A Spark Among the Stars

The Royal Guard rode without pause, sweeping through countless districts, crossing Twilight District and Morning Star District, and heading straight for the center of Everstar City.

Tales, meanwhile, was downcast. He was carried forward like a walking corpse, surrounded and swept along by the current.

Although only a little over twenty riders were hurrying onward, the Alert Officers and Security Team members passing by them gradually increased without anyone noticing. It seemed like coincidence, but one group followed another, casually dispersing and keeping obstacles and crowds off the road, allowing them to pass without hindrance.

But Tales truly had no interest in studying them.

"You know, Mr. Hix wrote me several letters over the past few months..."

At last, in the unbearable silence, Gilbert spoke.

"He talked to me about your studies."

His equally low voice carried a hint of awkwardness.

Tales suddenly came back to himself.

"Oh, Old Crow."

The young Duke of Star Lake rallied his spirits, trying to remind himself that he should not burden those around him with pointless emotions.

"Right, I haven't thanked him yet. We owe him a lot for what happened in Dragoncloud City..."

Sensing the Prince's change, Gilbert's tone grew slightly more spirited.

"He reminded me that you were somewhat ahead of schedule."

Tales forced himself to concentrate.

"Ahead of schedule?"

Gilbert nodded.

"Yes. Although that is a rare compliment, still..."

The Former Foreign Minister narrowed his eyes, seeming somewhat distracted for a moment.

"After receiving my teacher's letter, I sometimes wonder... perhaps... perhaps I, perhaps all of us, were simply too eager."

Tales looked at him in confusion.

"About what?"

Gilbert sighed and spoke earnestly.

"At least in Everstar City, the noble young masters your age... what they care about more is their appearance and clothing, banquets and girls."

Appearance and