"Now everything is clear. Are you both on board with the plan?"
Isabel and Fern nodded in unison. "Yes, it's a solid plan, not rushed. We'll follow it."
Kaïros continued, "The only thing left is to increase our strength. Fern, you will be my student. Isabel, you focus on learning magic at the academy—don't worry about anything else. Especially learn defensive magic. Understand?"
"Understood. We will do it," they replied.
With their plans set, Kaïros retreated to his room to continue training, while Fern and Isabel slept in theirs.
Morning arrived, and everyone gathered, ready for the day. Kaïros reminded them, "Remember well—my name is no longer Mohammed. My real name is Kaïros. I used Mohammed before because I liked it, but now I want to avoid unnecessary attention."
Fern asked, "Makes sense… but what about a title? You only told us your name."
Kaïros smiled. "That's a problem. Can you suggest a fitting title?"
After a moment of thought, Fern suggested, "How about Kaïros Raven Black?"
Isabel frowned slightly. "Doesn't it sound… too mysterious?"
Kaïros laughed softly. "Exactly. That's the point—it makes me feel like a mysterious figure." He added, "You both should change your names too—Isabel Moth, Fern Moth. It doesn't matter if they sound nice; what matters is that we survive and achieve our goal."
Everyone agreed, packed their bags, and headed to the academy.
As Kaïros approached the academy, he marveled at its grandeur. "What a magnificent place!" Inside, the supervisor awaited him with the nine other students who had passed the test.
Helena exclaimed, "Oh, how can the top student arrive so late?"
Kaïros replied calmly, "Sorry, my residence is far away."
Helena glanced at Isabel, jealousy flashing in her eyes. Isabel, seeing this, smirked to herself. Foolish girl. She thinks Kaïros is like those boys easily swayed by vanity. Fine, I'll play along with her little act.
"Sir," Isabel said politely, "shall we go to our residence?"
"Yes," the supervisor said. "You're late. I'll take each of you to your accommodations and your assigned servant."
Kaïros's residence was vast and luxurious, exclusively his. Awe-struck, he said, "All my efforts were not in vain."
The supervisor explained, "This will be your residence from today. There's also a training area in the back and a fully equipped bath for your comfort."
"Thank you," Kaïros replied humbly.
"You're modest for such a remarkable student! There's no need to thank me—this is the result of your hard work," the supervisor said.
Isabel and Fern entered the residence, experiencing a mixture of happiness and melancholy as memories of their childhood in the palace came rushing back. Kaïros placed his hands on their heads. "Don't be sad. I'll restore everything. Don't worry too much."
When Kaïros opened the door, a servant awaited him. "We were expecting you, sir. Please, come in."
Kaïros felt both happy and uneasy. Happy that Isabel and Fern would not struggle, uneasy that the servants would watch their every move and report to the director.
He smiled. "Thank you for the reception," and stepped inside.
The servant led Kaïros to his room. Fern asked, "Why that sinister smile? Is something wrong?"
Kaïros chuckled. "How dare you question such a handsome boy like me?" He continued, "Be extremely careful here. The servants watch us closely. Never mention our plans or approach them. And remember—they believe you are children of a duke."
Isabel and Fern understood immediately.
At lunchtime, Fern opened the door to find a servant carrying food. Delighted by the meal's quality, he asked, "Is this pork or beef?"
The servant replied, "Beef, sir."
Kaïros interjected firmly, "Do not bring pork to me. I do not like it. Do not serve me soup made with pork."
The servant nodded respectfully. "Understood, sir. I will follow your instructions."
He went to the chef and explained, "From now on, do not cook pork or serve it to our master. He does not want it."
The chef grumbled, "Did he shout at you or treat you badly? He's only the academy's top student…"
"No," the servant replied. "He asked politely, with respect. There was no anger or arrogance in his expression."
The chef shook his head. "Most students who arrive here are arrogant and think they are the best. They become very conceited. Next time, I'll ask him what he dislikes so I won't serve it again—and I'll watch him carefully."
"Understood," the servant said.
After Kaïros finished his meal, he instructed Fern and Isabel to stay in their room until further notice.
Stepping out, Kaïros observed the servants in their positions. Smiling, he said, "What a sight—being watched closely." Then he added, "Ah, how I love working under pressure."
He watched two servants move with precision and strength, their every step, gesture, and hand motion revealing professionalism.
Kaïros spoke to one of the maids. "Come here." She approached, bowing slightly.
"How may I serve you, sir?" she asked.
Kaïros replied, "What's your name?"
"Zylla, sir," she said.
"Next time I call you, there's no need to bow. Speak naturally. Also, can you take me to the kitchen?"
Zylla was surprised. Usually, masters here were arrogant, belittling, even striking servants if they didn't bow. But this boy asked her to treat him with respect.
"Thank you, sir. Very well, I'll take you to the kitchen," she said.
Once there, Kaïros addressed the chef. "May I speak with you for a moment?"
The chef responded, "Why ask permission, sir? You could just order it, and I would comply."
Kaïros smiled lightly. "Normally, yes. But you are older than me. How should I treat someone older than myself with impoliteness? I respect those who respect me and strike down anyone who provokes or challenges me."
Hearing this, the chef realized he was dealing with someone dangerous—a boy who wouldn't act rashly toward innocents, but would strike decisively if provoked.
What an intriguing child! Now I understand why the director is so concerned about him, the chef thought.