Chapter 15: Weirdo or Super Genius?
Varchaswa called Khyaati and Vaibhavi to his study chambers a day before the Seven-Day New Year Celebrations were to start.
"The two of you are my apprentices. I have been training you for a month now. So, you can say that I have been a good Master. Now, it is time for the two of you to share my burdens."
Without waiting for them to speak he continued, "Starting tomorrow, Khyaati, you will attend all the visitors and guests with brother Prataap. Normally it is my job, but both as a Princess of the Dwaarkaa Royal Family and as my apprentice you are suited to represent me. I would have chosen Vaibhavi as well and let you both take the responsibilities on alternate days, however as you know, her status as a foreigner Princess will get in the way.
As for Vaibhavi, although you have learnt a lot from your mother and other Generals in Sinhala, you need to adapt to our… no my methods. You need to learn some of my techniques as well. Basically, I want to develop both you and Khyaati as my substitutes. In case I am not present, in battles or when any unexpected situations occur, you should be able to replace me for a while. So, you will be training with me at the Royal Military Training Grounds. I hope you can understand that.
These 7 days, we will not meet for any language or ancient text studies. Instead, we will enjoy the evening festival celebrations. Also, the main New Year Day will be a free day for you both. You can do what you wish, that is, within the limits of what is allowed of a Royal Princess."
"Yes, Elder Brother! We will do as you say. There is no problem in meeting the visitors with Elder Brother Prataap. It might be fun." Khyaati said happily.
"The training is better for me. I would like to avoid people. They keep staring at me. I wonder if I look weird." said Vaibhavi.
"It is not because you look weird, but you look too beautiful." Khyaati teased her.
"It is decided then. Khyaati, if something unusual happens do let me know." Varchaswa ended the conversation.
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The New Year Week was centred around the New Year day with 3 days of celebrations before and after the day. The Kingdom of Dwaarkaa although not a Utopia but generally speaking, was a prosperous one. The main reason was the efficient Ruler and the Royal family's policies.
It is not to say that it was perfect. Progress is always possible. And, there are some bad elements and self-serving interests in any organization. The same was the case with Dwaarkaa Kingdom.
The first three days passed on quickly without any incident. Varchaswa finally met his family on the New Year Day and went to the temple of Lord Ganesha with his family. He attended the ceremony and returned to his palace. At that moment he heard a voice, "Elder Brother!" It was Khyaati.
He turned around to see a cheerful Khyaati running towards him. She had a cute smile on her face. Seemed like something good had happened. She came and hugged Varchaswa. Varchaswa patted her and asked, "You seem very happy. Something good happened?"
"Yes, you can say that!" replied Khyaati.
"What happened? Be specific." Varchaswa demanded an explanation.
"Oh, Elder Brother, you are no fun! The thing is Dwaarkaa Royal family is swamped with marriage proposals right now."
On hearing that his expression turned weird. His elder brother Prataap, the Crown Prince already had a fiancé. His sister Khyaati was 14. Although engagements are common between teenagers of Royal and Noble families, marriages generally happen after they turn 20. But then again, the concept of concubines did exist.
He asked, "Well, since you both attending the guests, they might have been charmed. So, which one of you got the most proposals?"
Khyaati looked at him with a confused expression. Varchaswa continued, "I think it must be you. Although elder brother Prataap is the Crown Prince, he is not as charming as you."
At this moment Khyaati started to laugh hysterically. After composing herself she said, "Elder Brother, you are truly an idiot. Didn't you remember that because of your legendary awakening you had got marriage proposal before? Almost 60% of proposal are for you. And most of them are from outside the Kingdom. I think the Nobles of Kingdom have realized that your life partner has to be an extra-ordinary woman too. So not many Nobles from within the kingdom did not dare propose."
Varchaswa felt silent for a few moments and then he started to laugh. He finally spoke, "Well it doesn't matter. Also, I think the Nobles of the Kingdom are not proposing because they want to see the result of the Mock Battle with Ayodhyaa Kingdom. Remember, I might not be the Second Prince if I lose the match?"
"That can't be. How can brother lose the match?" Khyaati became serious.
"Ahem. Leave it be. Let us go and enjoy the festival." Varchaswa declared.
Both of them left to find Vaibhavi and enjoy the various entertainments the festival had to offer.
The next three days passed just like that. There were a few small incidents where some troublemakers had acted out, but those were quickly and efficiently resolved by the patrolmen. Since Prataap was in-charge of the festival, his reputation as the Crown Prince grew at the successful completion of the Festival at the Capital. Every other city and town had celebrated the week in their own way. Although not to the standard of the Capital city, their celebration was no less when it came to enthusiasm and participation of the citizenry.
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The Students returned from their homes on time. This was possible because of Transfer Gates. It was an expensive method that used large amount of Mana Stones and Mages. It was only used in times of emergencies. However, Varchaswa got special permission to use the Gates just this time for easy travel of the students.
The training continued. Slowly, the potential leaders for small army units were identified. Their training included extra details about their potential roles and positions in the formation. The student representatives of the Final and Pre-final year were briefed on the 'Trident Variant Formation'. On the other hand, the freshmen and sophomores continued to focus on their strengthening their individual specializations.
20 days after their return, 'The Dwaarkaa Academy Fest' was announced. It was to be held after 7 days. Students were encouraged to prepare for the festival from 4 PM to 7 PM.
Citizens including students had divided opinion of the festival. Initially, students did not take it seriously, but once they came to know of the rewards and benefits, they got motivated.
Rekhaa: "What do you think? With the Mock Battle so close at hand, should we really be wasting time in this way?"
Kaarthika: "Well, it does involve duels and other competitions which are a way to identify champions of their fields."
Meenaa: "But what about the Evening's Entertainment contests?"
Somil: "I heard my Mage friend say that those competitions are a way to demonstrate their Magic Arts and creativity. It will also help in their training."
Nainaa: "All in all, our new Principal is either an unparalleled genius or a weirdo."
Abhaya: "Probably, he is probably both!"
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Chapter End.