Silence befell the academy gates.
For a brief second everything went still with a tension so palpable it seemed like hell would break loose at any given moment and it did.
The silence was broken by the stifled laughter of Tyrisa d'el Nyx, her hands clasped her mouth but her eyes were wide with surprise.
Si-eun had not only insulted the Prince, he had dragged the Empress alongside as well.
Kyle's patience hit its limit, his hand reaching for the collar of Si-eun's tunic as he grabbed him drawing him close till he was face to face with the red haired Astavore.
"You've grown some balls since the last time we met haven't you? First lying to the king and now insulting not only me but my mother, I shall have your head for this." He threatened, but Si-eun barely spared him a glance.
He clicked his tongue then sighed.
"What happened to you Kyle? Did his majesty the emperor whip your ass, you've gotten soft since the last time we met, I thought your fist would be halfway across my face by now."
Kyle's gaze burned with fury, his jaw tightened while his knuckles lost color.
His teeth gnashed together in barely restrained rage.
"If that is what you desire then I shall —"
"Your majesty," a voice called, interrupting his outburst. "He's baiting you, do not fall for his provocations."
"Shut up, Valenis." Kyle snapped, his gaze still focused on Si-eun.
A black haired girl approached the Prince, her steps were calm, not rushed but still at a noticeable pace.
Her appearance seemed ordinary at a glance but a flicker of recognition appeared briefly on Si-eun's face.
'Valenis Du Ritcher' He mused. 'The final boss of Act one.'
A cunning vixen who disguised herself and used the Ritchers influence to become an assistant to the fourth Prince.
It was well known that amongst his siblings he was more unrestrained, where the most of them were calm and observant, he was wild and impulsive.
The only reason the others hasn't been able to take him out was because of Valenis.
And the only reason she stuck with him was because he was the only one foolish enough to be controlled.
To everyone she was merely an unassuming plain looking assistant, one unfortunate enough to serve the mad Prince.
But Si-eun knew better, Valenis was a beast folk, the result of Marquis Ritcher forcing himself on a beast folk of the fox tribe.
As an illegitimate child naturally she had no place in the Ritchers'Household, well at least she didn't until she began showing her worth.
Being a half breed of the fox tribe, had granted her their traits as well. She was undoubtedly cunning, with her influence the Marquis household began to prosper, it didn't take long until they became the most influential Merchants in the Verandis empire.
Her cunning mind alone was a powerful asset her father Marquis Dovan Du Ritcher wasn't afraid to exploit.
Power was sweet, but once tasted it was difficult to let go.
When the business had reached its crescendo, she'd given the Marquis an option to either grant her requests or watch his business fall, naturally he'd chosen the former.
With her father's influence, she was able to secure a spot as the fourth Prince's assistant… although there was a hidden purpose behind her act.
The destruction of the kingdom.
Si-eun eyes narrowed, then his lips curled into a mocking grin.
"I wonder, with such a capable assistant how are you still making foolish decisions."
Murmurs quickly filled the surroundings as more people gathered yet no one intervened.
Leona merely glanced at the scene before losing interest.
She returned her attention to Karina, her assigned maid who trailed behind Leona with her luggage.
Tyrisa on the other hand watched the scene with quiet interest, she had no desire to intervene, in the first place she'd been on her way when the fourth prince of the Verandis kingdom decided to stir up trouble.
Her assistant had gone ahead to book a residence for both of them to reside until the exams ended so she was left alone, yet her peaceful time had been interrupted by none other than Kyle himself
"That's enough." A guttural voice called out.
The crowd parted slightly just enough for a figure in a military attire to pass through.
The newcomer exuded an air of authority and Si-eun instantly recognized him.
A teacher of the Nexus academy, infamous for being a battle hardened mercenary during his time as a youth.
A deep scar marred his face, running across his olive skin, his eyes lingered on the Prince and Si-eun for a brief second before he spoke.
"Refrain from conflict until the exams end, any more and you'll be sent back to your respective abode."
From the way he spoke it was clear that this man didn't regard nobility but to some extent he had to retain a semblance of respect in his tone, although it did nothing to stop the venom from seeping into his words.
"Professor Caesar Cashmir." Si-eun greeted formally, though there was a subtle tone of respect to it.
It baffled Lily a bit, after all, the young master she knew barely showed respect to anyone.
Caesar's brows rose in slight surprise but he was quick to return the stoic expression of a cold teacher.
"If you're done here, then be on your way the academy gates closes at three." He said, then left.
Kyle cursed before releasing his grip on Si-eun.
He turned to leave as well but not before glaring at Si-eun.
"This isn't over, Astavore."
Si-eun shrugged.
"Whatever."
As the people left slowly, Si-eun noticed a white haired girl who stood like she was waiting for someone.
He closed the distance between them causing her attention to fall on him.
"What a pleasant encounter, it's a pleasure meeting you once again princess Tyrisa." He said, planting a kiss on her hand which caused the princess to flinch.
"What are you doing." She asked with a scowl.
"Well I couldn't possibly pass through without stopping to pay my respects now can I princess?"
"Your respect was not needed clown."
At her words his lips curled into a faint smile.
"You wound me your highness, it wouldn't speak well of a gentleman to do so."
"And you presume yourself to be one?" She asked with a raised brow.
"In my defense, yes I am indeed a gentleman."
"Get lost."
"Oh? But we're heading the same way, you wouldn't mind a bit of company would you?"
"I'd rather sleep out the gates than waltz in with a troublemaker."
Si-eun could only laugh at her words but he didn't push further, after all, his mind was preoccupied with other things.
Or more specifically.
Valenis.
There was still a bit of time left but he needed to prepare sufficiently, or rather he needed to prepare the protagonist for the hell which was to come.
After all he hadn't aggro-ed the Prince for no reason.
Si-eun had risked the Prince ire because he wanted to divert Kyle's hatred and attention towards himself, at least until the protagonist, Elias Jerome Evangelion had awakened the sun god's blessing.
Even Valenis would have no choice but to direct her attention on him for the time being, although it wouldn't take her long to figure out his true motive but that much was fine.
He just needed Kyle focused on him and not Elias.
"Lily." He called, leaving Tyrisa to herself while he approached the gates of the academy.
Lily followed behind closely but maintained her silence despite having a thing or two she wanted to ask.
As they walked past the gate, Si-eun headed for a particular street. Since the academy was easily the size of a small town, everything the student would ever need was provided within its walls.
His hands reached for the pouch of coins he'd looted from the corpses of the assassins he murdered.
A tired sigh escaped his lips as he stared at a particular building.
"I guess, getting a decent place to rest wouldn't seem so bad."