CHAPTER 2
Third person.
"Greetings to the King, Queen, and Prince"s." The cold yet formal voice soothed her, greeting the people in front of her who were seated at the silvery table waiting for her arrival. Yesha knew the dining rules. Family members must be complete before they can eat together, that's what Jessa told her about the palace’s customs.
All eyes were on her. Some still found it hard to believe, even though it was the second time she had done this, both yesterday and today.
Yesha knew the old Yesha never greeted her family like this. It was as though she hated them for some reason. And perhaps, Yesha couldn’t blame her.
Those memories... But since I’m the new owner now, I’ll continue the life that was left behind. The new Yesha won’t be desperate and weak anymore.
She sat silently but quickly adjusted her posture in a calm manner upon noticing her family’s unusual gazes.
"Good morning, everyone," she greeted with a slight smile. But no one responded, they just stared at her in silence.
"Why?" Yesha asked in confusion.
Queen Elizabeth slightly shook her head. "Uhmm, it’s nothing, Princess. I’m just happy that some part of you has changed. Just like how you greeted us now," the Queen said, smiling.
"You’re no longer the Yesha who wears heavy makeup, dresses in overly revealing clothes, and lacks respect," added King Clyde, her father while looking at her typical no-makeup face.
She smiled innocently. "Yeah. I changed my style."
"Why?" Drew suddenly mockingly asked without actually inquiring.
She paused and shrugged. "For my own sake. Isn’t that bad?" She said unusually while starting to spoon her food. "Maybe you should change yours too."
Drew was taken aback. "W-what?"
"I mean, your attitude." Yesha then secretly smiled. She immediately noticed his face turning red from irritation.
Bingo.
Drew had been trying to control himself after feeling embarrassed.
"Ahem. I love the color of your hair, little sis."
Yesha smiled plainly at Ed, unbothered by Drew and Kyle who were secretly glaring at her. When she looked at her older brother Ed’s hair, she almost choked on her food because it was so neat. It was a short 2/8 slicked-back style. "I feel the same way."
"By the way, since Princess Yesha needs to return to school, you sons should at least accompany your sister. She still can’t remember and she might be bullied again."
The two brothers felt irritated. Kyle and Drew’s glares at Yesha deepened. "Really, mom? She might be the one bullying," Kyle said, looking blankly at Yesha who didn’t care about his comment.
"I’ll go instead, mom, your highness. I’ll accompany little sis." Ed then smiled at her. "Little sis, let’s go together, okay?"
"It will be my pleasure, Kuya Ed." Again, everyone was stunned by her formal way of speaking. She smiled genuinely at them but her two brutish brothers were an exception.
Yesha couldn’t help but be amazed by the carriage she was riding now. A mesmerizing carriage adorned with golden jewels. In addition, the four pegasus in front were snow-white with feathered wings, always seeming ready to fly.
"Sorry for Kuya Kyle and Drew’s manners earlier, little sis."
Ed caught her attention but Yesha didn’t look at him because she was too fascinated by the wind blowing as the carriage began to fly controlled by the pegasus.
This is amazing!
"They won’t be joining us," Ed stated.
Yeah. That’s why they have another carriage and separated from us.
"Don’t be bothered by them. It’s more enjoyable since you’re with me."
"W-what?"
She looked at him. She sweetly smiled. "Why? Don’t you want that?"
He widened his eyes for a moment but cleared his throat. "I mean... I thought you’d have tantrums again. You know, that’s how you were before your head got banged—" Realization hit him about what he had just said. He almost took it back but heard Yesha’s laugh. He froze, staring at her genuine laughter.
"Wow. I thought you were just sweet, but you also have humor, Kuya Ed."
Ed scratched the back of his head. While they were flying through the air, they had plenty of time for sibling bonding. As he talked to Yesha, Ed noticed how sweet she really was. Every time she spoke, it felt like she meant every word. She treasured the time spent talking with him.
His eyes softened. It felt like every word from his sister should be listened to and treasured because, as far as he knew... Yesha was never this sweet to him.
As they were about to return to the Academy, Ed promised himself that he would protect his younger sister no matter what happened. Especially since that school was full of dangerous immortals.
Speaking of the Academy, it was a place where no one could leave once they entered, unless the Dean allowed it. It also had an invisible barrier that the higher ranks of the school could use to detect anyone who broke the rules, followed by a mysterious punishment.
The Academy was more than just a school—it was a world of its own. It was as big as a bustling city, holding everything within its walls: markets filled with merchants selling all kinds of goods, from fresh produce to rare trinkets. You could live there for years and never need to leave, with food, supplies, and everything else you might need readily available.
Before long, the carriage landed beside a large gate. All Yesha could do was be amazed by the stunning Academy in front of her. The entire Academy was surrounded by towering walls and the massive gate was made of gold. The entrance was adorned with intricate carvings depicting mythical creatures and celestial beings, welcoming them into a realm of wonder and magic.
"Enchant Academy." She read the golden inscriptions on the gate.
Ed put his arm around her shoulders. "It’s a beautiful academy, right? This school was built by the Hera for everyone. Nobles and non-nobles alike study here. It’s not easy for our enemies, the Darkanians, to get in because of the barrier surrounding the school, and that barrier can’t be easily destroyed."
She was amazed by what she heard and looked at her older brother Ed now more curious. "Then where are the Goddesses you mentioned?"
Ed’s forehead creased, and his eyes became serious and sad. "They died." Silence fell on Yesha after hearing this. "They died fighting in the war between our people and the Darkanians led by Lifiros, the King of Darkness who sought power. Sadly, the 9 Gods and Goddesses perished. They liquefied and vanished."
He licked his lower lip as he gazed at the Academy. "Also, the last and most powerful Goddess died too. However, she left behind a promise: the chosen one as foretold in the prophecy is the only hope for the Enchanted world. And we are still holding onto that promise."
Yesha nodded repeatedly, seeming to understand what he had said. Now, she truly believed that Goddesses existed. "Where is she?"
"The chosen one?" Ed asked.
She simply looked at the gate, still admiring the patterns carved on it. "She must be powerful."
"She is." He sighed. "She’s so powerful that she can wield multiple elemental abilities. She is the chosen one, the second long-lost Goddess of all. She is now the new Hera, replacing the former Goddess of all who passed away. The first Hera chose the second Goddess as the prophecy foretold. However, no one knows who she is or where she is now." He then looked directly into her eyes.
"Even now, we continue to hope that the lost Hera will return. It’s been years since the last time the book opened revealing the return of the Hera. However, we might not recognize her." He continued as they entered the Academy of Immortals.
"Is that so?" She looked at her Kuya Ed. "Kuya Ed, one last question. If the nine Gods and Goddesses are dead, and if the chosen Goddess of All returns, will she still be defeated since she no longer has her companions?" She emphasized her question. She couldn’t help but ask, given the fascinating story she was hearing for the first time.
"It’s not what you think. This school was built because there’s a sign connected to the return of the chosen one. This includes the revival of the Gods and Goddesses, the guardians. They are extraordinary, fierce, and powerful dragons."
"Really? Where?"
"They are in the cave of the neighboring kingdom of Enchanted Kingdoms. Many say there’s a map that points to the exact location but it is kept secret by the school. And yes, while the nine Gods and Goddesses are dead, their powers are still very much alive, though they are dormant. The only thing that can awaken them is the sign of the Hera’s return which we are still waiting for."
"And they will choose immortals to be their new masters. That’s why we’re here in the Academy. The prophecy book mentions that the chosen ones who will become the next Gods and Goddesses to help and protect the lost Hera might come from here. These immortals are studying here at Enchant Academy. And who knows," He grinned at her. "Maybe we’ll be among the lucky ones chosen."