The sun had barely dipped beneath the horizon, casting long shadows across the Academy grounds. As students packed their belongings and left the classroom, Saji lingered, carefully adjusting the bandages around his forearm. He was just about to exit when a soft, hesitant voice called out from behind him.
"Sir Jon."
He turned slowly, his golden eyes meeting the gentle gaze of Princess Flora. She stood near the back of the classroom, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edges of her sleeve. A faint blush warmed her cheeks, and she looked like she was wrestling with courage just to speak.
Saji:
"Yes, Princess. Can I help you?"
Flora (softly):
"Um… please take this. I… I want you to read it."
She stepped forward and extended a neatly folded envelope sealed with the royal emblem. Her hands trembled slightly. Saji took it with a raised brow, slipping it into the inside of his uniform.
Just then, a sharp voice rang through the corridor outside.
"Flora."
Both turned their heads to see Princess Christina, accompanied by Roanna, striding down the hall. Her voice was ice wrapped in velvet. Flora flinched, bowed her head slightly, and hurried over to her older sister and their companion.
As they walked away, Saji remained still by the door. But his sharp hearing caught it—Christina's voice, low but dripping with venom.
Christina:
"I don't know why Father allows that bastard Jon Snow to walk among nobles. He's nothing. A shadow playing knight."
Roanna chuckled.
Roanna:
"He won't last long. Alphonse will see to that. The Beast will be broken."
Saji's expression didn't change. He silently formed a single hand seal. A puff of smoke enveloped him—and in an instant, he vanished.
---
Celia's Research Lab – Minutes Later
In the dim light of glowing crystals and swirling alchemical tubes, Celia's lab was as cluttered and alive as ever. Saji reappeared in a quiet flash of smoke and sat on the edge of her desk, finally pulling the envelope open.
The parchment was elegantly written, bearing delicate floral patterns around the border.
> "Dear Sir Jon Snow,
Since the day I first met you, I've felt a warmth in my heart I couldn't explain. You carry yourself with strength, not only in battle but in spirit. You're kind, gentle, and fearless. You're everything a knight should be.
I know this might be foolish… but I've fallen in love with you.
If there's even the smallest part of you that can feel the same, please… don't ignore this.
—Flora"
Saji sat in silence, the words echoing in his heart. In his past life, no one had ever confessed their love to him. He had lived in the shadows—unseen, unloved. This letter was the first time anyone had seen him for who he truly was.
And yet… he couldn't accept it.
Saji (softly):
"She's a princess. I'm just a bastard with no name, no lineage. We live in two different worlds."
The door creaked open. Celia walked in, a stack of heavy books in her arms. She smiled when she saw him—but her smile faded the moment she noticed his troubled expression.
Celia:
"Jon? What's wrong?"
He didn't respond. Instead, he handed her the letter. She read it, her eyebrows rising with each word until her mouth parted in surprise.
Celia:
"This is… a love letter. She confessed to you, Jon."
Saji (quietly):
"I know. But I can't return her feelings. It's not just about status. My life… it isn't meant for someone like her. I walk a path of blood and blades."
Celia looked like she wanted to argue—but before she could, Saji stood.
Saji:
"Celia. There's something else. I'm leaving the Academy."
Her eyes widened.
Celia:
"What? No! Jon, what are you talking about?"
Saji:
"I need to find my place in the world. Staying here… it's suffocating. I'll only bring danger to the people I care about. You and Rio deserve better."
Celia:
"Jon, wait—!"
She rushed forward—but in a swift, fluid motion, Saji moved behind her and gently tapped a pressure point at the base of her neck. She collapsed into his arms, unconscious.
He laid her on the couch and whispered a soft apology.
Then, he placed two letters on her desk—one addressed to Celia, the other to Rio.
> "Forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. I promise this isn't the end. One day, we'll meet again. Until then, live freely. Stay strong.
—Jon"
---
Jon's Dormitory – Later That Night
In the darkness of his room, Saji prepared for the path ahead. He donned a sleek black uniform—a hybrid of eastern shinobi gear and western knight armor. A custom mask shaped like a wolf's face covered his features. His sword, Raizel, hung across his back.
He checked his gear: kunai, wire, smoke bombs, seals, scrolls, rations.
Then he stood at the window, looking out toward the mountains beyond the Beltrum Kingdom.
Saji (to himself):
"The Beast is leaving the cage."
With a final breath, he vanished.
---
Outside the Academy Gates
Guards saw nothing but a faint shimmer in the wind. No alarms were raised. No trace was left behind.
Only the letter remained.
And the memory of a boy named Jon Snow—The Beast.