Warm Eyes | Hyunchan ✅

XIII [Collision]

Hyunjin's days had returned to normal, and he could again focus on his work. Even though he occasionally skipped meals, his regimen remained consistent. That was until he received a letter from the mage tower ordering him to return immediately for an unknown reason. He returned to the mage tower the next day, much to his surprise, and once inside, rumors spread that he had failed his self-expedition and now had to return. It was because no student was supposed to return to the mage tower during their expedition time. Hyunjin immediately encountered Master Gilbert, who appeared to be available at the tower. Master Glibert took a close look at a Hyunjin he hadn't seen in years.

"Well, you have grown up to be a fine man." Master Glibert complimented as Hyunjin just nodded. "You were called here for an emergency." He added.

"Yes, Master." Hyunjin replied.

"Samuel de Croix, you have graduated. You don't have to go back to the expedition again." Hyunjin stayed mute since he couldn't understand what Master Gilbert was saying. He hadn't even finished the major conflict after barely two months.

"We were notified about your assistance at the last two wars so there's so no need for you to continue anymore. You're good enough to graduate now." Master Glibert said again.

".....I don't understand, I was chosen by the tower to assist at the war, what do you mean you were notified?" Hyunjin asked.

"That's not what you should think about right now." Master Glibert said. "We got a recommendation letter, Samuel." He added.

"What? Is it my father?" Hyunjin asked.

"No, it seems to be the house of Beauvarlet. The young duke recommended you for the court. We can't have you around here anymore."

"Really? Since when did the court start to listen to what a duke to be has to say?" Hyunjin scoffed.

"Watch your tone, Samuel, he's the heir of Beauvarlet."

"And what if I decline?" Hyunjin asked.

"Why would you do that? Do you see what a great opportunity this is? New graduates barely get any chances to enter the court where you're getting recommended. This is like getting the sweet to be fed to you." While Hyunjin remained silent, Master Glibert explained. Years of aspirations and dreams were dashed in an instant by a house more essential to the monarchy. He was upset and frustrated, but he realized he had no choice because he was now bound to the court. He had no influence without the house name, and he had already given up on that. He wanted to flee the country, but lacked the necessary funds.

While Julian was out from work, the news of his graduation and recommendation was quickly announced to the school, and only Heliot congratulated Hyunjin. The rest of the students assumed that because Hyunjin was from de Croix, he could easily acquire a recommendation letter and graduate early, so they despised him even more because he seemed to have taken the position of someone more deserving. Hyunjin was quickly escorted to the royal palace, where the main court was held. As he stepped outside the carriage, he looked about to familiarize himself with the surroundings because this was where he had to reside for the time being. He sighed as he followed the guard to the conference room, but to his surprise, he ran into Elyot at the entrance. He approached Hyunjin with a smile, but when he saw Elyot's expression, he was filled with wrath.

"Took you time to arrive, I've been waiting for hours." Elyot said excitedly as Hyunjin remained silent. "Are you not coming inside?" He asked as the younger seemed to have gone silent.

"...... Don't show me your face again. Please....do me a favour." Hyunjin spoke softly as he passed Elyot, whose smile had faded. That was Hyunjin's final conversation with Elyot; he refused to meet the elder and avoided him at all costs. He also prevented the main guard from informing Elyot about Hyunjin's whereabouts. He didn't have to do much as a combat mage on a daily basis. His work consisted solely of training royal knights, with the remainder of his time spent at the library.