The Road To Evergreen

Minato stood frozen, uncertainty weighing heavy on his chest.
The royal academy… a place where nobles and commoners alike gathered. It was known as the best environment to nurture magic, but also the harshest where the weak were crushed beneath the ambitions of the strong. Could he really survive there? Could he prove that their faith in him wasn’t misplaced?

His doubts gnawed at him, until a voice echoed in his mind, firm and resolute.

Why hesitate? The time for waiting is over, Minato.

He inhaled deeply, forcing his trembling hands to steady. Then he bowed low, his voice carrying the mixture of fear and determination in his heart.

“Thank you… I don’t know if I can live up to your expectations, but… I’d be honoured to accept your sponsorship, ma’am.”

Granny and Camellia shared a knowing smile. The duchess leaned forward and ruffled his hair playfully.

“You really are a cute little thing, Minato,” she said warmly.

Her smile reminded him faintly of his mother soft yet distant, like a memory that refused to fade. He blushed, but for the first time in a while, he smiled freely.

They spoke a while longer, deciding a date for his departure. Camellia clasped his shoulder firmly.

“In one month, I’ll come pick you up. Don’t forget. Until then, prepare yourself we'll make sure you’re taught the ways of nobility.”

She paused and winked. “Alright, aunty. I’ll see you soon.”

Granny studied her, worry flickering across her wrinkled face.

“Camellia… it hasn’t been too taxing, has it?”

Camellia froze for a moment, then offered a smile and a casual wave.

“You know me, aunty. I’ll push through, no matter how many thorns block my path.”

Minato frowned slightly as he watched her leave. When the door closed, Granny pulled him close.

“You’re worried about her too, huh?” she said gently. “She’s the only one left of her family. Life can be cruel, but she’s never faltered, not once. She may be a little rough around the edges, but she’s still a sweetheart just like you, my dear Minato.”

Her hands ruffled his hair affectionately. He giggled, but inside, he couldn’t stop thinking:

So she’s been carrying all that pain alone too…

The days passed quickly. With Camellia’s guards patrolling the borders, the village finally felt safe again. But the peace only reminded Minato that time was slipping by.

And then, at last, the fateful day of departure arrived.

He stood in the middle of his small room, gazing at the humble bed and wooden walls that had sheltered him. He pressed a hand against the bedframe, as if committing its texture to memory, then picked up the handmade bag gifted to him by the villagers.

When he stepped outside, the entire village was waiting. Cheers erupted. Hands clapped. Voices called out his name.

The pressure he had bottled up all month cracked open, and tears stung his eyes. This was the place that had welcomed a strange boy from nowhere the people who had taken him in, taught him, fed him, laughed with him, and even suffered alongside him.

He walked slowly through the crowd, trembling under the weight of every smile and farewell, until he reached the carriage where Camellia waited. She looked at him fondly.

“This is a wonderful village, Minato. Are you holding up alright?”

He bit his lip, then nodded, though his chest ached. Camellia reached out and gently patted his head.

“I promise you,” she said firmly, “someday I’ll make this place better for them, and for you.”

Minato clenched his fists, his eyes burning.

“No… together. We’ll make it an incredible place, together.”

Camellia’s expression softened, and she nodded approvingly.

The carriage door closed, and as the horses stirred, Minato leaned out the window and shouted with all his heart.

“EVERYONETHANK YOU! FOR EVERYTHING! FOR THE FOOD, THE LESSONS, FOR TAKING CARE OF A RANDOM BOY LIKE ME! GRANNY, JUST WATCHI’LL BECOME THE GREATEST MAGE YOU’VE EVER SEEN! I’LL MAKE YOU ALL PROUD!”

His words echoed through the forest, carried on the wind like a vow. Granny, standing in the crowd, could no longer hold back her tears.

The forest gave way to winding roads and scattered watchtowers. Small towns dotted the land beyond the gates, each brimming with merchants, travellers, and soldiers.

And then the carriage arrived at the drawbridge a massive structure leading into the Evergreen territory. Minato’s eyes widened. Stone walls stretched high into the sky, and beyond them, the territory unfolded like a dream.

The buildings were elegant, the streets lively, and people of different races walked side by side. It was a land that reflected Camellia’s ideals: strength rooted in harmony, not domination.

At last, the carriage rolled to a stop at her estate. A butler with steel-grey hair and piercing eyes greeted them. He bowed low.

“Welcome back, your grace. And you must be the young master Minato. I am Percival, her most trusted aide.”

He gestured to a maid standing by his side. Her short, rounded ears marked her as a half-elf.

“This is Celis. She will serve as your personal maid and assist you with your studies as you prepare for the academy.”

Minato blinked in disbelief. Then his jaw dropped.

“W-wait I have a personal maid?!”

Percival and Celis exchanged a look, then both chuckled. Celis curtsied gracefully.

“It’s an honour, young master. I will do my best to support you. Please look forward to our time together.”

Minato stammered, but his blush only earned him more smiles.

They began the tour of the estate, but Minato’s excitement was impossible to contain. In the kitchen, he bombarded the cooks with questions about utensils, spices, and even the oven’s design. Camellia watched in growing horror, imagining the chaos he might unleash.

Oh no… what is he plotting this time?

When they reached the garden, Minato gasped loudly.

“WOAH! LOOK AT THIS PLACE!”

He darted from flower to flower, his curiosity shining brighter with every step. Spotting a basket of flowers, he scooped them up and approached Camellia with a mischievous grin.

“Hm? What is it?” she asked suspiciously.

“I saw something gross over there,” Minato said innocently, pointing at a random patch of shrubs. “Could you check it out for me?”

She sighed. “Seriously? Fine, fine…”

The moment she turned her back, Minato dumped the basket of flowers over her head and bolted, laughing hysterically.

Camellia whirled around, petals cascading from her hair, and grabbed another handful of flowers.

“You little brat!”

She hurled them at him as he stuck out his tongue.

“Didn’t wait for me to finish, huh? That’s cheating!”

“You’re just mad cause I got you!” Minato teased. “Gotta focus in battle, you know!”

Camellia broke into laughter even as she chased him, the garden erupting into their playful war.

Celis glanced nervously at Percival. “M-Mister Percival, should we?”

Percival shook his head slowly, his sharp eyes softening. He watched the duchess laughing, her smile radiant and unrestrained.

When was the last time her grace smiled like that? he thought. Minato… thank you. May the Archana guide your path at the academy.