King Gazel was completely shocked.
Right in front of his eyes, his daughter had summoned a dragon.
Dragons were ancient beings that had existed for thousands of years. They were not creatures that ordinary mages could call. Seeing such a legendary being appear before Scarlate made the king realize something unbelievable.
His daughter was a true prodigy.
A proud smile slowly appeared on King Gazel's face as he looked at Scarlate. In his heart, he felt both pride and amazement.
"My daughter… she is truly extraordinary."
After that day, King Gazel personally trained Scarlate in swordsmanship for a few days. Even though Scarlate was already a powerful mage, the king believed that a royal should know how to fight with a sword as well.
Time passed quickly.
Finally, the day arrived when Scarlate had to leave for the Magic Academy.
Before leaving the palace, Scarlate stood alone inside her room, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
Her golden hair and golden eyes were too recognizable. Anyone could easily identify her as the princess of the kingdom.
So she made a decision.
With a calm expression, she slowly cut her long golden hair until it became short.
Then she used magic to change her appearance.
Her hair turned black, and her shining golden eyes became deep blue.
When she looked at the mirror again, the elegant princess was gone.
Instead, a handsome young boy was standing there.
Scarlate smiled slightly.
After finishing her disguise, she went to meet King Gazel and Queen Victoria.
When she entered the room, both the king and queen looked at her with confusion.
They couldn't recognize her at all.
Scarlate bowed slightly and said,
"Father, Mother… I'm ready to leave for the academy."
Queen Victoria's eyes widened in surprise.
"Scarlate? Is that really you?"
She looked at her from head to toe and then laughed softly.
"Even dressed as a boy, you look very handsome.
I couldn't recognize you at all."
King Gazel also looked impressed.
"Yes… your disguise is perfect."
Then he continued,
"I have already arranged your admission to the academy under the name Kiel. From now on, that will be your identity there."
Scarlate nodded.
"Thank you, Father."
She then said gently,
"I will leave now."
King Gazel sighed slightly and said,
"I wanted to send you in a royal carriage, but you insisted on hiding your identity."
Scarlate smiled.
"Yes, Father. I will take a public carriage from outside the city. It will be safer for my disguise."
The king and queen looked at their daughter with mixed emotions.
Pride… worry… and love.
Finally, Scarlate turned around and walked away.
Thus, Scarlate began her journey toward the Magic Academy.
A new chapter of her life had begun.
After leaving the palace and walking some distance outside the city, she found a large carriage on the road. It seemed to be carrying several adventurers.
Scarlate walked toward it and spoke to the driver.
"Will you go to the Magic Academy?"
The driver looked at her and nodded.
"Yes. But it will cost one silver coin."
Scarlate replied calmly,
"Alright."
She paid the coin and stepped inside the carriage.
Inside, several adventurers were already sitting there.
As soon as Scarlate entered, one of the girls inside looked at her carefully and suddenly said—
"Hey… you look like a noble."
For a moment, Scarlate's heart skipped a beat