The journey back to the estate was a long one. The grand capital city of Aurelis, with its towering spires and bustling streets, gradually faded into the distance, giving way to the rolling countryside. Elisha sat inside the lavish carriage alongside her two brothers—Alexander and Leonard—while their father had taken a separate route to attend to other business matters.
The carriage rocked slightly as the horses moved along the well-maintained road. The interior was lined with plush velvet seats, and the windows were drawn back to let in the cool breeze. Outside, the landscape stretched endlessly—lush green fields, pockets of dense forest, and occasional villages where townsfolk paused to watch the noble procession pass through.
Elisha, however, barely noticed the scenery. Her mind was preoccupied with everything that had transpired at the banquet. She had barely had time to process everything from the humiliation of stumbling into Prince Adrien's arms to the shocking revelation about the Royal Academy. Two months. That was all the time she had left before being thrown into a world far more treacherous than the noble circles she had just begun to navigate.
Her fingers tapped idly against the wood of the carriage seat. Across from her, Leonard sighed dramatically, stretching out his long legs.
"Remind me again why I agreed to ride back with you two?" he mused, casting a bored glance between his two siblings. "I could've been riding with Father, discussing things that actually matter."
Alexander didn't even look up from the book he was reading. "Because Father doesn't tolerate your nonsense, and you know it."
Leonard scoffed. "I bring life to our otherwise dull family."
Elisha rolled her eyes, already getting a clear picture of what her brother was. "You bring headaches."
Leonard placed a hand over his heart as if wounded. "How cruel, little sister. After I escorted you so dutifully at the banquet."
"If by an escort, you mean abandoning me to flirt with every noblewoman in sight, then yes, you did a splendid job."
Alexander turned a page in his book, clearly unbothered by their bickering. "Can you two not act like children for at least one trip?"
Elisha smirked; it has been now 1 month since she's been thrown into this world, but something she never got tired of, was the banter. "You should know by now that's impossible."
Leonard grinned, nudging her playfully with his foot. "See? She understands me."
Their witty remarks continued for some time, lightening the mood of the carriage. But as the journey stretched on, Elisha's thoughts drifted back to the future awaiting her. She leaned against the carriage window, watching the distant outline of their estate come into view. The towering walls and sprawling grounds of their home carried a familiarity that should have been comforting, yet there was an undeniable weight pressing down on her shoulders.
Sensing the shift in her demeanor, Alexander finally closed his book and studied her. "You're thinking about the Academy, aren't you?"
Elisha nodded. "It's all that's waiting for me, really..."
"You'll manage," Alexander said simply. "I'm not a person who takes in rumors, but the borders of our kingdoms are under pressure it looks like. It will do you good, to gain some knowledge and connections."
Leonard snorted. "Oh please, she'll do more than gain. I give it a month before she turns the place upside down."
Elisha shot him a glare. "I'm not that reckless."
"No, but you have a habit of attracting trouble," Leonard pointed out, grinning. "Case in point—the Crown Prince incident."
Elisha groaned, covering her face. "Why must you bring that up? I thought we moved past that."
Leonard chuckled. "Because it's hilarious."
Alexander, for once, looked mildly amused but still kept a serious look. "You should be more careful. Adrien isn't someone to make a fool of."
Elisha sighed. "I didn't do it on purpose."
"Regardless," Alexander said, "you should use these two months to prepare wisely. The Academy is nothing like court banquets. One mistake and people will always remember you for it."
Elisha kept her gaze down; well, of course. The Academy wasn't just a place for noble children to socialize—it was where the future leaders of the kingdom were molded. Politics, combat training, strategy.
As the carriage slowed, signaling their arrival at the estate, Elisha exhaled. Finally being back to her comfort space was needed, especially her bed.
The large iron gates creaked open, and the familiar sight of their family estate greeted them. Servants were already gathered, ready to welcome them back. The grand halls, the well-manicured gardens—everything was as it had always been...
As they stepped out of the carriage, a familiar figure bounded toward them.
"Eli!"
Julian, their youngest brother, nearly tackled her with enthusiasm. His brown curls bounced as he clung to her arm. "You're back! Did you bring me anything?"
Elisha laughed, ruffling his hair. "I was a little busy, but next time, I promise."
Julian pouted but seemed satisfied with the promise. "You have to tell me everything! Did you see the capital? Were the people nice? Did you fight anyone?"
Elisha smirked. "No fights this time."
Leonard leaned down to Julian's level. "But she did trip into the Crown Prince's arms."
Julian gasped, eyes wide. "Really?!"
Elisha smacked Lionard's arm. "Stop spreading that!"
Julian giggled before grabbing her hand. "Come on! I want to hear everything!"
As Julian dragged her toward the estate, Elisha felt an odd sense of calm settle over her. Despite the uncertainties ahead, she still had her family, and for now, that was enough.