Chapter 78: Starting Line

As the carriage rolled along the cobblestone path, Kai noticed Ray glancing at him repeatedly. Curious, he projected his question: "Is there something on my face, Ray?"

Ray shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It's not that, but…" He leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Can you really tell if two people are compatible with one another?"

Kai's thoughts immediately drifted to Niatina. "Oh-ho," he mused to himself, nodding at Ray. "I will explain about it in detail later when we reach the academy," his projection read.

Just then, Elysia's voice rang out. "Brother Ray," she called, drawing both Kai and Ray's attention. "Where is your assistant, brother?"

Kai also looked at Ray, curious. But Ray smiled and replied, "Well, I don't need one right now, so I'm fine without one."

Elysia nodded, accepting his answer, but Kai continued to stare at Ray, pondering his response. After a while, they reached the grand gates of the academy. Other carriages were arriving alongside them, and commoner students were walking into the campus, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.

The door of Kai's carriage opened, and he adjusted his wig. "A new school life, huh…" he wondered, as Ray helped him out of the carriage. The students were directed towards their respective dormitory areas by the teachers, who guided the first years, second years, and third years to their buildings.

Elysia, accompanied by Mary, headed towards the first years' building. Mary bowed to Kai, wishing him luck, while Elysia waved enthusiastically at both Kai and Ray before going ahead. Kai and Ray waved back, sharing a moment of camaraderie.

Ray turned to Kai and asked, "Shall we go?"

Kai nodded, then looked back at Lala. He smiled at her, projecting his message: "Follow us, Lala, and be careful around the other students."

Lala nodded, smiling warmly as Ray took Kai's wheels and moved ahead. And Lala followed them. Together, the three of them made their way towards the third years' building. On their way, Kai observed the other students going around, along with their assistants appointed to them. Among them, he notices few students had beast-kin features as well, as he wonders to himself. "Guess the academy follows equality for all." He smiles underneath, as they continue on their way.

As the trio—Ray, Kai, and Lala—walked through the academy grounds, Ray took it upon himself to explain the intricacies of the dormitory system. His voice carried a hint of excitement, as if he were reliving his own first days at the academy.

"Kai," Ray began, gesturing toward the imposing buildings lining the path, "each year has its designated dormitory as you know. First years stay in the east wing, second years in the west, and third years in the north wing. And in the south is the building for the assistants that the noble students bring along them."

Kai nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about roommates?" he asked, his projection floating in air next to him. "How does that work?"

Ray grinned. "Ah, roommates—the great mystery of academy life! You'll find out soon enough. The academy's magical wards ensure that roommates are compatible. It's like matchmaking for dorms. So, you could say that-" Ray continued to his guiding, as Kai just listened to him, wondering how excited Ray is.

Lala, wide-eyed, took in the grandeur of the buildings. She marveled at the intricate carvings on the doorways and the stained-glass windows. Her gaze wandered, and that's when it happened—a collision. Lala stumbled, her luggage fell off, as the other person's books scattering across the cobblestones.

Ray and Kai turned, concern etching their faces. Lala quickly regained her footing, her cheeks flushed. "I'm so sorry," she stammered. "I wasn't looking properly."

The guy she'd bumped into was sprawled on the ground, but he seemed more surprised than hurt. His butler uniform was impeccably tailored, despite his disheveled brown hair and round glasses. He scrambled to his feet, apologizing in a rush. "No, no. I was in a hurry, and didn't see you coming."

Kai's keen eyes assessed the stranger, as Ray came forward. "No harm done," he said, his voice cool. "Are you alright?"

"Ah- yes, I am alright. Than-"

The guy's eyes widened as he recognized Ray. "Oh my! The crown prince!" He took a step back, flustered.

Ray chuckled. "No need to panic," he reassured. "We are in the academy right now, and there's a rule stating everyone is equal here. So, just call me Ray." He extended a hand to help the guy up. "And your name?"

The butler hesitated, then straightened, his expression respectful. "Ah, yes… I'm Fe-"

But before he could say more, Lala approached, holding the books she'd collected. "Here you go," she said, her smile warm.

The guy paused, and turned to Lala. Thanking her for getting the books, as he reached for the books. But as his gaze met Lala's, he froze. His cheeks flushed crimson, and he seemed utterly captivated. "Th-tha…," he stammered.

Kai observed the scene, amused. "Guess a new story is about to unfold," he mused to himself, when his eyes glowed in rainbow colors.

Lala watched the butler guy—intently. His disheveled hair and round glasses gave him an endearing charm. But something was off. He stood there, flustered, as if caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Lala couldn't fathom why.

"Umm... Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice gentle. But the guy's eyes widened, and he stammered again, "I-I-I ap-apologize. It's just—"

But he couldn't finish, stammering on each word. Kai nudged Ray, gesturing toward them. His projection materialized in front of Ray: "Shake him a bit," it read. Ray hesitated, but then stepped towards the guy. He gave the butler a gentle shake, as if trying to dislodge his thoughts.

To it, the guy blinked, regaining his composure. His cheeks flushed, and he quickly bowed to Lala. "Thank you for your kindness," he murmured, then turned and practically sprinted to the other side of the courtyard.

Lala and Ray exchanged puzzled glances. "Why did he ran away?" Lala wondered aloud.

Ray shrugged. "No idea, Lala."

After some time, as they walked toward their room. Ray, still baffled, murmured, "Why did he run away?" To this question, Kai looked over him. He took a glance over Lala behind them, who was still in awe looking around the building. Taking confirmation, Kai pointed his projection in front of Ray. "Fate works in mysterious ways, Ray," the words appeared. "Perhaps this collision was no accident."

Ray tilted his head, confusion etched on his face. But Kai's cryptic smile remained, as they continued their way to their room.

As Kai and Ray descended to the first floor, they encountered an unexpected scene—a crowd of people huddled together. Most were young women, their voices overlapping in a flurry of excitement. But why were they here? The female dormitories were on the second floor.

Ray furrowed his brow. "What's all this commotion about?" he asked, glancing at Kai.

Kai shrugged, equally puzzled. The girls seemed fixated on someone, their words a chorus of curiosity. "You really are a commoner?" one of them exclaimed. "Your magic skills are remarkable! Would you consider being my personal guard, Sir Kaelan?"

Kai's mind raced. "Kaelan?" he wondered to himself. The name echoed from the entrance exam—the skilled commoner who had caught everyone's attention. "Uh-huh. So, this gathering was about him."

Ray stepped forward. "What is going on here?" he asked aloud.

To his voice, the commoner girls looked behind. Their expression furious, until they noticed Ray and bowed quickly. "Greetings, Crown Prince!" they chorused. Even the noble girls followed suit, their respect evident.

Lala observed from behind, curiosity in her eyes. But as Ray pressed for an explanation, a girl stumbled near Kai. He reacted instinctively, catching her before she hit the ground.

The crowd fell silent, eyes on Kai and the girl. His projection materialized: "Are you alright?" he asked.

The girl finally looked up; her emerald green eyes wide. Recognition dawned on Kai—he'd seen her before. That shy figure at the banquet, standing at the back.

Eva's voice echoed in his mind. "She's one of the nobles' daughters, presented during your engagement announcement, sir."

The girl straightened; cheeks flushed. "I'm so sorry!" she stammered. "I lost my balance. Thank you for saving me, young duke…"

Kai smiled. "No harm done," he replied.

The girl Kai had saved stood before him, her emerald eyes wide with embarrassment. Her green hair cascaded in delicate waves, as she bowed to him. "I... I... I'm Karina Teal," she stammered. "Thank yu... you for your kindness, young duke."

Kai inclined his head. "Karina, huh," he mused. Lifting his finger up, his projection appeared. "No need for formalities, lady Karina." He smiled, the words changing. "Just call me Kai."

After some time, the girls dispersed, as Ray's authoritative tone guided them back to their rooms, leaving behind a trail of whispers and fluttering skirts. But before going back, Karina, turned behind looking at Kai, bowed once more before disappearing into the corridor.

Ray sighed, leaning against the wall.

But then, a voice cut through the air—a voice that held both relief and humor. "Thank you so much," it said. Kai and Ray turned, their eyes falling on Kaelan. He adjusted his shirt, a hint of dishevelment still clinging to him.

"The girls came on too strong," Kaelan laughed, as if sharing a secret. He stepped closer, extending his hand to Ray. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Kaelan Fritz." He smiled at Ray, waiting for his response.

-To be continued