The Moonlight Swordsman

Aizel's eyes swept the room as they entered, soaking in its splendor. The curtains' light brown color completely complemented the furniture. He then noticed the elderly man who was standing beside a window.

The old man's white hair cascaded down to his waist, and his beard was thick and white. Even his eyebrows and lashes were the same color. A small wrinkle adorned his face, but his eyes shone brightly, reflecting the sun's rays from the window.

The old man turned his attention towards them, revealing a smile on his face, and spoke, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."He walked over to the woman with the white hair and bowed gently, lowering his head as a sign of respect.

"Even though you are a bastard, you are still royalty, Miss Seraphine Felgura. I hope you are ready for what you are going to experience in the institute."

Seraphine simply nodded.

"I see. Still a woman of few words."

Gasps escaped from everyone as they heard the news. A member of the royal family was standing right beside them.

The old man then approached Aizel, scratching his beard before speaking.

"You, on the other hand, gave me a huge surprise.

"Are you a student of hers?" He asked.

Yeah, something like that, sir." Aizel forced a polite smile as he lied through his teeth.

He had no clue about the identity of the mysterious woman from the potion shop, and it seemed like she was equally intent on keeping his secrets.

Aizel knew that he could benefit from playing along, so he spun a few lies of his own. Perhaps he could gain something from being here, but he needed to be cautious.

"Interesting.

"I thought she was not the one who takes someone into her care, but looking at your face, I can see the possibility.

"Not only that, you might be a unique person if she had her eyes on you."

"Damn it, that woman," Aizel thought.

"Well, I hope the advantage I am giving you all can benefit you greatly. I expect that in return you will serve for the kingdom's safety and betterment."

Their heads bobbed in agreement, showing respect to the headmaster.

"Good. Now take this and dress up in your room. You can stay in the institute if you like, as everyone is provided with their own room."

Each of them received a white and golden robe bearing the flying griffin emblem, signifying the royal family, from the headmaster. He also gave them the keys to their room.

The meeting ended, and the group filed out of the headmaster's office after Professor Liam.

They strolled across the grassy field, taking in the scenery of the fountains and chatting mages before arriving at the grand building. Upon entering, they saw a lavish interior adorned with war paintings and showcasing unique and antique furniture.

The group noticed two grand staircases leading in opposite directions.

"The left one is for the boys, while the right one is for the girls. Your room number is marked on your key; head inside, check your room, get dressed, and come back so I can take you to your class."

Everyone nodded as they ascended the stairs to their individual rooms. Aizle noticed that his key had a 7 on it.

He rushed down the corridor, passing numerous doors until he arrived at the one marked "Room No. 7." He inserted the key into a tiny keyhole. The door opened with a quiet click as the key turned on its own.

Aizel entered the room, his eyes grew wide as he soaked everything in. The hall was larger than he had imagined, with elegant hardwood furnishings and white marble walls that included a luxurious sofa. In the corner, he discovered a tiny kitchen.

He continued and looked at the bedroom, which had a window that let in the pleasant sunlight. He spotted a large bed that could fit two people and a study table with bookcases. He made sure everything was in order in the bathroom as well.

"It's pretty good; I can use this place for my personal use." He thought as he quickly took off the Larisa robe and put on the institute one.

He left the room, locked the door behind him, and then went down the stairs to meet Professor Liam. As he got there, he noticed that Seraphine and Hazel were already with the professor.

"Who would have thought I would be studying with royalty by my side? Not only are you beautiful, but you must also be a very powerful mage." Hazel said as she glanced toward Seraphine.

"You should stay away from me." For the first time, Seraphine spoke.

"Wh... Why?"

"You will know when we enter the class." She said, and after that, she closed her eyes.

The twins, Jareth and Jaxon, arrived last, and Professor Liam led them all to a massive building that stood out among all the others in the institute.

"Head straight inside; you find your high class there and good luck." Professor Liam gave them a smile and then left them on their own.

Jareth and Jaxon led the way into the building, followed by Seraphine. Hazel and Aizel followed closely behind.

As they stepped into the grand hall, Aizel's eyes were immediately drawn to the hall and the many chairs that were occupied by other mages who were deep in conversation. Suddenly, all of them turned their heads almost simultaneously, their gazes fixed on the newcomers.

He sensed a variety of auras emanating from each of them, but there was one thing they all had in common—an air of arrogance and pride that spoke of their noble heritage. This was clearly a gathering of the elite.

"These all fuckers are noble, as I suspected." He thought.

"Hey look, isn't that bastard of the royal family? What the fuck is she doing here?"

"Hey, look at that ginger head; she must be her servant."

"That guy's face; who the fuck is he? And why is he so hot?"