"Charlotte, have you packed your belongings?" I asked as I pushed open the door to my room. I had just returned from informing the Patriarch that we were heading to the Zenithara estate.
"Yes," she replied with a cheerful smile. Perhaps she was simply excited about the change—after all, here in the house she couldn't get close to anyone besides the maids. Maybe she was hoping that in a new place she could finally meet people and make friends.
"Then let's go. We're leaving through the warp gate, so try not to vomit," I warned her lightly. She was already dressed and ready, wearing a yellow gown that perfectly complemented her golden hair and bright eyes.
As for me, I kept things simple—a plain white shirt, black trousers, and my hair tied loosely behind my back.
"You don't have to remind me of the obvious," she snorted, puffing her cheeks a little. Perhaps it was because she was still only thirteen, but she looked unexpectedly cute when she made those expressions.
I couldn't help but smile faintly at her reaction before asking, "Have you said your goodbyes to the others?"
"Yes, I have. They told me they'll be hoping for me to achieve something greater," she replied, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. For a moment, her eyes sparkled with pride, as if she already carried their expectations on her shoulders.
"Good," I said, my tone softening before turning stern again. "But keep this in mind—if you're as lazy at the institute as you were at home, then prepare yourself for a beating."
"Ugh…" she groaned dramatically, furrowing her brows so deeply it almost seemed like the world itself had wronged her.
I chuckled under my breath. "Then let's leave."
With that, I stepped out of the room. Charlotte followed behind, dragging her feet in an exaggerated limp as though my warning had physically wounded her. I didn't bother stopping her antics—if she truly ended up being lazy, she would regret it soon enough. For her sake, I hoped she remembered my words.
The corridor stretched out quietly before us, polished floors reflecting the faint glow of lanterns. As we made our way toward the rear gardens, where the warp gate stood, the air grew livelier. Servants paused from their duties to bow respectfully, and knights stationed along the hall straightened as we passed. Their greetings echoed one after another, polite and disciplined.
I simply nodded in acknowledgment, not slowing my pace. Their loyalty was expected; words were unnecessary. Charlotte, however, seemed delighted by the attention, her eyes darting curiously around the estate as though she were seeing it for the last time.
The back garden finally came into view, its wide expanse trimmed with neat hedges and stone pathways. At its center stood the warp gate—an ancient arch of silver-white stone, carved with runes that pulsed faintly with bluish light. The faint hum of magic filled the air, a low, steady vibration that hinted at the power sealed within.
In front of the warp gate, several knights stood on duty, their armor gleaming under the garden's lantern light. Their gazes were sharp and disciplined—no one would dare approach this place carelessly. After all, the warp gate was not only a rare artifact but also one of the most valuable assets of the estate.
Among them, I spotted Robwin. His posture was straight, his presence steady as always. The moment he noticed me, he stepped forward.
I came to a halt before the arching gate of stone and runes, and Robwin approached with a measured pace. He bowed slightly, his voice firm yet respectful.
"Young master," he began, "I will be connecting the warp gate. I have already notified the officials of the capital city, at the Zenithara estate. Once you pass through, there will be guides waiting to escort you to your lodgings."
His explanation was precise, leaving little room for doubt. The faint hum of the gate behind him grew louder as if responding to his words, the runes flickering with a stronger glow.
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. You can connect it now," I said with a faint smile.
"As you wish." Robwin inclined his head and retrieved a small device, no larger than a brick, from the satchel at his side. He held it carefully, pressing a series of etched markings that glowed faintly under his touch.
The runes carved into the warp gate flared in response, their dull blue shimmer growing brighter with each pulse. A low hum vibrated through the air, steady at first, then rising into a resonance that seemed to settle in my bones. Even the knights shifted slightly, though their expressions remained composed.
After a short while, the light reached its peak. Robwin lowered the device, stepping back with a satisfied nod. "It is ready. You may enter."
I gave him a curt nod of thanks before gesturing for Charlotte to go ahead. She glanced at me once, swallowed nervously, and then stepped forward without a word. Her figure vanished in an instant, swallowed by the white brilliance of the gate.
Following behind, I took a deep breath and stepped into the light.
For a moment, my vision was completely drowned in white. The world lost its shape, weight, and sound. It felt as though I were drifting in a void, untethered, before gravity suddenly returned and my feet met solid ground once again.
When the whiteness faded, I found myself standing beneath an open sky, the scent of city air immediately filling my lungs. The capital was ahead—but my attention was drawn to Charlotte, who stood nearby clutching her stomach, her expression twisted into something between queasiness and stubbornness.
I sighed, rubbing my temple. "You shouldn't hold it back. There's a bathroom nearby, so go before you make yourself miserable."
Her face flushed red, but she stubbornly shook her head, lips pressed tightly together.
I could only let out another sigh. Warp travel was known to cause a brief wave of dizziness, but never this extreme. The gates were crafted with comfort in mind, refined over centuries of use as the safest method of long-distance travel. For her to end up like this… she truly crossed the limits of being childish.
"Welcome to Agrat, the capital of Zenithara's estate."
As I sighed at Charlotte's stubbornness—she was still refusing to admit her condition—a middle-aged man approached us with steady steps. His attire was simple yet proper, marking him as someone in official service.
"You are?" I asked, my gaze sharp.
The man bowed politely. "I am Jhon Bhon, hired to escort you to your lodgings."
I raised an eyebrow at him, then turned slightly to glance at Charlotte. To my surprise, she had managed to suppress her urge to vomit and now stood a little straighter, though her face was still pale. With a small nod, I shifted my attention back to Jhon.
"You can lead the way."
"Yes, young master." Without wasting words, he turned and began walking at a measured pace.
We followed. Along the way, he spoke, his tone respectful but informative. "The Nalanda Institute has arranged accommodations for the children of all notable noble families. This year in particular, many houses have sent their heirs and successors. The entrance test will be held in two weeks' time. Until then, the Institute expects everyone to remain within the capital and prepare."
His explanation carried a certain weight, reminding me once again that the coming trial was not something to be taken lightly.
As we walked, the streets of Agrat unfolded around us. Wide stone-paved roads stretched between rows of tall, well-maintained buildings. Merchants called out from their shops, carriages rattled past, and guards patrolled in disciplined formation. Compared to the quiet life of our estate, the capital was alive with movement, its energy palpable.
Eventually, our destination came into view.
Although Jhon had called it "lodgings," the place resembled nothing less than a grand mansion. Its walls rose high, framed by ornate stonework and large iron gates. Beyond the gates, a garden sprawled wide—big enough to rival a small field—its pathways neatly lined with trimmed hedges and blooming flowers.
We approached the entrance, where the guards stationed at the gate verified our identities. Once satisfied, they allowed us through.
Inside, the atmosphere was serene. The polished stone path led us directly to the main hall. At the reception stood a neatly dressed woman in staff uniform. She greeted us with a practiced bow, her smile courteous yet professional.
"Then I will take my leave." Jhon bowed slightly.
"Mm." I nodded curtly.
With that, he excused himself and departed through the gates, his figure soon fading into the bustle of the capital.
As silence returned to the hall, the neatly dressed woman from earlier approached us. She bowed gracefully before speaking.
"My name is Nisha. I have been assigned to serve you, Sir Vern, and Lady Charlotte." Her tone was soft yet professional, her movements practiced with the precision of someone long accustomed to the role.
"I see. Then, can you escort us to our rooms?" I asked, keeping things short. Idle chatter seemed unnecessary.
"Yes, of course. Please follow me." She inclined her head and turned, leading us through the spacious corridor. As we walked, she began explaining, her voice calm and instructive.
"There are two floors in this lodging. The lower floor has been designated for female students, while the upper floor is reserved for male students. So, I will be escorting Sir Vern fi—"
"What? We'll be living separately?!" Charlotte cut in before she could finish, her voice sharp with disbelief. Her golden eyes widened as she turned to me. "But… why?"
Nisha froze mid-step, her composure faltering for the first time. She looked as if she wanted to respond, but no words left her lips.
"Charlotte." I let out a quiet sigh, my gaze sliding toward her.
"...Okay." Her voice deflated, the fight leaving her in an instant. Seeing my expression, she dropped the matter, though not without pouting. Her shoulders slumped, and she dragged her feet in exaggerated reluctance as we continued forward.
Nisha, sensing the shift in atmosphere, quickly added with a gentle smile, "Please don't worry, Lady Charlotte. By Lord Vitra's request, your rooms have been arranged side by side."
Hearing that, Charlotte's expression instantly brightened. Her pout vanished, replaced by a relieved smile as she straightened her posture, her steps lighter than before.
I shook my head inwardly at how quickly her mood could change.
With the air eased once again, Nisha resumed her explanation, her tone returning to its calm, professional cadence as she continued guiding us deeper into the lodging's corridors. The polished floors gleamed beneath the lanterns, and the hall stretched wide enough to speak of the mansion's luxury.
At last, we reached the end of the corridor. Nisha stopped before a pair of finely carved doors, their polished wood inlaid with delicate silver patterns. She turned toward us and bowed lightly.
"These are your rooms. Each is fully furnished, with attendants available should you require assistance."
Charlotte's eyes widened as the door beside mine was opened. Inside lay a chamber more luxurious than anything she had seen at home—a wide bed with silken sheets, a crystal lamp glowing warmly on the desk, and tall windows draped with velvet curtains that overlooked the garden. Even the faint scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, carried in from the balcony.
I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Settle in for now. I'll come get you when it's time to prepare for the entrance test."
She nodded reluctantly, though her gaze was still wandering over the opulence of the room.
With that, I stepped into my own quarters. The door closed quietly behind me, shutting out the hall and the lingering sound of Charlotte's soft footsteps as she entered her own room.
For the first time since leaving the estate, a moment of silence wrapped around me. Tomorrow, preparations would begin.