structure."

Si-Woo feels a flutter in his chest, realizing that their unique serein abilities could potentially allow them to serve multiple families.

Mistress Elyria nods in approval at the question. "Very astute," she says. "Now, let us proceed with today's lesson."

...

During lunch, Si-Woo's stomach grumbles as he navigates the crowded corridors of the Young Academy. He spots an open door leading to the rooftop and makes a beeline for it, hoping to find a quiet spot to eat away from the bustling student body. However, as he steps out into the open, the unmistakable presence of Sol and his friends loom in the corner, blocking his path.

Sol sneers, noticing Si-Woo's approach. "Well, well, look who decided to show up," he says, his voice laced with malice. "Thought you'd be hiding in the infirmary with your bruises, begging for Mai's help."

Si-Woo's eyes narrow, but he doesn't rise to the bait. He's aware that confrontation here could lead to trouble, especially after the events of the previous day. "I'm just here for some fresh air," he replies, his voice even.