The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the academy's winding pathways as Cedric sat on a stone bench beneath an ancient oak tree. His spear rested beside him, its polished surface glinting in the golden light, while his fingers absentmindedly traced the hilt of his sword.
His mind was still occupied by the recent events—the Black Owls, the assassins, the looming threat. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of quiet.
That was when he saw Princess Diana walking down the path.
The Princess's Predicament
Diana, the third princess of the Alkazar Empire, moved with effortless grace, her silver-blue dress shimmering under the sunlight. Her long, platinum hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her sharp violet eyes held a quiet intelligence.
But today, her usual composed demeanor was strained. Behind her, Ivo de Lara, the son of the empire's most influential military general, followed like a persistent shadow.
"Princess Diana, must you always be so distant?" Ivo's voice was smooth, but there was an edge to it—a demand disguised as charm.
Diana's lips pressed into a thin line. "Ivo, I have told you before. I have no interest in accompanying you."
"Come now, we grew up together. Surely you can spare me a moment?" His smile was practiced, but his eyes were cold.
Diana's gaze flickered around, searching for an escape—until she spotted Cedric.
Their eyes met for the briefest second.
And then, without hesitation, she walked straight toward him and sat down beside him on the bench.
Cedric blinked.
Well. This just got interesting.
Ivo's Wrath Ignites
Ivo's polished composure cracked. His face twisted in disbelief before settling into barely restrained fury.
"You…" His voice was a venomous whisper. "You would rather sit with him than me?"
Cedric raised an eyebrow. Him?
Diana didn't even glance at Ivo. Instead, she turned to Cedric with a small, knowing smile. "Lord Cedric, I hope I'm not interrupting?"
Cedric almost laughed. Lord Cedric? She was playing a game, and she had just dragged him into it.
Fine. If she wants a performance, I'll give her one.
He leaned back, crossing his arms. "Not at all, Your Highness. I was just enjoying the afternoon."
Ivo's knuckles turned white.
The Noble's Rage
"You insolent commoner!" Ivo spat. "Do you have any idea who you're speaking to? That's the princess of the empire! And you—you're nothing but an orphan playing at nobility!"
Cedric's smirk didn't waver. "Funny. I don't recall introducing myself. You must have been keeping tabs on me."
Ivo's face darkened. "You—!"
Diana sighed. "Ivo, must you always be so dramatic?"
"Dramatic?!" Ivo's voice rose. "You humiliate me by associating with this gutter-born—"
Cedric's patience snapped.
The Aura of Suppression
Slowly, Cedric stood. His movements were deliberate, his expression calm—but the air around him shifted.
A visible wave of dark energy rippled from him, his dark core pulsing with restrained power. The shadows at his feet writhed, and the temperature dropped sharply.
Ivo's breath hitched.
"You talk too much," Cedric said, his voice low. "The princess has made her choice clear. Leave."
For a moment, Ivo looked like he might lunge forward—but then his instincts screamed at him.
This wasn't just some commoner.
This was someone who had faced assassins, fought monsters, and walked away unscathed.
Ivo took a step back, his pride warring with his survival instinct.
"Tch. This isn't over," he hissed. "You'll regret this, Leonheart's stray dog."
With that, he turned on his heel and stormed off, his expensive cloak billowing behind him.
The Aftermath – A Princess's Gratitude
Silence settled between Cedric and Diana.
Then, Diana exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you."
Cedric shrugged. "I didn't do anything."
"You did more than you realize," she said softly. "Ivo has been… persistent. And my status makes it difficult to outright refuse him without political consequences."
Cedric glanced at her. "So you used me as a shield?"
Diana's lips curved into a faint, amused smile. "Consider it Debt . and just how you helped me i will also help you"
Cedric snorted. "Fair enough."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Diana spoke again.
"Be careful, Cedric. Ivo is petty, and his father holds considerable influence. He won't let this slide."
Cedric smirked. "Let him try."
Diana shook her head, but there was something almost admiring in her gaze. "You really don't fear anything, do you?"
"I fear plenty of things," Cedric said, his tone lighter than he felt. "But spoiled nobles aren't one of them."
Diana laughed—a rare, genuine sound. "I'll remember that."
As she stood to leave, she paused. "If you ever need a favor… consider me in your debt."
And with that, the princess walked away, leaving Cedric to his thoughts—and the growing certainty that he had just made a powerful enemy.