The carriage wheels rolled over the last stretch of gravel road and onto the packed-earth surface of Greyrock City's public post station. A wave of noise and chaos washed over him immediately.
The shouts of drivers, horse traders, travelers, and vendors; the mingled scents of cheap tobacco and animal dung; and the reek of sweat steaming in the scorching summer afternoon air—all of this had once unsettled sixteen-year-old Leon. Now, it only made him draw a deep, calm breath.
Real. Alive. The scent of the mortal world.
With his simple luggage—a worn leather backpack containing a change of clothes, a few handwritten copies of basic magic theory texts, and provisions prepared by his mother—he stepped down from the carriage and paid the last bit of the fare. The copper coins left a faint, cool metallic sensation on his fingertips, a tactile reminder of his current precarious reality.
According to his mother's arrangements, a close friend from her youth in Greyrock City, Lady Susan Green, would be here to meet him.
"Susan's late husband, Sir Robert Green, was a sworn brother to your father in the knight training camp, a comrade-in-arms who saved each other's lives. She is a widow now, living with her daughter, running a small fabric shop in Greyrock. They live decently enough. I have written to her. She will help you settle temporarily and arrange for you to audit classes or prepare for the entrance exam at Greyrock's best magic preparatory academy—'Argent Glow Academy.' It's the best starting point I can secure for you now."
His mother Isabella's expression, that night under the flickering oil lamp as she pressed a sealed letter into his hand, surfaced vividly in his mind. Her always-gentle eyes held worry, but also an immovable determination. He had read that letter several times on the journey. In her elegant handwriting, besides details of Lady Susan's address and appearance, were numerous reminders about daily life. The final line read: "Don't worry about the cost. I have... made arrangements."
Leon knew what his mother meant by "made arrangements." She had sold her last remaining mementos from the Varona family—a pair of pearl earrings and a brooch set with a small sapphire. They were among the few things she had taken when she fled her family, her last symbols of dignity. In his previous life, it was only years later, from the vague words of neighbors, that he pieced this truth together. By then, the pearls and sapphire had long been transformed into a few long-exhausted batches of primary magical materials on his path, and the regret of his mother's untended illness during her decline.
His fingers tightened slightly on the rough strap of his backpack. Regret, like a cold tide, briefly surged in the depths of the Sage's soul before being pressed down by a stronger willpower. Not this time.
He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the slightly chaotic crowd at the station, quickly landing on a carriage parked in the shade of a tree.
It was a four-wheeled enclosed carriage drawn by two sturdy chestnut horses. The body was dark brown, the paint well-maintained. On its side was a simple emblem combining vines and a shield—the mark of the late Sir Green's family. The driver was a sharp-eyed middle-aged man in neat, though not opulent, livery. Beside the carriage stood two women.
The older one, perhaps in her forties, wore a fine dark blue linen gown with a simple gauze shawl. Her brown hair was pulled into a strict bun at the nape of her neck. Her face was gentle, her eyes holding a kind inquiry. She must be Lady Susan Green. Half a step behind her stood a young girl.
The girl looked about Leon's age, perhaps slightly younger. She wore a simple yet well-tailored pale-yellow summer dress that accentuated a slender waist and a figure just beginning to blossom. Pale gold hair, shimmering softly in the sunlight, was loosely tied back, a few strands framing her fair cheeks. Her features were delicate, with a straight nose and lips of a pale pink. Most striking were her eyes—a clear, light green, like newly sprouted leaves in early spring or sunlit shallows of the sea. At this moment, those beautiful eyes held a trace of almost imperceptible scrutiny and faint curiosity directed at Leon.
Elven blood. Very diluted. The skin, finer and smoother than average, and that unnatural translucence in her hair and eye color hinted at it. Among human nobility, possessing elven lineage—however faint—was often seen as a mark of "nobility," though pure-blooded elves would scoff.
She was Aelia Green. Lady Susan's only daughter.
In his previous life, this girl's figure had occupied a vague, warm corner in the lonely years after he left home. Those clumsy yet sincere early letters, that amulet smelling of fresh grass... In the end, they all dissolved into a calm profile seen through a carriage window on an Imperial Capital street, and the belated, heavy sigh upon hearing of her unfortunate fate years later.
Leon's gaze lingered on her face for less than a second before calmly shifting to Lady Susan. What stirred in his heart was not the sting or regret of the past, but something more complex and profound—scrutiny, detachment, and a sliver of understanding for the inertia of fate's path.
He stepped forward, stopping a few paces from the two ladies. Following the standard etiquette of a commoner to a noble widow, he gave a slight bow. "Good afternoon, esteemed Lady Green. I am Leon, son of Isabella Frost. Thank you for waiting."
His voice was calm, carrying the clarity of youth, yet devoid of the nervousness or timidity common at his age. His posture was impeccable.
Lady Susan's face immediately broke into a sincere smile. She stepped forward, making a gesture to raise him. "No need for such formality, my dear. Please, call me Aunt Susan. I received your mother's letter. I'm relieved to see you've arrived safely." Her eyes swept over Leon quickly yet thoroughly, passing over his faded linen shirt and slightly worn backpack. A flicker of pity showed, but it was mostly approval for his composed demeanor. "The journey must have been tiring. Come, let's get in the carriage and leave this noisy place. I've arranged your lodgings."
"My sincerest thanks, Aunt Susan." Leon obliged readily, his gratitude genuine. He could feel Lady Susan's unfeigned care, a touch of real warmth stirring in the lake of his heart, long frozen. It was one of the few harbors of goodwill his mother's old friendship had secured for him.
"This is my daughter, Aelia," Lady Susan introduced, turning slightly, her tone gentle. "Aelia, this is Leon, Aunt Isabella's son."
Aelia took a small step forward, a perfectly appropriate, reserved smile for a noble maiden gracing her lips. She curtsied in a standard greeting. "Good day, Mr. Leon. Welcome to Greyrock." Her voice was clear and pleasant, like wind chimes, but Leon could hear the distancing courtesy beneath the flawless manners.
"Good day, Miss Green. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Leon replied with an equally standard, impeccable, courteous greeting. His gaze met her light green eyes calmly, then parted, without a trace of extra attention or disturbance.
Aelia paused almost imperceptibly. She was used to seeing unconcealed admiration, awkwardness, or ingratiation in the eyes of boys her age—whether commoners or minor nobles—when they first met her. But this shabbily dressed youth from the provinces had eyes as calm as a deep autumn lake, clearly reflecting her image yet without a ripple of emotion. This composure, beyond his years, transformed her initial, reluctant displeasure at being asked to accompany her mother into a faint surprise, which then settled back into her habitual, distanced assessment.
'Passably handsome. Aura... a bit unusual. But that's all,' she thought to herself. Her mother had repeatedly mentioned Aunt Isabella's past friendship and Uncle Raymond's "integrity and bravery," but to Aelia, that was all in the past. The son of a fallen knight—who might not even properly inherit the title (she vaguely recalled her mother mentioning Leon's father hadn't been formally granted a full fiefdom)—hailing from an unheard-of border town, coming to Greyrock to "try his luck" at the magic academy... Such a person might deserve some help due to old ties, but certainly wasn't worthy of entering her social circle. Lately, she'd been interacting with young master Felix, whose late father was a Viscount of the kingdom and whose own magical talent was praised by academy tutors.
The carriage interior was more comfortable than the outside suggested. The seats were cushioned with soft, dark plush. The windows had fine linen curtains to adjust the light. A faint, lavender-like scent of freshener masked the summer heat's discomfort.
Lady Susan and Aelia sat on one side, Leon alone on the opposite. The carriage started moving slowly, leaving the noisy station behind, heading into Greyrock City.
"I've arranged your lodgings near Whisperlake, not too far from Argent Glow Academy. It's a quiet area, suitable for your preparation," Lady Susan said gently, breaking the brief silence. "It's a small, detached cottage with a little yard. The previous owner moved to the Royal Capital and entrusted me with renting it out. It's not large, but it's fully furnished and clean. Don't worry about the rent. Your mother has already... Well, just settle in comfortably for now."
Leon understood immediately. Part of the money from his mother's sold jewelry had likely prepaid the rent here, perhaps more. A faint ache touched his heart, but his expression remained grateful. "You've gone to too much trouble, Aunt Susan. The lodg sound wonderful. I look forward to it."
"As long as it suits you," Lady Susan said with a kind smile. "Regarding Argent Glow Academy, I've already sent word. The formal entrance exams aren't until next month, but the academy allows prospective students with recommendation letters to audit some public basic theory lectures early, to get familiar with the environment and instructors. I've prepared the recommendation letter for you. I can take you to the academy to complete the procedures tomorrow."
"My deepest gratitude." Leon thanked her solemnly again. These arrangements were undoubtedly timely help for someone with nothing. In his previous life, he had received Lady Susan's help too, but young and naive, he had taken it for granted, even feeling a subtle discomfort deep down about being dependent. Now, looking back with five centuries of perspective, this care based on old friendship, given without expecting anything in return, was incredibly precious.
"No need to thank me so much, child," Lady Susan waved a hand, her tone sincere. "Your mother and I were close friends in our youth. Your father and Sir Green were sworn brothers. Seeing you is like seeing a nephew of my own. Just focus on your preparation. If you need anything, just ask. Greyrock isn't the most prosperous place, but it has what's needed. You shouldn't find it too hard to adjust."
"Mother also often spoke of your kindness in her letters," Leon said earnestly.
A flicker of nostalgia and sentiment passed through Lady Susan's eyes. She sighed softly and said no more.
Aelia sat quietly beside her mother, her gaze mostly on the passing streets outside the window, occasionally seeming to glance casually at Leon opposite. She noticed the boy was mostly quiet too, just sitting calmly. His eyes sometimes rested on his own knees, sometimes looked out the window, but seemed unfocused, as if contemplating something distant. His posture was upright but not stiff, possessing a steadiness that belied his age.
'He's less... annoying than expected,' Aelia thought. 'At least he doesn't fidget or boast like some country boys.' But that was all. Her thoughts drifted to the discussion about new dress styles at the afternoon tea party and the new elemental sensing technique young master Felix had mentioned last time.
The carriage passed through Greyrock's somewhat noisy commercial district and entered a quieter residential area. Neat rows of trees lined the road, casting dappled shadows. The houses were mostly two or three-story stone-and-wood structures with small, tidy yards, looking clean and respectable. As they traveled further, the air grew noticeably more humid, carrying the faint sound of lapping water.
"That's Whisperlake ahead," Lady Susan pointed out. "This area is mostly inhabited by scholars, retired officials, or aspiring mages like yourself. It's very quiet."
Soon, the carriage stopped before a detached cottage with a low white picket fence. The cottage was typical Greyrock style—grey-white stone walls, dark brown wooden roof and window frames. It looked aged but well-kept. A small front yard held hardy shrubs and flowers. A flagstone path led to a dark green wooden door. A glimpse of shimmering water was visible behind the house—a corner of Whisperlake.
"Here we are," Lady Susan said, signaling the driver to stop, and stepped out first. "See if it suits you."
Leon followed, his gaze sweeping over the cottage and its surroundings. Quiet, private, near water (potentially beneficial for early water-attribute meditation), a moderate distance from the academy. For someone needing secrecy and a quiet environment to begin his re-cultivation, it was almost ideal.
"This is excellent, Aunt Susan. Much better than I imagined," he said sincerely, a genuine smile reaching his eyes this time.
Lady Susan seemed pleased with his reaction. She took out a key and unlocked the door. "The basics are all here. The bedding is new. There are some simple ingredients in the kitchen. Make do for now. Tomorrow morning, I'll have Aelia... or I'll come myself, to take you to Argent Glow."
"You must be busy. Please don't trouble yourself. If it's convenient for Miss Green..." Leon looked towards Aelia, who had just stepped down and was examining the simple cottage with mild curiosity.
Hearing this, Aelia turned. The standard, reserved smile returned to her face. "I'd be happy to, Mother. I need to return some books to the academy library tomorrow morning anyway." Her tone betrayed no emotion, as if simply stating a fact, completing a task assigned by her mother.
"Then I'll trouble you, Miss Green," Leon gave a slight nod.
"Alright, get settled, familiarize yourself. We won't disturb you further," Lady Susan handed the key to Leon, offered a few more homely reminders about locking up and being careful with fire, then returned to the carriage with Aelia.
The carriage slowly pulled away. Leon stood on the flagstone path before the cottage, watching it disappear around a tree-lined street corner until the sound of wheels faded completely.
Complete quiet descended. Only the rustle of wind through the treetops, the distant faint lap of lake waves, and the lazy drone of late summer insects.
He turned and pushed open the dark green door.
The interior was slightly more spacious than it appeared. A main room served as both living area and study, with empty bookshelves embedded in the walls; a sturdy wooden table and chairs; a clean, stone fireplace. A small bedroom held a single bed and a wardrobe. Further in was a simple kitchen and washroom. Everything was plain, tidy, and lived-in.
Leon set down his backpack but didn't start unpacking immediately. He walked to the window and pushed open the wooden shutters. A breeze carrying the fresh scent of the lake rushed in, stirring the black hair on his forehead. Outside, he could see a corner of Whisperlake, its water shimmering with silver under the afternoon sun. Across the lake were lush woods. Further still, the grey-white silhouettes of Greyrock's iconic buildings under the sun.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
In his previous life, he had stepped into this city with boundless hope for the future and a trace of fear, like a speck of dust swept by the torrent of fate towards an unknown horizon.
In this life, he returned with five centuries of wisdom, regret, and icy resolve, like a seed buried deep in the earth, ready to take root and sprout anew here.
His father's worried face, his mother's forced smile as she sold her jewelry, Lady Susan's sincere concern, Aelia's polite yet distant gaze... and far away, the invisible web woven in the Imperial Capital by bloodlines, titles, and ancient rules, and the figures upon it who had once looked upon him with disdain or secretly spun traps...
All of it—clear, blurred, warm, cold—settled in the silence of this lakeside cottage, coalescing into an increasingly solid flame in the depths of his eyes.
"Greyrock... Argent Glow Academy..."
He murmured to himself, his fingers unconsciously brushing the rough wood of the windowsill.
"So, it begins here."
"First, a complete assessment of this body. Planning the initial meditation and mana condensation method. Not a single misstep from the previous life's winding path."
"The foundation... must be perfect. Unshakable."
He walked back to the table, opened his backpack, and took out the few worn, cheap copies of magic theory texts. The pages were yellowed, the ink smudged in places, recording this world's most basic, yet most undeniable, magical truths. Truths he had once looked down upon from the peak, and paid the price for neglecting.
Now, he would read them anew with the eyes of a Sage.
Outside the window, the waters of Whisperlake gently rippled, reflecting scattered sunlight. Inside, the black-haired youth sat quietly at the table and turned to the first page. His profile, in the light filtering through the window panes, appeared calm and focused. Only in the depths of his downcast eyes did it seem as if the trajectories of stars dying and being reborn flowed silently.
In the distance, the faint clamor of Greyrock City seemed like insignificant background noise from another world.
The path of re-cultivation for "Leon, the Sage of the Northern Reaches" quietly commenced in this lakeside cottage. And everything in Greyrock City had only just begun to enter the realigned trajectory of his fate.