Just as the Emperor had stated, the lessons began for Cassandra, marking the beginning of her transformative journey. She was seated at a meticulously organized desk, where an impressive array of books was piled high, each one a gateway to new knowledge and wisdom. The air was thick with the scent of aged parchment and ink, a reminder of the many scholars who had traversed this path before her.
"Greetings, your highness." A voice broke through her thoughts. A handsome man stood before the table, exuding an air of confidence and authority. Behind him, a large blackboard awaited its first marks of chalk, ready to bear the weight of the day's lessons. The man had striking spiky black hair and a pair of well-groomed eyebrows that framed his piercing dark yellow eyes, which were accentuated by the glasses perched on his nose. He was tall and possessed a slim, yet athletic build, suggesting both intellect and physicality. His attire was sharp and professional, consisting of a tailored black business suit that complemented his white shirt and neatly knotted black tie.
"I am Baron Pierce Fitzcharles, and from today onward, I will take charge of your lessons." He proclaimed with a confident air. "I have already organized all your tutors, and together we have created a comprehensive schedule tailored to your educational needs." As he delivered this explanation along with his self-introduction, his voice held a tone of authority that commanded attention. "I will specifically oversee your history lessons along with the other basic lessons." He continued, his gaze steady and unwavering.
Cassandra, however, couldn't help but let her eyes drift toward the stacked books on the desk before her. The sheer volume of them suggested an extensive curriculum, which was only to be expected given that the Empire had a rich and complex history spanning over one thousand years. She found herself pondering the countless events, figures, and milestones that had shaped their world. It wouldn't surprise her if the books on the desk represented only a few hundred years of history, considering the Empire's vast timeline.
"Do you have any questions?" Baron Fitzcharles asked this, while pushing his glasses up, clearly as they had slightly shifted during their conversation. His eyes, magnified through the thick lenses, twinkled with a mixture of authority and warmth, inviting her to engage.
"Yeah, how many lessons and tutors do I have?" the young princess inquired, her voice steady and composed.
"You will be taking on a series of lessons, starting with the basics that all students must learn: Literature, History, Languages, and Mathematics." He began, his tone reminiscent of a modern classroom, as he expertly listed each subject. "As I stated before, I will be the one in charge of those." His voice carried a hint of pride, as if to say that he was well-equipped to guide her through these foundational topics.
"We then move on to your royal lessons; Political Science, Economics, and Leadership." He continued, his eyes gleaming with the gravity of these subjects. "These will be taught by Viscountess Victoria Allencourt. She is a very famous professor at the Imperial Academy."
The Imperial Academy had never appeared in Cassandra's dreams, only mentioned in passing conversations, but she understood its significance. It was a prestigious institution that accepted anyone regardless of their status, as long as they possessed potential in any area and could pass the rigorous entrance exam, a daunting challenge that loomed ahead.
"Then you'll have Arts and Culture with Count Lewis Armward," he added, moving briskly through the list. Although she really didn't see the point in those lessons, she remained diplomatic, nodding in agreement. The world of art and culture felt distant to her, yet she recognized its importance in the royal sphere.
"You will still have Countess Winter as your Formal Etiquette tutor, which will now include dining etiquette, social graces, and Royal protocol," he explained. The mention of Countess Winter stirred memories within her; her grandmother, who she hadn't seen since before the grand ball, had always emphasised the importance of such lessons in navigating the complexities of court life.
She had remembered that these had been all the lessons which Tylra had to take while he was in the palace. In addition to that, she had also immersed herself in the study of modern school life while living as Annabel. The challenges of blending the two worlds had seemed daunting at first, but now, as she reflected on her experiences, she felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe this wasn't going to be as hard as she thought it would be after all, and perhaps she could navigate these new social dynamics with greater ease than she initially anticipated.