Making a cup of warm tea in the morning, Merula and Ella were startled by a loud voice.
"Good morning, students! I hope you're enjoying a lovely Saturday morning. Oh yes, this is your Dean speaking. I'm sure some of you might be a little surprised-"
"Yeah, no shit, you scared the hell out of both of us", Ella grumbled.
"-but occasionally we use the magical orator for special announcements. Your orientation has officially finished as of last night and we hope you have enjoyed it. Congratulations!" Dean Fester laughed.
"We ask that you leave your subject forms on the front desk at your central dorm entrance. Your timetables will be finalised by the end of lunchtime.
"You will also notice a package at the front of your dorm rooms. These are your new uniforms and you have been given two sets. If you require additional uniforms and accessories, they are sold at the Academy store on campus.
"We hope you take this time to explore the campus and what it has to offer. We have several shops on campus if you need pens, textbooks and various nick-nacks. From next week, you will all be allowed to go outside the Academy during weekends.
Mealtimes for weekends also differ. The Dining Hall will operate for all hours until curfew starting from 7 am. I think that's everything covered so, students have a fantastic day!"
"Our uniforms have arrived! Let me go collect them." Merula chirped.
Placing the uniforms on the table, each package was marked with their names in cursive font. Inside, two sets of uniforms were neatly folded.
[Omg, this is too cute. I cannot. Imagine Merula in this. She'll be too cute.]
"Merula, why don't you try it on? I wanna see what it looks like!" Ella asked.
"Um, okay, but only if you try too!"
"Sure, alright then, let's both try it on then."
Adjusting the ribbon necktie, Ella stared into the mirror. The maroon blazer looked refined with the gold chains and buttons, and the red and white checkered skirt made her look like an anime heroine. Giving the skirt a little twirl, Ella felt giddy.
[Damn girl, you looking good!]
Walking back into the main room, Ella almost fainted in shock. Merula was devilishly beautiful in her academy uniform. With her striking ruby eyes and coal hair, it complemented the maroon uniform.
"Oh god, help me." Ella dramatically acted, fainting.
"What's wrong Ella? Are you sick?" Merula asked, concerned.
"I think my heart is breaking because of your CUTENESS." Ella pinched Merula's cheeks cutely.
Taking a few pictures on Merula's camera (Ella was surprised to know Lumiere had compact cameras), they changed back into their casual wear and had breakfast.
"I'm heading off to the library today, what are you doing, Merula?"
"Oh, I'm going to speak to some of my professors today. I have a few questions on some of the topics."
"Gosh, you're such a study bug already! I'll see you at lunch, maybe around 2 or 3?"
"I'll meet you here at around 2:30 then."
Waving goodbye, Ella headed off to the library. Following the map that the academy had given on the first day, Ella was astounded at the sheer size of the building. It looked like a fancy museum and had three levels with thousands of books piled upon each other in stone shelves. There was barely anyone inside, only a handful of students and the sound of pages being flipped. Heading off to the history section, Ella grabbed a couple of books and sat down on a spare seat.
"In the beginning, there existed many clans on the continent of Therondya. Plagued by a seemingly endless war, the Gods and Goddesses united to put a stop to this. Blessing a handful of chosen ones, they were gifted with powers to cease the conflict. One such man, Rythin Leon became the head warrior of the Leon clan. A righteous and just man, he was gifted with fire and used it to bring peace. Rythin, working with other clans worked together to draw fair territory.
In the year 389, Rythin and other clan leaders signed the Declaration of Peace, and Lumiere was founded. After some centuries, the Gods were pleased with the harmonious relationship between the different clans, and decided to gift all with these powers to use them for good. Goddess Maria, the guardian of Lumiere, decided to gift the power of light to a chosen one to continue the prosperity of the Kingdom."
"Since then, those with the gift of Light have transformed Lumiere alongside the Leon monarchy who have continued to reign with peace."
Flipping another book, there was a wide spreadsheet of the Leon monarchy as well as other notable families. Ella recognised the Crown Prince and the Noir family, but was also surprised to see the Prime Minister's family.
[I guess it makes sense since the Prime Minister has a lot of influence, but I didn't realise that all his ancestors happened to be the King's, right-hand man as well].
Looking at the library clock, Ella was surprised to see that it was almost 2 pm.
"God, I read so much but didn't find any useful information, about the enemy," Ella mumbled.
Placing the books back on the shelf, Ella saw a gold shimmer in the corner of her eye.
[I didn't see that book before...]
Carefully brushing her hands on the book's spine, Ella went to grab it but was met with another hand. Turning to look, her eyes widened.
"Crown Prince?!"
In front of her stood Prince Leon. His blond hair was neatly styled and his blue eyes almost blinded Ella. He was wearing plain black pants and a blue striped shirt with leather boots. Carrying an exuberant aura, anyone could tell he was the main character. Snapping out of her thoughts, Ella gasped.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I was in shock...haha. Did you want this book, your highness?" Ella awkwardly said.
[OMG. What the hell is happening? He isn't supposed to be here! Fuck, I must've changed the plot direction when I came here. I better leave quickly].
"I would be glad to take it from you. And please, we are all equal in the academy, so you may call me by my name, Leon." Leon gave a small smile.
"Oh no, I possible couldn't, your highness. That would be rude of me. Um...I'll go first." Trying to make her exit, Ella was stopped by the next few words.
"You're Ella Deon, am I right? The Light user?"
[Oh shit, here we go.].
"Yes, I am. It's an honour for you to know my name. Do you need anything?" Ella said, using her customer service voice.
[Please leave!].
"No, nothing of that sort. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ella. My name is Leon. I've heard a lot of you from Merula, my fiancee."
"Oh! Merula, yes! She's a lovely girl, plus she's so adorable. Haha, I hope she's only said good things about me." Ella chuckled.
"Of course! Merula would never do such a thing to her dear friend. Thank you for taking care of her. I was worried about her, you see." Leon said, playing with his hands.
"Worried? Awww~ you're so cute. You two are perfect for each other." Ella teased.
"I'm not cute! Uh-hem, I apologise. She is my fiancee so it is my duty, to care for her." His ears turning pink.
"Don't worry about a thing. She's such a cutie, I'm a bit jealous of you actually. But don't fret, she shares the same feelings as you."
"She does?" Leon looked at her expectantly.
Ella stared at him deapan. [Damn, can he not see? It's literally so obvious?].
"Yes, she does. It's also very obvious, but I suppose you're in love, so you can't tell. A bit late but, my name is Ella, Merula's self-proclaimed best friend. Sorry about the initial reaction, I was a bit intimidated that's all."
Ella shook hands with Leon.
"Thank you. Sorry for frightening you, it happens a lot though because of who I am, so you aren't the first." Leon let a small laugh.
"I'm Leon, Merula's fiancee since birth."
The two of them continued to talk to the Dining hall, mostly about Merula, but Ella threw in a few questions about the monarchy. But to her dismay, Leon offered no vital information.
[Damn, this is gonna be harder than I thought. I guess I can rule the royalty out then as a potential suspect.]