HTNSA 118

Chapter 118

Not long after, Cedric called Eila to a quiet spot near the training grounds.

“You said you would spare me some time after the festival. Thank you for keeping your promise.”

“It’s fine. So, what did you want to talk about?”

Eila’s expression was calm, but Cedric looked as if he was holding back countless words, hesitating before he finally opened his mouth.

“The magic you used during the subjugation… was that really something you learned here at the academy?”

“…”

Eila looked into Cedric’s eyes, which were filled with confusion and complicated emotions.

“It’s something I learned and trained to use, yes.”

“I know you’re talented, Eila. But that level of large-scale magic, it’s something even many tower mages struggle with.”

“Are you saying you find it hard to believe?”

Cedric shook his head quickly.

“No, it’s not that. I just… I don’t want you to get hurt because of this.”

Eila’s eyes widened slightly.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve drawn the attention of too many people. Even the Prince and the Mage Tower Master witnessed it. Once word spreads, it will draw not only admiration but also suspicion, jealousy, and possibly… political pressure.”

Cedric clenched his fists.

“You’ve become too noticeable, and there are people who won’t like that.”

Eila realized the sincerity in Cedric’s voice. It wasn’t mere concern; it was fear for her safety.

“Thank you for worrying about me, Cedric. But I have no regrets about using that magic. People’s lives were at stake.”

Cedric’s eyes shook as he looked at her.

“I know. And that’s exactly who you are, Eila. But… promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I will.”

The conversation fell silent, but Cedric did not move, as if there was still something he could not say.

Eila, sensing it, decided to ask first.

“Is there something else you want to say?”

Cedric’s lips trembled.

“…About the Blanche family. Do you know why they sent you to the academy?”

Eila’s eyes narrowed.

“Why are you asking that now?”

“Because I’m worried. Worried that you’ll get caught up in something much larger.”

Eila lowered her gaze for a moment before raising it again, her eyes clear.

“I know enough. And I know that I have to graduate early and secure the lands of the Count of Arma.”

Cedric’s eyes widened in shock.

“You… know about that?”

“Yes.”

She did not elaborate further, but Cedric seemed to understand.

“Is that why you’re in such a hurry?”

“That’s part of it.”

She did not mention Yuria, or her determination to create a place where people like them could live freely without fear.

Because there was no need to.

“Thank you for worrying about me, Cedric. Truly.”

Cedric looked at her quietly before finally speaking, his voice low.

“If you ever need help, Eila, promise me you’ll come to me.”

Eila smiled faintly.

“I will.”

At that, Cedric finally let out a breath he had been holding.

* * *

A few days later, the Academy began the process for early graduation applications.

The Subjugation Festival incident had led to many discussions among the faculty, and it was decided that exceptional students who wished to graduate early could apply, provided they passed the graduation exams with high scores.

Of course, there was no one who opposed Eila’s application.

“Eila, are you really going to graduate already?”

Felix’s eyes were filled with concern as he looked at her.

“Yes, I have something I need to accomplish.”

“But if you leave, what about the rest of us…”

Eila patted Felix’s shoulder gently.

“You’ll be fine. And I’ll still visit sometimes.”

Felix’s expression was conflicted, but he eventually nodded.

* * *

Meanwhile, in a lavish room within the Imperial Palace, Rosia was kneeling before a woman with a dignified presence.

“Your Majesty.”

The Empress looked down at Rosia with calm eyes.

“You have done well, Rosia.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The Empress closed the letter she had been reading.

“I have heard about the Subjugation Festival incident. Prince Darian seems particularly interested.”

Rosia lowered her gaze.

“I… may have made a mistake.”

The Empress raised an eyebrow.

“Mistake?”

“I underestimated Eila. Her abilities are beyond what I expected.”

The Empress was silent for a moment before letting out a soft laugh.

“There is no need to worry, Rosia. Everything is still within our control.”

Rosia looked up, her eyes wavering.

“But if Prince Darian continues to pursue this matter…”

“Then we will simply redirect his attention elsewhere.”

The Empress’s voice was calm but carried undeniable authority.

“Do not forget, Rosia. No matter how talented she is, Eila is still a child caught within the web we have spun.”

Rosia clenched her fists.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Continue observing her. If she becomes too troublesome, we will simply remove her.”

Rosia’s eyes flickered, but she did not protest.

“Understood.”

As Rosia left the room, her expression was mixed with relief and lingering fear.

‘No matter how much Eila struggles, she cannot escape the Empress’s grasp.’

She reassured herself, but deep down, she could not completely shake off the unease she felt.

* * *

Back at the academy, Eila was preparing for her graduation exams.

The atmosphere around her was quiet but determined.

‘I need to pass these exams and leave as soon as possible.’

There was no room for mistakes.

Not when Yuria’s future, and the future of those she cared about, depended on it.