Chapter 480 - 479 - "You are Finally Back, huh!"
The morning sky stretched endlessly above the Empire, painted in brilliant shades of pale blue and soft gold as the first rays of sunlight chased away the lingering traces of dawn. Wisps of white clouds drifted lazily across the heavens while the cool morning wind swept freely through the vast open skies, carrying with it the scent of forests, rivers, and distant mountains far below.
High above the land—
A colossal Kunpeng soared gracefully through the endless expanse.
Its enormous wings moved with slow, majestic beats, each powerful flap carrying the gigantic beast effortlessly through the air while gentle currents wrapped around its body like invisible rivers. From such a height, the countless villages, forests, and roads beneath appeared no larger than miniature paintings spread across the earth, while winding rivers shimmered beneath the sunlight like flowing strands of silver.
Standing upon the broad head of the Kunpeng were two familiar figures.
Luca stood near the front, his dark violet hair dancing wildly in the rushing wind while the long black coat he wore fluttered continuously behind him. Beside him stood Aurelia, her crimson hair flowing freely through the air as the morning sunlight illuminated her graceful figure, making her seem almost radiant against the endless backdrop of blue sky.
Neither of them spoke immediately.
The silence between them was comfortable.
Only the sound of the wind accompanied their journey back toward Arcadia Academy.
Yet despite the peaceful scenery surrounding them—
Luca’s expression looked...
Slightly awkward.
It wasn’t particularly obvious.
Most people would probably overlook it entirely.
But Aurelia, having spent enough time around him over the past several months, noticed the subtle stiffness almost immediately.
She glanced toward him from the corner of her eye.
"You’ve been strangely quiet."
Luca blinked before offering an innocent smile.
"Have I?"
"You have."
"I was simply enjoying the scenery."
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Hmm."
Luca continued smiling.
Nothing more.
Aurelia studied him for another brief moment before eventually deciding not to pursue the matter.
Instead, she allowed her gaze to drift toward the endless landscape stretching beneath them.
After several more minutes passed peacefully, Luca finally broke the silence.
"So..."
His voice carried its usual calmness.
"What happened in the end?"
Aurelia turned toward him.
"The decision regarding the next heir."
The question caused her expression to soften.
She quietly exhaled before leaning one hand against the Kunpeng’s smooth feathers.
"It has been postponed."
Luca blinked.
"...Postponed?"
She nodded gently.
"Grandfather spoke with the elders again after..."
A faint smile appeared upon her lips.
"...everything that happened."
"He decided that now wasn’t the right time to force a final decision."
Luca remained silent.
Aurelia continued.
"The succession discussions haven’t ended."
"They’ve simply been delayed."
"The matter will be reconsidered later."
For a brief moment—
A disappointed expression quietly crossed Luca’s face.
It lasted only an instant.
Yet Aurelia noticed it immediately.
She couldn’t help smiling.
"You look disappointed."
Luca laughed awkwardly.
"A little."
"I was hoping everything had already been resolved."
Her smile became warmer.
"I know."
She looked toward the horizon.
"But honestly..."
A quiet breath escaped her lips.
"...this is already far better than I expected."
Her violet eyes reflected the brilliant morning sky.
"Only a few days ago, I thought the decision had already been made."
"I thought everything I had worked toward was slipping away before I even had the opportunity to prove myself."
She shook her head gently.
"Now..."
A determined light gradually appeared within her eyes.
"...I’ve been given time."
The confidence slowly returned to her expression.
"Time to become stronger."
"Time to improve."
"Time to prove that I deserve the position through my own ability."
She smiled.
"And that alone..."
Her gaze remained fixed upon the distant horizon.
"...is already more than enough."
Luca quietly watched her for several moments.
Then a small smile appeared upon his own face.
"I believe you’ll do it."
The words came naturally.
Without hesitation.
Without exaggeration.
Simply spoken as fact.
Aurelia turned toward him.
"You really have that much faith in me?"
Luca nodded without the slightest pause.
"I do."
She smiled helplessly.
"You know..."
Her laughter carried softly into the wind.
"...sometimes I wonder whether your confidence in me is actually greater than my own."
Luca considered that thoughtfully.
"It probably is."
Aurelia looked at him with complete disbelief.
"You admitted it that easily?"
"I don’t see any reason to deny the truth."
She laughed again.
"I think you’re impossible."
"I’ve heard that before."
"From several people, I imagine."
"The list continues growing."
The conversation gradually drifted away from serious matters after that.
They spoke about the academy.
About Eric’s endless ability to create trouble without intending to.
About the Hero Research Club.
About John somehow managing to become even more enthusiastic after the expedition despite nearly losing his life.
They laughed while recalling the absurd expressions Kyle had made after discovering Luca had been invited to drink the Duke’s treasured tea.
They argued over whether Sylthara would secretly enjoy another Hero Research Club expedition despite claiming otherwise.
Time passed surprisingly quickly.
The sun slowly climbed overhead before gradually beginning its descent toward the western horizon.
The brilliant blue sky transformed into gentle shades of orange and crimson as afternoon quietly gave way to evening.
Long shadows stretched across the mountains below while countless birds returned toward their nests.
Eventually—
Far in the distance—
The unmistakable outline of Arcadia Academy appeared upon the horizon.
Its towering central spire rose proudly above the surrounding landscape while the countless academy buildings gradually became clearer with every passing minute.
The familiar sight naturally drew both of their attention.
Aurelia smiled softly.
"We’re almost home."
Luca nodded.
Yet the moment his crimson eyes settled upon the academy—
The slight awkwardness that had quietly lingered throughout the journey became visibly more obvious.
His shoulders stiffened ever so slightly.
His expression grew noticeably more uncomfortable.
He continued staring toward the approaching academy as though preparing himself for something inevitable.
Aurelia quietly noticed the subtle change.
This time...
She decided she definitely wasn’t going to let it pass unnoticed.
The evening atmosphere around Arcadia Academy was calm and welcoming as the golden light of the setting sun painted the sprawling campus in shades of amber and crimson. Long shadows stretched across the vast training grounds while countless students made their way back toward the dormitories after another busy day of lectures and practice. The familiar sound of laughter drifted through the academy pathways, blending naturally with the rustling leaves and the distant clang of weapons from students unwilling to end their training before nightfall.
High above the academy, Kunpeng gradually descended from the clouds.
Its enormous wings beat rhythmically against the evening wind before slowly folding inward as the gigantic beast reduced its speed. The familiar outline of the academy continued growing larger beneath them until every building, every pathway, and every courtyard became clearly visible.
Standing upon Kunpeng’s broad head, Aurelia finally turned fully toward Luca.
She had spent nearly the entire journey pretending not to notice the increasingly awkward expression that had settled upon his face.
Now—
She decided she had waited long enough.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"You’ve been acting strangely ever since the academy came into view."
Luca blinked innocently.
"Have I?"
"You have."
"I think you’re imagining things."
Aurelia folded her arms.
"I am not."
Luca laughed awkwardly.
"It’s really nothing."
Her violet eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"You’ve answered every question today without hesitation."
She took a small step closer.
"But whenever I look at you now..."
Her smile became slightly mischievous.
"...you suddenly start avoiding eye contact."
Luca immediately looked somewhere far off into the distance.
"What beautiful weather we’re having."
Aurelia couldn’t help laughing.
"That was the most obvious attempt to change the subject I’ve ever seen."
"I have no idea what you’re talking about."
"You are terrible at hiding things."
"I prefer the word mysterious."
"I prefer the word suspicious."
Luca placed one hand dramatically over his heart.
"I cannot believe the trust between us has fallen this low."
"It fell the moment you started pretending the clouds were more interesting than my question."
He laughed once again, rubbing the back of his neck with the same helpless smile he always wore whenever he wanted to avoid answering something.
"It’s honestly nothing."
Aurelia studied him for several more seconds.
Eventually—
She sighed.
"I suppose you’ll tell me eventually."
Luca smiled gratefully.
"Probably."
"That answer inspires absolutely no confidence."
"I’m glad we’re making progress."
She rolled her eyes, though the smile lingering upon her face refused to disappear.
By then, Kunpeng had already begun its final descent.
The enormous beast glided gracefully over the academy walls before lowering itself toward the familiar open space near the academy gates. Its massive wings stirred powerful gusts of wind across the courtyard as countless nearby students instinctively looked upward, several of them immediately recognizing the legendary beast.
Kunpeng landed smoothly upon the stone platform with a deep, resonant thud.
The powerful creature folded its enormous wings before lowering its head slightly, allowing both riders to step down comfortably.
The moment Luca’s boots touched the ground—
Before either of them could take another step—
A calm yet unmistakably irritated voice echoed across the courtyard.
"So..."
The single word alone was enough.
Luca visibly stiffened.
Aurelia blinked in confusion as she watched his shoulders rise ever so slightly.
Then the voice continued.
"...you are finally here."
Luca slowly swallowed.
A very familiar sense of danger—one completely different from the Iron Duke’s overwhelming pressure—quietly crept up his spine.
He recognized that voice instantly.
With remarkable reluctance, he slowly turned around.
Standing only several meters away—
With her blue hair neatly tied into elegant bun.
With beautiful blue eyes currently narrowed in unmistakable annoyance.
And with her arms calmly folded across her chest—
Stood Professor Seraphina.
The evening breeze gently stirred the hem of her academy robes as she quietly observed him.
There was no shouting.
No dramatic display of anger.
Which somehow made the situation infinitely more terrifying.
Aurelia looked between the two of them in complete confusion.
She had absolutely no idea what was happening.
Luca, meanwhile...
Could only offer the world’s most awkward smile.
"...Professor."
Seraphina’s expression did not change in the slightest.
She slowly took one step forward.
Her gaze never left Luca.
"You left the academy..."
Her voice remained perfectly composed.
"...without informing anyone."
Another step.
The distance between them shortened further.
Then she stopped.
Looking directly into Luca’s eyes, she spoke with quiet authority.
"Now tell me..."
A faint silence spread across the academy entrance.
"...what exactly do you think should be done with you?"