The following day, Ronan found himself back at the desk in the study, though his mind wasn’t entirely on the lesson ahead. He leaned back slightly in the chair, arms crossed, his thoughts drifting back to the outburst he’d had with Tobias the previous day. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for how he’d handled it. Yelling at the guy hadn’t really accomplished anything, and deep down, he knew it wasn’t Tobias’ fault that the world was so messed up.

But still... everything Tobias had said rubbed against old wounds, ones that hadn’t healed, and probably never would.

When Tobias entered the room for today’s lecture, there was a brief silence between them. Tobias moved about calmly, setting up the lesson materials like usual, but there was a subtle tension in the air. Ronan shifted in his seat, unsure how to break it, or if he even should.

After a few moments, Ronan’s voice cut through the quiet, though he didn’t look directly at Tobias. “Yesterday... I was just...”

He trailed off, not really sure what he wanted to say. He wasn’t the kind of person to apologize outright—especially for something like that. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the awkwardness creep in.

Tobias glanced up from the papers, and he had a smile on his face. “I understand, Young Master,” he said quietly, his tone steady. “I cannot imagine what you might have gone through. You don’t have to explain yourself. Lord Gideon had warned me about this.”

This Lord Gideon knew an awful lot about him, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Ronan’s gaze flicked toward him briefly, and then he nodded, though he didn’t respond.

“I just wanted to say, I know that you didn’t have any prejudice.”

Tobias moved over to the desk, pulling out a thick folder and placing it in front of Ronan. The leather binding looked worn, but inside, the papers were meticulously organized, each page filled with neat writing and detailed information.

“These,” Tobias began, “are the names and details of the key nobles in the Ravencia Empire. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with them.” He paused, glancing at Ronan with a knowing look. “It may not seem important now, but in your future, it will be critical to know who holds power and where.”

Ronan frowned, flipping through the pages. He wasn’t particularly thrilled about the idea of memorizing the names of people he hadn’t even met—people who, in his mind, had probably never spared a thought for someone like him. But something told him Tobias was right. He was in a different world now, and it was clear that knowing the names of these people would matter.

Tobias continued, pointing to the first name on the list. “The current ruler of the empire is King Eldor V Von Heisenberg. He’s been on the throne for over three decades. Known for stabilizing the empire after his father’s turbulent rule, his majesty has pushed for reforms in various sectors—especially education and trade. He’s also quietly started to loosen the restrictions on the caste system, though... as you can imagine, change comes slowly.”

Ronan nodded, half-listening as Tobias spoke. He could see a name written in bold at the top of the page: King Eldor V. The man seemed like an enigma to him, someone so far removed from the world Ronan had known, yet now he was supposed to care about his achievements.

Maybe he is as nice as Tobias claims, but whatever.

“And then there’s Archduke Caelan Aeris,” Tobias continued, moving on. “One of the most powerful figures in the empire. He’s been the king’s most trusted advisor for years, especially in military strategy and international relations. If you’re to understand the balance of power, you need to know that Archduke Aeris controls much of the military presence inside and outside of Soleas.”

Ronan’s eyes flicked over the details, a list of titles and achievements following Aeris’ name. He fought the urge to tune out, but something about the sheer scale of it all kept him listening.

“There are four dukes, each controlling vast provinces within Ravencia,” Tobias said, moving on slowly. “Then, five Marquesses, who manage the more strategic regions and are often involved in trade and economic policies. Beyond them are eight earls, ten viscounts, and fifteen barons. Each holds sway over different territories, managing resources, and ensuring the empire’s stability.”

Ronan looked at the endless stream of names, ranks, and titles. It was overwhelming. Even if it was clear he needed this information, whether he liked it or not.

“Start by memorizing these key figures,” Tobias said, tapping the folder lightly. “Their names, their allegiances, and their influence. It will make things clearer for you as you navigate your new life.”

Ronan sighed. This was going to be a long road.

Tobias glanced at Ronan’s weary expression, sensing the growing weight of everything he was being told. He paused for a moment before continuing, deciding this was the right time to mention something more personal.

“Among the Marquesses, there’s one name you should know very well—Marquess Gideon Vandross.”

Ronan’s gaze snapped back to Tobias, the name catching him off guard, even though he’d heard it many times before. There was something different about hearing it in this context.

“He controls the Midlands,” Tobias explained, pointing to the area on the map that connected the crescent-shaped empire to the central capital. “The region is one of the most important in Ravencia, both strategically and economically. It’s the lifeline that ties Soleas to the outer empire. Trade, military movements, political influence—everything flows through the Midlands.”

Ronan looked at the map, his eyes tracing the broad stretch of land Tobias was pointing to. He hadn’t really thought about it before, but it made sense now why Gideon had so much power. The Midlands weren’t just some random stretch of land—they were the connection between the empire’s heart and its body.

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Tobias continued, his tone a little more thoughtful now. “Marquess Vandross has been a key figure in maintaining stability in the empire. His influence extends far beyond the Midlands. And, as you know, he’s the one who adopted you.”

Ronan’s fingers tensed slightly against the desk, the reality of his situation becoming more apparent. Gideon wasn’t just some wealthy noble who had taken him in—he was one of the most powerful figures in the empire. That realization made him feel even more out of place.

“His position gives you access to a world most people will never see,” Tobias added, his voice softer. “But it also comes with responsibilities. That’s why it’s important you learn these things, Young Master.”

Ronan didn’t respond right away, his thoughts spinning. He’d known Gideon had power, but now it felt like he was stepping into a world way, way bigger than even normal humans. The Midlands, the empire, the titles—all of it was starting to feel bigger than he had ever imagined.

Tobias’s voice broke through his thoughts. “This will take time, but you don’t have to figure it all out at once.”

Ronan nodded slowly, his eyes still on the map.

Tobias shifted the stack of papers aside, his expression growing more serious. “Since you will be starting university in nine days, I think it’s time to tell you more about Lumenbourg University too,” he said, folding his hands together.

Ronan perked up slightly at the mention of the university, though a part of him still felt apprehensive. It was the whole reason he was here in the first place, but he hadn’t been given much information about what it would actually entail until now. Not that he himself had cared to ask.

Tobias pointed back to the map. “Lumenbourg University of Mystical, Combat, and General Studies is located here, right at the edge of Soleas, where Midlands start. It’s one of the most powerful and prestigious institutions not just in Ravencia, but in the entire known world. It’s where many of the future leaders, scholars, warriors, and magicians were and still are shaped.”

Ronan leaned forward, more intrigued than he wanted to admit.

“The university is vast,” Tobias continued. “It’s almost like a tiny city in itself, with its own hierarchy, its own traditions, and, of course, its own power struggles. It’s where students from all backgrounds—noble, elite, and even some lower caste individuals—come to prove themselves. But make no mistake, it’s not just an academic institution. Lumenbourg holds political influence as well. Most of the important figures in Ravencia are its alumni.”

Ronan tried to imagine what it would be like, a place filled with people who had everything—the ones who had power, status, and knowledge handed to them. But there was something else too, something Tobias hadn’t said outright but was hanging in the air. It’s also where the lines blur, he remembered Tobias saying earlier.

“What am I supposed to do there?” Ronan asked, unable to keep the frustration from his voice. “I’m not like them. They seem so… shiny.”

Tobias’s eyes softened. “It’s not uncommon for students to feel lost at first. But once you start, you’ll be able to explore different fields—mystical studies, combat arts, political strategy, alchemy, and more. You’ll be guided through the basics, but the choices you make after that will be up to you.”

Tobias continued, “At Lumenbourg University, there are several main paths students can follow, depending on their abilities and interests. The university is known for its focus on mystical studies, combat arts and political strategy, but it also offers other paths like alchemy and general studies like philosophy and more. Students from different backgrounds pursue their own fields, but since you’ve been admitted through the magic quota, you’ll follow the magic path.”

He paused for a moment, watching Ronan’s expression carefully before explaining further. “In your first year, you’ll be guided through the basics of mystical studies, learning to harness and understand your magic. However, you will have the option to choose a few electives—subjects that interest you, outside of magic. These could be anything from history, philosophy, or even practical combat skills if you wish to explore them.”

Ronan’s brow furrowed slightly. “So, it’s not just about magic?”

Tobias shook his head. “No, while your primary focus will be on mastering your magic, the university encourages students to be well-rounded. In your second year, you’ll have more freedom in choosing your subjects, and that’s when you’ll really start shaping your future. The electives you choose can influence what kind of mage you become, what direction your studies take.”

Ronan nodded, trying to absorb it all. But he didn’t really think of himself as bright, evidence being he was already forgetting half of it.

Ronan raised his eyebrows, “Exactly how important is magic here?”

Tobias folded his hands, meeting Ronan’s eyes with a steady gaze. “Magic in Ravencia, Young Master, is everything. Those who awaken to magic are rare—perhaps one in five thousand. The empire itself was built on magic, and those who possess it are considered among the most valuable assets. That’s why, the moment you awakened your magic, you became someone extremely important. It’s a gift, but also a responsibility.”

Ronan leaned back in his chair, taking in the gravity of Tobias’s words. One in five thousand? He hadn’t realized just how rare magic users were, or the weight that came with being one. He always felt like he was at the bottom, a nobody, but now, he was being told that in this world, his magic made him something else entirely.

Tobias paused, sensing Ronan’s unease. “I don’t mean to dump it all on you, but before you enter the university, this information is essential for you. Because of your association with Marquess Vandross, you’ll be entering Lumenbourg as nobility. So in some way, you will be representing him.”

Tobias smiled at him as he continued, “Although entering as nobility comes with certain privileges. You’ll be allowed to have one attendant with you during your time there, to assist you in your studies and daily life.”

Ronan’s brow furrowed. An attendant? The idea felt foreign, almost absurd to him. He was still adjusting to the idea of having a life that didn’t involve scrounging for scraps, let alone being treated like some noble with a personal attendant.

“And who would that be?” Ronan asked, half-sarcastically.

“That’s up to you,” Tobias replied, his tone patient. “You’ll have the freedom to choose, though your decision will need to be approved by the Marquess. It’s a small tradition, but one that will follow you at the university. You’ll find that it’s not just a place for learning, but a place where status and alliances matter.”

Ronan fell silent, staring at the map again, trying to process everything. Lumenbourg University... It sounded more like a battleground than a place of study, where people fought to carve out their futures. And now, somehow, he was part of that.

Tobias gave him a moment before standing. “We’ll continue with more specifics about the university in the days to come. You don’t need to feel overwhelmed by it all.”

Ronan nodded absently. He was overwhelmed.

As Tobias was packing up his stuff for the day, he turned to him, “Oh, and Lord Vandross told me to notify you about the visit to the university market tomorrow. He has asked you to be ready by 11 am.”

***

The university market was unlike anything he had ever seen before.