The moment, however, was abruptly broken.
The dark magis who had just claimed victory stepped forward, his expression twisting in irritation.
"Oi, woman!" he barked. "You interrupted my victory! You and your stupid bird should step aside!"
A wave of discomfort swept through the arena.
His tone was crude. Disrespectful.
All eyes turned toward him—not in admiration, but in clear disapproval.
Did this young man even understand what he was speaking to?
Did he not know what the White Magis represented?
What the phoenix meant?
Vesta stirred.
The massive spirit lifted its head slowly.
Its golden feathers began to ruffle, light intensifying beneath them as a deep, ancient pressure filled the air. The temperature shifted. The atmosphere tightened.
It was preparing to strike.
The dark magis froze for the first time, his arrogance cracking as he realized—too late—what he had provoked.
"Ah—ah—wait!" Ayumu panicked, waving both hands frantically. "Vesta, please shrink yourself! I-I can handle this!"
The phoenix hesitated but its gaze lingered on the offender, still burning with restrained fury, before reluctantly easing its posture—though the air around it remained heavy with warning.
"Silence!"
Visil's voice cut through the arena like a blade.
The entire space fell still.
He stood at his podium, expression finally showing a hint of irritation.
Ayumu blinked.
Then, as if only just realizing something, she squinted toward him.
"…Brother?"
Her face lit up instantly.
"BROTHER!" she shouted, her earlier nervousness vanishing in an instant. She began waving enthusiastically with complete lack of decorum. "I'm here! Hereeee! Hehe—congratulations on becoming emperor! I'm here to help youuu!"
Her voice echoed across the silent arena.
Visil pinched the bridge of his nose as he is hit with a sudden feeling of frustration.
Kaiser, who was standing next to him, just watched everything unfold.
For once, even his expressionless gaze carried something faintly complicated.
There was no doubt.
The way she spoke. The way she moved. The way she smiled so freely despite the situation—she was unmistakably Eomer's daughter.
The last White Magis heir.
Kaiser exhaled softly.
Of all moments…
Of all possible entrances…
She had chosen this one. And in full public view—with a summoned phoenix behind her.
----------------------------------------------
Ayumu looked up at Vesta and smiled softly.
"Thank you, Vesta, for helping me get here on time. I'll call for you again soon."
The massive phoenix lowered its head gently, brushing its beak against her hair.
Ayumu giggled at the affectionate gesture.
And then in a shimmer of light, the ancient spirit vanished.
Just like that.
The sheer ease of her control over such a primordial spirit at such a young age did not go unnoticed.
Visil's gaze narrowed slightly.
She has complete control of the spirit…
For a brief moment, he considered descending himself to meet her.
He turned toward Kaiser.
"Kaiser, follow me. We will go see Ayumu."
But Kaiser did not respond immediately and his eyes were fixed on the arena.
"…She's gone," he said flatly.
"What do you mean she's gone—"
Visil looked back down.
The center of the arena was empty.
Not only had the phoenix disappeared—Ayumu was gone as well.
A moment of silence between the both of them.
Then suddenly a voice echoed from above.
"Brother, I am here!"
"Gah—!"
Visil jolted in surprise. Kaiser...expressionless. As always.
From above the imperial podium, Ayumu's head suddenly popped into view, upside down as she leaned over the edge of the roof with a bright, innocent grin.
The nobles stiffened instantly, unsure whether they were witnessing a breach of protocol or a miracle.
"Oh—oops!" she said quickly. "I'm sorry if I scared everyone!"
She carefully lowered herself down from the roof with surprising lightness, landing neatly before the podium.
Standing properly again, she straightened her robe.
"Ah… I should be calling you Your Majesty now."
She giggled and gave a small curtsy.
At first, Visil felt it rising.
Frustration. Questions.
Where had she been? Why now? Why disappear for so many years only to return like this, in front of the entire empire?
But then—he exhaled slowly.
All those answers would come later.
For now she was here. And most importantly, she is alive.
"Ayumu… my sister," Visil said gently. "I'm glad you're alright. How I've missed you…"
He stepped forward, opening his arms for an embrace.
But Ayumu froze for a while and soon started to step back.
Her eyes widened slightly—not in joy, but something closer to uncertainty… or fear.
"I miss you too, brother…" she said, her voice softer now, keeping a slight distance. "Really… so much."
Her fingers clasped together tightly.
She was trembling.
Visil paused mid-step.
…Fear? Of me?
His mind searched instantly through possibilities.
The throne.
The blood he had shed.
The crown he now wore.
His expression softened slightly, a hint of sadness crossing his face.
"I… I'm sorry, brother," Ayumu hurriedly said. "I mean—Your Majesty. I don't mean to be rude by refusing your embrace. It's just that—umm—I—"
"It's alright, Ayumu," Visil said calmly, offering a gentle smile. "What matters is that you're back."
He turned toward the crowd.
"I would like to congratulate all students today. You have all competed fairly and well. To those who have been granted ranks, my heartiest congratulations. May you continue to serve this empire and its people."
His voice carried across the arena with authority.
"Pay no heed to the sudden interruption. I will address the matter soon. That is all."
With that, Visil descended from his podium.
He approached Ayumu—but did not touch her.
Instead, he simply gestured forward.
"Come. Let us go inside, Ayumu. There is much to talk about."