Cassius stared at the ceiling.
"..."
"...Is this really happening?"
He slowly raised a hand.
"...Or am I still dreaming?"
He pinched his own cheek.
"...Ow."
A pause.
"...Definitely not a dream."
A knock came from the door.
"Young Master?"
Cassius quickly composed himself.
"...Come in."
The door opened.
A young maid stepped inside before offering a respectful bow.
"Good morning, Young Master."
"I trust you rested well?"
Cassius returned the greeting with an awkward smile.
"Good morning."
The maid hesitated.
"...Is something the matter, Young Master?"
Cassius shook his head.
"No... I'm just..."
He searched for an excuse.
"...Still a little tired."
"I see."
She smiled politely.
"His Majesty, Her Majesty, and the Royal Family are waiting for you."
"Breakfast is ready."
Cassius nodded.
"...Would you mind leading the way?"
The maid blinked.
"Leading the way...?"
He laughed awkwardly.
"I seem to have woken up rather absent-minded today."
"My memory's still catching up."
"I... wouldn't want to embarrass myself."
The maid quickly bowed.
"O-Of course, Young Master."
"This way."
—
The palace corridors stretched endlessly before them.
Cassius silently admired every painting, every statue, every polished marble floor.
So this...
...is where Levi grew up.
The maid eventually stopped before a pair of grand double doors.
"We've arrived."
She gently pushed them open.
"The Royal Dining Hall."
Cassius took a slow breath.
"...Thank you."
He stepped inside.
The room immediately fell quiet.
King Maverick Ashbourne sat at the head of the table.
Beside him was Queen Aurelia.
Several members of the royal family were already enjoying breakfast.
Cassius quietly took his seat.
"...Good morning."
King Maverick looked up from his meal.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Good morning, Levi."
"I trust you've had time to think."
Cassius blinked.
"...Think?"
Maverick nodded.
"My recommendation yesterday."
"Have you decided whether you'll begin training under the Knight Captain?"
Cassius froze.
His smile stiffened.
...Yesterday?
Something happened yesterday?
Why couldn't I have arrived one day earlier?!
A week earlier!
Anything would have been better than waking up with homework!
He somehow maintained a calm expression.
"...I've made my decision."
Maverick waited.
"I'll train."
The King's smile widened.
"Excellent."
Cassius smiled back.
WHY DID I SAY YES?!
I'M A SCHOLAR!
I CAN BARELY SWING A BROOM!
WHAT POSSESSED ME TO AGREE?!
Maverick continued eating as though nothing unusual had happened.
"Once you've finished breakfast..."
"Report to the training grounds."
"The Knight Captain is already expecting you."
Cassius slowly nodded.
"...Understood."
His thoughts, however, were in complete disarray.
I'm going to die.
Again.
He quietly picked up his spoon.
"...Wonderful."
Barely above a whisper...
"...Shit."