The dormitories in which the students of the Magic Academy lived were scattered around its expansive, verdant grounds. With the location boasting a four-hundred-year history—just like the Yulgran Empire itself—it was no wonder the ages of the buildings were diverse, and the architectural style of each dormitory reflected this.
While there had been periods of domestic conflict, the Yulgran Empire had mostly flourished in peace. Its population had steadily increased, and with that, the number of prospective students who met the academy’s admission criteria. More dormitories had been added one after the other to keep up with the demand.
Deluxe suites sat on the top floors of the oldest dormitories. While most students’ rooms were studios with a bed, a desk, and a closet, these deluxe suites were something else entirely. They were composed of a large bedroom, an equally spacious living room that doubled as a study, plus a small bedroom and kitchen for a servant’s use.
Only the scions of the imperial family and the grand ducal houses were allowed to use these luxurious rooms, which were located in historical dormitories built at the same time as the foundation of the academy. Sometimes, years would pass without anyone noble enough to stay in one of these rooms entering the academy, so there was no need for many of them. Nevertheless, the sons and daughters of the noblest families were often of similar ages, so they regularly studied at the academy at the same time.
At the moment, four deluxe suites were in use, which meant that four noble students worthy of them were attending the academy: the crown prince of the empire, Mikhail; the duke of Yulnova, Alexei; a young lady of the House of Yulnova, Ekaterina; and a son of the House of Yulmagna, Vladimir.
A young man with black hair tinged with blue climbed the stairs that led to Vladimir’s room. He had a slender frame and wasn’t particularly tall, but a peculiar strength seemed to emanate from him. In shadow, his eyes looked black, but in the light, they reflected a dark, rich blue. His features were beautiful by most people’s standards, but they held an off-putting sternness that clashed with his youth, detracting from his charm.
This young man was Vladimir’s personal attendant. However, he wasn’t a servant.
The three noble youths who occupied the other suites had each come to the academy accompanied by a servant. Ekaterina had Mina, Alexei had Ivan, and Mikhail had Lucas. All three servants had monster blood in their veins, and they not only waited on their respective masters, but also served as bodyguards.
The House of Yulmagna, however, despised monsters. They were also one of the houses that made a point of distinguishing between ranks. As such, they’d never allow a lowly servant to be the closest person to their heir.
Vladimir’s attendant was a student of the Magic Academy named Lazar Magnas. He was the son of Viscount Magnas, the head of one of the branches of the House of Yulmagna, and the great-grandson of the family’s ever-loyal elderly butler, Zakhar Magnas.
Lazar, born only a few months earlier than Vladimir, was destined to serve the successor of the main house. He’d received a thorough education from his great-grandfather and—just like members of the House of Yulmagna were expected to be—was accomplished in both the literary and military arts. The quiet seventeen-year-old had also been taught that devoting one’s life to his liege was the most natural thing in the world. It was a notion he’d taken to heart.
The top floor of the dormitory was entirely dedicated to the luxurious suite. At the top of the stairs, Lazar opened the door soundlessly yet without a hint of hesitation. It was the middle of the day, but he knew full well his master would be in his bedroom rather than the living room.
He walked up to the door of the main bedroom and opened it without asking for permission beforehand.
The curtains were drawn and the bedroom dark, but not so dark that he couldn’t make out the form of the young man lying on his bed. His skin was so pale it almost seemed to glow in the darkness of the room.
Vladimir was sleeping. His physical condition was poor once again, as it often was, so he’d taken a break from his lessons.
Without a sound, Lazar approached the bed. Then, he leaned forward, casting his shadow over his master.
Immediately, Vladimir opened his eyes. “Zamira.”
“Oh my,” the youth said, lips curving into a smile.
That minute change of expression was enough to completely change the youth’s appearance. In a heartbeat, it became obvious she was a woman. The atmosphere surrounding her had changed just as fast; the curve of her lips was bewitching.
She reached for her hair, and with a twist of her wrist, her long locks dropped down her back.
“Can you really tell at a glance?” she asked.
“Obviously. You’ve sneaked into the men’s dormitory, again. Where is Lazar?”
“No one else but you would ever notice,” she replied nonchalantly. “My brother is a serious boy, he’s in class—just as you ordered.”
Zamira Magnas, Lazar’s twin sister, smiled at Vladimir.
Since Lazar was a man and Zamira a woman, they were not identical twins. Regardless, they resembled each other very much. On top of that, Zamira had been born with a peculiar ability: She could easily imitate people’s mannerisms, speech, and even voices. If she chose to transform into her brother, with whom she’d shared her days since birth, no one besides their family and Vladimir could tell them apart. That was why Zamira could waltz into the men’s dormitory without a second thought.
House Magnas valued sobriety and honesty, so a wild girl like her was an outlier. Zamira, however, was just as talented at gathering information as she was odd.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better. So, why are you here?” Vladimir asked coldly.
Zamira’s face was still hanging centimeters away from Vladimir’s as she replied. “I have a report for you. Lady Lydia suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Lady Ekaterina. She seems to have given up on the throne of empress. She’s a graceful lady that I enjoyed having tea with, so I must admit I’m a little disappointed.”