The Royal Academy of Ishilia was divided into two academic divisions—the Beginner Division for ages seven to twelve, and the Advanced Division for ages thirteen to eighteen. Arthur was already a senior student in the latter, while Serena had just entered her first year in the Advanced Division.
As the carriage rolled slowly along the long road leading to the academy, Arthur couldn't wait to start giving her instructions about the schedule.
"When we arrive at the academy, you'll be taken to the auditorium for the entrance ceremony. It usually doesn't last very long." As he spoke, he pulled out a neatly folded campus map and handed it to her. "Of course, as your brother, I've been granted permission to accompany you to the ceremony\~"
"I don't think that's necessary, brother," Serena cut him off. "I believe I don't need your company. I want to learn how to be independent."
Arthur was momentarily stunned, his expression falling as sadness flickered in his eyes. "Why? Don't you like your big brother anymore?"
"I just don't want to draw attention. You're... too dazzling."
A senior student, a model pupil, and… the campus heartthrob.
Hearing her words, Arthur could only lower his head in disappointment. "Alright then... I'll respect your wishes…"
—
After arriving at the academy, the two got out of the carriage and bid each other farewell. Though Arthur's face was full of reluctance, he didn't press her any further. He just reminded her repeatedly, "Be careful. If anything happens, come find me in the senior division."
"Got it." Serena waved without looking back and followed the instructor who had come to meet her through the academy gates.
Once she was led into the auditorium, Serena deliberately chose a seat in the back corner to avoid being noticed by too many people. The view wasn't ideal, but it was good enough to see the stage—and perfect for slacking off or dozing mid-ceremony.
Sure enough, once the headmaster began his lengthy speech, her mind began to wander. All she could hear was his droning voice echoing in her ears.
"...Let us now welcome this year's freshman representative to the stage."
Serena rolled her eyes in boredom and casually glanced at the stage—
Only to suddenly freeze in place.
A tall figure stepped out from the side door of the platform, dressed in a formal uniform of white with golden embroidery, a sapphire crest of honor for top freshmen pinned on his chest. His stride was calm and confident, and the breeze lifted his snowy white hair.
But what Serena couldn't ignore the most was that pair of crimson eyes—like bottomless abysses.
Lucien Blake.
The man who, in her past life, had become her fiancé after they came of age. A name that once brought her joy... and eventually, despair.
Now, that very boy stood beneath the spotlight, looking almost identical to the man she remembered from the later stages of her past life. Even the calm, reserved demeanor and subtly detached smile on his face hadn't changed.
Why is he here?
And more importantly—he's the freshman representative?
Was it the same in the previous life too? How could I forget something this important…?
Serena's heart clenched tightly. She lowered her head, hiding her face beneath her flowing hair.
And silently prayed they would never cross paths in this life.
She must keep her distance this time...
But the very next moment—
The scene shifted to their classroom.
Standing in front of the seating chart, Serena scanned the names row by row until she found hers. Her finger paused at "Serena Elton"—and then drifted to the right, where her eyes fell on the name beside it.
Lucien Blake.
"..."
The air around her froze.
She quickly looked down to double-check: "Serena Elton."
Then back to the side: "Lucien Blake."
Her mouth twitched. Her brain blanked out for three seconds. Her soul practically stood up to applaud.
So much for keeping distance!!!
She wanted space—and ended up not just in the same class, but *sharing a desk*! Not even a divider between them. The chairs were so close together, it felt like she could bump elbows with him at any moment.
"...Ha." She stood stiffly in front of her desk, her smile twitching. "What a cruel twist of fate."
As she struggled to pull her soul back into her body, a familiar, calm yet faintly cold voice came from her side:
"Hello, Serena Elton."
She turned mechanically toward the source. Lucien Blake sat at the shared desk, calmly gazing at her with those piercing red eyes.
"I'll be your seatmate from now on. I look forward to studying with you."
"..."
Serena's mouth twitched again. She took a deep breath and forced out a strained smile. "I… I'm pleased to meet you. But... may I apply for a transfer now?"
Without waiting for Lucien's response, she turned and briskly walked out of the classroom.
Using her memories from her previous life, Serena made her way to her assigned dormitory. As she opened the door, a faint floral scent greeted her. A slender girl was crouched beside one of the beds, unpacking her luggage. Upon hearing the door, she quickly looked up.
She had soft, wavy chestnut hair and wide, doe-like eyes that made her look like a startled fawn.
"H-Hello… are you Miss Serena?" the girl asked in a whisper, nervously clutching her sleeve.
"Yes, that's me," Serena smiled and set down her bags. "Are you my roommate?"
Just like in the previous life… Ivy.
"I-I'm Ivy… Ivy Holloway." She bowed her head, her voice barely audible. "I'm glad we're roommates…"
"I'm glad too, Ivy." Serena replied warmly, though she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Ivy was just as shy and gentle as she remembered.
Ivy blushed and nodded, then asked tentatively, "U-Um, do you prefer the bed by the window or by the door? I—I don't mind either…"
Serena paused, then chuckled softly. "Then I'll take the one by the window."
"O-Okay." Ivy nodded quickly, like a kitten receiving praise.
Serena exhaled silently in relief. At least her roommate hadn't changed in this life. But… why couldn't she remember who her seatmate had been during her first year in the previous life? Was it really Lucien? she wondered.
—
The next morning, in the classroom.
"Hello, my name is Serena. I live in Dorm D, Room 4. Please take care of me."
She spoke with poise and courtesy—neither arrogant nor self-effacing. The other students, who had been taught to "focus on studies and avoid unnecessary socializing," initially just stared in surprise but eventually mumbled brief responses.
"Hello…"
Meanwhile, Serena stole a glance at Lucien next to her, only to see that he didn't seem interested in engaging with her. Relieved, she refocused on the teacher who had just entered the room.
—Their first class was Imperial History and Mythology.
On the podium stood a man with short white hair, dressed in a neatly tailored robe. Gold-stitched elven script adorned his cuffs and collar, and he wore an old-fashioned monocle. He was their homeroom teacher for the semester—Stephen Laut.
He stood tall, holding a heavy leather-bound tome, his gaze sweeping over the new students before resting on the open pages.
"Our Empire was founded thousands of years ago by the elven prince known as the Dawnbringer—Aenar Visla. He formed a covenant of starlight and an oath of flame, allied with humankind, and bestowed the first order upon this land."
"After that, the elves withdrew into their ancient forests, and the first Emperor—blessed by the Fire Spirit—rose from among the humans."
He gently closed the book in his hands, as if sealing away an epic.
"That blessing, etched into his very bloodline, revealed itself as the royal traits of red hair and crimson eyes."
"This is the foundation upon which the royal family is recognized. Fire symbolizes strength, but also order and sacrifice. Thus, red is not merely the color of blood—it is the mark of royal power and duty."