With the first snowfall on the Isle of Knowledge, the Academy's winter break officially began.

Ordinarily, I would have returned to Blackwood Manor for my third-year winter break—or rather, the Academy's final winter break. However, the carriage I was in was not heading toward the Blackwood estate but in a different direction entirely.

…To the royal palace of the Kingdom of Defrin, an ally neighboring the Argentinian Empire.

"……."

"……."

"……."

In the spacious carriage, large enough to accommodate at least ten people, silence reigned as Ethan, a few members of the Hero's party, and I sat quietly, each gauging …