Chapter 29

Chapter 29

“Our uniforms are required only for major events—such as the opening ceremony, graduation ceremony, or an audience with His Majesty. At all other times, you may wear your own casual attire. However, this school badge must be worn at all times. The colored border indicates your year: red for first-year, yellow for second-year, green for third-year, and blue for fourth-year.” Evan examined the badge in his hand closely. It featured a peacock flower at its center, flanked by a shield and a saber. The peacock flower—the emblem of the Imperial Royal Family—signified that the Imperial Military Knight Academy served as the Empire’s shield and sword. It symbolized that its students bore the solemn responsibility of defending the Empire and contributing to its prosperity and stability.

“You should note that the shield on the badge is hollow for ordinary students, whereas a solid shield denotes the top student of the year. If both the shield and the saber are rendered in gold, that signifies the academy’s top student—the same individual who serves as our Student Council President.” Anru explained the badge’s meaning with grave seriousness, helping Evan understand that it was far more than mere ornamentation—it embodied honor and duty.

Anru handed Evan a small booklet. “This is the academy map. Green-marked areas are accessible to freshmen; entry to all others requires appropriate permissions and points. There are two versions: the detailed one costs one Silver Keren. If that seems steep, there’s also a simplified version for just ten Copper Huote.” Anru held up the booklet, its layout sketched in clean, minimalist lines. Without hesitation, Evan produced a one-Silver-Keren banknote. He knew that, in this unfamiliar environment, a detailed map would prove invaluable for both his studies and daily life. Anru accepted the payment, his impression of the freshman rising further still. In his view, Evan not only hailed from a well-to-do family but also possessed clear goals and decisive judgment. Accordingly, rather than guiding him to the free dormitory zone for freshmen, Anru led him instead to a secluded villa district—rows of two-story villas with red roofs and white walls, each boasting its own small garden brimming with blossoms and verdant foliage, exuding a fresh, fragrant calm. Sunlight bathed the entire area in serene, radiant beauty.

“The academy provides free meals and accommodation—but the free option is merely a five-square-meter single room, with twenty rooms per floor sharing a single communal bathroom. These villas, by contrast, house four students, each with a private bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The ground floor contains four functional rooms: a kitchen, a training room, a repair workshop, and a meditation chamber. Annual rent is fifty Silver Keren—though usage of those specialized rooms incurs additional fees.” Anru laid out the villa’s arrangements in meticulous detail, giving Evan a thorough grasp of his housing options. He gave a knowing wink. Evan caught the cue instantly, withdrew his wallet, and handed over fifty Silver Keren. He understood full well that, in such a fiercely competitive environment, comfortable living conditions would significantly enhance both his academic performance and personal well-being. Thus, he successfully secured a villa. Clutching the keys to both the main entrance and his private bedroom, Evan bid Anru farewell—and began exploring his new residence, heart swelling with anticipation and quiet excitement.

Evan sighed helplessly and gently released the adorable little kitten. Pressing his palms together before his chest, he murmured, “May the ocean remain ever tranquil. By the God of Ocean and Protection above—I honor all forms of love—but the prejudices of secular society compel a weak soul like me to maintain only the most basic courtesy.” His voice trembled with resignation and quiet sorrow. He knew all too well that, in this era, same-sex love remained widely unaccepted. To avoid drawing unnecessary trouble upon Arthur and Valen, he chose distance—his gaze softening with empathy and understanding. He recognized how difficult their situation must be: bearing relentless societal pressure and doubt.

*So, you two protagonists—keep your distance.* Evan thought silently. He had no desire to become entangled in their story; he simply wished to live quietly, undisturbed. Aware that his very presence might bring them peril, he hoped they would steer clear of him—granting him the peace he sought in this world.

Arthur and Valen exchanged a fleeting glance—and instantly realized Evan had seen through their relationship. A sharp wave of crisis surged within them. In this age, same-sex love was deemed aberrant. They knew full well their bond defied mainstream acceptance—and that discovery could unleash grave consequences. Tension and unease flickered across their eyes as they scrambled to devise a response to this sudden, precarious turn.

“By the Sea God above—I shall remain silent.” Evan turned his head aside awkwardly, avoiding their gaze. (The Sea God, after all, was renowned as the most tolerant deity toward same-sex love.) Valen studied Evan carefully—and, tentatively, concluded this junior was no gossip. Yet his eyes remained guarded and suspicious; he couldn’t be certain Evan would truly keep their secret. Still, with no better alternative at hand, he resolved—reluctantly—to trust him. Privately, he vowed greater vigilance moving forward, determined to safeguard their relationship from exposure.

Arthur distrusted Evan deeply—but, mindful of his public image, concealed it behind a practiced smile. Rising, he said, “Valen and I still have duties welcoming new students—we must take our leave now.” With that, he gently tugged Valen away from the café. Inside, Arthur wrestled with inner turmoil: torn between fear that Evan might betray them and reluctance to provoke needless complications. For now, retreat was the only viable choice—though he resolved to find a solution later, when opportunity arose.

Until he could be certain Evan posed no threat, Arthur would strictly limit his contact with both Valen and himself—and monitor Evan’s every move, ensuring their secret remained buried. He knew well that in this perilous, unforgiving world, vigilance could never slacken—not for a moment.

After meeting the protagonists, Evan lost all desire to cuddle with fluffy animals. He finished his small cake swiftly, paid the bill, and departed. His heart churned with complex emotions—he questioned whether his choice had been right. He neither wished to intrude upon their story nor feared his actions might harm them. Silently, he sighed—and resolved to exercise greater caution going forward, minimizing contact with the protagonists whenever possible.

Returning to the dormitory, he found his three roommates already arrived. They sat together in the compact ground-floor living room, laughing and chatting animatedly. The colonial coffee in their hands somehow evoked the convivial warmth of a wine banquet—their cheerful banter filling the air, weaving an atmosphere of genuine warmth and harmony. Smiles lit their faces; their eyes sparkled with anticipation and hope for the future. They resembled kindred spirits who’d already found belonging in this new world.

Hearing the door open, all three turned in unison. Evan took in their formal attire—and instantly grasped none were financially strained. Their gazes lingered briefly on his small formal hat and tailored suit, and in that instant, mutual recognition bloomed. Their expressions softened into knowing, empathetic smiles—as if silently affirming, *We’re cut from the same cloth—same background, same ambitions.*

“Hello—I’m Lindes Olin, a native of Backlund.” A brown-haired, brown-eyed youth spoke first, flashing a bright, infectious grin. Lindes’s voice rang loud and vibrant, instantly lifting spirits. His sunny smile radiated enthusiasm and sincerity; his slightly curly brown hair lent him a playful charm, while his clear, intelligent brown eyes shimmered with quiet courage.

“I’m Tom Gerbert—from Kaya.” A black-haired, green-eyed boy offered a gentle, modest smile. Tom’s voice was soft and soothing, warming the heart upon hearing it. His smile, like a spring breeze, conveyed kindness and innocence. His neatly combed black hair lent him an air of quiet elegance; his emerald-green eyes gleamed with captivating depth.

“I’m Jerome Akio—from Odyssey. Pleasure to meet you.” This youth stood out for his extraordinary musculature and towering height—strikingly juxtaposed against his still-youthful face. Jerome’s voice boomed deep and resonant, instilling immediate confidence and security. His smile was unwavering, projecting strength and resolve. His powerful physique commanded admiration—yet his eyes, though youthful, held a steady, mature gravity.

“Hello—I’m Evan Noah, from Sheffield.” Evan stepped forward, offered a polite, measured smile, and settled naturally onto the single sofa—accepting the cup of coffee Lindes poured without missing a beat. His voice remained calm and even, utterly devoid of inflection. His smile, though courteous, carried a subtle reserve—making his stance unmistakably clear. His gesture—elegant, unhurried—betrayed impeccable upbringing.

Noah, Olin, Gerbert, Akio—all common, unremarkable surnames. Their omission of family lineage signaled they were not scions of nobility. Likely sons of merchants or industrialists—perhaps younger sons, not heirs to family enterprises. They were comfortably funded, yet expected to forge their own futures. That made perfect sense: those with superior backgrounds could easily afford double or single villas. Their shared socioeconomic footing and parallel upbringing enabled the four to quickly reach a harmonious, live-and-let-live agreement—and jointly draft fair, practical rules governing the use and upkeep of shared functional spaces. Satisfied, all four retired to their respective rooms. Whether they would evolve into true friends—or remain cordial acquaintances—depended entirely on what lay ahead.

Author’s Note:

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