The Academy was thrown into turmoil due to Louis’s true identity. Aer, who had hidden her identity as a Healer, was also mentioned.

“Headmaster, he’s clearly a Transcendent. I witnessed it with my own eyes. He controlled magical beasts and even manipulated the minds of Awakened ones!”

Professor Javier vehemently protested the headmaster’s suggestion to expel Louis.

“Why should we expel such a valuable talent from our Academy? Moreover, there’s historical evidence that Transcendents can end wars.”

The Basium Empire had long been a place of endless wars. Not only wars with magical beasts but also confrontations with neighboring countries. That’s why the Academy taught not only Awakened ones and Healers but also ordinary people how to deal with magical beasts.

Jose de Javier didn’t want to accept the headmaster’s words.

“I understand what you’re trying to say. But we can’t interfere with imperial affairs. Besides, His Majesty the Emperor has ordered us to send the prince back.”

“I’ll personally seek an audience with His Majesty the Emperor to explain Louis’s qualities.”

“Tsk, I may have personally appointed you as a professor, but at times like this, it’s frustrating.”

The Academy’s headmaster looked sadly at Jose, who focused solely on magical beasts and students.

“Although our Academy is less controlled by the imperial family thanks to the first Emperor’s authority, we are still His Majesty’s subjects. Do you think you’re in a position to refuse His Majesty’s will?”

When the usually gentle headmaster asked with a cold expression, Jose could no longer speak.

“It’s such a waste. Such a waste. He almost destroyed his body because he couldn’t control his ability. So what does it mean to summon the prince, I mean His Highness, to the imperial palace?”

Jose wasn’t ignorant of the political situation. The prince of the abandoned palace, whom no one knew or was only famous in rumors, might be a Transcendent. In other words, it meant that the current Crown Prince’s position might be shaken.

There was one absolute rule that had been passed down in the imperial family for generations. If a Transcendent is born, that Transcendent becomes the next Emperor without exception. As it could overturn even the position of the firstborn, naturally, the current Empress wouldn’t sit idle.

“Honestly, I don’t think His Majesty the Emperor is calling for His Highness the Prince.”

“Enough! Why are you trying to get involved in politics? Haven’t I repeatedly told you that we must not even breathe a word about politics if we want to keep our positions!”

There was only one reason why the Academy, established by the will of the first Emperor, had been able to maintain its legacy firmly until now. They are only in charge of education. If they were to instill wrong ideas in students, the Academy’s existence could be in danger.

“……”

At the headmaster’s words, Jose said no more. Instead, he stood up.

“I understand your intentions, Headmaster. But until he leaves, he’s still my student, so I hope you won’t try to prevent that.”

“I’ve already told them to treat his wounds first before sending him immediately, so do as you see fit.”

“…You should have said so earlier.”

“You need to curb that fiery temper of yours!”

“Haha, I have the nature of wind, you know.”

“I’m not talking about your Awakened nature! I mean your personality! Your personality!”

Jose left the headmaster’s office with a hearty laugh. Time was short. He intended to tell Louis everything he knew about Transcendents. His footsteps headed towards the intensive care unit.

***  

Aer, gradually regaining consciousness, let out a groan.

“Mmm……”

“Aer, are you coming to?”

At Kai’s question, she opened her eyes wide.

“…Where is this?”

“The infirmary.”

“…Why?”

“Don’t you remember?”

“……”

Feeling frustrated by Kai’s brief responses, Aer tried to get up from the bed.

“Why are you getting up? You need to rest a bit more. Wait a moment, I’ll bring the nurse.”

After confirming that only Kai was around, Aer grabbed his jacket as he was about to get up. Secretly pleased by this, Kai was about to say something when she asked first.

“Where’s Louis?”

“…Is that the first thing you ask when you regain consciousness?”

“I’m asking what happened to Louis!”

Aer recalled the image of Louis she had seen before fainting. The blood that flowed endlessly was an abnormal amount.

As such, it was strange and ominous that Louis wasn’t here.

“Is… is he really okay?”

The fact that he had hidden being an Awakened one was no longer important. At least not at this moment.

“Kai… Where is Louis?”

“…He’s in the intensive care unit. So don’t make that face.”

Kai sighed and laid Aer back down as he continued speaking.

“First, worry about your own body. Awakened ones can recover from almost anything as long as they’re still breathing.”

Then he left the infirmary before Aer could say anything more. He returned shortly after with the nurse.

“You’ve regained consciousness. Do you feel dizzy or nauseous?”

“…No.”

“That’s good. It seems you simply fainted from shock. I recommend getting plenty of rest to replenish your energy for the time being.”

“…Yes, I understand.”

The nurse, flipping through the chart, asked Aer:

“When did you manifest as a Healer? Looking at the records from when you entered the Academy, it seems you were clearly an ordinary person…”

Aer sighed briefly and then honestly confessed.

“I manifested during the summer break.”

“Then why didn’t you inform the Academy?”

“Honestly, I couldn’t believe it myself.”

“…Hmm, well, manifestation at seventeen isn’t a common case.”

“I didn’t know much about it. Having lived as an ordinary person all my life, how could I know? I’m not an Awakened one, and Healers don’t have obvious abilities.”

“Hmm… I can fully sympathize with your situation. However, now that your Healer status has been revealed, we need to test your grade and nature. Also, we need to inform your family, so please keep that in mind.”

At the mention of informing her family, Aer let out a short sigh. She didn’t think her family would take any particular action even if they were informed, but she couldn’t openly discuss her shortcomings either.

“To test your grade and nature, we need to draw some blood first… but it would be better to recover your strength first. Ah, would it be alright to check your mark now?”

At the nurse’s words, Aer quietly looked at Kai.

“Hm? Wouldn’t it be okay for Kai to step out now?”

“…Aer, can you return to the dormitory alone? I’ll take you there.”

“Thanks, but I’ll pass.”

“Come on, what’s the big deal between friends? I’ll wait outside, so take your time talking and come out when you’re done.”

Kai rejected Aer’s refusal outright and went outside. Worried about Louis, Aer unbuttoned a few buttons of her shirt without delay.

“So the mark appeared there. But…”

The nurse muttered while examining the mark closely.

“This is a shape I’ve never seen before.”

After sketching Aer’s mark on the chart, the nurse tilted her head. It was an unfamiliar shape.

“Then, may I leave now?”

“Yes, for now, get plenty of rest, and let’s do the blood draw in a week.”

“Yes, thank you.”

As Aer was about to leave, she asked the nurse in a small voice.

“Do you know which treatment room Louis is in?”

“…I’m sorry, but that’s not within my authority. As you know, I’m just a nurse.”

“…I see. Thank you.”

Aer wanted to meet Louis as soon as possible. Although she felt betrayed, she also thought there must be a reason behind his actions. As this thought occurred to her, she became worried. Was he really okay?

As Aer came out of the infirmary, Kai, who had been waiting while leaning against the wall, quickly straightened up.

“Aer, can you walk alone? Should I support you?”

It was a friendly offer, but Aer found it strangely unpleasant.

“…Ah, I’m fine now. Thanks.”

“You don’t know because you can’t see yourself, but your face is still pale. Don’t be stubborn and take my hand. I’ll take you to the dormitory.”

“…No, I’m fine.”

“Come on, don’t feel burdened. Between you and me…”

Aer couldn’t understand why Kai was being so persistent. She couldn’t brush him off, and she wanted to check on Louis quickly, so she was gradually becoming irritated.

Aer ignored Kai’s outstretched hand and walked past him. As she tried to go directly to the treatment room, Kai grabbed her wrist.

“Aer, let’s go back to the dormitory.”

“Why are you doing this?”

She couldn’t understand at all. They weren’t even that close, were they?

As Aer glared at Kai with an angry expression, someone grabbed Kai’s arm and pulled it away.

“Ha, you again?”

Despite Kai’s voice full of displeasure, Ian spoke with an unchanged expression.

“You should know when to stop when a lady dislikes it.”

“What? Ha!”

“Miss Aer, I know you’re curious about Louis, but you won’t be able to see him now.”

“…Why not?”

“He’s currently receiving intensive treatment. Two Awakened ones with healing abilities have gone in. So…”

Ian was still confused in his mind. But he wanted to confirm it. That dizzying sensation he had felt then.

Ian carefully extended his hand to Aer. His fingertips seemed to tremble slightly. He desperately hoped, though he didn’t realize it himself, that she would take his hand instead of Kai’s.