The following day, Jonathan woke Xavier early to get him ready for his first day of school.
Groggy and confused, Xavier squinted at the morning light and groaned, "Do I have to wake up like this every day if I go to school?" His voice carried the frustration of a boy who had just discovered one of life's cruel truths.
Jonathan chuckled as he helped Xavier sit up. "Afraid so, kiddo. But it gets easier."
Still rubbing his eyes, Xavier mumbled, "Where's big brother and big sister?"
"They left earlier," Jonathan replied. "Their classes start before yours."
Xavier pouted. "I wanna go with them," he insisted, attempting to use his most irresistible puppy-dog eyes.
Jonathan burst into laughter. "Nice try, but you're stuck with me for now. Come on, let's get you ready."
Soon, Xavier was dressed in his crisp new school uniform and seated at the table, finishing his breakfast. As he ate, Jonathan carefully placed the Visors of Time over his eyes. Xavier's celestial irises dimmed into a deep scarlet once more.
"Ready?" Jonathan asked.
"Yes!" Xavier exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat.
The drive to Pennsylvania Royal Academy was filled with Xavier's excited chatter, but as they arrived, his enthusiasm shifted into awe. The academy was enormous, its grand architecture rivaling even the noble estates he'd visited before. It became apparent that nearly every student there came from a prestigious family.
As Jonathan parked the car, they noticed a large crowd gathering. The students were all fixated on something—or someone—in the distance.
Curious, Jonathan and Xavier walked toward the scene, soon spotting armed horsemen and a procession of luxury steam vehicles. Knights clad in polished armor unfurled a red carpet before one of the most opulent cars. The anticipation in the air was palpable as one knight opened the door.
A young girl stepped out, her presence commanding attention. She looked around Xavier's age, with flowing crimson cherry blossom hair and piercing red eyes. Her elegant royal gown shimmered under the sun, emphasizing her noble status.
Xavier was mesmerized. Before he could process what he was seeing, Jonathan's firm hand gently pushed his head downward. Xavier blinked in confusion but quickly realized that every single person around them—including his own father—had bowed their heads in respect.
The girl walked with measured grace, her serene expression unshaken by the attention. She was flanked by multiple armed knights, reinforcing her authority.
"Papa, who is she?" Xavier whispered. "And why is everyone bowing?"
Jonathan kept his voice low. "That, Xavier, is Princess Misaki Yamato of the Yamato Imperial Family. She is the daughter of the Emperor of Japan."
Xavier's eyes widened. A real-life princess? He had never expected to meet royalty outside of his own family.
Before he could ask more, the academy bell rang, signaling the start of classes.
Jonathan crouched beside him. "Time to go, Xavier. But before you do, remember two important things."
Xavier nodded attentively.
"First, keep your royal status a secret. Just like your siblings have done their whole lives."
"Got it," Xavier said.
"Second," Jonathan continued, smiling warmly, "Be kind to others, okay?"
Xavier beamed. "Don't worry, Papa, I will."
Jonathan ruffled his hair. "That's my boy."
With that, Xavier hurried off, his father watching proudly as he disappeared into the academy.
Upon entering, Xavier received a special student card that indicated his class placement: 1B. Navigating the hallways, he soon found his classroom and stepped inside, scanning the unfamiliar faces. The sheer number of students made him a bit nervous.
Taking a seat by the window, he noticed a boy in front of him sketching intently. Peeking over, Xavier was captivated by the detailed drawing of a beautiful woman.
"Wow! That's amazing!" Xavier blurted out, unable to contain his admiration.
The boy flinched slightly, startled by the sudden praise. He turned around, his black hair falling over his eyes as he muttered, "Uh... thanks."
"Who is she?" Xavier asked curiously.
The boy hesitated, then said, "My mother."
"Really? That's awesome!" Xavier grinned. "I wish I could draw like you."
The boy chuckled softly. "Thanks. That means a lot."
A moment later, he straightened up and said, "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Jupiter Cavendish. Nice to meet you."
Xavier smiled back. "I'm Xavier Ashford. Nice to meet you too."
Before their conversation could continue, the classroom door opened, and a woman strode in with an air of authority. She was strikingly beautiful, her long dark crimson hair cascading over an athletic frame. Yet, despite her allure, her golden eyes carried a sharp intensity that made the students instinctively sit up straight.
"To your seats," she commanded in a composed but firm voice. Instantly, all conversations ceased as the students scrambled to comply.
She gazed across the room, her piercing eyes scanning each student. "My name is Seo-Yeon Park. I will be your homeroom teacher until you graduate from the Pennsylvania Royal Academy."
A tense silence filled the air as she continued, "I will also be your history teacher. I expect respect, discipline, and effort from all of you."
The students swallowed nervously, her presence alone making them uneasy. No one dared to give her anything less than their full attention.
"I will now take attendance," she announced. "When I call your name, raise your hand."
She began listing off names, each student responding promptly.
Then, "Xavier Ashford?"
Xavier eagerly raised his hand. "Here!"
The moment his name was spoken, a shift rippled through the room. Whispers spread like wildfire, hushed yet unmistakably urgent.
"Did she just say Ashford?"
"Yeah... Ashford. As in the Ashfords."
Seo-Yeon Park's expression wavered as she scrutinized Xavier. With a nervous chuckle, she hesitated before asking, "Are you... related to Aleksander and Violet Ashford?"
"Yeah, they're my older siblings," Xavier answered casually.
Gasps filled the room. Some students exchanged wide-eyed glances, others stiffened in their seats.
Seo-Yeon Park sighed, rubbing her temple. "Looks like the academy has another monster on its hands."
Xavier blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Clearing her throat, she straightened up. "Anyway, let's begin our first lesson. Today, we'll be covering the history of the universe and its foundations."
The tension in the air remained, but as the lesson began, Xavier couldn't shake the feeling that his name alone had just turned him into something far more than just another student.