I Reincarnated as the Bastard Prince? Well, At least I'm OP!-Chapter 38: Servant

I woke up before first light of dawn. I stared at mhy dormitory—a small but surprisingly comfortable room with a high ceiling, a sturdy wooden desk, and a large window overlooking the academy grounds.

I stretched my arms above my head, rolling my shoulders as the last remnants of sleep faded.

The bed was softer than I expected, and for the first time in weeks, I had slept deeply.

Most first-year students shared dormitories, but for some reason, I had been given a private room.

Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I stood to my feet and rolled my neck with a satisfied sigh.

The stone floor was cool beneath my bare feet as I crossed to the window, pushing it open.

A crisp morning breeze rushed in, carrying the scent of dew and distant pine.

Gazing out my window now, I saw how silent the academy grounds lay, bathed in the pale blue haze of predawn.

Perfect.

I dressed quickly, pulling on a light tunic and durable trousers.

After a few experimental stretches to loosen my muscles, I slipped out the door.

The dormitory halls were also empty. I descended the grand staircase, slipped through the front doors and stepped out into the streets of Luminis city.

The city was still asleep.

Mist curled through the narrow alleys, clinging to the eaves of shops and homes.

I picked up my pace, my breath forming faint clouds as I ran.

My route took me past closed market stalls, over quiet bridges spanning glassy canals, and alongside the massive outer walls of the city.

After spending ten years in bustling place like king Godfrey III kingdom, the silence in Luminis city was peaceful.

At the edge of the merchant district, I slowed to a stop on a hedge-lined bridge, resting my hands on the stone railing as I caught my breath.

For a moment, I just stood there, listening to the distant call of waking birds.

That was when my thoughts drifted to Mother.

Had she slept well? Was she eating properly? I hadn’t written to her since arriving at the academy. She must have been worried.

I guess I’ll send a letter today, I decided. I’ll tell her about the academy, about my classes... about my new friends.

A small smile tugged at my lips.

Pushing off the railing, I resumed my run, this time heading deeper into the city’s heart.

Luminis was vast—far larger than my hometown. Its streets and alleys were layered with magic. As I ran, something else caught my attention.

From rooftops to watchtowers, I could now see parts of the perimeter barrier.

It was a dome of translucent energy that protected Luminis from outside threats.

It pulsed like electricity in geometric spirals. I was fascinated by it’s powers.

I stopped close to the walls to inspect the barrier. It was strong no doubt, strong enough to ward off demons and monsters.

However, on closer inspection, I saw the cracks.

Not physical ones, but weak points in the magic itself. The barrier had been tampered with over time, patched and repatched in haste.

The mana flow was uneven in certain areas, almost frayed.

It was done so subtly over and over again but the barrier was still holding on.

I frowned. "Why hasn’t this been fixed?"

Then again, demon attacks in Luminis were rare. The city was well-guarded and its mages were vigilant.

Perhaps no one had noticed. Or perhaps they simply didn’t care enough to repair it.

Shaking my head, I pushed the thought aside. It wasn’t my concern. Not yet, at least.

By now, the sun had begun its ascent, golden light spilling across the rooftops.

The city would wake soon, and I needed to return before my first class starts.

Turning back, I increased my pace, retracing my path towards the academy.

Vendors were beginning to open their stalls. A few early risers nodded in greeting as I passed while others stepped outside to sweep their porches or hang laundry.

.

I didn’t stop.

By the time I reached the academy gates, my body was warm, my muscles loose and ready for the day.

The courtyard was still mostly empty, except for a few students milling about, their robes still rumpled from sleep.

I slipped inside, climbing the stairs to my dorm quietly.

A quick wash, a change into my academy robes, and I’d be ready.

It was first day in school in this world, and I had no intention of falling behind.

* * * *

Navigating the winding corridors of Waurweth Academy was like walking through a living maze.

I followed the directions I’d been given—down the grand staircase, past the alchemy wing, and left at the statue of the First Archmage.

As I turned the corner, a familiar voice called out.

"Archer! Wait up!"

I glanced back to see Raven jogging toward me, her deep red academy robes fluttering slightly with each step.

Her dark hair was neatly tied back, and the silver badge on her chest gleamed with the insignia of a first-year.

She looked... different. Lovely. The uniform suited her.

"You’re heading to class too?" she asked, falling into step beside me.

I nodded. "Yeah. I think it’s this way. One of the upperclassmen pointed me in the right direction earlier, but this place feels like a labyrinth."

She laughed lightly, and I paused, taking a better look at her.

I hesitated, then added, "You look nice, by the way."

She blinked in surprise, then smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You too. Can you believe it? We’re actually here. Waurweth Academy... it feels like a dream."

Her voice was bright with excitement.

I chuckled. "Yeah, it’s something."

"What class are you assigned to?" she asked.

"Arcane Foundations. You?"

Her grin widened. "Same! Chancellor Elysia arranged it. We are going to study together. Isn’t this exciting?"

I shrugged. "I guess it is."

We continued down the hall until we approached a set of towering double doors.

The plaque above read:

ARCANE FOUNDATIONS – LECTURE HALL 3

Pushing the doors open, we stepped inside.

Students filled the rows of crescent-shaped seating that surrounded a central demonstration platform where the instructor would stand.

Just to be clear, the room was built like a miniature amphitheater, allowing every student a clear view of the front.

Dozens of students were already gathered, some seated, others standing in small groups.

My gaze swept over them.

There were kids my age, some younger, some far older—apparently, Arcane Foundations was a mixed-level class.

A few students were beast people and I could even make out a pair of elves whispering to each other in low tones.

All of them had their eyes fixed on us.

More specifically, on Raven. That’s when the whispers erupted.

"Wait, Is that...?"

"No way, the Princess of Emberfalls?"

"So the rumours were true? She really is here."

Raven stiffened beside me, her fingers tightening around the strap of her satchel.

The moment the whispers spread, a wave of students surged toward Raven, their voices overlapping in eager excitement.

"Princess Eris!"

"Your Highness, it’s an honor!"

"Can I sit with you in class?"

Raven stiffened, her polite smile strained as she nodded at each greeting.

"Thank you," she murmured, "but please, just call me Raven here."

It didn’t matter. The crowd only pressed closer.

Are you staying the whole year?"

"We should totally have lunch together sometime!"

It was obvious she was uncomfortable with the sudden swarm of attention pressing in around her, but she was as polite as she could.

Clearly, word had spread overnight—Princess Eris Lyon, heir to the Emberfalls throne, was now a student at Waurweth Academy.

The Lyon family was one of the richest and most powerful houses in the realm. Their influence stretched across kingdoms.

No wonder these nobles and commoners alike were falling over themselves to get close to her.

"Step aside," a smooth, confident voice rang out.

The crowd parted almost immediately as a tall, broad-shouldered boy strolled forward, flanked by three others in polished uniforms.

He looked about sixteen, with warm brown hair brushed perfectly to the side, a chiseled face, and eyes that gleamed like he owned the room.

He stopped in front of Raven and took her hand gently in his.

Then he bowed slightly before pressing a light kiss to her knuckles.

"Princess Eris," he said, his voice smooth as honey. "Richard von Eldric, son of Duke Reynard of the Silverveil Dominion. It’s an honor to finally meet you. I believe we share the same boundary with my family’s domain."

Raven blinked as if trying to remember, but then she quickly regained her composure. "Ah—Lord Eldric. A pleasure."

Richard straightened, flashing her a dazzling smile. "I had hoped our paths would cross. My father speaks highly of your family."

Then he turned to me, his eyes narrowing as if noticing me for the first time.

His smile vanished.

"And who is this?" He gestured dismissively in my direction. "Is he your servant?"

A few of his lackeys chuckled behind him at my expense.

At first I stared at him quietly.

Raven’s composure changed. She was instantly offended.

But before she could respond, I spoke up first.

"Yes," I grinned. "I am Eris’s servant."

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