The bell marking the end of morning classes echoed faintly through the academy corridors as Noel made his way toward the director's office. His steps were slow, steady — not hesitant, just resigned. Noir walked beside him for once instead of in his shadow, tail flicking restlessly.

'You look like you're walking to your execution,' she muttered.

"I'm walking to Daemar," Noel whispered back. "Same thing."

When they reached the office, the polished wooden door was slightly ajar. Noel knocked once.

"Enter," Daemar's calm voice answered.

Noel pushed the door open. Daemar sat behind his desk, stacks of papers to one side, a cup of steaming tea to the other. The violet-eyed director looked up, brow lifting the moment he saw Noel's expression.

"That is not your usual face," Daemar said, setting his quill down. "So. Something's happened."

Noel stepped in, closing the door behind him. Noir hopped onto a chair, sitting upright like she was part of the meeting.

"Director," Noel began, "I need to request… a leave."

Daemar blinked once. Then again, slower.

"A leave," he repeated, leaning back in his chair. "From the academy. During the opening month of the semester."

"Yeah," Noel said. "Approximately one month."

Daemar didn't say anything at first. He simply studied Noel — the tension in his shoulders, the seriousness in his tone, the faint urgency he was trying to hide.

Finally, the director folded his hands.

"Sit," he said. "And explain."

Noel sat.

Noir's voice nudged the back of his mind: 'Here we go…'

Noel inhaled.

"It's about the Holy Capital," he said. "And about Charlotte."

Daemar's eyes sharpened instantly.

"…I'm listening."

Noel sat straighter as Daemar's gaze fixed on him — sharp, patient, and impossible to dodge. The kind of stare that meant don't even think about lying to me.

He rubbed his palms together once before speaking.

"Charlotte received a summons," he said. "From Orthran himself."

Daemar's expression didn't change, but something tightened in the air — the subtle shift of a man who understood the gravity instantly.

"The Pope," Daemar murmured. "And what does he want from the Saint?"

Noel took a slow breath.

"Because Charlotte sent him a letter."

Daemar's brows lowered slightly. "A letter?"

"Yeah," Noel continued. "After the whole incident in Thorne territory — the attacks, the revelations, everything she witnessed — she reported it directly to Orthran. And… he's not the type to ignore something like that."

Daemar leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable but tense.

"I see." He paused. "And I was unaware she had written to him."

"Not your fault," Noel said. "She only told us recently. And… there's something else."

Daemar lifted his chin slightly, waiting.

"Charlotte isn't just the Saint," Noel said quietly. "Orthran is her adoptive grandfather. He practically raised her in the Holy Capital before she came to the academy."

A flicker of understanding crossed Daemar's face — surprise mixed with a new layer of seriousness.

"That," he murmured, "is information with… very significant implications."

"Yeah." Noel nodded. "After what happened in the Thorne estate, it makes sense he'd want her to return in person. To hear everything directly, from her. And to see if she's safe and not hurt."

"And you," Daemar said, eyes narrowing, "want a month-long leave because you intend to accompany her."

Noel didn't deny it. "Yeah. She shouldn't go alone. And after everything that happened? Orthran will want to question anyone involved."

Daemar considered that — slowly, thoughtfully.

"And that is the purpose of this request?"

"…Part of it," Noel admitted.

Daemar's gaze sharpened. "The other part?"

Noel drew a slow breath, choosing his words carefully — not lying, but not revealing what he could never explain.

"It's Charlotte," he said quietly. "You know how important she is… as the Saint. Especially now."

Daemar's expression shifted — not surprised, but attentive.

"Go on."

"Even if this month has been quiet," Noel continued, "we both know peace never lasts. And after what happened in Thorne territory…" He shook his head. "There's no telling what might come next. If Orthran wants to see her personally, then she can't go alone."

Daemar folded his hands in front of him, analyzing every word.

"So you believe accompanying her is necessary."

"Yes," Noel said without hesitation. "To protect her — and to make sure nothing catches her off guard. She's more vital than anyone realizes."

Daemar remained silent for several seconds, his violet eyes locked onto Noel with the weight of a man who measured futures, not words.

Finally, he exhaled slowly.

"I see," he murmured. "Given Charlotte's position… and the recent dangers… your reasoning is sound."

Another pause.

"And you intend to be at her side should anything arise."

"Exactly," Noel said.

Daemar nodded once — decisive, controlled.

"Then your request is reasonable," he said. "And I will approve your leave."

He leaned back in his chair, thoughtful.

"Charlotte cannot be allowed to face uncertain dangers alone," he added quietly. "And if you believe your presence is necessary… I trust your judgment."

Noel bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Director."

Daemar adjusted the cuffs of his coat, eyes narrowing slightly in thought.

"Then tell me this," he said. "When do you intend to depart?"

"In about two days," Noel replied. "Once we have everything ready. Since the Holy Capital is on another continent, we'll need to board a ship. That alone will take a few days."

He scratched his cheek lightly. "And Charlotte wants to prepare exactly what she'll say. She doesn't want to misstep."

Daemar nodded. "Understandable. The Pope is not the type to hear just anyone without reason…"

Noel almost snorted internally. 'Well… that's not entirely true. He definitely has a soft spot for Charlotte.'

After all, Orthran himself postponed her Saint duties for a full year, letting her live freely until she turned eighteen.

And now there were only four months left.

Daemar's next words cut straight into Noel's thoughts.

"Nicolas mentioned to me that Charlotte was granted a single year here," he said quietly. "Meaning she has only four months remaining before she returns to the Holy Capital… and resumes her duty as the Saint."

Noel's shoulders slumped slightly. "Yeah," he admitted. "That's how it is."

Daemar watched him for a moment — long enough to read the heaviness in his expression.

But he didn't press further. He simply nodded once.

"Well then," Daemar said, straightening his posture, "if the Pope himself has summoned her, it makes sense you accompany her. Especially after what happened at the Thorne estate."

Noel inclined his head. "Thank you, Director."

Daemar waved a hand lightly. "Mm. But before you go—try not to neglect your studies. I'd rather not repeat what happened last time."

He shot Noel a pointed look.

"I still feel I favored you too much."

Noel broke into a laugh — a genuine one — remembering the cheat sheet Daemar had slipped him during the written exam. "Thank you, Professor Daemar. Really." His smile softened. "You've always been my favorite teacher."

Daemar clicked his tongue and looked away, but the faint glow in his violet eyes betrayed his amusement.

"Go on then," he muttered. "Before anyone starts thinking I only care about you."

Noel bowed his head lightly, a small grin remaining as he stepped toward the door.

"Yes, sir."

Daemar watched him go.

Noel returned to the Class S dormitory with a steady pace, the weight of the conversation with Daemar still lingering in his chest.

The hallway was quiet — unusually so — sunlight spilling through the tall windows in soft stripes.

When he opened the door to his room, four pairs of eyes turned toward him at once.

Charlotte sat on the edge of his bed, hands folded neatly in her lap.

Elyra leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, Selene sat with perfect posture in Noel's chair, and Elena was by the window, her expression calm but focused.

"You're back," Charlotte said, immediately rising.

"Yeah," Noel replied, shutting the door behind him. "Daemar approved it."

Selene tilted her head. "That was fast."

"He didn't have much choice," Noel answered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Charlotte's situation… it's not something he can ignore."

Charlotte's fingers tugged nervously at the hem of her sleeve. "So he understands?"

Noel stepped closer, lowering his voice slightly.

"He knows you were summoned. And he knows you only have four months left until you must return to the Holy Capital."

Her eyes tightened, but she didn't look away.

"And he said it makes sense I go with you."

Elyra clicked her tongue. "Well, obviously."

Elena nodded in agreement. "The Pope wouldn't summon her for anything minor."

Selene's gaze sharpened. "Do we know what he wants exactly?"

Charlotte hesitated, then held up the folded letter again.

"No… but he wants to hear what happened at the Thorne estate from me directly. My grandfather always preferred truth face-to-face instead of words on paper."

Elyra gave a tiny smirk. "A man of theatrics. Fitting."

Noel crossed his arms lightly. "We leave in two days. Boat travel means the trip itself will take a bit."

Charlotte swallowed. "Two days… That's soon."

"I know," Noel murmured, stepping beside her. "But it's better this way. If things go wrong, reacting late could be worse."

Elena moved from the window, her expression serious.

"Then tonight we help Charlotte organize her account of what happened. Details matter."

Selene added, "And we'll help gather everything you two might need."

Charlotte looked around — at all of them.

At their certainty. Their loyalty.

Her voice was soft, emotional despite her effort to steady it. "Thank you… all of you."

A brief silence followed — warm, solid, comforting.

Noel glanced at the three girls, brows raising slightly. "And… you sure you don't want to come too?"

Elyra snorted. "Please. If it were dangerous, maybe. But this sounds like a political formality, not a battlefield."

Selene nodded. "Besides, the student council is drowning in work. Seraphina can't handle everything alone."

Elena folded her hands politely, but her smile was faintly tired. "Yes. The academy is… demanding this year. Far more than before."

Noel blinked. "Right…" He exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, I've noticed. I'm literally living that nightmare thanks to you three."

Elyra smirked. "You're welcome."

Selene added dryly, "Consider it character development."

Elena smiled softly. "We believe in your potential, Noel."

Noel groaned. "That sounds like something Daemar would say."

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