---
**[Scene - Royal Castle – Meeting Chamber]**
King Arvedis stood by the grand windows of Ironwood Fortress, pressing his fingers against the wooden table, the air thick with tension.
Beside him, Princess Alisa stood calmly, decisive, while numerous nobles and royal advisors sat across from them.
> Duke Harel- "Your Majesty, is the news true? An entire branch of the crime syndicate in Zarneth... destroyed in a single night?"
> King Arvedis- "Yes. Dark flames were seen… and then silence, witnesses say."
A noble clenched his fist.
> "This is the third time we've left such matters in his hands."
> Princess Alisa (Firmly)
> "Because no one else was acting. If the Darkness Lord hadn't moved, those slaves would have been sold off and those towns would have rotted further."
Silence.
Another noble recited,
> "But... can we trust him? Is he our savior or a demon in human skin?"
> King Arvedis - "We cannot control him. We cannot track him. And people are starting to whisper his name as salvation..."
> Princess Alisa- "Then let them. If we cannot stop him, we should at least not oppose him."
An advisor shook his head excitedly.
> Lord Vaelin, "Is the Princess suggesting we entrust our kingdom to an unknown?"
> Princess Alisa (Quietly but firmly)-
> "I am suggesting... we should stop pretending he is an enemy out of fear."
After intense discussion, a decision was made.
> "We will not officially endorse him, but we will not condemn him either."
---
**[Scene - Throughout Valerion, Ironwood – Streets & Taverns]**
The name "Shujin, The Darkness Lord" passed over lips like a whispered prayer.
Some called him a demon.
Others… a hero from the shadows.
Children in alleys pretended to cast dark magic. Merchants carved small, hooded dolls with glowing purple eyes. Street artists drew paintings of a masked man standing between demons and humans.
The myth was no longer hiding; it was living.
---
**[Scene - Royal Magic Academy – Assembly Hall]**
Princess Alisa, wearing her academy uniform and student council badge, stood on the central platform as sunlight streamed from the high windows.
> "To all students of the Ironwood Royal Magic Academy—"
Her voice echoed with purpose.
> "The annual Grand Academy Festival begins in two weeks. This time, it will coincide with the national Founding Festival. Guests from across the kingdom are invited."
Excited murmurs echoed through the hall.
> "We are now seeking volunteers for planning, performances, exhibitions, and tournaments. If you wish to help, please inform the student council."
In the crowd, Kuro leaned back in his seat, speaking tersely. Rei sat attentively beside him.
> "A festival, huh…" Kuro recited.
Rei leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
> "Master, this could be the perfect opportunity."
> "For what?"
> "To earn Kuro-sama's smile," she whispered with a slight smile.
> "...Don't tempt fate."
---
**[Scene - Student Council Room – Later That Day]**
Kuro, Rei, and Ryuto stood near Princess Alisa as volunteers. Others were busy with decorations and paperwork.
> Princess Alisa-
> "Thank you for offering to help. I didn't expect you, Kuro-kun."
> Kuro: "Just following the crowd."
> Ryuto (Smiling)
> "I'm counting on you."
Rei smiled secretly at Kuro.
Kuro closed his eyes.
> *"What are you plotting..."*
---
**[Scene - Student Dormitory - That Night]**
Kuro reviewed the list of festival events—duel tournaments, spell showcases, theatrical performances, and cultural exhibitions.
He paused at a note written in familiar handwriting.
"Reserved slot for Kuro-sama - A surprising performance, right?" (Written by Rei)
> "...That girl."
He looked out the window at the moon.
> *"A festival of smiles while shadows gather...?"*
His reflection looked back at him—silver hair, tired eyes.
> *"Can someone like me still smile..."*
---
✦ **To be continued...**