It had been one full week since the events in the Holy Capital.

One week since Charlotte reshaped the doctrine. One week since Orthran began preparing Elarith for the new era. And now — it was time for Phase Two.

Noel, Charlotte, and Noir stepped through the gates of Valon at dawn. The academy grounds were mostly quiet; only a handful of early students crossed the courtyard, unaware of the storm of change about to unfold across the city.

But beyond the academy walls, Valon was already stirring awake — bells ringing softly, messengers running through the streets. Word had spread quickly:

The Saint of this generation had returned to address the continent.

Waiting for them at the entrance to the main building stood Seraphina — hands behind her back, posture impeccable, expression deadly calm in the way only an overworked Student Council President could manage.

She walked toward them with deliberate steps.

"Noel," she greeted. "Charlotte. Noir."

"Good morning," Noel said, sensing danger.

Seraphina arched a brow. "Welcome back. It's been… what? Few weeks? A little more?"

"About that yeah," Noel confirmed.

Her polite smile vanished into something flat.

"Perfect. Then let me inform you of something very important." She crossed her arms. "The Student Council has been suffering from… let's call it catastrophic understaffing during your absence."

Noel blinked. "…Catastrophic?"

"Yes," Seraphina said sharply. "Your girlfriends — Elena, Elyra, and Selene — have been helping nonstop. Without them, we might've collapsed under the workload."

Charlotte gently covered her mouth, failing to hide her smile.

Noel rubbed the back of his neck. "…Right."

Seraphina leaned forward.

"You promised you'd assist this semester. Now that you're back, you're not escaping your duties again. After Charlotte's speech, report to the Council office."

Noir purred smugly. 'She's right, Dad. You abandoned your post.'

Noel sighed. "I get it… I'll be there."

Seraphina nodded once, satisfied, then turned toward Charlotte with genuine respect softening her expression.

"Charlotte, the city has begun gathering already. The plaza is filling — nobles, soldiers, citizens, even emissaries. Valon is ready to hear your message."

Charlotte inhaled calmly. "Thank you, Seraphina. I'll speak to them."

Noel looked toward the distant rooftops, where a faint crowd murmur was already rising.

The walk to the Class S building felt strangely familiar — as if Noel had been gone longer than he really had. Maybe because so much had changed in just a couple of weeks.

When they stepped through the polished double doors, the warm scent of morning food drifted down the hallway. Voices echoed faintly from the cafeteria.

Charlotte smiled. "They're here."

Noel exhaled softly, steadying himself. 'Yeah. Time to see them.'

He pushed open the cafeteria door.

Three heads turned instantly.

Elena was the first to react — her blue-green eyes widening before she practically sprinted across the room and threw her arms around him.

"Noel!" she breathed, squeezing him like he might vanish again. "You were gone forever!"

Noel hugged her back gently. "It was just a couple weeks…"

"That's long," Elena insisted, refusing to let go immediately. "Too long."

Before he could reply, Elyra appeared beside them — elegant as always, but wearing a small pout that she rarely let anyone see.

"You didn't even send one letter," she said, crossing her arms. "Well one but just to help with the mission. Do you know how boring the Council work was without you?"

Seraphina cleared her throat pointedly from behind Noel.

Elyra added quickly, "Not because I wanted to work less. I just— missed you."

Noel chuckled softly. "I missed you too."

Then the last one approached — Selene.

She didn't run. She didn't pout.

She simply stopped in front of him, icy eyes softened by something warm and quiet.

"…You're back," she said.

Her voice was calm, but the tremble at the end gave her away.

Noel stepped forward and kissed her forehead lightly. "Yeah. I'm back."

Selene exhaled, the tension leaving her shoulders. "Good."

Charlotte stood behind Noel, smiling warmly as the three girls surrounded him.

Elena finally released him just enough to look at Charlotte. "How did it go? Did everything work out?"

Charlotte nodded. "It did. Better than expected. But today is the hard part — showing it to the world."

Elyra tapped Noel's chest lightly. "And you didn't get yourself hurt this time?"

"All fine, no fighting this time," Noel said.

All three stared at him.

"That's rare." they repeated in perfect unison.

Noir hopped onto Noel's shoulder, flicking her tail with theatrical pride.

'See? Dad can survive without a disaster every time.'

Selene let out a tiny breath — almost a laugh — and stepped closer, her cool fingers sliding naturally into Noel's hand.

"We'll hear the full story later," she said softly. "But for now… stay with us until the speech."

Elena nodded eagerly. "Yes!"

Elyra lifted a brow, smirking. "And after the speech, Seraphina informed us that you owe… significant Council work."

Noel groaned. "Alright."

They left the Class S building through the back gate, slipping into the quieter alleys that threaded behind the academy. Valon was never silent — but today, it felt different.

The distant hum of a massive crowd vibrated through the streets. Hundreds of thousands had already gathered near the castle plaza, waiting for Charlotte's public announcement. The city guards guided traffic, redirecting people away from the main avenues.

Elena glanced up at the rooftops, noticing the fluttering banners of the Imperial crest hanging from every archway. "There are… so many people," she whispered.

Elyra adjusted her cloak, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And they're all waiting for the same thing."

Selene walked at Noel's side, hand still loosely linked with his. "This is bigger than anything the academy has ever hosted."

Noir perched on Noel's shoulder, ears twitching.

'The mana in the air is shaking. So many emotions… excitement, fear, curiosity.'

Charlotte smiled softly. "It means they're ready to listen."

They turned onto a broader path, though still one of the lesser-used streets. If they stepped onto the main road, they'd be swallowed by the crowd instantly.

Noel glanced back at his girlfriends. "Orthran should have started already."

Elyra raised a brow. "Started what exactly?"

"The same announcement," Noel explained. "He's delivering it in Elarith right now. Every dwarf, elf and human on the western continent is hearing it today."

Elena blinked. "So we're not the only ones?"

"No," Noel said. "Velmora too."

Selene's fingers tightened around his. "The demon continent?"

He nodded. "Yeah. The Church's allied faction there agreed to spread the message. Charlotte speaks here in Valon, Orthran spreads it through Elarith, and the Velmoran Circle handles their side."

Elyra's eyes widened slightly. "Three continents… in a single day."

Charlotte exhaled, steady and calm. "It needs to be global. If we let rumors start first, everything falls apart naturally."

Elena's expression shifted from awe to responsibility. "You're really changing the world today…"

Charlotte smiled gently. "Not alone."

They moved through the final alley, emerging onto a balcony path overlooking the castle plaza.

From here, they saw it.

A sea of people.

A wave of faces stretching from the castle steps all the way down Valon's central boulevard. Voices blended into a single living sound, like the breath of a giant creature waiting to be woken.

Selene whispered, "…This is enormous."

Elyra let out a slow breath. "I've never seen Valon like this."

Noel stepped forward beside Charlotte, the weight of the moment settling into his bones.

By the time they reached the upper steps of the castle, the world below had blurred into one unified roar. The castle guards bowed as Noel, Charlotte, and the girls passed, opening the tall, ornate doors that led into the main reception hall.

Inside, waiting with the composed authority of a man born to rule, stood King Alveron IV.

"So," he said, voice resonant and warm, "you've returned at quite the pivotal moment."

Charlotte bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty."

Noel followed with a nod. "Alveron."

The king's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Seraphina already informed me of everything you intend to do today." His gaze softened — the kind of softness reserved only for family. "She believes this change is necessary. And as her father… I trust her judgment."

Charlotte blinked in surprise. "Seraphina… told you everything?"

"She did," Alveron replied. "She told me about the doctrine changes you intend to announce today — and the scale of what it will mean for Elarith, Velmora, and our own Empire."

His eyes softened as they shifted fully to Charlotte

"Charlotte… you carry the title of Saint. And you carry the burden that comes with it."

He stepped closer and placed a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder.

"If my daughter — the future Empress — believes this change is necessary, then I trust her judgment. And as King of Valor… I stand with you."

Charlotte's breath trembled slightly, touched by the weight of his support.

Alveron continued:

"Seraphina has decided to aid you. And so will the Empire. Not reluctantly — but willingly." His expression steeled. "This doctrine shift will shape the future of nations. If you lead it… Valor will protect it."

Elena exhaled softly. Selene bowed her head. Elyra offered a confident nod.

Noel simply stood beside Charlotte, silent support radiating through him.

A guard hurried in, bowing deeply.

"Your Majesty. The crowd is ready. They await the Saint."

Charlotte inhaled once, steady and calm. "Then… let's begin."

Alveron extended his arm toward the balcony corridor.

"Go," he said. "Let the world hear your voice."

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