The Smiling Death

Chapter 448: Back To Academy

The next morning arrived quietly.

Soft sunlight poured through the tall windows of the Luminous Palace, illuminating the luxurious halls with a warm golden glow. Servants moved around calmly while preparing things for the day.

Today was the day Amon, Selena, and Seraphina would finally return to the Academy.

Outside the palace entrance, several servants stood near the large carriage area while preparations for teleportation travel had already been completed.

A cool winter breeze passed through the courtyard.

Amon stood beside Selena and Seraphina while stretching his body lightly.

He wore a black coat over a white shirt along with comfortable trousers and boots. His messy black hair moved slightly in the wind while his black eyes carried excitement.

Meanwhile, Selena stood beside him wearing a crimson winter coat over black clothing. Her long silver hair was tied into a single elegant braid resting over her shoulder, making her look mature yet beautiful.

Beside her stood Seraphina.

Today, her golden-blonde hair was left loose again, flowing beautifully down her back beneath the sunlight. She wore a white coat over a cream-colored outfit with dark leggings and boots.

Even the palace servants occasionally stole glances toward the two women.

They were simply too eye-catching.

Near them stood Duke Bertram along with Lucia and Alistair. Bertram folded his arms while staring directly at Seraphina with an unhappy expression.

"You didn’t need to leave this early, Sera."

His voice carried clear dissatisfaction.

And while speaking, his golden eyes constantly shifted toward Amon with suspicion.

Meanwhile, Amon acted completely innocent as if he understood absolutely nothing.

He even looked away while whistling softly.

Bertram’s eye twitched slightly.

Seraphina, however, remained calm. "I already decided, Father."

Her voice remained gentle yet firm. "I will return early."

Bertram sighed deeply. Clearly, his daughter had no intention of changing her mind.

Meanwhile, Alistair stepped forward with a faint smile.

The handsome young-looking old man wore a long dark coat today while his golden eyes calmly observed the three youngsters before him.

"All three of you," he spoke warmly, "work hard and train every day, alright?"

His expression became slightly serious afterward.

"And take care of yourselves."

Amon immediately nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, Sir Alistair!"

Selena also nodded lightly.

"We will."

Seraphina smiled softly. "Yes, Grandpa."

Then Lucia stepped closer toward her daughter.

The beautiful woman wore a long violet dress beneath a white winter coat while her silver-blonde hair rested elegantly behind her back.

Without hesitation, she gently hugged Seraphina.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" Lucia said softly while stroking her daughter’s hair. "And don’t forget to call me sometimes."

Seraphina quietly hugged her back.

"I will."

A faint warmth appeared in her golden eyes.

Meanwhile...

Amon stood beside them while waiting eagerly.

Over the past week, he had gotten surprisingly close to Lucia as well.

Lucia noticed the hopeful look in his eyes.

A small amused smile appeared on her beautiful face.

After spending time with him, she could perfectly understand why Seraphina and Selena had grown close to him.

At first glance, Amon simply looked far too innocent.

Though in reality...That boy was definitely not innocent at all. But she didn’t know that.

So Lucia found him extremely lovable.

Chuckling softly, she opened her arms slightly toward him.

The moment Amon noticed that, his eyes sparkled.

He immediately moved closer.

Lucia gently hugged him as well.

Amon froze slightly in surprise before hugging her back naturally. His face rested lightly against her shoulder.

Strangely...

He didn’t feel embarrassed. Instead, he only felt warmth. The warmth of a mother. Which reminded him of his late mother.

Lucia smiled gently while patting his back lightly.

"Take care of yourself too, Amon."

Her voice became softer afterward.

"When you were staying here... it honestly felt like I gained a cute son."

Amon blinked in surprise.

Then he laughed happily. "Hehe~ I am really happy to hear that."

His grin widened. "I will definitely come back during summer holidays."

Lucia chuckled warmly.

"I’ll look forward to it."

Meanwhile...

Bertram stood nearby glaring absolute daggers at Amon.

His expression practically screamed, ’Remove your hands from my wife immediately.’

Finally, he spoke with narrowed eyes. "Don’t do anything funny with my daughter."

Then he looked toward Selena. "And Selena... take care of them."

Selena crossed her arms confidently. "Hah. Leave it to me."

Amon looked wronged immediately. "Why are you saying it like I am some criminal?!"

Bertram simply ignored him completely. Seeing that reaction, Selena and Seraphina quietly smiled.

Soon afterward, the trio finally prepared to leave.

After saying their final goodbyes they went to teleportation gate station, they stepped toward the teleportation formation prepared for them.

Bright light soon covered their figures.

And moments later.

—

"Finally back to Elarith City!!"

Amon’s excited voice echoed loudly the moment he stepped out of the teleportation gate.

Selena and Seraphina followed behind him calmly.

The familiar sight of Elarith City spread before them once more.

The bustling capital remained just as lively as ever.

People walked through the streets while merchants advertised loudly nearby. Mana vehicles occasionally passed through the roads while students from Arcadia Academy could already be seen returning to the city.

Amon looked around excitedly.

"Ahh... this place feels nostalgic already."

Selena looked at him strangely.

"You were gone for seven months."

"Those seven months were enough for me to suffer greatly."

Seraphina chuckled softly hearing him complain. But she knew he really and suffered.

The trio soon began walking through the city together.

Before long, the grand Arcadia Academy finally came into view.

The massive ivory-marble buildings stood proudly beneath the bright sky while huge magical barriers surrounded the academy grounds.

Students could already be seen entering and leaving through the gates.

Amon stopped walking for a moment.

His black eyes reflected the familiar academy.

Then slowly...

A smile appeared on his face.

"Yes..." he muttered softly.

"I am finally back at the Academy."

A strange feeling filled his chest. This place had once felt unfamiliar to him. But now...It genuinely felt like home.

Beside him, Selena and Seraphina quietly watched his expression before smiling softly themselves.

Then the three finally entered the Academy together.

However, only a few minutes later...

Amon found himself standing inside a very familiar office.

The Headmistress Office.

Amon sat awkwardly on the sofa while Selena and Seraphina stood nearby.

Across from them sat the headmistress herself.

The beautiful older woman adjusted her transparent glasses calmly while looking toward Amon.

Her long white hair rested elegantly over her shoulders while her mature beauty remained overwhelming as always.

A gentle smile appeared on her lips.

"Welcome back, Amon."