The Three Seasons
Ella got out of her carriage and waved goodbye to Tyla before joining the other students in the hallway.
She nearly tripped twice while climbing the stairs.
Her legs were aching, and she could barely stand properly.
Several other students were already out of breath as well.
Ignoring the pain, she adjusted her bag and headed to class.
Isabel was already there, happily eating a piece of cake at her desk beside Ella’s.
“Have some sweet cake!” Isabel offered generously.
“No need,” Ella declined politely.
She did not want to eat anything that might upset her stomach during lessons.
“Have you heard?!” Isabel whispered excitedly.
“What?”
“The First Young Master of the Shen family is back!” she announced dramatically.
“Who is he? Is he important?” Ella asked.
She knew almost nothing about the kingdom or its influential families.
“You really know nothing!” Isabel sighed.
“Listen carefully. The Shen family is one of the most prestigious families in the kingdom. They value their sons greatly, while their daughters are usually married off and aren’t even allowed to study at Shadow Academy. It’s a family rule.”
She took a bite of her cake before continuing.
“The head of the family is Grand Master Shen Han. He’s an old retired general and one of the most famous men in the kingdom. His son, who is Zeliah’s father, has three sons. The eldest is Rex Shen.”
Isabel lowered her voice.
“He’s known as a heartless man. He kills without mercy and spends his days wandering around brothels and causing trouble. Grand Master Shen Han eventually sent him to a temple to pray for his sins and change his ways. The Shen household has been peaceful ever since.”
She leaned closer.
“But now he’s back! And on the very day he returned, he was spotted at a brothel before even going home.”
Ella gasped.
That was highly improper.
“It was so shameful that Shen Han had to send guards to drag him home himself.”
She glanced toward Zeliah, who had just entered the classroom with Desmond and Eric.
“Tsk, tsk. Poor Zeliah. His brother’s reputation is bound to affect him,” Isabel said sympathetically.
“Do you know why he’s like that?” Ella asked.
“I heard his mother married into the Shen family against her wishes. Even then, she tried desperately to earn her husband’s affection, but he loved her younger sister instead.”
Isabel shrugged.
“That younger sister later became Zeliah’s mother. Rex was never close to his family. Maybe that’s why he turned out this way.”
Ella fell silent.
Her own family was not much different.
She had been born to a maid, and her father had never hidden his dislike for her.
He believed her mother had seduced him and had blamed them both ever since.
Growing up, Ella had endured countless cold stares, harsh words, and unfair treatment.
Perhaps Rex only wanted his father’s love.
Not everyone could endure pain the way she had.
Maybe he had become traumatized and started visiting brothels to escape his troubles.
Or perhaps he knew exactly what he was doing and simply wanted to disgrace the family that had hurt him.
“You seem to know everything about everyone,” Ella remarked.
“Of course I do!” Isabel declared proudly.
“I know what’s happening even at the edges of the kingdom. One day I’ll join the Information Department of the Royal Court!”
“Then I’ll depend on you whenever I want to learn more about the kingdom.”
“Naturally!” Isabel grinned before taking another bite of cake.
“The Moon Vile Kingdom is divided into three major regions.”
Ella listened attentively.
“First is Qui Town, located near the entrance of the kingdom. It’s relatively quiet. The Patrick family governs that area and reports important matters directly to the King.”
She raised a finger.
“Second is Wei Town, the busiest place in the kingdom. Most trade and businesses are located there. The Shen family oversees the kingdom’s economy from that region.”
Then she raised another finger.
“And finally, there’s Lui Town, where we are now. It’s known for education and culture. The Knight Academy, Shadow Academy, and many other institutions are here. The Williams family governs this town.”
“I see,” Ella nodded.
“So that’s why their sons are called the Three Seasons?”
“That’s only part of the reason,” Isabel replied.
She pointed at Eric, who was quietly listening to one of Desmond’s stories.
“Eric is cold and difficult to approach. That’s why he’s called Winter.”
Then she pointed at Desmond.
“Desmond is lively, warm, and always talking. He’s Summer.”
Finally, she pointed toward Zeliah, who had already buried himself in a book.
“And Zeliah is calm, gentle, and approachable. Even when he’s focused on reading, he’s willing to listen to others. That’s why he’s Spring.”
She spread her hands dramatically.
“Winter, Summer, and Spring together form the Three Seasons of the Kingdom!”
“Wow!” Ella clapped.
“One would think you’re close to them.”
“It would be an honor!” Isabel sighed dreamily as she stared at Zeliah reading quietly at his desk.