The morning of departure arrived with a crisp breeze and golden sunlight filtering through the grand estate's windows. Servants scurried about, ensuring that Lady Isadora's belongings were packed for the journey to the Imperial Velorian Academy. Dresses, books, and necessary travel items were arranged neatly in trunks, ready to be loaded into the carriage.
Newton, dressed in a deep blue gown embroidered with silver patterns, observed the scene with a composed expression.
["So this is how noble ladies prepare for travel… quite troublesome."]
Dani Donner fluttered onto the edge of an open trunk, pecking idly at a ribbon. "You don't seem nervous," the black-furred duck noted.
Newton smirked. "Should I be?"
Dani quacked. "This is a noble academy, Newton. The battlefield of the elite. If you don't play your cards right, you won't just be dealing with rivals—you'll be dealing with people who can ruin your entire standing."
Newton glanced toward the mirror, where his reflection—Lady Isadora's reflection—stared back at him. ["Reputation is a fragile thing… but knowledge is power. And I will wield both to my advantage."]
Before he could respond, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. A maid entered, bowing politely. "My lady, Lady Alora is here to see you."
Newton adjusted his posture. "Send her in."
A moment later, Alora stepped into the room, looking effortlessly poised as always. Today, she wore a dark green riding outfit, tailored for travel yet still exuding elegance. "I see you're prepared," she remarked, glancing at the neatly arranged trunks.
"Of course," Newton replied.
Alora folded her arms, tilting her head slightly. "The academy will be… different from the life you know. There will be many watching you, waiting for you to make a mistake."
Newton smiled faintly. "Let them watch."
Alora studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "You're impossible."
"I try."
A smirk played on Alora's lips before she turned toward the door. "The carriages are ready. Don't take too long."
As she left, Newton took one last look around the room.
["This is only the beginning."]
---
The journey to the academy was long, with rolling hills giving way to dense forests before the grand city housing the Imperial Velorian Academy came into view. The academy itself stood tall against the horizon, its towering spires and intricate stonework displaying both its prestige and authority.
As the carriages lined up for entrance, students disembarked, some accompanied by retainers while others stepped out alone, their eyes wide with awe or determination.
Newton stepped out of the carriage, Dani Donner perched on his shoulder. His gaze swept across the courtyard, taking in the mixture of noble-born heirs, scholars, and warriors.
It was then that he noticed someone standing off to the side—a girl dressed in modest countryside attire, her clothes neat but simple compared to the lavish garments of the nobles around her. Her bright amber eyes were filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy as she gripped the strap of her bag.
Newton approached her, intrigued. "Are you a student here?"
The girl blinked, startled for a moment before nodding quickly. "Y-Yes! I'm Niz Ablo. I was accepted on a scholarship."
["A scholarship student? That means she must be talented to have earned a place here despite her background."]
Niz gave a small smile, though her hands fidgeted slightly. "I've never been anywhere this grand before… it's a little overwhelming."
Newton nodded. "It is quite the sight."
Before the conversation could continue, a voice called out from the academy's entrance. "New students, gather inside! Orientation is about to begin."
Niz straightened, her nervousness replaced with determination. "I should go. It was nice meeting you, Lady…?"
Newton smiled slightly. "Isadora."
Niz beamed. "Then I'll see you inside, Lady Isadora!"
As she hurried toward the entrance, Newton watched her go.
["Interesting. She doesn't carry the arrogance of the nobility… but there's something about her. I'll have to keep an eye on this one."]
Dani let out a small laugh. "Making friends already?"
Newton smirked. "Merely observing."
With that, he stepped forward, ready to enter the academy and face whatever lay ahead.
And somewhere inside, the original protagonist of this world awaited.