Scarlate's heart suddenly began to beat faster after hearing her words.
"W-Why do you think that?" Scarlate asked, trying to stay calm.
The girl looked at him carefully and smiled.
"Because… you look very handsome."
Hearing that, Scarlate secretly let out a breath of relief.
So she didn't notice anything strange… he thought.
To avoid suspicion, Scarlate quickly made up a story.
"Actually… I've been an orphan since childhood," he said softly. "So I don't really know whether my parents were nobles or commoners."
He then asked curiously, "But why do you think they might have been nobles?"
The girl replied honestly,
"Well… your skin is very smooth, and your eyes are blue. And your clothes also look very expensive, like something a noble would wear."
Hearing that, Scarlate's mind froze for a moment.
Ah… I made a mistake.
I should have worn cheaper clothes.
Trying to act natural, Scarlate smiled lightly.
"Well… today is my first day at the Magic Academy. That's why I wore my best clothes."
The girl's eyes widened slightly.
"Ohh! So today is your first day at the academy?"
Scarlate nodded.
"By the way," the girl said cheerfully, "my name is Ciel. I'm a third-year student at the Magic Academy. If you ever need help, feel free to ask me."
Then she looked at him curiously.
"So… what's your name?"
For a moment, Scarlate hesitated. He couldn't reveal his real identity.
"My name is… Kiel," he replied calmly.
Ciel smiled warmly.
"Your name suits you."
Scarlate looked confused. "What do you mean?"
Ciel giggled softly.
"I mean… you're handsome, just like your name."
Scarlate scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Oh… I see."
After that, they continued walking toward the Magic Academy together.
After some time, Ciel had to leave for her own work, so she waved goodbye and got off along the way.
And just like that…
Scarlate's real journey began.
A journey filled with unknown adventures.
But before he could even reach the academy…
A sudden trouble appeared right in front of him.