Teacher Shukra was renowned in the Central Continent and hence he and Princess Vaibhavee got entry into the Royal Palace pretty easily. Both had been impressed after spectating the Varchaswa awakening the Legendary Lightning Element.
As per the law of Dwaarakaa Kingdom, Elementals with Legendary Awakening were qualified to take two apprentices. This served two purposes - nurturing of future talents and support for the Elementalist with a Legendary Awakening.
Thus, it was an important part of the System and many Noble Families were praying for their son or daughter to be picked. But they knew the chance was low because of the presence of many competitors, Princess Khyaati being one herself.
When the time came, Varchaswa selected Princess Khyaati, his younger sister as his first apprentice. He then pointed at Vaibhavee and selected her. This was met with a lot of opposition. Many amongst the noble families protested against Varchaswa's choice of second apprentice.
Duke Drupada expressed his dissatisfaction, "Your highness, I have no objection if you select Princess Khyaati, but you have chosen a foreigner over our own people. This is an insult to all Noble families of Dwaarakaa."
Varchaswa replied, "According to the National Law, a person blessed with a Legendary Awakening has the right to choose his or her apprentices. There is no law against choosing a foreigner. Additionally, I believe in ability & merit above all. That is the only basis of my selection.
I have chosen them both because I believe in them. You are free to challenge them if you want. Anyone who can challenge and defeat them will be chosen as the apprentice."
Drishti, the daughter of Duke Drupada said, "Your Highness, I would take this opportunity to challenge the foreigner."
Varchaswa said, "Wait a minute, I have chosen her. But she hasn't agreed yet. So first let me settle this."
He then turned to Vaibhavee and asked, "Young lady please state your name, title and country. Also, let me know if you would like to be my apprentice."
At this time, Teacher Shukra replied, "Your highness, it is her blessing to be chosen as your apprentice. This young lady's name is Vaibhavee. She is the third Princess of the Sinhaalaa Kingdom. She is the same age as your sister."
Varchaswa asked, "Princess Vaibhavee, do you accept Drishti's challenge?"
Vaibhavee replied confidently, "Yes, Your Highness. I accept the challenge to prove that the decision made by your highness is the correct one."
After that, the duel took place and Vaibhavee quickly defeated Drishti easily. After that, she defeated 3 other challengers in a row.
Varchaswa declared, "I think we should stop here now. Princess Vaibhavee has already won 4 battles in a row. If we continue, it will no longer a fair fight, since she is exhausted now.
She has already demonstrated her skills. Moreover, there was no need to test her ability in the first place, I just did it to prove my point. She is a Princess of the Sinhaalaa Kingdom, hence a Noble and she has been trained by the great teacher Shukra himself, that itself proves her ability and potential, right teacher Shukra?"
Grand-teacher Shukra replied, "Hoho! Your highness realized my identity. In that case your highness, I would like entrust Princess Vaibhavee's education to you. On behalf of her mother, I thank you in advance for taking her under your wing. I have to take my leave now. Certain things require my attention."
King Paartha interjected, "Since it is something that requires Teacher Shukra's undivided attention, it must be related to the situation in the North-Western Continent. In that case, it would not be wise to keep Teacher Shukra, tied up here.
Teacher Shukra, we will take good care of Princess Vaibhavee. Please rest assured."
"Since Your Majesty has promised, I will take my leave now." After this brief exchange, Grand Teacher Shukra left.
And thus, Khyaati and Vaibhavee became apprentices of Varchaswa.
---
Later, a feast was held at the Royal Palace. Once the feast was over, Vaibhavee's accommodation was arranged at Princess Khyaati's Palace. Later, once arrangement was made, both of them will shift to Varchaswa's Palace. This was a custom for apprentices.
Khyaati visited her brother the next morning and asked, "Brother did you select her because she was trained by teacher Shukra?"
Varchaswa: "She wasn't. She was just taught a few skills by him. It was her mother, who is the disciple of teacher Shukra. Vaibhavee has trained under her mother. That is why Princess Vaibhavee always addresses him as Grand Teacher Shukra. It is a title used for Teacher's Teacher.
At that time, I just said that she was trained by Teacher Shukra in order to keep other Nobles from creating further trouble. Both Princess Vaibhavee & Teacher Shukra understood my intentions and cooperated."
Khyaati asked, "Then why did you chose her as your Second Apprentice?"
Varchaswa replied "Like I said. It is because of her skills and potential. Also, she is special. By that I mean her dormant bloodline is special. She is no worse than you in that regard. You will come to know in future."
In the afternoon Varchaswa was summoned by his father, King Paartha of Dwaarakaa.
"Varchaswa, my son, the National Academy of Magic, Martial Arts and Military Warfare will host the admission test next month. I hope you are prepared."
Varchaswa confidently replied, "Yes father I am prepared."
"Although, now that I have regained the memories of my previous lives, I have no intention of joining that academy as a student. My aim is much higher. It should be fun." thought Varchaswa.
----------------
Chapter End.