A month after Saint Maris Rainsa arrived in the royal capital, the day for her to enroll in the academy finally came.
Maris, dressed in the designated uniform, boarded the carriage prepared by the Great Temple and headed to the academy. The uniform was a vision of elegance, with a white, high-collared blouse adorned with intricate lace trim, paired with a deep navy-blue pleated skirt that fell just below her knees. A crimson sash, embroidered with the crest of the Great Temple, was tied gracefully around her waist. Completing the ensemble was a matching navy-blue cape, draped over her shoulders, its gold accents catching the light with every movement.
Passing through streets lined with cherry blossom-like flowers, the carriage eventually arrived at the academy. The academy itself was a grand structure, its towering spires and arched windows framed by vines of blooming wisteria. The building, made of ivory-colored stone, exuded an aura of timeless majesty. Surrounding her were carriages also dropping off noble children, who alighted and walked towards the school's towering gates, each adorned with intricate ironwork that depicted scenes from the kingdom's rich history.
"So this is the place..."
The carriage stopped in front of the school gate, and Maris stepped down from the carriage. Her movements were graceful, almost ethereal, as if she were gliding. The atmosphere around the gate changed instantly. Students on their way to school held their breath, captivated by the sight of the girl emerging from the temple's carriage.
"She's... exquisite."
One male student muttered. His words, spoken almost unintentionally, echoed the feelings of everyone present. The girl—Maris Rainsa—was stunningly beautiful. Her porcelain skin was flawless, her delicate features perfectly balanced. Her large, almond-shaped eyes were a light shade of blue, framed by long, dark lashes that only enhanced their striking beauty. Her pink hair, the color of freshly bloomed sakura, cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the morning sunlight and shimmering like fine silk. Simply stepping down from the carriage, her presence was so refined it was as if an angel had descended to earth.
Her beauty was such that the phrase "beyond compare" seemed made for her.
Maris, unfazed by the rain of gazes pouring over her, walked towards the school building. Her beautiful pink hair flowed in the wind, like fine silk threads, and she moved as if gliding just above the ground. The uniform, tailored to perfection, accentuated her slender figure, and with each step, the soft rustle of her skirt added a musical note to the tranquil morning air.
"I've found her... my destined one...!"
While most of the students at the gate were too mesmerized to approach her, one young man stepped forward and appeared before Maris. He knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully to her.
"Is there something you need?"
Maris tilted her head in curiosity at the man who had suddenly appeared in her path.
The man was a noble-looking youth with dark hair and striking red eyes that seemed to burn with intensity. His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and perfectly arched eyebrows gave him a regal air. His dark hair, neatly combed back, contrasted starkly with his fair complexion. The uniform he wore was similar to Maris's but in deeper tones, with a royal blue cloak signifying his high status. His handsome features made the scene look like a moment from a myth.
"Fair maiden, may I have the honor of knowing your name?"
"And you are...?"
"Forgive my late introduction. I am Kai Tempest, the Crown Prince of this Kingdom."
There was a collective gasp from the onlookers. The Crown Prince, the future king, was kneeling before the girl.
"At first glance, I knew immediately that you were the newly discovered saint."
The young man, Kai, extended his right hand towards Maris with an enraptured expression. His lips curled into a charming smile, revealing perfect white teeth, and his gaze never wavered from her face.
"Please, let me hear your name from your lips. And... may I have the honor of escorting the beautiful saint?"
His theatrical gesture, which might have seemed exaggerated, was natural when performed by the handsome prince. Everyone watching thought the same thing: Maris would take Kai's hand and walk with him. This was the beginning of the story, the prologue of a love story between the prince and the saint.
Maris smiled as they predicted. It was a clear, captivating smile directed at Kai, revealing a dimple in her left cheek that only added to her charm.
"I refuse."
She declared firmly, cutting him off with a smile.
"Huh...?"
Kai froze, not understanding what had just happened. Avoiding the bewildered prince, Maris walked briskly away. The onlookers, equally stunned, stood still. Maris did not look back as she headed towards the school building, her cape fluttering behind her, accentuating her graceful exit.
"W-wait! Please wait!"
Kai, regaining his composure after a while, chased after Maris.
"D-did I do something wrong? You didn't have to treat me so coldly..."
"Your Highness Prince Kai, correct?"
"Y-yes, that's what I said..."
"Then it's true that your fiancée is my sister, Sarina? Isn't it inappropriate for you to kneel in front of me despite having a fiancée? This is disrespectful to both me and my sister."
"W-well, that may be true, but..."
"But what? Are you saying you would leave your fiancée? If so, you are someone who chases after beauty. And if you won't leave your fiancée, then it means you want me as your mistress. That's really disrespectful."
"T-that's an exaggeration..."
Kai's face twisted as Maris calmly stated the facts with a smile.
"It's not an exaggeration but the truth. I don't like people who cheat or try to cheat on their partner. Please respect yourself and my sister. Now, please excuse me."
Despite addressing royalty, Maris was unfazed. She made her statement, bowed once, and left.
"...."
Kai could only stand and watch her leave, unable to pursue her.