A week had passed, and now it was Monday—the day of departure preparations.
“Yes, put that there… and make sure the carriage is ready.”
“Sir, your uniforms have been prepared, and the extras are packed in your bags.”
“Good. Make sure everything is presentable. Don’t forget I am representing Shenguang.”
Normally, traveling to Ash-Fall Academy by carriage would take nine full days, but by traveling first to the Tower of Invocation, we could use a trans-portal to reach Synergos, the neutral country where the academy was located.
That shortened the journey to only two days.
After finishing my orders to the guards and servants, I dismissed myself and returned to my room.
It already felt emptier than before.
Most of my belongings had been packed away, leaving the room strangely hollow despite its size.
I walked toward my dresser before stopping in front of a small green-and-gold jewelry box resting on the polished wood surface.
Slowly, I opened it.
Inside rested a silver necklace with a delicate rose-shaped pendant.
My mother’s necklace.
I rarely wore it.
Father could never stand the sight of it.
The last time he saw me holding it, his expression darkened so painfully that even I understood I should put it away.
After that, I stopped bringing it out around him.
Still, I liked looking at it sometimes.
It felt like the closest thing I had left of her.
“I can’t forget you,” I whispered quietly.
Carefully, I placed the necklace back into its box before storing it inside my personal travel bag.
A knock on the door soon pulled me from my thoughts.
“Sir, His Majesty requests your presence in the dining hall for lunch at noon.”
“Is that so…” I muttered softly.
“Understood. Let him know I’ll be there.”
The servant quickly hurried away.
What a surprise.
I honestly thought he would send me off without even pretending to say goodbye.
I stepped out onto the balcony while waiting for the meal hour to arrive.
Below me, the palace gardens stretched endlessly beneath the afternoon sunlight.
Flowers bloomed in brilliant colors, their petals dancing gently beneath the breeze.
The gardens looked especially beautiful today.
As always, they reminded me of her.
Without realizing it, I spent so much time staring outside that noon arrived quickly.
Soon, I made my way toward the dining hall.
When I entered, Father, Lady Li Hua, and Xiao were already seated.
“You’re late,” Father said immediately.
“Sorry. I lost track of time.”
“No matter. Just sit.”
I quietly took my seat beside Xiao as servants moved gracefully around the table placing down dishes.
Soon silence settled over us, interrupted only by the sounds of silverware lightly striking porcelain plates.
Then suddenly—
Ahem.
Li Hua gently cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Your father…” she began calmly, “wanted to have one final meal together before you leave for the academy.”
A short pause followed before she continued.
“You’ll be there for five years, after all. We don’t know how often you may return to visit.”
Her expression remained unreadable as always.
“Yes,” Father added firmly.
“Once you arrive at Ash-Fall Academy, you will carry the reputation of Shenguang on your shoulders.”
Wow.
What an inspiring farewell speech.
I resisted the urge to sigh.
“I understand,” I replied calmly.
“I know the duty I hold.”
A softer voice suddenly interrupted.
“Will you really be gone for five years?”
I looked toward Xiao.
Sadness filled his green-gold eyes.
“Does that mean I won’t see you again for five whole years?”
“Xiao,” Li Hua sighed quietly.
But as I looked at him, I felt my heart soften despite myself.
“I promise I’ll visit at least once a year,” I said.
“Really?” His eyes brightened immediately.
“Yes. The academy gives students a four-week summer break each year to visit family.” A small smile formed on my face.
“I’ll come back whenever I can.”
“Great!”
For the first time during the meal, the atmosphere felt slightly lighter.
Still awkward.
But lighter.
Once lunch ended, I excused myself and returned to my chambers one final time to make sure everything was prepared for tomorrow’s departure.
haha well that was akward