It was the 14th day of Phalguna month of the Year 5047 according to the Lunar Calendar of Dwaarakaa. Three days had passed since the admission process of the National Academy of Magic, Martial Arts and Military Warfare was completed. To celebrate Varchaswa's performance and to welcome the new batch of students a Royal Banquet was organized.
Students of the National Academy of Magic, Martials Arts & Military Warfare from belonging to different batches and courses were invited to attend. Faculty were invited as well. The Academy had a four-year course duration, but some talented people graduated early in 3 years by completing difficult missions & tasks.
This year, the Welcome Party was especially Grand. All major noble families were in attendance. The King and the Queen were not present, but the Crown Prince Prataapa, elder brother of Varchaswa, represented them.
There were many senior students who were dissatisfied with Varchaswa becoming the Principal at his age, but they were helpless. For one, he was the Second Prince and two he had defeated not only all the Heads of Department except Department of Strategy, but had also defeated the legendary retired general Bheeshma, the ex-Principal and now the current Vice-Principal, gaining the approval of the King leading to a Royal Decree.
The only silver lining for them was the fact that the King's Royal Decree was a double-edged sword. If Varchaswa failed, he will lose the position of the Principal as well as that of the Second Prince and hence his right to succession. Many of the seniors were hoping for this to happen, since they thought that Varchaswa was too arrogant.
When the Party began, the Crown Prince Prataapa addressed the attendees.
"Welcome, everyone! This is a joyous occasion. With new batch of youngsters joining us, we hope the standing of our Academy will improve. I expect great things from you all. And as for the Principal, I am sure you will win us the Mock Battle against the Ayodhyaa Kingdom three months later."
Before Varchaswa could reply, Duke Shakuni who was a distant in-law of the Royal family spoke, "Your Highness, you must not pressure our young Principal too much. His skills are excellent, but his ability to command an army is yet to be tested. He also has no actual experience of a battle let alone a war. It is not good to pressure him."
Saying that he turned to Varchaswa and said, "Your highness must be feeling the weight of the responsibility. After all, if you lose, not only will the Kingdom lose its face because it will be its third straight defeat, but you will also lose your position of the Principal as well as the right to the line of the succession to the throne. I suggest you consult us old timers who have actually been on the battlefield."
At this statement everyone became silent. They realized what Shakuni was trying to do. Not only he was claiming publicly that the Second Prince is incapable, but also trying to close in on his relationship with him.
It was clear to everybody that with the legendary awakening and the skills he demonstrated, Varchaswa was going to be a Pivotal figure in the Sub-continent. He was a raw gem ready to be polished. He only needed time, a little guidance and experience to demonstrate his true capabilities.
Many were annoyed by Shakuni's approach, but at the same time couldn't help but admire his intellect. Indeed, he was one of the most tactful politicians in the Bhaarata sub-continent. The attendees turned to Varchaswa, waiting for his response.
Varchaswa replied, "Granduncle Shakuni, it is an honour to be able to catch the attention of the legendary tactician and strategist such as yourself. However, I have to politely decline your offer, since you are the de-facto ruler of Gandhaara Kingdom.
Although you left the throne for your younger brother to manage, to help your sister who had married into our family, you are still not a citizen of Dwaarakaa. As per law I cannot discuss Military Strategies with you.
Additionally, if someday, I have to face the Gandhaara Kingdom, it would do them no good since you would have taught me all of their weaknesses, right? I don't want you to get caught in such dilemma either." This answer let Shakuni red faced with embarrassment.
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Chapter End.