---The Restaurant---

"Are you both ready for tomorrow?" James asked, taking a long gulp of wine from his cup.

"Yes," both Leo and Lily replied in unison.

They had decided to spend their last evening dining in the same restaurant that had become their second home. From tomorrow onward, James and Sera would move to their new place — and it wasn't certain whether Leo and Lily would return after the Academy Selection. If selected, they might be transported directly to their assigned academies.

"Good," James said, setting down his cup. "Now, listen carefully. There are all kinds of academies out there — some good, some bad… and some downright terrible. You'll know which is which from the offers they give to students."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming serious.

"You might wonder why such academies even exist, but think about it. The top academies only take around one or two thousand students a year. What happens to the rest — the ones with weaker talents? They end up in those bad academies, and that decision can ruin their entire future."

He paused, giving them a moment to digest that.

"But now that the academies have begun identifying new kinds of talents — not just Beast Tamers — what do you think will happen?"

Leo answered immediately. "More competition."

"Exactly," James nodded. "Take Lily, for instance. Her talent isn't traditional beast taming, but it's clearly on par — maybe even greater in some aspects. With more people like her emerging, the chances for ordinary tamers drop from slim to almost none.

"Not that I'm worried about you two," he added with a faint smile. "I'm sure you'll both make it into a good one. Personally, I'd recommend Aurelious Beasts Academy or Valencrest Royal Academy. There's also Velerath Grand Academy, but…" his voice grew low, "avoid that one. They train dogs loyal only to the Emperor, and from what I've heard, they don't hesitate to use questionable means to instill that loyalty. From outside, that may seem appropriate and also the fact that this academy has the most resources, but personally, I don't like being in control of a single man, especially when this world is so vast."

Both Lily and Leo nodded quietly.

James continued, "Each academy controls territories as vast as kingdoms. Treasures constantly appear within those lands, and new ones form all the time. That's how students grow — they hunt, explore, and challenge one another. And when they finally graduate, they're strong… frighteningly strong.

"When a student's name becomes known, so does the academy they hail from. The Emperor himself takes note of such people."

His words carried both pride and a trace of wistfulness.

Leo and Lily listened carefully, absorbing every bit of advice.

James had always dreamed of attending an academy himself, but he had awakened too late. That unfulfilled dream had left a hollow space in him — one he filled, for a time, by serving as a drill instructor before retiring after his marriage to Sera.

Now, seeing two promising youths before him, he spoke not as a mentor but as someone passing on what he once yearned to experience.

---

Suddenly, a heavy presence pressed against the room from outside the door. James and Leo instantly moved into position, weapons half-drawn, while Lily pulled Sera behind her, ready to summon her beast at a moment's notice.

But the attack never came.

Knock, knock.

James and Leo exchanged glances before nodding. Cautiously, they opened the door — and froze.

It was Vintage.

He still wore his crisp butler's suit, though his once-sharp face now sagged with exhaustion. James recognized him immediately.

"Vintage…" he said under his breath.

"What brings you here? I'm sure your office already received notice that I completed my quest."

Vintage exhaled slowly, as though tired of everything.

"Yes, I did receive it," he said. "And the same report mentioned that you're now a Baron."

James's eyes narrowed.

"Well, well," Vintage said with a faint smile, "aren't you quick to assume I'm here for trouble? I'm not. I simply came to talk. Surely you'll let a guest come inside?"

James studied him for a long moment. Finding no sign of deceit, he finally stepped aside.

Sera and Lily were sent to the back room, leaving only James, Leo, and Vintage in the hall. They couldn't risk putting Sera in danger again — not when the man before them was a Knight Commander.

Once seated, Vintage spoke first.

"I've come to ask a favor," he said calmly, noticing James's faint scowl at the word. "Just hear me out before you refuse."

He set his teacup down. "I need you to address the academy officials tomorrow. That's all."

James raised a brow. "Isn't that the City Lord's duty?" His tone was measured, hinting he knew nothing of Zerek's disappearance.

Vintage let out a quiet, weary chuckle.

"You know… I know… and I'd wager even this boy knows that Zerek has vanished. Am I right? Well, of course, no one else knows it." His voice carried a quiet confidence that made James's stomach tighten.

Vintage leaned back, his tone turning casual again.

"Well, anyway, back to business. Will you be attending tomorrow? You see, this land once belonged to my family—until Zerek took it through… clever means." A faint smile ghosted his lips. "I can't afford to miss this opportunity to earn recognition from the Emperor for this city.

Since 'suddenly' the Baron happened to 'mysteriously' disappear under 'unknown' circumstances. I will make you—a new Baron, as the acting lord of the city, with the authorities I have as Vice Lord."

He extended his hand across the table, as if sealing a trade rather than offering a favor.

"If you accept, I'll fully support you for the permanent position — provided, of course, the current Baron doesn't return."

James understood instantly. Vintage had somehow uncovered his link to the Baron's disappearance. And this—this was the man's way of erasing it.

It was a clean deal: Vintage would restore his family's prestige before the Emperor, and James would walk away free of suspicion.

Even Leo, watching silently, realised this was the best outcome they could hope for.

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