A golden-haired woman, her aura fierce and commanding like the blazing sun, sat gracefully on a grand chair. Her legs were crossed, her posture exuding power and authority. Her piercing gaze rested on the young girl standing before her, who looked eager yet nervous.
"Selena," the woman said, her tone firm and steady. "I have a task for you."
"Yes, Mom!" Selena immediately straightened her back, her excitement bubbling just under the surface.
She adored her mother, Duchess Emberlight—the renowned general who had led countless victories on the battlefield. Selena admired her strength, her cold determination, and her unshakable authority.
Despite Selena’s love for moments of warmth with her mother, her commanding tone had always been something Selena sought to emulate. This was one of those moments where she could prove herself, so she focused intently, trying to act as mature as possible.
Duchess Emberlight’s lips twitched into a soft chuckle. She hid her amusement behind her hand before continuing, her voice calm. "When you attend the academy, there’s someone I want you to keep an eye on."
Selena’s eyes widened, her curiosity and excitement quickly turning into suspicion. "Someone? Who is it, Mom? Are they dangerous? A spy? A traitor? Should I eliminate them? Or should I capture them and interrogate them instead?"
Selena’s tone was filled with fervor, her imagination already spinning elaborate scenarios. Her bright blue eyes gleamed with admiration, picturing herself heroically thwarting some dark conspiracy.
Duchess Emberlight’s confident demeanor faltered for a moment. She raised a hand to stop her daughter’s rambling and sighed. "No, Selena. Nothing of the sort."
Selena tilted her head, confused. "Then… what is it?"
"I simply want you to keep tabs on him," Duchess Emberlight explained. "Observe if anything unusual happens around him or if anyone suspicious approaches him. That’s all. And, if the opportunity arises, try to befriend him."
"Befriend him?" Selena’s expression shifted to one of complete bewilderment. She paused before speaking, her tone cautious. "Who is this boy? Is he… a noble?"
"No," the Duchess said, her voice calm but deliberate. "He’s a commoner."
Selena’s eyes narrowed slightly. "A commoner?" she repeated slowly, her suspicion growing. "What’s his name?"
"Lukas Star," Duchess Emberlight replied simply, leaning back in her chair.
Selena stood in silence, her mind racing. A commoner boy? Why would her mother, the great Duchess Emberlight, care about someone so ordinary?
The Duchess noticed the flicker of suspicion in her daughter’s eyes and sighed inwardly. Selena’s overthinking again.
"Selena," she said firmly, cutting through her daughter’s thoughts. "This isn’t a mission of war. It’s a simple observation. That’s all I’m asking."
"Yes, Mom," Selena replied, though her mind was already filled with wild theories.
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As she left the room, she muttered to herself, "There’s something odd about this. Lukas Star… I’ll figure out your secret."
......
[Selena POV]
Dear Diary,
Today was another strange day, and I don’t even know where to start.
First of all, let me tell you about this boy, Lukas Star. Mom specifically told me to keep an eye on him when I left for the academy. She didn’t explain much—just that he’s a commoner and not anyone special on paper. But the way she said it made it feel important, so I’ve been doing exactly that: watching him, taking notes, and trying to figure out what makes him so important.
The first week, there wasn’t much to see. He didn’t stand out at all. In fact, he seemed pretty normal, almost too normal. I started thinking maybe Mom had made a mistake.
But then the second week happened.
Everything started changing.
First, he somehow became friends with Ashton. Like, how does a last-ranked commoner with no skills manage that? Ashton’s so popular and talented; it just doesn’t make sense.
And then—oh my god—you won’t believe this. He ended up on the same team as Freya! Yes, Freya! The Freya! I mean, how? She’s one of the academy’s most well-known students, and somehow Lukas is in her circle now.
But it gets worse.
There was a dungeon accident during the second week. It was terrifying. A specter attacked Professor Linden, of all people, and then went straight for Freya. The whole thing was chaos. A student even died that day! And yet, somehow, Lukas managed to come out of it without a scratch.
I don’t trust him. Not one bit.
Why did the specter go after Freya? Out of everyone, why her? I think Lukas has something to do with it. Maybe he’s working with them? Maybe he’s part of some secret group trying to cause chaos at the academy.
Freya has been acting differently ever since. She’s quieter now, more serious, and not as loud or bratty as she used to be. I’ve seen her tantrums before, especially when it came to Edwin, but now? Nothing. She’s calm, collected, almost…mature.
It’s suspicious.
And here’s the thing: Freya and Lukas seem close now. Too close. Did she fall for his charm? Is that what’s happening? He’s good-looking, I’ll admit that, and there’s something about the way he carries himself—so confident, so prideful. It’s almost like Edwin in some ways.
What if Freya’s in danger? What if Lukas is luring her into some kind of trap?
The fourth week came and went. Then the fifth. Now we’re in the sixth week, and clubs have started.
Guess what? Lukas and Freya are in the same club. Of course, they are. Why wouldn’t they be? He’s wrapping her around his finger, and I’m just here, helpless, watching it all unfold.
And then today happened.
It’s Mystic Club day. I walked in, trying to keep calm, and what do I see? Lukas. Not just Lukas, but Lukas sitting next to me. He sat right next to me.
I panicked. I said something stupid, and I’m sure I sounded suspicious. What if he knows? What if he realizes I’ve been watching him this whole time?
No, no, no. I can’t let him figure it out.
Diary, if I ever go missing, it’s him. It’s Lukas Star. He’s the one. He’ll kidnap me or something, I just know it.
I’ll keep doing my job, though. For Freya, for Mom, for the academy. No matter what.
But right now? I need to sleep. Tomorrow’s another day, and I have to be ready.
-Selena