The journey to the capital continued without much noteworthy events. The once-dominant fjords and snow-covered peaks gave way to a picturesque countryside adorned with sun-kissed vineyards. Villages painted in pastel hues dotted the hills, their chimneys puffing lazy smoke against the azure sky.
Advancing toward the capital, the landscape transformed into the Alpine region, showcasing towering mountains and verdant landscapes. These natural fortifications presented formidable obstacles to potential invasions, especially on foot. Approximately an hour prior to reaching the capital, they made a strategic shift to horse carriages, discreetly masking the majestic dragons in their midst. The Duke's carriage, strategically positioned, afforded them added benefits, ensuring a seamless entry into the capital with minimal attention or scrutiny.
Entering the capital, the skyline unfolded with grand architectures, palaces, museums, and classical buildings, emanating an artistic charm that embraced visitors. Unlike Silverkeep's predominant icy white and blue colour scheme, the capital's houses boasted a uniform attire of terracotta rooftops and beige or earthy-coloured wall paintings, harmonising with its Terravale background.
Their journey concluded at a magnificent mansion, a pristine white structure adorned with a dark blue roof, creating a stark contrast to the earthy tones prevalent throughout the city. Eydis sensed familiarity with the mansion's owner as she observed her suspect, noting a subtle tinge of redness on his cheeks.
How endearing.
She chuckled at his reddened face as he gallantly extended his hand to assist her off the carriage. They enjoyed a few days of tranquillity before the impending storm made its entrance.
The storm took the form of a playful brown-haired man with golden streaks. He radiated an intoxicating warmth that almost masked the undercurrent of authority in his stride.
"Come on, Eydis, His Highness works better than 'storm,'" he teased.
"Apologies if my inner thoughts offended you, Your Highness," she replied, a hint of playfulness in her tone.
The laughter that erupted this time came from Duke Theomund, a rare and genuine rumble that took Prince Adrian by surprise. "Forgive me, Your Highness," he said, "That phrase just brought back memories."
"None taken. Now, Miss Eydis, are you ready for tomorrow?" the Prince asked, his voice softer now.
Duke Theomund's response preceded any chance for Eydis to form a reply. "She'll excel," he declared, his voice resolute with unwavering faith. "Though," he added, sporting a knowing smile, "her studies, or lack thereof, might have been slightly... unconventional."
"Oh? How long have you been preparing for it?" The Prince inquired, intrigued by the Duke's unshakable assurance, considering the academy was renowned for its difficulty in gaining entry.
"About a week, I suppose. I intended to study more, but the city tours happened. Priorities, you see," Eydis replied casually, taking a sip of her coffee.
"A week?" Prince Adrian's smile faltered, a flicker of disbelief flitting across his eyes.
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Seven whole days?" Prince Adrian's lips twitched.
"Give or take, Your Highness," Eydis responded nonchalantly.
Prince Adrian, still puzzled, inquired, "And what are your qualifications, Miss Eydis?"
Eydis grinned mischievously, "I'm now a certified expert in dodging dragon rides, Your Highness."
The Prince chuckled, "First time?"
"And the last, or so I hope." Eydis shrugged, maintaining her smile.
His amusement was tinged with concern, a rare glimpse into the man beneath the regal facade. "Are you sure it's the right time to let her take the exam, Duke Theo? You might become a laughing stock if she fails."
The Duke, his irritation growing despite the lighthearted conversations, asserted firmly, "She will not."
Prince Adrian sighed, a weary acceptance settling over his features. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you."
"Your concern is truly appreciated, Your Highness," the Duke responded.
"Now, onto another interesting topic, what's the deal with the purple smoke, Duke Theo?" The prince asked playfully, though there was a hidden edge behind his voice. Excusing herself before the Duke could delve into the matter, she knew interfering would only complicate things, especially with his report to the Imperial office hanging heavy in the air.
The estate's garden offered a welcome refuge. She spotted Sir John, his ashen hair gleaming in the sunlight as he gazed solemnly at a sunflower. His muscular build and tanned complexion, remnants of his life as a knight, resonated with Eydis's understanding of the original Eydis's attraction.
Although sharing no physical resemblance with the Duke, their personalities aligned, from their sense of honour to their hero complex. It would be a surprise if they couldn't attract any women. Unlike Amelie, who felt no romantic pull towards Sir John, the original Eydis had been entangled in a web of complicated affections. His eyes, always longing for Princess Athena, the only sunflower he wouldn't dare touch, spoke volumes of a love doomed from the start —pitiful souls entrapped in their so-called hierarchy, in a world both beautiful and cruel.
As dusk fell, Eydis drifted into a dream. Flames danced in her vision, silver hair whipped by an unseen wind, and empty crimson eyes widened in surprise. An ominous whisper echoed in her mind, a warning of something inevitable, yet the feeling remained just out of reach. The subsequent dream, one fragment Eydis always forgot upon waking, featured a kind woman in her forties, eyes shimmering like liquid gold. Her lips moved to express her affection, and a premonial warning.
"I love you, my dear Eydis."
"Eydis von Rosenfeld, run!"
**
Eydis found herself in a private room for the entrance exam, a perk courtesy of Duke Theomund. The window, suspiciously clear, felt more like a peephole than a portal. Ah, the thrill of academia – always watching, never blinking. Almost like being back in that interrogation cell. But hey, at least the scenery was better here.
Nonetheless, she appreciated the Duke's consideration, relishing the privacy that allowed her to ponder the answers freely. Surveying the Mathematics exam, she encountered questions more challenging than her preparations warranted. Topics spanned from solving limits and continuity to partial derivatives, differential equations, and advanced statistics. It appeared the exam creator intentionally selected intricate questions for her assessment. Someone in academia clearly had a PhD in passive-aggressive testing.
Next, Latin? A nearly forgotten language, far removed from the French she'd prepped for. While the paper wasn't overly challenging, the inclusion of anatomy questions hinted at a setup for failure. "Is this a test," she chuckled, scribbling answers with practised ease, "or a sly medical school rejection attempt?" Fortunately, one of her past-life "projects," where she feigned being a medical student, proved advantageous. Turns out, dissecting Latin verbs and arteries held unexpected advantages, especially when boredom fueled your learning.
Debating. A single topic emerged: "The Harmony of Elemental Powers: Preserving Balance or Pursuing Dominance?" Eydis leaned back, her pen hovered, a smirk playing on her lips. The usual debate drill – research, rehearse, rebut – was tossed out the window like yesterday's news. It was a blindfolded leap into the intellectual abyss, a silence screaming, "Conform or into the dumpster it goes."
Doctor Saito, her unseen observer, felt the shift in the air. Eydis's pen, once a whirlwind, lay frozen. The silence buzzed with anticipation, a blank canvas filled with possibilities. In that pause, a promise bloomed: a rebellion against the norm, a raging storm. This wasn't just an exam; it was a declaration of war, and Eydis was ready to conduct the symphony.