"Your highness, we're here." Sir Ulysses knock the carriage door and open it to assist , me out of the ride, to be greeted by the crowded academy with students and professors in their uniforms.
It's been a week since the Sectre, I was hiding in my home since then, the ranked list of passers are plastered all over the news, even a photograph of me when I was 5 back then playing piano for the trade was used and published along the lines that I ranked top on the exams, and reported my light affinity which is rare and can only be wielded by the direct royals of the holy empire Ilia.
And Sienna, she was currently under investigation and detained in her room, the quarter of her aura that I took cause her to weaken drastically, but I know she'll be fine till next week, no one is trying to claim her, not even her sister who's working for the Birshas.
It was a hectic week.
Now I'm here at the academy, it's already the first day of the new students.
I'm glad the academy requires a mandatory uniform to lessen the discrimination.
It's a plain but high quality white chiffon stand collar lantern long sleeve shirt, with a set of maroon red and gold military poncho cape coat and high waist midi skirt, white tights and black combat boots, with academy brooch on the neckline of the shirt.
We all have same uniforms, the boys with their white shirt and maroon suit and tie with vest and black combat boots and academy brooch.
The only thing that's not restricted is how you tie your hair, there are other sets of uniforms for combat training too.
My grandmother and father promise to meet me at my dormitory later, since they have a tight schedule as of late, especially with my father being called constantly by the emperor, I'll be lodging in the same dormitory mansion where my brother and the Wisteria's scholars are staying in, I haven't seen where it is yet.
I can only bring Sir Ulysses and Sir Orion with me in the academy, I have a new ring that my father got for me with my family's insignia that was casted with protection spell that connects with the knights rings that Sir Ulysses and Sir Orion are wearing.
They'll be following me around as awkward as it is, but he said they'll be hanging out with Sir Colin and some imperial knights so it wouldn't be a problem.
It's only for today I'm bringing them both, they'll take turns guarding me in the next few days and only wants to get familiarize with my schedule.
I headed to my way, ignoring the stares as I enter the academy, to be greeted by the student councils with their cloaks on and hiding their eyes, which reminded me of the handkerchief in my dress pocket that I rushed to wash the ink stain off and ironed neatly by myself last night.
I couldn't just approach Max right now with the amount of students piling up the hall.
I awkwardly look around to find Professor Rick approaching excitedly and motion for me to go to the huge staircase.
"Your homeroom will be on the last room on west wing upstairs, Lady Althea, there are lists of students names posted next to the doors designated." he said as I nodded and thank the old man and go, heading my way to the long hallway.
I headed pass the student councils, my brother suddenly turn his left hand to me quickly with a small white box with that familiar lilac ribbon and silver tag of our candy business, and a silver flask.
I grab it both without any hesitation which earn a stifled chuckle from the guy on on the right side of my brother, I can already tell it's Sir Paul with his Wisteria's knightage ring on his right index and Viscount Terezia's insignia ring on his left index, when he pull his cloak lower.
I only carry on my way upstairs immediately, I want the best seat.
I made it to the homeroom while Sir Ulysses and Sir Orion remain outside as I confirm my name to be listed on top.
My knights scouted the whole room first to make sure it's safe as a protocol, I headed in and take the very end seat next to the window at the back, it will be perfect to avoid the students staring.
"Don't make it even more awkward for me." I groan as they chuckled bowing.
"We'll be waiting just outside by that tree, your highness." Sir Orion pointed at the oak tree outside as I nodded and dismiss them while the room is still empty.
They recklessly open the window, jumping off from second floor down to the ground without a scratch, I'm so use to them being like this because they argued before that it's better to know their way around incase of emergencies.
I shut the window and take a seat while I can see them taking a sit on the floor leisurely, and Sir Colin running his way to them as I shook my head in amusement when Sir Colin bowed courteously and brightly while looking up my way.
I let them be, taking my seat as I touch the fountain pen and brown leather covered journal with academy's insignia, my name automatically engraved on it, even the small gold plate name tag on the side of the table, claiming my spot.
I open the box and was greeted by mixed candied tangerine, lime, and lemon peels, which I immediately took a piece and eat while I hide the box under the table compartment, putting my flask there too.
I lean head down against the table, facing the wall, just as I head footsteps.
I look up to the doorway and saw a familiar girl with long mahogany brown curly hair tied in fishtail braids and deep brown eyes, Sir Rafael Mabel's little sister, who looks flustered seeing me, she quickly bowed courteously.
"It's an honor to be in same class with your highness, Lady Althea. I'm Kiera Rose Mabel, daughter of Baron Mabel, I'm one of the Wisteria's scholar." Kiera spoke as I hummed.
"You're Sir Rafael's younger sister, I heard a lot from your brother, do you like candied fruits?" I asked with a casual tone which startle her and look up to me with stunned face, I took out the box and motion her her to hush which made her eyes wide and blink then nodded.
Her aura seem fine to me, it's purple and bright yellow.
"I do, your highness." she answered honestly and sheepishly as I nodded and motion for her to come closer as she did obediently and I grab one to eat again.
"It will be awkward if I'm the only one eating." I said as she hesitantly grab one and mumble thanks.
"I-If you don't mind, my lady." she said pointing at the table near next to my right as I nodded and she sighed deeply and go take her seat, eating the piece of candied lemon peel.
I decided to put the hood of my poncho coat over my head to hide my silver hair.
I cross my arm while Kiera take a deep breath.
"Congratulations on being the top passer this year, my lady, I've always admire you ever since you perform at the trade long ago." she spoke as I hummed and nod.
"Thank you, congratulations on passing too, I'm sure you're doing great if the grand duchy took you in as a scholar." I complimented back as she smiled brightly and I motion for her to get more candy and she did comfortably.
Not long till students pile up the room, greeting me awkwardly and claiming their spots.
The room are too stiff as I cover my face to hide my yawn and Sir Rick enters the room, greeting the student's one by one.
The most annoying part is introducing ourselves one by one, if I was back in modern world I'd be anxious too, but with my aura affinity in this life, I can easily control my emotions within a second.
.
.
.
I'm glad I have Kiera with me right now, we have a same exact schedule of each courses, we immediately get along well, I'm sure her schedule was planned to match mine but I couldn't careless, at least it's one of my most trusted people in my previous life, not my killer.
Kiera is still too courteous but slowly getting comfortable, no one needs to question if I have her around, she's one of the grand duchy's scholars.
I tried to get my mind off at the moment about her parents' previous death, I'll find a way once the Earl appears to the grand duchy.
It's already lunch time, there is a cafeteria here somewhere.
"The cafeteria is down stairs at the eastern wing." the student representative announce by the stairs, acting like a tour guide.
We headed downstairs, following the other students while I'm ignoring their stares, I grip on the silver flask my brother gave me earlier, Kiera and I made it to the cafeteria.
It's basically a giant luncheon, almost like a restaurant with 10 sitter round tables and chairs all over the place.
The line is so long.
"I'll go get your food for you, your highness-"
"Don't do that, you're not a servant." I said holding her right forearm to stop which made her flustered as I look around.
We headed to fall in line, putting her in front of me and let go of her as she fidget on her sleeves while I couldn't careless and act life any normal student.
It took only a bit to made it to the front and grab a tray each along silver utensils.
I watch the old lady who greeted us courteously as I nodded and pick my food from the menu.
It's a plate of chicken Caesar salad, a bowl of cream chowder, small plate of chocolate brownies, and silver cup with pomegranate juice.
I thanked the old lady as I grab my tray and go before the staffs even initiate to do it for me, I can tell by their movement, facial expression and bright yellow and purple auras, I smile gratefully and go my own way to the table at the corner and put my tray down then take a seat while Kiera followed me immediately and I let her sit with me.
I started eating while Kiera and I comfortably converse about our hobbies and things we like to do.
"I heard from my brother that there will be a welcoming banquet for the students this weekend, will you attend, your highness?" she asked as I hummed shrugging.
"If I'm not so tired, I guess." I mumbled as she seem excited and talk about dress styles which we somehow get along quickly, talking about Forema, the dress shop that become my personal clothing producer for the past few years consistently.
We were about to finish our lunch but suddenly interrupted by the reeking auras I sensed coming close, as I notice Kiera stop talking too and bow her head silently, which made me lean my left arm on the table uninterested when I caught a sight of Malina and Talia with two other girls, one with teal blue eyes and dark auburn hair, and one with sea green eyes and dirty blond hair.
"I've been looking forward to see you highness, Lady Althea, congratulations on ranking as the top passer of Sectre, my dear cousin." Malina said brightly, and oh God her murky green aura reeks.
"It's an honor to finally be able to see you again, Lady Althea." Talia spoke so casually and as if we're in friendly terms.
The four of them suddenly put their trays down our table which made me stare at them coldly.
The two other girls stop on their track and hesitantly take their trays again while Talia and Malina both frown.
"I'm surprise the four of you passed, considering you lack basic manners, etiquette and courtesy on how to treat a grand ducal lady with royal blood properly, look at you go, inviting yourselves on our table, must I remind you how to act like a proper noble? I'm not going to be so surprise if you accidentally offend other foreign royals and noble students." I spoke and smile mockingly which made them tense as I take my drink leisurely.
"Thea." my brother interrupted as I turn to him and saw him approaching with the group of scholars, I can see Kiera's brother Sir Rafael who look surprise to see Kiera who stood up and bow to greet my brother on a rush.
"Brother." I muttered as he take a seat next to me and dismiss Kiera who sit back to her previous spot as the scholars greeted me and I smiled at them and nod as they go ahead and take their seats on the same table which shooed away the 4 flustered girls.
Their auras stinks so bad right now it's nauseating, I just watch them go and take another table with other ladies, haughtily staring at our table.
"That's just quarter of what you normally eat every meal- ow!" my brother grunt dramatically when I elbowed his side and glared at him but he only chuckle and pat my head.
"Even up here in the academy, you're still being followed by pests." he muttered putting a good amount of sliced grilled chicken on my salad plate.
I just noticed how much they have in their trays.
A lot, I wasn't even surprise.
I only continued to eat, while they're conversing with Kiera who seem much more comfortable now that her brother, Sir Rafael is around.
I finish my food and drink, wiping my lips with the table napkin and take my brother's flask to drink some water.
"I'll go ahead first, I want to save a seat before anyone else do." I said as my brother hum and nod as I smile at Kiera who hesitantly stand.
"You finish your meal, I'll save you a seat too." I said as she glance to left where Malina and Talia's tables are, they're throwing glares every now and then.
"I'll take the dessert with me, please wait for me, let's go together, Lady Althea." she said taking her plate as I oh and nod.
She headed to the counter with her plate of brownie, while I look at my empty dishes.
"That's Birsha's only daughter, right? The one claiming to be a distant relative and wouldn't stop trying to get close?" brother said as I shrug and stand up when I sense Kiera's presence.
"Meet us after your final class at the main lobby." my brother said as I nod and go when Kiera finally returns with 2 small with boxes.
"The cafeteria lady asked me to hand this to your highness." Kiera spoke handing me a box as I frown and open it to see 3 stacks of brownies, there is a small silver dessert fork inside.
"The cafeteria lady is Madam Romina's sister, Madam Monette, she's hired under the imperial order, you need not to worry about her, she was one of mother's lady in the waiting in the past and even Wendy knows her." my brother said as I nodded and smile at the lady who bow shortly by afar with a fond smile.
"I'll see you later." I said to my brother who hummed nodding and go my own way, I walk out of the cafeteria, ignoring people I walk pass as I check my schedule card from my pocket.
My next subject will be music, each day have different courses, earlier we have our homeroom with Professor Rick, there's nothing much to it since it's mainly a gathering room and teachings of noblesse oblige and conducts, followed by history of magic subject with Professor Maurice who's a really strict professor, and last today will be charms with Professor Anastasia.
It's only basic introductions so technically the class will start next week.
2nd day of the week tomorrow will be defense magic, spells, and potions, 3rd day will be herbology, alchemy and mathematics, 4th day will be art, music and divination, 5th day of the week will be archery, swordsmanship and all more physical activities.
I can go home every weekends to our manor at the capital, I can still assist my nana with our family business every now and then.
But it may not be this weekend since there will be a welcoming banquet or ceremony whatsoever for the new students here at the academy, and I might need to shop for materials if the subjects requires us to.
I groan internally and was about to go upstairs when I saw a familiar boy, it's Max, sitting by himself across the campus garden at the gazebo and eating by himself with his hood still covering his eyes.
I go my way to the opened door and cross the garden, stopping at the gazebo as I take out his handkerchief when he stop eating and looking up to me a bit.
"Sir Max, I washed it myself, I used vodka to remove the stain and tried using a castile soap mixture I'm experimenting on, I hope you aren't sensitive to smell." I said handing him his handkerchief and he grab it and carefully analyses the clean white cloth and smell it.
Might as well try one of the samples of scented castile soaps I experimented on while I was bored, I'm planning on suggesting another business to my grandmother.
"Lavender?" he mumbled as I hummed and nodded.
"I like that scent the most, it's lavender, lime and vanilla mixture, it's something I've been experimenting of as of late." I said comfortably as he hummed and smile brightly with his aura too bright of a powdery pink and gold.
"The scent is just right, I like it, and it made the cloth soft, not stiff like the usual." he commented which made me blink and nod.
"I might." I said as he hummed.
"I'll be the first customer for this, I heard the lady is behind the milk tea, sweets and candy parlors too that the dowager grand duchess runs too, I like the candied peels and cold earl grey the most and often buys it." he said bluntly which made me flustered since it's only been my family and people in my home that knows.
"Well, since you seem to be an avid consumer, you'll get a discount then once I start the soap business." I said shrugging which made him chuckle at ease and nod.
"You'll be residing at the grand duchy scholars' dormitory?" he ask as I nod and he hummed putting down his empty plate on the table.
"You'll probably reside on the west wing where the ladies are, us men are occupying the east, I saw his grace there just a few days ago, renovating the west wing, I assumed the lady will be residing there, we'll often see each other then." he said as I oh and nod.
He suddenly shot up his seat as I turn and see the imperial knights approaching.
"Oh! Sir Peter! Sir Hamel! Did you eat already? The crown prince is not here, but I have his imperial highness' fiancée, Lady Althea here with me." he spoke in a rush and both imperial knights eyes widen seeing me and bow quickly.
Me? The crown prince's fiancée?
It wasn't even widely announced announce yet but I'm not even that surprise that everyone assumes I will be, even the imperial knights are aware since I was requested by the empress dowager often to visit her, even the emperor himself who constantly brought up the engagement topic to my father nonstop, visiting the Wisteria personally every chance he gets.
I'm not gonna be surprise if the crown prince hates the idea by now, he declined marriage before in our past lives, I'm sure he'll do it again.
"It's an honor to greet the honorable lady of Wisteria, your highness, we're the crown prince's imperial knights Peter Korel and this is Hamel Raspar." he introduced as I oh and greet them back courteously."
They're looking for the crown prince, he must be just around close.
"I see, it's nice to meet you two too, I'll be back to my class now, I'll see you at the dormitory, Sir Max." I said, not waiting for his answer and go rush my way back in the campus without looking back.
I headed upstairs then easily find and enter the empty classroom for charm subjects.
I took the very last seat at the back next to the window again, holding the pent and table to mark it, I ate the brownies, trying to calm myself down.
'How to decline the imperial marriage proposal before the crown prince do?'
'Maybe I can try and talk to him about it and convince him to insist the engagement with me.'
Another course I have to solve.