The day ended with so much stress for Harmliet. For her first day entering the academy as the President, the news that Ezekiel brought is too much to handle. Knowing that she, the one who likes to order someone, will now move on her own because of her silly plan, it's a huge change for her. Even though she told Ezekiel she wanted to change, it's still troublesome.
Harmliet rolled her eyes while waiting in front of the dormitory building where she will stay until the end of the school year. When the sun set, students are called to each dormitory to eat dinner together. It's up to the officials to choose what group you'd fill in. It's been years since the rule of staying at the school was approved, now students can't go home nor visit unless there's an emergency due to that rule. And because the school is aiming to make the students act like a true warrior, they set this rule as a preparation in the future.
'It's more better to do my plans outside the academy because I can have my family to back me up in instant but well, I'm here now and there's no turning back.. besides, it's also interesting to have a lot of dumb people to play with so either way is fine but here in Avriel, even if you're a woman, you will still need to go to an academy to learn because it will help in the future so there is no escape to this. Every students will choose the path they want to take, if it is to be a knight, doctor, professor, or a merchant.. to benefit the country. Hence, I should also do my part as a noble. Moreover, being here isn't that bad,' Harmliet thought.
"Please follow me, my lady.." a servant immediately went to Harmliet when she entered the building.
She just nodded and did what the servant said.
Looking around, Harmliet noticed that there's no one else walking at the corridor other than them. On second thought, the pastel color of the walls are giving her a relaxing feeling, same goes to the view outside the window.
'It looks like the academy really did a good job to make the students comfortable while they're staying here. Well.. what do I expect in a top-tier academy?'
They stopped in front of a huge door that almost reached the ceiling with its height.
"Lady Harmliet has arrived.."
The moment the servant pushed the door open, eight students that are sitting in a long silver marble table welcomed her. There are two familiar faces but the rest are all unknown.
"Harmliet, you're just in time. Come join us.."
Sitting at the end of the table, the second prince showed a wide smile. Near to him is of course, his fiancée, Aviarre who doesn't look pleased to see her again.
'This girl.. I heard Prince Warve invited her to eat with us but she refused.. How dare she!!' Aviarre thought.
From her perspective, when she first saw Lady Harmliet, she already knew that she's a witch. Calling Prince Warve by his name when it's just their first meeting, unlike them who known each other for years now-- it's like she really wants to replace her from being the second prince's bride-to-be. But..
Aviarre smirked.
'The king is fond of me, same goes to Prince Warve and her highness, the queen. Taking my spot will be difficult..' she thought.
On the other hand, Harmliet raised a brow when she noticed the three ladies next to Aviarre, that looks like they're on the side of that girl because of their stare towards her.
'How funny.. the dumb rat carried her clan all the way here,' Harmliet thought.
As she walk towards the empty chair opposite of Aviarre, she could feel the stares of the three men that sits next to her. Their stares, unlike the ladies, they're more calm and respectful, it's like they're just looking at her to appreciate her presence.
"Now.. shall we eat?"
Harmliet started to eat, thinking that no one would open a conversation with her but seconds later, Prince Warver suddenly stopped from eating his steak and looked at her direction.
"Lady Harmliet, you looked so stress.. may I ask if that something you checked earlier is the reason?"
For a moment, Harmliet's shoulders tensed up but she proudly raised her chin to face the prince.
'Why now? At all times..? Why do you need to ask me now? In front of these people?' she thought. She wanted to roll her eyes because of irritation but she couldn't, 'I want to have a peaceful night because I'm already tired of the drama today but seeing this situation, it's impossible. For sure, Aviarre would be upset to the bones.. Oh god.. Anyways, I guess this is also a good sign.'
"Well I must admit that you're right, your highness."
"Why though? Is it something personal or something about the academy? I guess since it's troubling you, it is a huge problem.."
'Well, I'm relieved you're not as dumb as your fiancee..' Harmliet thought.
Harmliet took a deep sigh, "It is, inde--"
"I think you should stop asking about it, Warve. The lady might feel uncomfortable with those questions.. that might stress her as well.. As the 'President', we need her to stay healthy."
Aviarre's sudden interruption caught the prince's attention. From her tone, she sounds so concerned and serious regarding the situation but Harmliet knows what she really meant to do. 'To get the Prince attention'.
'It's our dinner time but she still wanted this to happen..? What is she trying to do? To make fun of me? She's indeed dumb.' Harmliet thought.
For a second, a naughty idea popped on her mind. 'If she wanted to tease me then there'll be no harm if I tease her back, right?'
Harmliet crossed her legs under the table before she looked straight to Aviarre's eyes.
"It seems that you're really close to his highness, Lady Aviarre. That should be expected since you'll get married soon and it's really adorable to watch.." Harmliet smiled, "It makes me wonder where I could find my 'true love' like what the both of you has.."
"True love you say..?" Prince Warver smiled awkwardly.
'Bingo'. Harmliet smirked.
"Yes, your highness. You're both in love with each other, right?"
Silence filled the room. Even Aviarre didn't dare to speak.. That makes Harmliet happy.
'What now? You teased me first and now that I did it back, you're speechless?' Harmliet wanted to laugh loudly.
Minutes later, Harmliet was the first one to finish eating. For her. that's even more better so she could go without hearing a word outside the room. She proudly stood up and looked at the people on the table.
"Excuse my rudeness, your highness, but I would like to take my leave now.."
Prince Warver nodded and smiled softly, "You may go and rest, Lady Harmliet."
"I thank you, your highness, have a good night."
When Harmliet met Aviarre's eyes. All she could see is hatred..
She happily bowed her head. 'Well, it's my pleasure to bring pain, too bad she tried to challenge me.'
**
The morning came and the training for swordsmanship arrived. It's the academy's schedule to have an alternate activities each day. Outdoor and indoors. Every students who are scheduled to face such training must wear their assigned uniform, and for juniors like Harmliet, they wore a white stretch pants for the girls and trousers for the boys partnered with gray tailcoat and white gloves, with their training swords on the side.
"Good morning, students!"
The assigned professor of the training greeted them with a smile, owning a gray long hair that's tied up and brown eyes, wearing the uniform of the most famous knights, Leucos.
"I'm professor Wilem Patria.."
Harmliet, who's sitting in a stone chair, rose up when she heard the familiar surname.
'Woah, I never thought that I would encounter Earl Patria's eldest son here.' she thought.
The House of Patria are known for owning a business overseas, Harmliet doesn't know the whole details but she heard that they're really famous not just because of their business but also because of each son holds a rank on the knights.
Harmliet cocked her head on the side as she stare at the noble man's build.
"Before we start. I would like to ask which party do you prefer. Leucos knights? Aurum Knights? Or Erebus Knights?" Wilem started to roam his eyes.
Students started to state their answers. Many students answered 'Leucos', just a few for 'Aurum' and not much for the Erebus.
'It makes sense since Leucos Knights are known for being the top knights each year while the Aurum Knights follow behind. Erebus Knights are the shadows of the country so people doesn't know how great those warriors are..' Harmliet shook her head before raising her hand, "Erebus Knight," she calmly said.
The students glanced at her direction and stared differently, some are either confused or curious, but most of them were just making fun of her decision. Harmliet raised her chin to show them her annoying smile.
'Look at these idiots.'
On the other hand, Knight Wilem became interested on Harmliet's confident reaction. He's smiling widely as he walks towards the young girl. For him who have already met a lot of students who have answered their title, the 'Erebus Knights', he's amused to see that someone responded differently.
'"Why the Erebus Knights, my lady?" he asked directly while looking right straight into her eyes.
Harmliet stared back, with fierce eyes. "Erebus' may not be known for those who are blind, I acknowledge their capability to do their own job amazingly without needing an audience to cheer for them."
Wilem licked his lower lip, 'How brave.' He couldn't help but to eyed the lady and observe her features.
'Yellowish hair... golden eyes. She's must be from..."
"What a good answer," he then cleared her throat, "May I ask which family do you belong, my lady?"
The moment Harmliet lowered her head to laugh, chills crawl up to the man's body.
"I apologize for laughing, Sir..." She looked up. "Callighan's. I'm a Callighan."
That's when Wilem realized the gap between him and the nobles like Harmliet; it's not just the authority they hold... but also about the power they can give with just a single stare that would make anyone bow down on their knees.
He gulped before looking away from Harmliet's cold and spine-chilling eyes, 'Callighans are surely a crazy family.'