Chapter 2 - Royal Capital

The train floor glowed beneath my feet as I walked down the aisle with a small suitcase. Moving to another city with minimal belongings felt strange after years of war. Still, I found an open window seat offering a beautiful view outside. 

The other guests on the train didn't once look at me as they were all too busy reading the newspapers that were on the table. I glanced at the headlines, and it was obviously about the war.

Everyone was celebrating the win against the Demons.

Bet they wouldn't expect that one of the main reasons we won would be in their bus, huh? Watching the shock on their face would be quite a funny sight, but I decided to stay discreet for the time being.

Having nothing else to do, I glanced outside and saw a huge number of people getting onto the train. It seemed no one wanted to be near this place now that the war was over.

Understandable. Most of them were forced to take part in it. Well, I was too, but I soon discovered that I actually like fighting others, like a lot. 

Maybe it was because of my talent?

Hm, yeah, it probably was. I must say that it was nice seeing the demons cower when I took a step forward.

Still, when I looked outside, I could see merchants, soldiers, alchemists, mages, swordsmen…everyone you could possibly think of was trying to leave this place. 

I couldn't blame them. After all, I was doing the exact same thing.

-Zooom!

The sound of the mana-powered engine resounded through the entire train, and at the exact same time, a short man with a monocle sat right across from me.

He stared at me for a short moment before glancing at the newspapers. However, surprisingly, he didn't grab it. Instead, he released a sigh as he looked outside.

Vast green plains stretched out in the distance, with a slight breeze ruffling against my red and purple hair—Yeah, I know, it's a strange mix, but it looks good. Otherwise, I wouldn't have ladies being interested in me with a single wink.

The soothing feeling of the wind brushing against my hair and the beautiful scenery of vast plains and water was definitely nice.

For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace…I didn't have to think about anything. This feeling stayed for a good five minutes before I got bored.

Ah, who would want a life like that?

Wanting to entertain myself, I reached into my suitcase and brought out an old deck of playing cards. I looked over to the guy with a monocle.

"It's nice outside, isn't it?"

The man seemed surprised that I talked to him as he practically bounced in his seat.

"Ah, yeah. It definitely is."

I held my hand out.

"Caedrel, it's nice to meet you."

Getting some connexions couldn't hurt anyone, right?

***

-Zooom!

I looked at the train going away and held my suitcase with a smile.

I guess I'm really doing it, huh? Becoming undercover, I'm not sure what the Emperor has planned for me, but I can't wait to find out.

As my mind was ruffling with all kinds of thoughts, I felt a tap on my right shoulder. It was the same guy as earlier. It was a total coincidence, but we were both heading for the Royal Capital.

Over the course of our conversation on the train, I came to understand that this short man…uh, what was his name? Albert! Yeah, Albert is a renowned merchant who made his success during the war. He told me all kinds of stories more far-fetched than the others. Seeing him all excited to tell them, I was tempted to tell him about some of my own stories, but I managed to resist that envy.

We headed out for the city, which was pretty much like I had expected.

There were huge streets bustling with people from all kinds of races—vampires, elves, dwarves, you name it—they were all there. The buildings were also impressive, with an "old-style" of architecture. However, there was one building that was completely different from the rest of them: a huge tower that was twice as tall as the others. It had this futuristic look to it, and it was quite nice.

"First time in the Royal Capital?" He said, noticing the amazement on my face as I looked at the tower.

"Ah, was it that obvious?" I laughed. "Yeah, it is. Though, I'm not too sure where I should be heading."

"Ah, right. I didn't even ask you what you are going to be doing in the Royal Capital?"

"Oh, I was asked to become a professor at the Royal Academy."

His eyes widened. "You were…asked? You didn't apply for it or anything?"

"Ah, well, I won't get into the details, but it was a bit of a special thing with a letter that disappeared with my signature and stuff like that. Nothing too important."

He nodded a few times with a nervous look on his face. He was slowly realizing that I might actually not be as I seem. Being invited to teach at the world's greatest academy wasn't something anyone could pull off.

"Welp, you see that tower over there," Albert said.

I nodded.

"Well, that's where you need to go."

"I see; well, I shouldn't make them wait. It was nice to meet you, Albert. May we see each other very soon!"

He adjusted his monocle.

"Right, and if you ever need to buy or sell things, call me!"

I nodded as I flew upwards toward the Royal Academy. I looked down and saw Albert with a look of pure disbelief. It seemed I really managed to trick him into thinking I was ordinary, which actually a great feeling, considering that I would have to convince most people at the Royal Academy that I was normal.

A few minutes after that conversation, I reached the entrance of the Royal Academy. I didn't waste another moment as I pushed the door wide open. However, something was a little weird. There were no students…actually, there wasn't anyone inside.

"Ahhh! Mister Stuart, you're early!"

I turned toward the voice and saw a lady running toward me. She seemed to be a secretary.

"Early?"

"Of course, the classes only start in three weeks!"

"They do?"

I clicked my tongue. Then, what am I supposed to do?! I came here immediately, thinking it was starting in a few days.