[Lifespan Remaining: 21 days, 22 hours, 2 minutes.]
Something Amon had said during their talk back in Altaire suddenly popped up in his head. Just like the Sword Saint, Jin de Valiant, Amon was always sent away from his own family on some kind of important mission.
But now that Noct knew of what troubles were brewing within Rexford, the timing was too perfect to call it a coincidence. He tried searching his memory for anything he knew about the Northern Frigid Lands, eventually coming up with something.
The Harks, the last of the four Great Families, had positioned their entire house in the North and have earned themselves the title of "the Northern Vanguard". Even if they didn’t have anyone approaching Amon or Jin’s strength, the family’s core combatants were composed of strong fighters around 6-Stars, with their patriarch being a 7-Star Fist King.
"What happened to the Harks? Aren’t they supposed to be defending the frontier? Surely Amon being gone for a bit wouldn’t have much effect."
"I’m not sure of the exact cause..." Stella frowned. "But rumors have been traveling around that their patriarch had been gravely injured, which caused their fighting force to drop."
"What? Was he fighting something?"
"Well...recently, I’ve heard that monsters within the Northern Frigid Lands have been increasingly more aggressive than usual."
Noct looked down at the document in his hand again. There was a departure date, but there sure as hell wasn’t a return date.
"How long?"
"Until the northern defenses are secure enough for him to leave."
"That could take months."
"That’s just how it is."
An envoy in Altaire. Montclair relatives trying to secure favors. Both princes gathering supporters. And now Amon was being sent somewhere far away from all of it.
’That’s some fucking timing...’
Before Stella could continue, a knock came from the door, followed by Trevor’s voice as he entered the dining hall, carrying a silver tray.
"My apologies for the interruption. Young Master Noct, a letter has arrived for you from Rexford Academy."
Noct glanced between the envelope and the royal order in his hand. "...They certainly picked a good time."
"Bring it here," Stella said.
Trevor approached, offering the tray to Noct. The envelope had the Academy’s insignia, with his name written neatly under it.
He broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
The first few lines were the usual formalities. Congratulations, recognition of his performance, something about the Academy’s proud traditions...
His eyes quickly skipped past those.
〔Rexford Academy — Notice of Admission〕
〔Candidate: Noct de Arcadia〕
〔Admission Status: Accepted〕
〔Entrance Examination Rank: 1st〕
A grin slowly spread across his face. He already knew his score, but seeing the result written down still felt pretty damn good.
’First place, huh...? I wonder what Robin’s reaction to getting third place is right now?’
Though considering how close he had come to dying for it, he would’ve been quite upset with anything less.
"Good news?" Stella asked.
Noct turned the letter toward her, tapping the line with his ranking. "Your little brother happens to be the best."
"Among this year’s incoming students."
"Can’t you let me enjoy it for a moment?"
"I’m trying to keep your head on your shoulders."
Nevertheless, she took the letter from him, reading it properly. Her expression turned into a small smirk again before she handed it back. "Congratulations, Noct."
"...Thanks."
"Congratulations, Young Master," Trevor added. "There was also a list of required supplies enclosed."
Noct looked back into the envelope.
Sure enough, another sheet had been tucked behind the first: Books, writing materials, practical equipment...
’They couldn’t have included a shopping allowance?’
"You can purchase those tomorrow," Stella said. "I’ve arranged for someone to show you around."
"Who?"
"Someone you know."
"That narrows it down tremendously."
"You’ll find out tomorrow."
She gathered the documents beside her, placing the royal order under the others once more. "As for tonight, get some rest."
"But Father—"
"Noct, don’t forget that you’re still the youngest child," she simply sighed softly. "Just have fun at school. You don’t need to bother yourself with all this politics."
He wanted to argue, but he wasn’t going to find an answer tonight. And after everything that had happened, he desperately needed some time off.
"Alright then."
***
Noct found Noelle in the corridor outside. She straightened as soon as she saw him, her gaze briefly falling to the envelope in his hand.
"Your admission letter, Young Master?"
"First place."
"Congratulations."
Her smile was small, but it was there.
Noct scratched the side of his neck. "Do you have a moment? I need to speak to you somewhere quiet. Preferably out of these prying eyes."
"Of course. This way."
She led him into a small sitting room nearby and closed the door behind them. Noct waited until the latch clicked before turning toward her.
"I’ve been thinking about Albert."
Noelle looked up. "...The butler?"
"There’s no point in you staying here all day looking after me. Trevor has enough people to handle that, and I’ll be at the Academy soon anyway."
Her fingers tightened around each other. "I see."
"I want you to keep an eye on him. Albert, and anyone from House Sylvaine who might be involved with whatever he’s doing."
Noelle was quiet for a moment. "You believe his actions extend beyond the examination?"
"I don’t know. That’s what bothers me."
Noct leaned against the edge of a table. "Stella just told me that Sylvaine supports Prince Roland. Maybe that has nothing to do with Albert, but I’d rather find out before he decides to poison another meal."
"What would you like me to look for?"
"Who he meets. Where he goes when he isn’t serving Tristan. Anything connected to that orphanage, if you can find it."
"And if I discover something?"
"Tell me first. Don’t confront him."
"Understood."
Yet after the conversation, an awkward atmosphere hung in the air. One that both parties involved seemed hesitant to address. But Noelle eventually brought it up first.
"Are you...sending me away because you’re angry?"
"What?"
"Because I didn’t answer you earlier," she clarified. "If you no longer feel comfortable having me attend to you, I can ask Trevor to arrange—"
"I’m sorry."
"...Why are you apologizing, Young Master?"
Noct looked down at his hands. For some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to look at her eyes. "I still want to know what happened. About Mother. About you. But I shouldn’t have tried to force it out of you."
"Young Master..."
"And this isn’t me trying to get rid of you."
Noct finally made eye contact. "Albert nearly got us all killed. This situation feels the same as Altaire. If he’s planning something else, I need someone I can rely on to find out."
"And besides, having you around this estate...I can see the way the other workers look at you, Noelle."
"..."
"Whatever happened..." Noct continued. "I don’t blame you for it. They might hate you, but it pains me to see you under all that scrutiny."
Despite everything, a faint smile crept up on Noct’s face when he least expected it most. "You’re the only one I fully trust. Remember?"
Noelle’s eyes widened at what he said, before bowing deeply. When she came up, a smile was all over her face, more fitting of her beauty than any other expression in the world.
"You’re such a spoiled Young Master..."