I am Just an Average Tamer

"Urrgh…"

Kai groaned as filtered morning light poured through the tall windows, casting golden slants across the velvet-draped room.

His eyes twitched before he finally sat up, still groggy, the silken crimson sheets slipping from his bare chest. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he swung his legs over the side and stood, stretching with a low yawn.

He walked into the marble-tiled bathroom and splashed cold water on his face, the sting pulling him fully awake.

After brushing up and drying off, he changed into the academy uniform that had been delivered the day after his formal acceptance.

A black blazer with gold trim along the collar and cuffs, paired with matching black slacks.

Underneath, he wore a crisp white shirt and a neatly knotted black-and-gold striped tie. The fabric was smooth, tailored to fit, and carried a subtle sheen under the morning light.

Over his chest sat the small golden emblem of the Azurean Academy: a phoenix curled around a radiant sun. Prestige oozed from every stitch.

He looked at himself in the full-length mirror.

Disheveled black hair, refusing to stay neat as always. Hazel-brown eyes staring back with an unreadable calm.

Despite the neutral expression, there was a quiet edge to his gaze.

"Perfect," he muttered.

Today marked a week since the end of the trials.

The first day of the Azurean Academy.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

He turned his head, just as the door creaked open before he could say a word.

"Taking your sweet time, huh?"

Liliana stepped in, one brow arched as if she'd been waiting forever.

Her caramel-brown hair was tied up into a tidy ponytail, not a strand out of place. Her sky-blue eyes scanned him critically, arms crossed.

She wore the female version of the academy uniform—a pleated black skirt with bold golden stripes, paired with thigh-high black stockings with gold bands near the top, and clean, polished sneakers.

Her fitted blazer hugged her waist slightly, trimmed in gold like Kai's, with the academy emblem pinned neatly on the chest.

Beneath it, a white blouse was buttoned clean, accentuated by a wide golden ribbon tied into a sharp bow at the neck.

She looked sharp. And slightly annoyed.

"It's not that late," Kai replied evenly, rolling his shoulders. "We've got plenty of time."

Liliana gave a soft scoff, stepping further in as she inspected his half-draped blazer and slightly messy collar.

"Not with how slow you move in the mornings." Then she smirked.

"You sure you're not nervous?"

"Why would I be?" Kai replied, buttoning the last cuff of his sleeve. "It's just school."

Liliana shook her head with a laugh, stepping around him to open the curtains fully.

Sunlight spilled in like a flood, and Kai blinked again.

Then she began circling him like a hawk inspecting her prey, nodding thoughtfully as she examined him in the uniform.

She stopped in front of him and reached up to fix his crooked collar, brushing it into place with a practiced hand.

A mischievous smile curved her lips.

"Now you look presentable. Bet half of the academy girls are going to be nursing heartbreaks the moment they see you."

Kai grinned, leaning in slightly. "Does that include you too?"

Liliana froze for a beat, caught off guard.

A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks as she stepped back. "Y-You… Don't flatter yourself. You're not worthy," she muttered, crossing her arms in a flustered huff.

"Breakfast is ready. Hurry up and come down," she added quickly before bolting out of the room and slamming the door shut behind her.

Kai couldn't help but chuckle.

[<Stop harassing girls, you shameless mongrel.>]

"Hey, when did I harass anyone?"

Then he glanced back at the mirror one last time, straightened his tie, and then finally stepped out of the room.

As Kai descended the staircase and stepped into the dining hall.

At the head of the long, polished table sat a middle-aged woman with caramel-brown hair neatly tied into a bun—composed and elegant.

To her left sat Liliana and Elina. The younger girl spotted him first and immediately perked up, waving enthusiastically.

"Good morning, big bro!"

Kai smiled back and gave a small nod. "Morning."

He approached the table and stopped before the caramel haired woman, offering a polite bow.

"Good morning, Lady Selene."

She acknowledged him with a curt nod and a glance before motioning gracefully toward the seat on her right.

Kai took his place silently.

Then, with a single clap of her hands, Lady Selene summoned the awaiting servants.

They moved in with quiet efficiency, laying out the morning spread—warm bread, sliced fruits, delicate cuts of meat, and steaming tea poured into crystal cups.

As the last of the plates were cleared and cups drained, Selene dabbed her lips with a napkin and glanced between the two teens seated beside her.

"You two should get going," she said with a faint smile. "You wouldn't want to be late on your first day, would you?"

Liliana and Kai both nodded, rising from their seats.

Without another word, Selene stood as well, Elina hopping down from her chair to follow.

The four of them moved through the grand estate, marble floors echoing beneath their steps.

The towering front doors parted smoothly as the butler swung them open, revealing the estate's front courtyard bathed in morning light.

Waiting outside was a lavish carriage, painted in obsidian black with gold-leafed trim curling across its surface in regal patterns.

The crest of House Raelis gleamed on its side, and the wheels looked freshly polished.

Two majestic white steeds stood at the front, their manes brushed and braided with silken blue ribbons. A coachman in formal livery waited attentively.

Liliana turned and embraced her aunt first, holding her tightly.

"Don't spoil her too much while I'm gone," she whispered.

Selene smirked. "She's already too far gone for saving."

Then Liliana bent down and hugged Elina, who was clutching the hem of her skirt, eyes glistening with tears.

"Be good, okay? I'll write you ton of letters."

Elina sniffled and gave a brave nod, wiping her eyes before stepping back.

Liliana climbed into the carriage, leaving Kai alone at the gate with the two.

He offered Selene a respectful bow.

"Thank you again, Lady Selene."

She inclined her head gracefully.

But just as he turned, he barely had time to react before Elina flung herself into his arms. He caught her with ease, her small frame trembling slightly.

"I'll miss you," she mumbled into his chest.

Kai lowered his head, his voice soft. "I'll be back before you know it. Be strong, alright?"

He gently ruffled her hair, holding her a second longer until she pulled back with puffy eyes but a wavering smile.

He gave her a reassuring, gentle nod and turned towards the carriage.

But Selene's voice called after him, laced with amusement.

"Don't forget our deal, dear."

Kai paused at the carriage steps. He glanced back and gave a small nod.

Then, without a word, he stepped into the carriage, the door closing behind him with a quiet click.

And sat across from Liliana in the plush interior of the carriage, the soft clatter of wheels beneath them blending with the distant chirps of morning birds.

She had turned toward the window, watching the passing scenery in silence, trees blurring past, the occasional estate fence.

She didn't speak, but Kai's gaze lingered on her.

As if sensing it, she turned her head, a hint of pink color already creeping onto her cheeks.

"W-What?" she asked, flustered, clearly still embarrassed from their earlier exchange back at the room.

Kai simply shook his head, playing it off. "It's nothing."

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, but she huffed and turned her face back toward the window.

He smirked to himself, clearly enjoying it.

And kept watching her.

From the corner of her eye, Liliana peeked at him, just briefly.

Kai caught it and smiled warmly.

"You look really beautiful today."

She froze mid-turn.

Kai had to bite his cheek to keep from laughing at her stunned expression.

"J-Just shut up, you idiot!" she burst out, her face lighting up like a torch. She leaned forward and started punching his shoulder.

"You absolute moron, no-good for—ugh!"

"Okay, okay! I surrender!" Kai laughed, raising both hands in surrender. "I won't do that again. I promise."

But she kept up the attack for another good thirty seconds.

Finally, she dropped back into her seat, breathing lightly from the effort. Then she pointed an accusing finger at him, cheeks still pink.

"Don't you dare say something like that again. I'll break your legs if you do."

Her words were sharp, but the blush on her face betrayed her.

"Don't worry," Kai said with a smile, leaning back. "I won't."

Then he paused, grinned wickedly, and added, "Though, I'm serious. You really are looking incredibly beautiful today."

She froze again.

And this time, Kai couldn't hold back. He burst into laughter.

Her entire face turned beet red. "Y-You little—!"

She lunged forward again, ready to land another round of mock-beatings when the coachman's voice cut in.

"We have arrived at the academy, young master, young miss."

"Perfect timing," Kai said quickly, swinging the door open and slipping out before she could retaliate.

"Hey! Wait—" Liliana snapped, rushing to follow. But as she stepped onto the stair, her foot slipped, and she stumbled forward with a small yelp.

Then suddenly—

A hand caught her wrist just in time, steadying her gently.

"Careful," a calm voice said. "You shouldn't be jumping around on your first day, junior."

She blinked up at the one who caught her.

It was a tall boy, clearly older than them.

His hair was deep ash-grey, almost silver, and his eyes were a sharp, piercing gold.

His uniform matched theirs, except for a silver sash draped loosely across one shoulder, pinned with a different emblem, denoting his senior status.

"I-I wasn't jumping!" she snapped, yanking her hand back and straightening herself.

The boy chuckled, backing off with his hands raised in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I get it."

Then, without another word, he turned and walked off.

Liliana watched his retreating figure for a moment, then turned to Kai and shot him a glare.

But instead of launching into another round of banter, she turned her gaze to the grand building before them, eyes widening slightly.