“Okay…” Theo replied, noting Lorian's expression and deciding it was necessary to visit her immediately.

Theo, who had been dragged here by Aerin, stood to leave. Neria reluctantly let go of his hand. As Theo reached the gate, he paused, then turned back and walked to the front of the couch where Elena and Aerin were sitting together.

Aerin wore a grumpy expression, while Elena looked up at him with concern.

Without saying a word, he knelt before them. Even Aerin’s eyebrows rose at his strange action, wondering what he was about to do.

He spread his hands open before them and asked, “Give me your hands…”

Elena placed her hand in his without hesitation, but Aerin asked with a frown, “What are you going to do?” Despite her puzzlement, she also placed her hand in his.

As he grabbed their soft hands, he felt their warmth. Surprisingly, Aerin’s hands were softer than Elena’s, even though she often used swords to fight.

Aiden and everyone else watched with bated breath as Theo closed his eyes without saying a single word. A moment later, a crimson light emanated from his hands, and a notification echoed in his mind before he gently released their hands. Similar notifications appeared before Elena and Aerin as well, causing both to look at him in surprise.

<<<<

[Elena Mistwood is no longer bound as your Trueheart.]

[The shared mark of Trueheart has been removed from both your wrists.]

[Aerin Roseheart is no longer bound as your Trueheart.]

[The shared mark of Trueheart has been removed from both your wrists.]

>>>>

“Why, Master? Why did you undo the Trueheart Bond?” Elena was the first to speak, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Theo, while kneeling on the ground before them, glanced up and shared a solemn truth. "Truehearts are bound by an ancient magic that prevents them from betraying me or revealing any of my secrets. If a Trueheart even attempts such a betrayal, a concealed curse will activate immediately, making them vomit blood or endure severe internal pain. This could ultimately silence them permanently if they persist.”

He paused, the weight of his next words gathering in his heart. "It was not kind of me to forge such a contract with you. Although I deemed it necessary at the time, it is no longer needed. I have no fear that you two would betray me… and even if you were to plan such a thing in the future, I do not wish for you and Aerin to suffer such a painful fate. I apologize for maintaining this trueheart bond for so long." He bowed his head in front of them, his gesture full of genuine remorse.

The room fell silent at the revelation. Aiden's expression darkened, upset that his sister had been bound by such a contract, while Aerin and Elena were touched by Theo's heartfelt apology. Although Elana had taken the Trueheart as a safety measure for Theo because she was blackmailed by Count Cedric's people to kill him, Aerin had given her consent to take the fruit, so they didn’t believe he was in the wrong.

Even Lorian, who stood quietly behind, allowed a soft smile to grace his face, proud of his brother's noble act.

As everyone was shocked by his sincere apology and heartfelt words, Theo rose to his feet and quietly exited the house, leaving them puzzled in their own thoughts.

After Theo left, Aerin and Elena came out of their trance-like state and exchanged looks. They were somewhat delighted by his decision to undo the bond. Though it wasn't crucial, it showed that he trusted them now. After all, they had nearly lost their lives in the war that they fought for him.

Theo entered the two-story house and passed through the whitish interior. Ascending the white staircase to the second floor, he noticed the door was open, and the lady sitting on a white chair was beckoning him as though she had been waiting for him.

“There is an important matter that has come up... you need to go on a special mission assigned by Emperor Evander,” she said, watching him sit on the nearby couch.

“What special mission?” he questioned.

“The people of the Territory of Feralon believe that the Canorians are assisting the Demon race. This suspicion arises because the northern woods are close to the Thornwood Forest, which is the border between Netherscape and the Territory of Feralon. Recently, children were discovered to be captive in the northern woods, further fueling these accusations. However, the Canorians are known for their loyalty to the land, so Fundin Silverbeard has requested the Emperor’s help. The people of Feralon have blocked the supply routes for the Canorians, and there is a significant risk of a civil war breaking out in the Territory of Feralon against the Canorians. This information has been kept secret within the academy to avoid causing further problems,” she explained in a grave tone.

Theo listened intently, understanding it was an unexpected outcome, with people on the brink of fighting among themselves—a situation that seemed to be planned by some external force with malevolent intentions.

Elowen continued, “So, Emperor Evander has decided to send two teams on this mission to address the problem. One team will handle the Canorians, while the other will focus on preventing the rest of the people from inciting a civil war in the Territory of Feralon.”

“Why is he picking students rather than veterans for this mission?” Theo asked, puzzled by the decision to send students instead of more experienced individuals.

Elowen sighed, “To understand that, you need to grasp the struggle for the crown within the Lighthaven Empire. Emperor Evander is using this mission to identify who could be a better leader. Two potential heirs to the crown will lead each team. The team handling the people of the Territory of Feralon requires more members, while the team sent to the Canorians will consist of only a few.”

“And why am I being dragged into this?” Theo asked, still not understanding her intention.

“At the moment, you’re as popular as the rulers of each region for your kind deeds. Your strength lies in understanding common people. You easily win their hearts because you empathize with them better than others. Not only did you aid the people of Ashenvale village, but I also know about every single deed you’ve done for the people of the Varidian Continent, including the free cures and food you provided through the East Wind,” Elowen explained.

Theo was quiet, listening to her talk, which sounded more like a mother flaunting praises about her great son. He kept doubting if she was his real mother or just a mother figure. In both cases, he couldn't disrespect her, so he restrained his rudeness.

Theo nodded slowly. “So, which team will I be joining?”

Elowen’s eyes softened. “You will be part of the team going to the northern woods. Your ability to connect with people will be crucial there, as the Canorians won’t easily trust anyone in this time of crisis.”

“Alright,” Theo accepted.

“Tomorrow at dawn, outside the Academy’s gate, there will be mounts waiting to bring your team to the northern woods. Be ready by then.”

As the conversation ended, Elowen brought out a small box from a nearby shelf and handed it to him. “There is something inside for you,” she said.

Theo accepted the box and opened it. Inside was a delicately wrapped treat, its golden-brown surface glistening slightly. The sweet, fragrant aroma immediately brought back his hunger.

As Theo was looking at it, Elowen explained, “When you were little, you used to stubbornly ask me to make this for you. It was your favorite.”

Theo glanced at the lady, her revelations unwrapping layers of their shared past. 'Doesn’t that sound just like how a child would pester their mom? Could she be my aunt, or—no, surely not my mother? Or what if my father had an adventurous love life? Perhaps she’s just a dear friend of my mother’s,' he mused silently.

Despite his curiosity, he decided it wasn't quite the moment to delve into potential family dramas or question if she might secretly be his father's second wife.

Looking back at the treat, he reached for it, plucking a portion with his fingers before tasting it. His face instantly lit up when he saw Elowen affectionately gazing at him.

This honey cake tasted even better than Duskbloom or Abyssal Delight Berries. It was the first time he had tasted something so good.

"Even though some of my memories are sealed, my taste buds remember what I loved in the past," he mused silently.

Looking at his satisfied expression, Elowen smiled warmly. "When you return, I'll make sure there's more waiting for you. Stay strong, Theo."

"Thank you," he said softly.

With that, Theo bid her farewell and left to prepare for the journey ahead.

The following morning, Theo woke up early, preparing to join the mission for the Canorians.

The morning air soothed his mind as he passed the Valor Ground, which was nearly empty. It appeared he was a bit early; no one else was awake at this hour, and even the sun had not yet risen in the sky.

As he reached the East Gate entrance, he saw three majestic beasts waiting to the side. Their heads resembled eagles, with sharp eyes and hooked beaks. The lower parts of their bodies were like those of powerful horses, with strong legs and hooves. Their tails were like those of lions, tufted and muscular. They had two large wings with soft feathers that shimmered in the early morning light.

A familiar student with long black hair, whom Theo had met on his entrance day, stood nearby. Upon seeing Theo, the student looked surprised. “Why are you here at this time?”

“The Headmistress asked me to be here,” Theo replied. He hadn’t expected to encounter Alex again face to face, but here he was.

“I was told only the best students from the inner court are going on this mission, so don’t lie,” Alex retorted.

Theo didn’t think it was worth wasting energy on this guy, so he remained silent.

“Oh, Senior Emma is coming,” Alex murmured, turning his attention toward the Academy’s gate.

A blonde-haired girl was walking in their direction. She was the same height as Aerin and had a stern expression. Her eyes stopped on Theo as their eyes met. She lingered on him a bit longer, mesmerized by his look, but then shifted her gaze to Alex to hide her embarrassment.

As Emma stood before them, her words dropped like stones, "I was told one more student would be joining us for this mission. I certainly didn't expect it to be you..." Her gaze drifted over Alex, tinged with disappointment.

Alex's expression soured, a frown creasing his brow. He leaned forward, a cheeky smile breaking through his earlier discomfort. "Senior Emma, I'm merely in charge of these Stormwing Eagles," he said, gesturing to the magnificent mounts with a flourish. "I'm not the one joining the mission."

Theo, watching quietly from the side, noted the shift in Alex's demeanor. It seemed Alex molded his personality to suit the audience, now playing the charmer in hopes of gaining Emma's favor.

However, Emma seemed unswayed by his antics. She turned towards Theo, her brows knitting together as she reconsidered her approach. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, her gaze shifted past him, towards the east gate. "Wait, she's here. Perhaps she knows where our third team member is."

Theo followed her gaze to the East gate, where another figure approached. As he laid eyes on her, the world around him slowed. The newcomer's hair shimmered silvery-white, and her deep scarlet eyes caught the light like twin flames. Her lips, a soft, natural rose, parted slightly as she moved with an elegance that seemed almost otherworldly. It was as though a goddess from heaven had descended among them.

Theo caught his breath, a silent recognition flashing through his mind. 'Her face, her eyes, and her very presence stir something deep within me. She bears an uncanny resemblance to Lilith,' he thought, his heart quickening as she neared.

As the girl passed through the Academy’s gates, her eyes fell on a boy staring in her direction. His gaze held a lot of emotions—puzzlement, recognition, and something more profound. He looked as though he knew her, yet she couldn't recall anyone with his unique appearance. His whitish-cyan hair set him apart, and his eyes, though intense, held no malice or objectification. For reasons she couldn't comprehend, her heart began to race.

As she stopped before him, their eyes locked. Silence enveloped them, but their gazes seemed to communicate loudly, seeking something in the depths of each other's eyes that words couldn't capture. Neither blinked, afraid that breaking the moment would shatter the fragile connection forming between them.

Emma waved her hand between them, breaking the spell. "Hey, why are you two glaring at each other like that? Do you have some past grudge or something?" Her confusion was evident; she'd never seen her friend react this way before.

The white-haired girl shot Emma an icy glance, silencing her instantly. Then, turning her attention back to the whitish-cyan-haired boy, she spoke with a voice as cold as her expression. "Are you a first-year?"

Theo nodded, unable to find his voice. He couldn't believe this girl was standing right in front of him. Meeting her seemed like a twist of fate orchestrated by Elowen, who had placed him on this team, most likely aware of his hidden past. Yet, even Elowen didn't know that Theo had gleaned fragments of his sealed history from Lily's diary. The girl before him was none other than the diary's owner, Liliana Whitemoon.