Back then, I naïvely believed I could truly change the country. Even though it was an impossible dream, it was still one of the main reasons I worked with such determination.
FOUR YEARS LATER
Cias (Me): "Mom, I'm heading to the Phoenix entrance exam."
Kurimi (My Mother): "Be careful, and don't harm anyone."
Cias: "I'm sure I'll pass it, Mom."
Kurimi: "I believe you… but still, avoid getting involved in dangerous matters. Before you leave, there's something I need to give you."
Cias: "Dangerous matters? And what exactly are you giving me?"
She went down to the basement and returned with a half-mask that only covered the eyes. As she handed it to me, she said:
"This was the mask your father wore at the ball where we first met. It's the most precious thing he left behind… and now, I want you to have it. If you wear this during the exam, he'll be with you whenever you struggle."
After putting on the mask, I headed toward the exam grounds. When I finally arrived, a massive crowd had already gathered. People noticed me instantly and quietly stepped away; my reputation as an 'ill omen' always preceded me. While I stood there, two people approached—one from the Red Palace and one from the Blue Palace.
Note:Since the founding of the nation, political and military power has been divided into five major palaces. This system was designed to weaken central authority deliberately and prevent any single palace from gaining complete control. The hierarchy is as follows:
Royal Palace
Red Palace
Orange Palace
Blue Palace
The remaining palace is entirely different from the others: the White Palace. Its power equals the combined strength of the other four palaces. This arrangement exists so that if the Royal Palace ever strays and takes the other three with it, the White Palace can stand against them.
Sara, the first ruler and founder of the kingdom, granted the White Palace and its bloodline a special power—a seal that prevents them from falling into corruption. Unlike the other palaces, the White Palace cannot accept anyone who doesn't possess their unique bloodline.
For example:The Red Palace (RP) can welcome anyone into its palace or family, even without a blood connection. Every palace except the White Palace can do this. This prevents the White Palace from becoming excessively powerful, while ensuring that everyone within it carries noble blood and Sara's seal.
The boy from the Blue Palace stood slightly behind, while the one from the Red Palace acted like their leader.
Kwon (RP): "How dare you show up here? Do you really think you can pass this exam, Demon Child?"
Kong (BP): "Exactly! They should ban people like you from entering this academy. Only noble families deserve to take the exam!"
Cias: "There's a duel phase in the exam. Instead of talking, let your actions speak there."