"That's why the people of the North Mountains use Silver wolfs to pull their sledge." Mrs. Erika said to everyone in the classroom as she came out from behind the podium.
Mrs. Erika is one of the senior teachers at Imperial Academy. She has white hair in a bob cut and brown eyes. She has many wrinkles on her face but she still has the grace and elegance of a noblewoman.
"Now if anyone has any questions then ask." she said while sitting on the chair in front of the blackboard.
Many students started raising their hands and asking questions to her.
While everyone was busy on that I just fiddled with my notebook and kept observing Princess Veronica on my left as she took notes of the lessons.
[Her focus mode gives her a mature charm, I can probably watch her like this for ages.]
"Your Highness, are you okay?" Rachel brought me out of my daze.
"Humm...? Yes, I am okay."
"Your Highness, you are a prince and one of the model students of the Imperial Academy, so you have your reputation to maintain, please control your actions."
~sigh~ I Sighed internally.
I didn't reply to her but instead, I checked the time on the wall clock above the blackboard.
[Only 5 minutes left before the lunch break will start.]
**********
I come from a royal lineage slaved under the 'Divya Veer Royal Family'.
100 years ago the current 'Divine Sword Kingdom' was the 'Gatora Kingdom' and my grandfather one of the Grandmaster Magicians was the king at that time. In the war, my grandfather fell and the 'Divy Veer' clan took over the kingdom under the Empire's command.
My father had escaped with some loyal guards and maids at that time but got captured after 70 years when he was in the final stages of the revenge plan.
My mother who was pregnant at that time also got captured.
But the new king and queen took pity on us, making my mother father and me a slave instead of executing us.
When I was 4 years old, the queen took me under her wings and under the head maid's guidance I was trained to become His Highness's personal maid.
At the age of 10, I met his highness for the first time, when I was appointed as his personal maid. At first, I only thought of him as my master and nothing else but soon I found my first friend in him.
Soon from a friend to a little brother but it all changed when we entered the academy. As if controlled by someone, his behavior started to change.
He started to change from a boy into a man. His developments were drastic that I became worried.
When I was at a loss for what to do, the Queen personally advised and explained to me.
That further motivated me to become stronger for his highness sake. Coming from a magic family, my talent for magic was inevitable and it didn't take me long to become a Master Rank Magician.
But now I don't know what to feel when his highness is unofficially engaged to the 4th princess of the empire.
My feelings have never been this complex for anyone not even for my dead father.
*****
I walked through the corridor with Miss Alisa, behind his Highness and the imperial princess as they made small talk with each other.
[Today's schedule of his Highness is totally packed except for this lunch break.]
"So Prince Finn, what is the reason for today's invitation to the student council?" Princess asked and after a pause he replied.
"Well... It concerns the future of the empire. Aa... My apology princess but let's talk about this in the meeting."
"It's okay Prince Finn, even though I am in student council, my brother holds all the power as Council President. So I will only be there as a member."
"What are you saying princess, you are one of the genius mechanic masters of our empire. So your involvement is as necessary as the Council President."
"So... "
"Your Highness, we reached the canteen. Should I bring the usual or something else?"
I interjected as I felt the need.
[His Highness is refraining from disclosing the information but I am afraid that he might give in if she pushed him a little more.]
"Well... what do you want to eat Princess Veronica?" Understanding the help I gave he rolled the conversation.
"You don't have to trouble yourself about it Alisa will take care of it." she replied.
I nodded to his Highness and said.
"So, why don't lady Alisa and I bring your lunch while you both can have some alone time?"
"It's a good idea, Miss Rachel" Understanding my intentions lady Alisa agreed.
Leaving the both of them we started walking towards the counter.
~sigh~ [Her flow of pushy conversation is disrupted, hopefully, your Highness will able to manage her.]
"Miss Rachel."
"Humm?" I turned to Lady Alisa upon hearing her voice.
"Princess Veronica didn't have any ulterior motives when she asked for the information about the meeting." she said in a neutral tone.
"Why are y..."
"I have lived thrice your age Miss Rachel and have experience of dealing with nobility, twice your age. So don't think I can't read between the lines."
"I..."
"I just wanted you to know that Princess Veronica means no harm to Prince Finn."
That's all she said and started walking towards the counter.
**********
[Rachel thanks, you always help me in critical situations.]
"Princess Veronica, that table seems empty let's take a seat there."
"Sure." she replied.
These days the canteen is mostly empty because students preferred eating outside in the open area.
Now only high-rank Noble students come here for lunch as they need to show their grace and maturity in front of Royal and Imperial students.
Taking seats opposite to each other we started conversating again.
"Do you have any interest in music and art, Princess Veronica?" I asked.
"To be honest, I have some interest. When I am in the mood I listen to piano and Violin pieces on Gramophone." She admitted.
"Well, then why don't I play piano for you sometime?"
I asked with slight embarrassment as it felt like I was asking for a date.
"Prince Finn you can play Piano?" She asked in surprise.
"Yes, I can play. After all, I am a Master Pianist." I revealed to her as I elegantly picked up the glass and drank some water.
"What!!? You are a Master Pianist? How can that be? Till now only 34 master pianists are there on our continent and 10 Great Master pianists and you are saying that you are one of the 34 people?" She exclaimed in astonishment.
"To be honest, I have recently reached master-level proficiency and am still behind my sister who is a Master in many instruments." I said as I scratched my cheeks in awkwardness.
Princess Veronica was still in astonishment as she saw me in a new light.
[Well, her reaction is normal because Grandmasters Musicians have gone extinct 5000 years ago in the war between humans and demons.]
"Say, Prince Finn when do you practice piano? I want to come sometime to watch you play." she asked me hurriedly while slamming her hands on the table and inching her face closer to me.
[So close! so close! so close!!!]
"I-I don't know. well, I practice after dinner so it might be too late for you as others will get the wrong idea."
**********
After 15 minutes we came to His Highness's table with lunch.
[Why does His Highness looks defeated and that unusual smile on Princess Veronica's face?]
**********