Three months had passed, and the day Elisha had been preparing for had finally arrived. She was fifteen now, and in a matter of hours, she would be stepping into the Royal Academy of Aurelis, a place where the future rulers, strategists, and warriors of the kingdom were forged.
The cool morning air carried the scent of dewy grass as she stood in the courtyard of her family estate, overlooking the lands she had spent the past months tirelessly working to improve. The Dukedom was showing signs of slow but steady recovery. The roads, once cracked and uneven, were being rebuilt with proper stone, and trade routes were beginning to stabilize. But it wasn't enough.
Elisha had spent countless hours working alongside her father's advisors, assessing finances, ensuring fair distribution of resources, and dealing with stubborn noblemen who resisted change. She learned that governing was a battle of patience, negotiation, and, at times, ruthless decisiveness.
Still, it wasn't just politics she had focused on. Her training had intensified, her swordplay honed under Alexander's watchful eye, her tactical skills sharpened through mock battles and lessons on war strategy. Even Leonard had stepped in from time to time, throwing in underhanded tricks that, while frustrating, had forced her to think beyond conventional tactics.
And now, she was about to face an entirely new battlefield.
The Royal Academy's opening ceremony was held in the Grand Hall, an expansive auditorium adorned with banners of each noble house. Towering columns framed the stage, and above it, a massive crest of Aurelis gleamed under golden chandeliers. Hundreds of students—noble heirs, military prodigies, and a select few commoners who had earned their place—filled the rows of seats, whispering in hushed excitement.
Elisha sat among them, her uniform crisp and tailored to perfection—a deep navy coat adorned with silver embroidery, signifying her noble status.
Beside her, Luna adjusted her own uniform, grinning. "This is it. It was the start of our glorious school days. I give it a week before something dramatic happens."
Elisha huffed. "You're aiming too high. I'd say three days."
The murmuring ceased as the Academy's Headmaster stepped onto the stage. Grand Magister Reynard was a formidable presence—tall, with streaks of silver in his raven-black hair and sharp, piercing eyes that seemed to look through a person's very soul. His voice, steady and commanding, carried across the hall.
"Welcome, future leaders of Aurelis," he began. "The Royal Academy has stood for generations, shaping those who would go on to rule, to command, and to change history itself. Each of you has been chosen because you hold the potential to leave a mark on this kingdom. Some of you will rise. Others… will fall."
A heavy silence followed his words.
"But today is not a day of fear—it is a day of recognition. You are not just students; you are the future of this nation. And so, as tradition dictates, we will begin with the elite Introduction Ceremony…"
The elite are those who scored a near perfect mark, in the exmares or have… special connections to say the least.
"...Those selected will step forward, declare your name and lineage, and let your peers know who they will be competing against."
Murmurs erupted once more as names were called, and students walked onto the stage, standing before the gathered crowd.
One of the first was a tall, elegant girl with sharp emerald eyes and golden hair tied in intricate braids. She moved with practiced grace, her expression poised yet proud.
"Lisa Von Edelweiss," she announced. "Daughter of Duke Edelweiss, heir to the Northern Territory."
Luna leaned in to whisper, "She's one of the top contenders for best female duelist."
Big whoop. Next came a broad-shouldered boy with an almost lazy confidence in his stride. His silver eyes gleamed under the chandeliers, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Caius Vermillion," he drawled. "Son of General Vermillion, first in line to the Vermillion name."
A few murmurs of recognition followed. While Elisha, on the other hand; had trouble remembering all their names. But thanks to Luna's input; The Vermillion family was known for producing some of the greatest commanders in Aurelis' history.
More names were called, each introducing many other figures—boring nobles, military people, and even a few exceptional commoners.
But nothing out of the ordinary, Elisha thought. The day before, she checked on the school rule book, and the type of thing was basic practice. But with a smug smirk, she couldn't but think; although there was one different thing.
Then, the name Elisha had been waiting for.
"Adrien Aurelis."
The room stilled as the Crown Prince himself strode onto the stage. He carried himself with the effortless authority of someone who had never once been overshadowed. His black and gold uniform, a variation of their own Academy attire, marked him distinctly as royalty.
"I am Adrien Aurelis, Crown Prince of Aurelis," he declared. His voice was calm, but it carried undeniable weight.
There was no need for embellishment, no need for further words. His very presence demanded attention.
Elisha exhaled quietly. As expected, he was as composed as ever. But the moment didn't last long before the next name was called.
"Elisha Lancaster."
A hush fell over the hall as Elisha rose to her feet. She felt the weight of countless eyes settling on her. She stepped forward, meeting the gazes of those who would be her future rivals, allies, or enemies. Those before her; sitting were confused as to who she was. Perfect, all according to plan.
"Elisha Lancaster," she declared evenly, imprinting the name on her very identity. "Daughter of Duke Lancaster, heir to the Lancaster name."
There was no applause, only the murmuring of whispers as she returned to her seat.
Luna gave her a reassuring nudge, with a curious look. "Well, that wasn't terrible. But why did your last name change?"
Bingo; the key to success is to be hidden—and with her surname, changed. Nobody would know her troubled family and bloodline, but although only a few... select know.
The ceremony continued, but Elisha had already made her first impression. Whether good or bad, only time will tell. But one thing was clear—she wouldn't lose this battle of wits.