The morning air was crisp, the sky above the Ducal Institute clear and vibrant, as if nature itself were eager to welcome the new school year. I stood at the grand entrance, surveying the preparations unfolding before me. The grounds gleamed under the golden light of the rising sun, the ancient stone paths polished to a mirror shine. The banners bearing the sigil of the Institute—a silver griffin clutching a golden laurel—fluttered gracefully in the soft breeze, a symbol of knowledge, strength, and tradition.
Every year, the beginning of the academic term carried a sense of purpose, but this year felt different. There was an unusual tranquility throughout the Empire, a result of the recent awakening of Emperor Aurelio. His return from the shadows had quelled the unrest that had plagued us for years, and the waves of tension that had rippled across the land had begun to recede. The stability his presence brought was like a balm to the heart of the Empire, and with it came a resurgence of ambition among the noble families.
This year, the Institute would see a flood of new arrivals—scions of prestigious houses from across the North and East. Some of these families had long been absent from our halls, either by choice or circumstance, but the changing tides had altered their perspectives. They were now eager to secure their future influence, sending their heirs to the Ducal Institute in droves.
The arrival that had caught my attention the most was that of Puttock Morrison, the sole son of Duke Damian of the Morrison family from the eastern regions. They were renowned for their mastery of swordsmanship, their blades swift as the wind. The Morrison bloodline, with its roots tracing back to the Wind Dragon King, was legendary in dueling. Few could match them in single combat, and it was said that a duel with a Morrison was like dancing with a storm. The anticipation surrounding Puttock's arrival was palpable; he carried with him the weight of his family's legacy, and I could only imagine the whirlwind he would unleash within these walls.
Not far behind him, from the northern lands, came Girona Tulipan, princess of one of the wealthiest counties in the Empire. Her family, known for their vast fortunes and political cunning, wielded both gold and influence with equal mastery. The Tulipan estate was a beacon of prosperity in the North, and Girona's presence at the Institute was unexpected. She was known more for her reclusive nature, rarely seen at social gatherings, and I was curious to see how she would navigate the intricate web of relationships within these halls.
The surge in enrollment had brought not only high-ranking nobles but also a surprising number of students from lesser-known families, all eager to make their mark. The noble children arriving from the coastlines, the farmlands, and the distant mountains filled the air with chatter and excitement. The carriages arriving one after another were symbols of opulence—each more ornate than the last—lined with intricate crests and family emblems. The scent of perfumed oils and freshly polished armor filled the air as students disembarked with their retinues, some with guards and servants trailing behind.
And then, amidst the sea of new arrivals, I noticed a familiar pair of faces—Edward and Guillermina Flower, the younger siblings of Raimon Flower. The twins had grown since I had last seen them, now carrying themselves with an air of maturity that belied their young age. Edward, calm and observant, stood with his hands behind his back, his blue eyes scanning the crowd. Guillermina, with her radiant golden curls, held an eager smile, her bright gaze darting from one face to another. They embodied the charm and grace of their family, and it was clear that they were excited to join their brother in this next chapter.
Walking a few steps behind them was Elara, the young girl whose mysterious powers had kept her secluded for so long. Her transformation was striking. Gone was the child who struggled to contain her abilities; in her place stood a composed and confident young lady. Her amber eyes shimmered with a quiet intensity, and the faint aura of magic that surrounded her hinted at the control she had achieved. It was remarkable to see how far she had come, and I knew that her presence at the Institute would stir curiosity and speculation among the other students.
As I observed the scene, I could feel the subtle undercurrent of change sweeping through the Institute. With the return of Emperor Aurelio and the arrival of such talented individuals, the stakes for the future of the Empire had never been higher. This place, with its grand halls and ancient traditions, would become the crucible where the next generation of leaders, warriors, and mages would be forged.
The opening ceremony was just hours away, and the staff worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect. The chandeliers in the Great Hall were polished to brilliance, their crystals refracting light into dazzling patterns on the marble floors. The banquet tables were being arranged with precision, each place setting reflecting the status of the students who would sit there. Instructors in their formal robes moved about with purpose, reviewing their lessons and finalizing their schedules. The orchestra, tucked away in the gallery above the hall, tuned their instruments in preparation for the opening symphony.
Despite the flurry of activity, a sense of calm settled over me. The Institute was ready, as it always had been, to welcome the best and brightest of the Empire. This place was more than just a school—it was a sanctuary of knowledge, a proving ground for the exceptional, and a home to those who would shape the future.
As the morning light bathed the Institute in a soft glow, I allowed myself a rare moment of satisfaction. The winds of change were upon us, and the Ducal Institute stood poised to embrace them. With the arrival of these remarkable students, a new chapter was beginning—one that would be written not just in the annals of the Institute but in the history of the entire Empire.
I adjusted the lapel of my coat and made my way toward the entrance to greet the incoming students. The future awaited, and it was my duty to ensure that these young minds were prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.