The courtyard of the Floating Academy, normally alive with the bustling chatter of students, fell into a tense, bewildered quiet.
Dozens of students stood frozen near the gates, books in hand, eyes locked on the newcomer in black and gold.
His uniform was unmistakably that of a first-year, yet the aura around him, the beast he had arrived on, and the presence of a royal insignia made absolutely no sense.
"Who… who is that?"
"Is he lost?"
"No… look at the crest on his chest—"
"That's— Wait. His… Highness!?"
The whisper hit the courtyard like a spark in dry grass.
"A prince!?"
"Why is a prince joining now?" It did not make sense for someone to be entering the academy only now.
"Only the imperial family can just… enter whenever they want…"
"What year is he even supposed to be!?"
Sora ignored every voice, gaze drifting lazily over the ancient stone walls and towering spires.
The academy felt even larger up close, more labyrinthine, its shadows stretching like fingers across the courtyard tiles.
A middle-aged scholar with a thin build and a monocle hurried toward him, robes fluttering slightly.
The man stopped three steps before Sora and bowed deeply, so deeply it was almost uncomfortable to watch.
"Your Highness," the man said, voice strained with respect, "we are honoured to welcome you to the Floating Academy."
Sora lifted an eyebrow."Oh? Someone was sent to receive me?"
"Indeed, Your Highness," the man replied quickly. "By the principal's personal request."
Around them, the murmuring grew louder, shock, awe, confusion. A few students were openly staring now, eyes wide, posture stiff.
"The principal himself…?"
"A prince joining our year? This late?"
"What is going on…?"
The scholar straightened, gesturing with a practiced sweep of his arm. "Right this way, Your Highness."
He turned sharply and began walking ahead, his stride brisk. Sora followed, hands slipped casually into his pockets.
Whispers trailed behind them like a wake as they crossed the wide courtyard and entered one of the grand open hallways leading deeper into the academy.
They passed through three wings in silence, each wing its own miniature palace of marble pillars, high-arched ceilings, and walls etched with shifting mana patterns that glowed faintly under passing light.
Only once they were away from the main cluster of students did the scholar finally speak.
"I should introduce myself," he said, glancing back with respectful caution. "I am Gregory. One of the professors here. The principal instructed that I personally receive you upon your arrival."
"Mhm," Sora hummed lightly. "I see."
Gregory relaxed a fraction at the acknowledgement.
They entered a long corridor that curved around one of the academy's colossal towers.
The walls were older here, but intricately carved, bearing the weight of centuries.
The boys' dormitories for Sora's year occupied this entire tower, a towering fortress of dark stone, soaring higher than most palaces.
After climbing two sets of stairs and traversing multiple halls, they entered a spiralling stairwell.
The air smelled faintly of aged stone and oil. Their footsteps echoed softly as they ascended
Halfway up, they passed a group of boys around Sora's age.
They were laughing loudly, shoving each other playfully, until Gregory came into view. Instantly, they straightened and bowed their heads with respectful greetings.
Their eyes darted to Sora, curious, confused, assessing, but none dared ask questions.
Gregory walked on without comment. Only when the boys were long out of earshot did he speak again.
"Please forgive your peers, Your Highness," he said, tone apologetic. "They are unaware of your esteemed lineage. I did not know if you wished for your identity to be openly stated, so I chose discretion."
Sora shrugged lightly. "It's fine."
Not like it mattered. People would find out soon enough.
Finally, after passing what must have been dozens of doors, Gregory stopped before a dark wooden one near the outer curve of the tower.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a silver key, and unlocked it.
He stepped inside first.
"Here we are, Your Highness."
Sora walked in, and stopped.
The room was… unexpectedly lavish.
A fragrant scent drifted in the air.
The lounge was spacious, furnished elegantly with polished wood and soft-colored fabrics. A low table sat at the centre, surrounded by comfortable couches.
A balcony stretched across the far wall, revealing a breathtaking view of the floating gardens and distant spires. A fireplace rested to one side, crackling faintly.
"This is the lounge," Gregory said, his voice tinged with pride. "If you would follow me—"
They moved through a door on the left.
The bedroom was equally impressive, cozy yet refined. A large bed, shelves built into the walls, closets crafted from smooth darkwood, and a broad desk with an open window beside it, letting a soft current of fresh air sweep in.
Another door led to what was likely a personal bath.
"This is the bedroom," Gregory confirmed. "Next is the kitchen."
They returned to the lounge and entered a door on the right, a modest but functional kitchen.
"While meals are served in the dining hall," Gregory said carefully, "the principal has stated that, should Your Highness prefer, one of the academy chefs may be assigned to prepare your meals privately each day."
Sora gave a slow nod. He was almost certain this level of treatment was not standard for students.
Still… he couldn't deny it.
He was impressed.
Everything was spacious, quiet, private, more than suitable. More than he expected.
Gregory cleared his throat gently. "Is everything to Your Highness' liking?"
Sora scanned the room one last time, then nodded once. "This will do."
The professor exhaled, relieved. Then he straightened again, adopting a more formal posture.
"The principal has requested to see you once you have settled."
Sora didn't even think about it. "I can see him now."
Gregory blinked. "A-Are you certain? He said you may take your time."
"Yes," Sora replied calmly. "Let's go. Better to get it over with."
Gregory bowed deeply. "As you wish, Your Highness."
And together, they stepped back into the spiralling tower corridor, heading toward the heart of the academy.