One early morning, an unknown guest came to visit Sylvia in her study room as the maid served him tea and snacks. Sylvia, without knowing or any warning from the servants, she steps into the room in surprise. It’s her friend, Humphrey, who came over without giving her any notice.

A letter would be appropriate, but Sylvia didn’t react to his arrival. She sat the seat across from him while waiting for the maid to pour her a cup. There’s no sensation of affection between the two. The room fills only silence, making it uncomfortable, especially for the maids who're in there.

To break that silence was Humphrey, asking, “How's your new family treating you?”

“They're lovely, especially my new sister,” she began then beam about her sister. “Every time I'm with Soluna, somehow, I feel like I can breathe better. Like she has the ability to cleanse anywhere she goes.”

It’s taken Humphrey by surprise, seeing her this bright for once. He and Sylvia are four years apart, and yet, are able to become friends despite their age and status. The two aren’t close, but somehow, Sylvia was the first to reach for him. She knew he had the talent and wanted to use them, which he felt nothing against because she’s a child. They grew and treated each other as comrades, forming a trust. Their relationship is professional, not close enough for Sylvia willingly to open herself. Seeing her like this is new.

“You must really like spending time with her. It’s the first that I saw you in such a cheery mood,” Humphrey said, helping himself to a biscuit.

“Are you certain?” Sylvia touched her cheek. “I always smile.”

“Not the smile you’re showing now.”

“Less talking about me,” she said, changing the subject. “What about you, Humphrey? I heard the news that you’re going to be a mage soon.”

“Oh, you heard.”

“Don’t be embarrassed, my father was proud of you when he heard the news. He won’t show, but he’s the King. When he’s happy or sad, I can tell,” Sylvia said, then added, “Same goes with your parents.”

“I'll have my debut within a week. The Great Sage will be there, giving us our titles.”

Without thinking, Humphrey blurted it out like it’s essential. He doesn’t care if Sylvia knows or chooses to watch him getting his title. At a different mindset, Sylvia caught the attention of him, mentioning the Great Sage.

“The Great Sage…” she began. “I learn a bit about him from the rumors and the books I read. He’s an interesting man.” Those words are what Sylvia explains from her knowledge. “Isn’t he supposed to be sleeping for a hundred years? The last he slept was no more than twenty years.”

“I’m not sure. The Great Sage is awake, and everyone doesn’t care about that but him being here,” Humphrey specifies.

“That’s a shame. No one knows about him, including the books. All it wrote was him being the strongest human that all nations fear, yet useful during the war. I don’t know what war it was because it didn’t say.”

It’s true what Sylvia says, that man is mysterious. With his power, the whole nation would kneel or will try to drag the Great Sage on their side. Humphrey did overhear the higher mages in full spirit, having him as an addition to their power. He, however, encountered the Great Sage and was overwhelmed with his presence. To everyone's views, he can understand why they want him.

◆ ◆ ◆

Soluna felt tired from all those lessons the King assigned for her. As she walks through the hallway, Soluna wants something sweet, so she’s heading to the kitchen and hopes the Head Chef will serve a cake or anything mild related. While she walked passed the study room of Sylvia then stopped, getting a sugary scent from there. Out of curiosity, Soluna walked back while staring at the door.

The two guards that stood by the door had Soluna to question them. “Is Sylvia in there?” They nodded, so she again and asked, “Can I go there? She’s… She’s not busy or working on anything, is she?”

“The Crown Princess has a guest right now.”

That means Sylvia isn’t available, so Soluna is about to retreat when the door swings open. Sylvia heard her sister's voice and came out to get her. It caught the guards off guard, watching the Crown Princess grab the new Princess to her study room, even though she had a guest. Soluna was being pulled to sit next to Sylvia on a sofa, which startled Humphrey.

“This’s Soluna,” Sylvia introduces her new sister. “Soluna, he’s my childhood friend.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Humphrey,” he greeted, trying to compose himself because of Sylvia's sudden attitude change.

“Soluna, sir.”

Humphrey stared at Soluna, observing her then said, “You can’t be that far from Sylvia's age. How old are you?”

Soluna didn’t answer right away but to stop and think. She then gave a solid reply, “Twelve.”

“The same age as Sylvia.”

“If we’re the same age, or you’re born first,” Sylvia began, making a sound like whimpering. “I want to be the big sister.”

Humphrey held back his cough and said, “Sylvia, that’s not how it works.”

“Okay,” Soluna said, to which her reply astonish Humphrey. “I don’t mind being the younger sister while you’re the oldest.” A sly smile form as she said, “Big sister.”

“Really? You won’t take it back?” Sylvia asked while Soluna nodded. It gives her such joy that she hugs this kind sister. “You’re the best.”

Humphrey doesn't know how to make out of the two, especially seeing this new side of his friend. Their conversation at first wasn’t enough, but this, it’s bizarre because of how affectionate Sylvia is producing to her current sister. As for Soluna, she doesn't care anything at the moment when these delectable treats lay on the table.

“About your debut,” Sylvia continued, returning to the main topic. “I’ll go.”

Humphrey wasn’t sure if he heard it wrong, so he repeated, “My debut, you’ll go? As to why you want to go?”

“Didn’t you bring it up a while ago? Of course, I’ll be there because of the Great Sage,” she answered, which made Soluna choke when hearing that name. Sylvia quickly came by her sister's side and gently pat Soluna back while offering a cup of tea. “Here, drink this.”

Soluna accepted her offer then asked, “Did you say the Great Sage? Can I come with you, Sylvia? I want to meet him.”

“There’s no restraint to hold you, so why not.”

Soluna takes that as a yes, so she’s hype to meet the Great Sage. What those two friends seeing her as an admirer, however, she had her own agenda. Engaging the Great Sage will give her a boost to ask him questions she’s seeking.