Vivienne straightened her posture, masking her unease with a cool expression. Of course, she knows exactly who I am, she thought. Nobility always did their homework.
"That's correct," Vivienne replied, her tone steady. "And you're Princess Iris Midgar."
Iris's smile didn't waver. "You're well-informed."
"Hard not to be," Vivienne said, her crimson eyes meeting Iris's unflinchingly. "Your reputation precedes you."
Before Iris could respond, Alexia stepped forward, her silver hair catching the light as her crimson eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, she's polite. I was hoping for someone more... exciting."
Vivienne raised an eyebrow. "I can be exciting, but only if the situation calls for it."
Alexia's smirk widened. "I like her. She's got spunk."
Iris shot her younger sister a subtle, warning glance but didn't intervene. Instead, she turned her attention back to Vivienne. "I'm curious, Princess. What brings you to Midgar Academy? Your presence here is… unexpected."
Vivienne hesitated for only a moment, considering her answer carefully. "Let's just say my sister thought it would be beneficial for me to expand my horizons. Apparently, sleeping for centuries wasn't considered productive."
Alexia chuckled, folding her arms. "Centuries, huh? That explains the whole 'vampire princess' vibe. Guess that means you're older than everyone here. Does that make us kids to you?"
Vivienne smirked faintly. "Not all of you. Just most."
Amadeus's voice echoed in her mind, brimming with amusement. Oh, this is rich. You're playing the 'ancient and mysterious' card already? I approve.
Iris's gaze sharpened slightly, though her tone remained polite. "Your sister, Elisabeth, is well-known for her strength and influence in the Lawless City. It has been rumored that she went toe-to-toe with Shadow and almost won. Impressive when she had been asleep for just as long as you."
Vivienne felt her chest tighten at Iris's words, though she maintained her composed exterior. The mention of Shadow, combined with Elisabeth's name, carried an undeniable weight. Of course, they'd bring that up, she thought. The whole world's probably still talking about that fight.
"She is impressive," Vivienne replied evenly, her crimson eyes meeting Iris's unwavering amber gaze. "But I wouldn't put too much faith in rumors. People love to embellish the truth."
Iris's polite smile remained, but her sharpened gaze made it clear she wasn't easily swayed. "Perhaps. But the fact remains—Elisabeth de Vermillion's power is undeniable. It makes sense that her younger sister would draw similar interest."
Vivienne let out a quiet, almost imperceptible sigh. So, that's what this is about. They're trying to figure out what kind of threat—or ally—I might be.
"I'm not here to live in Elisabeth's shadow," Vivienne said, her tone calm but firm. "She's her own person, and so am I."
Alexia, who had been quietly observing the exchange with a smirk, chimed in. "But you have to admit, going toe-to-toe with Shadow is no small feat. I mean, the guy's practically a force of nature."
Vivienne's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I wouldn't know. I wasn't awake for that particular spectacle."
"Lucky you," Alexia muttered, folding her arms. "The chaos he leaves in his wake is... frustrating."
Iris gave her younger sister a warning glance before turning back to Vivienne. "Still, your sister's actions have set expectations—fair or not. People will watch you closely, Vivienne. It would be wise to prepare for that."
Vivienne's gaze didn't waver. "I've been watched my whole life. It's nothing new." Technically, she had no idea if that was the case, but it sounded badass, so she just rolled with it. 'Not like they would know.' She ignored a certain rabbit's amused chuckle.
Iris inclined her head slightly, as if acknowledging her resolve. "Then I wish you luck. Midgar Academy is as much a battlefield as any other. If you're anything like your sister, I'm sure you'll thrive."
Alexia grinned. "And if you don't? Well, I'm sure it'll still be entertaining to watch."
Vivienne smirked faintly, though her mind was racing. They're warning me as well, huh? They know exactly how dangerous Elisabeth's legacy makes me in the eyes of others.
"Thanks for the advice," Vivienne said, her tone cool. "I'll keep that in mind."
Alexia chuckled, leaning casually against a nearby pillar. "We'll see. Just try not to burn down the place before you get your footing. Not even a day and you already have a reputation as one that causes trouble. "
Iris shot Alexia a mildly exasperated look before returning her attention to Vivienne. "It was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to seeing what you'll bring to Midgar Academy."
With that, the two sisters turned to leave, their regal presence lingering even as they disappeared into the crowd.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Amadeus's voice hummed in her mind, his tone dripping with amusement. Well, that was fun. They're poking at you, Princess. Trying to figure out if you're a threat or a curiosity.
Vivienne took a slow breath, keeping her expression neutral. I noticed. They're sharp, especially Iris. She doesn't miss much.
True, Amadeus agreed. But don't let it get to you. You've got your own strengths—and you've already held your own. That's something.
Vivienne's lips curved into a faint smirk. Let's hope it stays that way. Something tells me this isn't the last time they'll test me.
As she turned back to the banquet, Vivienne couldn't shake the feeling that the Midgar sisters would play a much larger role in her life than she'd like. And knowing my luck, things are only going to get more complicated from here. Maybe I should form my own secret force. That way, I have a reason to mess with Shadow Garden and the Cult of Diablos: two birds, one stone. By playing with Shadow and his group, I'll get opportunities to get stronger skills, not to mention get even stronger.
Vivienne's lips curved into a faint, mischievous smile as the thought took root. Forming my own secret force… now that's an idea. She swirled the drink in her hand, her crimson eyes scanning the banquet hall, taking in the students and nobles mingling around her. If Shadow Garden and the Cult of Diablos are stirring things up, why not stir the pot myself?
Amadeus, ever perceptive, chuckled from his invisible perch on her shoulder. Oh, now this is interesting. You're finally thinking like a proper schemer. What's the plan, Princess? Recruit some misfits and make a name for yourself?
Something like that, Vivienne thought, leaning back in her chair. If Shadow's as powerful as everyone says, then messing with him isn't just fun—it's practical. The more chaos I create, the more opportunities I'll have to grow stronger.
Amadeus hummed thoughtfully. Bold move. But you'll need more than ambition. A secret force isn't built overnight, and you'll need people you can trust—not to mention resources.
Vivienne's gaze sharpened. Trust is optional. I need skills, loyalty, and ambition—people who want to shake things up as much as I do. The academy's full of students looking to prove themselves. I just need to find the right ones.
Amadeus's grin widened. I like it. And as far as messing with Shadow Garden and the Cult of Diablos? That's pure entertainment. You'll have them chasing their tails while you quietly stack your deck.
Vivienne nodded slightly, her mind already racing with possibilities. The Lawless City is unstable. That means there are plenty of people who've been overlooked or cast aside. If I can find them—train them—I could turn them into something formidable.
She glanced around the banquet hall, her eyes lingering on a few students who stood out: a quiet boy sitting alone in the corner, a fiery-looking girl arguing with an instructor, and a fox-kin servant balancing plates with uncanny precision.
Potential recruits, Vivienne thought, her smirk widening. This could work.
Amadeus tapped her shoulder with his paw. One step at a time, Princess. You'll need a name for this little group of yours. Something that strikes fear into your enemies—or at least makes them curious.
Vivienne chuckled softly. I'll think of something. For now, let's focus on gathering intel and stirring the pot. Shadow Garden and the Cult won't know what hit them.
Amadeus's laugh echoed in her mind, a low, amused rumble. Oh, this is going to be fun. Let the games begin, Princess.
As the banquet continued, Vivienne's resolve hardened. The Midgar sisters, Shadow Garden, the Cult of Diablos—they were all pieces on a board she was only beginning to understand. And if there was one thing she'd learned, it was that the best way to survive was to take control of the game.
Let's see how far I can take this, Vivienne thought, her smirk never fading. Because if I'm going to play, I'm playing to win.
Vivienne, lost in her thoughts, didn't notice the girl walking toward her until it was too late. They collided lightly, and Vivienne barely had time to register the pink-haired girl's startled gasp before a piece of jelly-filled pastry fell from her hand and onto the floor.
"Oh no!" the girl cried, staring at the ruined pastry with a mix of horror and disappointment.
Vivienne blinked, quickly stepping back. "Sorry about that—I wasn't looking where I was going."
The pink-haired girl turned her bright blue eyes toward Vivienne, her expression shifting from shock to recognition. "Oh, you're… the new student! Vivienne, right?"
Vivienne raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. "That's me. And you are…?"
The girl's face lit up with a friendly smile. "Christina Hope. But everyone just calls me Chrissy." She glanced down at the remains of her pastry and sighed. "That was my favorite, too."
Vivienne fought the urge to roll her eyes at the dramatics. "I'll replace it," she said, her tone even.
Chrissy's eyes widened slightly. "Really? You don't have to, you know. It's not a big deal."
"It was my fault," Vivienne replied, already flagging down a nearby server.
As the server fetched another pastry, Chrissy tilted her head, studying Vivienne curiously. "You're not like the rumors say. People were saying you're this untouchable, intimidating vampire princess, but… you seem pretty normal."
Vivienne chuckled softly. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Amadeus's voice hummed in her mind. Normal? You? Oh, this girl has no idea.
Chrissy's smile returned as the server handed her a fresh pastry. "Thanks! You didn't have to do that."
"No problem," Vivienne said, glancing around the banquet hall. "So, Chrissy, what brings you to Midgar Academy? You don't exactly strike me as the combat type."
Chrissy laughed, taking a small bite of her new pastry. "That's because I'm not. I'm here for the magic studies program. My family runs a trading company, and they think learning about enchantments and magical logistics will help me take over someday."
Vivienne's interest piqued slightly. "A trading company, huh? Sounds important." 'She's lying. Why, though?'
Chrissy shrugged. "It's more boring than it sounds. But hey, it pays the bills." She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "So, what about you? What's it like being a vampire princess? Is it as glamorous as it sounds?"
Vivienne smirked faintly. "Not even close."
Chrissy laughed, her blue eyes sparkling. "I had a feeling you'd say that. Well, if you ever need someone to talk to who's not obsessed with power or politics, I'm around. You seem like you could use a friend."
Amadeus snorted in Vivienne's mind. A friend, huh? That could be useful.
Vivienne hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Thanks, Chrissy. I'll keep that in mind."
Chrissy gave her a cheerful wave before heading off to mingle with another group of students, leaving Vivienne standing alone with Amadeus's amused chuckle echoing in her head.
Interesting, Vivienne thought. She could be useful—not for combat, but for connections. Every force needs a supply chain, after all. Even if she was lying, I bet she's the daughter of someone important. A duke, maybe?'
Amadeus grinned. How elegant she walked away, I'll say, at least Duke. Commoners don't walk with such grace. And the way she spoke... yeah, definitely a Duke's kid. Congrats, Princess, on catching nobility not even 5 minutes into forming your plan.
Vivienne stared at the annoying rabbit. Is your sarcasm really necessary?
The rabbit just laughed.