Kady's Journey -Freesia-

Chapter 1: The Magician

I shook my head and tried to sound as respectful as possible because I have a feeling that she is not someone I want to anger. 

"Ms. Rio, I am very thankful for the opportunity, I really do. However, I don't even know if I can eat this weekend if I don't get hired today. As stated in my resume, I am supporting myself and I am willing to start immediately that's why as you can see, I am dragging my luggage around here. A scholarship is good but a job is definitely better. Since I scored perfectly, why not hire me?"

She just laughed at me patronizingly. As if my seeming ignorance is adorable or something, "Why should I, the head of the Human Resource Department of this school, hire someone as intelligent as you to wash the dishes? No, Ms. Groves. It has been agreed upon by the Board of Trustees that you will study here and they deemed you worthy of being given a monthly stipend that will make your salary as a dishwasher look like pathetic spare change. President Lizzo studied here with the very same arrangement. I trust this amount will suffice?"

I blinked several times when I saw the numbers on a piece of paper she gave me, "One Hundred Thousand Pesos, monthly?"

"It will be released every end of the month through a cash card that will be given to you should you accept this offer. Of course, this is on top of the Three Hundred Thousand Pesos subsidy that will be transferred to your bank account immediately so you can buy basic necessities and other school supplies that you may need. So, Ms. Kady Groves, I will ask you once again. Do you accept your enrollment here in our prestigious school?"

No need to think twice. If I can get a degree and earn money at the same time then there's no reason to say no, "Where should I sign, Ms. Rio?"

"I knew you will make the right choice quickly. Of course, I was authorized to do everything I can to convince you, should you find the terms of the agreement not favorable," she said as she gave me a two-paged contract that I read quickly and signed posthaste.

"Beggars can't be choosers. So when will I start, Ms. Rio? Next Monday perhaps?" I asked as I returned the contract to her that she surprisingly kissed triumphantly before returning it inside her folder carefully.

"The Trustees want you to attend your first class here tomorrow morning. We also refrained from announcing your real score but knowing Mariya, our cover will be blown by tomorrow," the manager said while shaking her head in disappointment, "Anyways, this is your cash card. It is already loaded with your first-month allowance and my secretary already transferred the subsidy to your bank account the moment you entered my office."

I raised an eyebrow when I heard that she did everything in advance as if she is absolutely sure I will accept the offer before even talking to me personally.

"I know that look, Ms. Groves. I am willing to beg on both knees and cry fake tears just to make you say yes because you studying here and passing with a perfect score will do wonders to my reputation," she said frankly that made me respect her more and more, "However, enough of me. Let's talk about you. I guess you already noticed that most of the students here are very, shall we say, entitled and we both know that they have the money and blood to back their pomp so do me a favor, will you? Get out of here and buy some expensive clothes and things that won't make you stand out from the crowd. Try to fit in as much as you can. At least on the material aspects. Leave your luggage here, I will have it delivered in the room that you will be using in our dormitory. It is Co-Ed, just so you know. I hope you don't have any problems with that?"

I shook my head and stood up before accepting his hand for a warm handshake she gave me a black debit card with my name already emblazoned on in, "I will sleep in a cupboard if needed, Ms. Rio. This is too generous already, I have no reason to complain at all."

"You earned it, Ms. Groves. Now go. You still have a shopping spree to do and remember, only the best and expensive things will do. Spend, shop, and buy things wantonly without control. We will contact you this afternoon through email for further instructions so check out your inbox later using only your new phone, ok? Congratulations!"

-0-

First, let it be known again that my father always makes sure that I have the latest clothes, shoes, and accessories when he was still living. He dragged me to the most high-end stores and boutiques and will spend hours dressing me up. 

One such trip costs about ten to twenty thousand pesos and back then, I thought that is very expensive for mere items of clothing. 

But now looking at this fifteen thousand pesos white step-in, I guess what I've known to be expensive is dirt cheap to anyone who is rich enough to shop in this prestigious shopping mall a few streets away from the academy.

It's no surprise that there are only a handful of shoppers right now and most of them are followed by numerous butlers, maids, and guards. Some stores are even closed just because their regular customer is there. Another one hanged an "Out-of-Stock" sign after a middle-aged woman walked out of their shop who seemingly emptied their shelves.

"You won't buy anything if you just stand there and look at it."

A woman who is wearing black shades and a veil that covers her head is now standing beside me outside a boutique where I was admiring a pair of shoes that caught my attention when I was wandering around aimlessly.

Even if I can barely see her face, it is easy to say that she is very beautiful. Based on her straight body posture and winning smile, she is a public figure. I only see that kind of expression from those who are used to facing and entertaining people from all walks of life.

"Come, dear! The store awaits you!" she said as she dragged my arm unceremoniously as we entered the posh boutique, "Hi Mindy! Nice to see you again! Can you get those white shoes and also just about any white you have on the shelves. I think white suits her best, don't you think?"

"Absolutely, Madam. How about a brand new pair of eyeglasses for her?" the saleslady asked kindly as she lifted a very beautiful but thick glasses that cost double the price of the step-in that is now being fitted to me by the woman who brought me inside, "Now, let's try it. Don't be shy. Oh my! What a beautiful set of green eyes she has, Madam! Look!"

The woman carefully grabbed my face and studied it for a while before snatching the glasses from the hands of the approving assistant and putting it on me before throwing my old and battered eyeglasses to the trash can so fast I didn't even have time to react.

"This pair of glasses is perfect for hiding her glorious eyes. At least until she has the confidence to show them. Anyways, what do you want from these? You can't just go around the school full of bratty kids wearing old clothes. No, we don't want any more attention, right? Hmm, which one is the best? This? No, this is my daughter's size, how about this? No, too revealing. Ah, here. Try this sundress, dear!"

The two women then proceeded to shove me inside the fitting room as they continue to pick dresses without my approval.

And frankly, I don't think they need it anyways. I kind of envy these kinds of women. They can assert themselves fully with confidence and control. Also, she is right. I won't be able to buy anything if I just stand there and stare at the expensive items like a starstruck commoner that I really am.

After putting on the clothes, I stepped out of the fitting room and have my old clothes snatched by the overzealous saleslady and threw it to the garbage, and the woman who dragged me here stood up from her seat and clapped her hands in excitement.

"Perfect! Just perfect. My daughter will be very jealous that she's not here to dress you up. Oh my! I don't even know how to describe you anymore! Mindy, have you contacted your other sister-stores?"

Mindy just smiled as a dozen or so salespersons marched inside her store carrying with them numerous item selections ranging from designer bags to top of the line gadgets, "Way ahead of you, Madam. I also called several of our boys here from the electronics section. As your dazzling daughter says, what's the use of an expensive bag when all you put inside are receipts and tissues?"

"Indeed! Now, I won't pretend to be a techie and suggest any brands so I will let the very capable boys here take care of that. Now, turn around, dear. Yes, now."

The salesladies nodded at me quickly as if to say that I shouldn't keep the madam waiting and follow her orders posthaste. I did a quick turn as she circles around me like a hunter observing her prey.

"Hmmm. It's all too, prim, and proper. We need a contrast, something to give the oomph. Let's see... Pieces of jewelry? No, too gaudy. Hair Clips? No. No. Too childish. What are we lacking? Mindy, leave me be for now. Assist her with other electronic nonsense that she may need," she ordered quickly before burying herself headfirst inside the racks of clothes and beads.

"Ok, boys! Line up and show us, ladies, what you've got!"

The salesmen nodded and showed me expensive laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Most are only found at the stores in the empire but they have it here for me to look at.

"Scania's Number One Electronic Brand, Ruscor! Used by the children of Tsars and Tsarinas. Many useful features and this particular model, the RusPro-21, is custom made for educational purposes so it has many built-in apps that will surely be useful like a dictionary, a powerful search engine, and longlasting battery. It comes in six different colors including pearl white!"

"Perfect companion for that phone is the RuscorBook-90. Tailored for young teens such as yourself, miss! It has interconnectivity with the RusPro-21 and carries the same features plus more! Scanian students prefer this over its competitors! If you purchase these two, you will get the Ultimate RuscorMax-12 Tablet Console. Perfect coordinator for your phone and laptop when you are far from home!" 

It looks like a very expensive phone compared to the very basic one that I got after several months of overtime work, "How much are they?"

"What she means is she'll take it! Now, what is this scrumptious cashmere here?" the woman behind us shouted as her head is still inside the rack and her hands are trying to reach something that caught her attention, "Have it all packed up, boys. We're on a tight schedule here. Mindy, have you..."

"Already done, Madam. My girls already chose several fabulous dresses and casual clothes for her wardrobe. They are already being check-out as we speak," her assistant answered smoothly as she winked at my incredulous look, "Nothing to worry about, miss. I made sure they are all within your generous budget!"

I shook my head in confusion, "But how can..."

"Less talking, more shopping! I found this cute bag that is not too big but not too small! Just right!" the madam said as she emerged from her item hunting with a leather shoulder bag from the kingdom.

"But that's Opal's Bag! That costs..."

She nodded happily and to my horror, she instructed the cashier to add it to my purchases, "Exactly! Only the best for you! Anyways, I made sure it is filled to the brim with the latest daily girl necessities that will make my daughter proud! My dear, if you will always think about the price, you won't finish your shopping! Now, I am sure you will forgive me bossing you around after you see this very beautiful scarf I got for you!"

I saw the long red scarf made of luxurious cashmere cloth. Its ends are fashionably torn to add a realistic look. 

It reminds me of my father's own favorite red scarf. He looks very respectable and reliable whenever he has it on. 

She put it around my neck carefully before stepping back and nodding in approval, "What can you say, Mindy?"

"You still haven't lost your touch, Madam. I bet when Young Mistress heard of this, she will be screaming in jealousy. It is not every time you can find someone like her to dress up from head to toe!"

"Well, I can't let my daughter have all the youthful fun, can't I? Besides, she will have her all by herself starting tomorrow so she will surely forgive this transgression," she said meaningfully while talking to her assistant who gave me the receipt.

"One Hundred Seventy Thousand Pesos just to look acceptable enough to fit in. Wow. Just, wow..." I loudly whispered as I gave the black cash card that Ms. Rio entrusted to me earlier.

"I know dear, believe, I know. Why I was just like you way back when! But that's a story that my daughter will gladly tell you one of these days. Now, go back to the academy! You still have to see your room and all! Check your new phone for more details! I want to wish you all the luck, but considering your intellect, I guess you don't need it, right Kady?"

I was shocked when she mentioned my name as Mindy softly pushed me out of her store, "Wait, how did you know my name? Who are you?"

"She's our favorite regular customer for more than two decades now! You will know who she really is soon enough! Thank you for your purchase! I hope you will be back with Madam's daughter!" 

The saleslady closed the door behind her before hanging a sign that reads "Closed for a Regular Patron".

 I carefully put my credit card in the new bag that I bought and look at the several paper bags that I am holding now. While it is very confusing and happened quickly, at least I am done with my shopping.

Looking at the time on my new phone, I guess it's for the best that I return to the academy before the school hours end so I can avoid unwanted attention now that I received the complete instruction and directions on my inbox a few minutes ago.

Thankfully, the school is just a walking distance from the mall so I decided to take a quick jog and landed myself at the front gate where the kind guard just saluted at me as he saw me trudging past him on my way to the dormitory that is thankfully not that far from the main school building.

The dormitory, or to be accurate, dormitories, are in a small compound of its own and each one looks like a five-star hotel complete with dozens of concierges and room attendants move around busily as the students' school hours are over and they will return to their respective rooms.

I was assigned in Astrea Dormitory and after I found out about that, I headed straight to the lobby where a kind and professional looking receptionist is typing something on her computer.

"Good Afternoon! I'm Kady Groves. I was told that this will be my dormitory assignment."

She smiled at my inquiry and nodded as if expecting me all along, "I'm so honored to finally meet you face to face, Ms. Groves. Let me first congratulate you on your outstanding performance earlier!"

"Thank you very much. I just got lucky, that's all."

"I respectfully doubt that but as my mother always says, who dares wins, or so it goes. Anyways, I've got your room right here. It's Room Twenty One, Second Floor. Between the Crown Princes of Kalalit and Scania," I heaved a sigh as she smiled at me encouragingly, "I know, Ms. Groves but that is the only room available. It is reserved for anyone intelligent enough to pass that horribly hard test. Think of it as a perk. It has the same amenities as the Crown Princes are using! Jake, can you bring Ms. Groves' shopping bags to her room? Room Twenty One, friend. I know! Isn't she a breath of fresh air?"

I let the kind bellhop take my things as the receptionist borrowed my phone so she can connect it to the academy server and have it receive periodic notifications from the school directly, "Done. Always make sure to at least turn it on vibrate. Never put it on silent because aside from Channel 14, that's the only way you can receive the latest news bulletin around here. Nice phone by the way!"

"I was reminded repeatedly that I have to buy the best and expensive things so I won't stand out too much," I answered humbly as she gave me an approving nod.

"As you should. Especially here in Astrea, goodness. Anyways, the students are starting to come back so make yourself scarce. Take the lift to my left," she said as we heard the laughter of teenagers outside getting closer, "If you need something, dial 211 on your phone. Look for me, Eva. See you around, Ms. Groves!"

I waved goodbye and ran towards the elevator and rode it at once before the first of my dormmates arrive.

But wow...

Really!

Wow!

I've checked-in on expensive hotels with my father during the summer holidays but this room put those in shame.

The best is very soft and cushy while the pillows are big and fluffy. The fridge is fully stocked with expensive food and snacks. There is also a living room with its very own fireplace and tufted sofa bed. 

There is a jacuzzi in the magnificent bathroom complete with a shower cubicle and hot or cold options. 

I just finished putting all of my new clothes in the wardrobe next to my bed and unpacking my luggage. This has been a very long and eventful day. It's just one unexpected thing after the other. I am drained and very sleepy. 

It's just seven in the evening and I hear muffled voices outside my room. Maybe they are my other schoolmates who just arrived from the campus. 

I yawned and stretched my thin arms like a cat and jumped to the very soft bed and buried myself under the thick fleece blanket as I began to feel the temperature drop because of the air condition of my room.

I closed my eyes and let sleep take over me. It's a long day ahead tomorrow and my very first day in class. I need all the energy that I can muster to survive the hardest day of every student ever.

-0-

It was half-past six in the morning when I woke up. Classes start at eight so I still have time to collect myself, take a bath, eat something from the fridge and prepare the materials, papers, books, and notebooks that I will use today. 

Tuesday Schedule

8:00-9:00: Military Strategy

9:00-10:00: Break

10:00-12:00: Tactical Operations

12:00-2:00: Lunch Break

2:00-4:00: Political History

4:00-6:00: Extracurricular Activities

A busy day ahead of me and I have to crawl my way through all of these subjects. Military Strategy, Tactical Operations and Political History. Wow, I'm sure my father would've loved studying here, him being a military buff.

As for me, I don't necessarily love military or armed forces subjects but growing up being bombarded with conflict trivia and an unwanted sermon about why you should retreat when you are about to get schooled made me amiable with it. 

Seriously, I don't know how can I apply what I'm going to learn here on any job that I might take after graduation but hey! As my father always says, "as long as you can get any diploma, that's good enough, Kady!".

Around half-past seven, it has been completely quiet outside of my room so I stood up from my comfortable sofa and slung my bag on my shoulder. I walked past the tall wall mirror and decided to turn back and look at my reflection.

Tall, thin and tan. That's what sums up the lean figure that I got from my triple shifts jobs. My hair is waist length and naturally unkempt. It is covering my right eye so no use trying to fix what is unfixable. My thick white new glasses are a perfect fit compared to my damaged one. It has been forever since I have this kind of eyeglasses.

I am wearing the academy-issued uniform that I found hanging inside my wardrobe last night. White blouse under a gray coat with gold linings and a thigh-high black skirt partnered with knee-high black socks.

The shoes are black ankle boots made of leather that is surprisingly a perfect fit for me when I don't remember I gave my shoe size to Ms. Rio.

Or maybe they just opened my luggage for checking and saw my slippers inside.

I turn around the spot and look at myself in the mirror. The red scarf is the only accessory that I am wearing, so to speak. We may live in a tropical nation and the temperature is very hot but surprisingly, as I proved yesterday, the material is very light and not too warm for my neck.

Now I will fit in nicely with the other students which are far more extravagant and glamorous than me. Most of the girls are wearing expensive jewelry and hair accessories.

The phone in my pocket vibrated and I immediately head for the door when I read that it's a notification stating that I've got thirty minutes to go to my classroom on time sent with a useful interactive map guiding me on how to reach my destination the quickest way.

As expected I am all alone in the corridor when I got out of my room. The door automatically locked when I closed it.

Kady Groves

Gearth Military Academy Scholar

That's nice.

I just noticed the silver nameplate emblazoned on my door. They really do work fast around here. I am not even here for twenty-four hours and the school managed to personalize even the door.

With my bag on my shoulder and phone on my right hand, I proceeded to take the elevator and a rather empty lobby save for the receptionist who jovially winked at me as I waved my hand to her and concierge cleaning the area.

When I stepped out of my dormitory, I saw a few stragglers who are walking briskly like me to the campus. 

When I stepped inside the school building, that's the only moment for the first time that I feel that I am really a student. 

Not as an employee but a certified student. A scholar of all things!

I was never that intelligent, to begin with.

My grades are rather average and my usual exam scores back in high school were nothing to be proud of. I got my father's rather lazy approach educationally speaking. He never expected nor requires me to get high grades. 

He always says that as long as I pass, he is happy and that's what I did. Even if I know I can do better, I just forego the stress and headache and enjoyed my school life as he wanted me to do.

I guess that's one of the things he really drilled in my head for better or for worse.

Complacency.

Maybe that's why I was so restless when he left me. I was so used to being happy and content when he is around and now that he's gone, I can't even sit still!

The classroom designated to me is located on the third floor of this awe-inspiring building.

Ignoring the awkward glances and loud whispers, the aura of this place is genuinely nice. Second Years' rooms are located on the ground floor while the first years occupy the second and third.

Gearth Military Academy is technically a glorified vocational school that offers one to two-year courses. The first years are taught basic subjects. You can call it quits if you are content with just finishing your first year.

If you want to specialize and add more knowledge, you can opt to continue studying but you are now required to pick an elective major subject class to focus on. That's why there are more rooms for freshmen like me than sophomores. Only a few decide to stay for another year.

First-year commoners occupy the second floor while nobles are on the third. Maybe to avoid unnecessary scuffles and arguments.

Second-Years are the same. Although sharing the first-floor, the commoners' rooms are located in the west wing while nobles are in the east.

The students are animatedly conversing with their classmates or friends from the other section as I walked past their rooms. Some threw a curious glance at me especially when I reached the third floor.

The nobles and socialites are absolutely surprised to see me walk past them. 

My room is A-0. Or so the personalized notification told me.

I reached the place and was surprised that the door is already closed and I can only hear the voice of an elderly man speaking inside.

I still have a couple of minutes before eight. Am I already late? 

If yes then what a good way to start my very first day!

I shoved my phone inside my bag and took a deep breath before knocking twice.

"Come in!"

The moment I opened the door, I was immediately shocked to see a teacher already standing behind an oak podium smiling at me kindly.

Countless eyes are staring at me as I carefully closed the door behind me and walking quickly towards the teacher.

"Excuse me, sir. This is Section A-0, right?" I asked tentatively as I glanced at the other students who are quietly observing me carefully.

To my shock, he nodded, "Indeed, this is."

"There's gotta be a mistake. I don't think I should be in this room," I said quietly as I fished out my phone from the depth of my bag and look at the notification again, "I should be directed to the second floor but it says A-0."

The good-natured old man chuckled and shook his head, "Nonsense, dear child. The school informed me yesterday that I will have another student in my advisory class today. Unless you are not the new scholar?"

"I am, sir..."

"Then welcome to my class! I'm Ernest Andrade. Why don't you introduce yourself to your new classmates then? Most of them are from the highest rank of nobilities or connected to them. Others are members of this country's socialites but they're a good bunch. Please prepare to answer a few questions from them. Believe me, it is for the best that you deal with the inquiries now rather than get tired of repeating the same words over and over again."

I nodded and faced my new classmates nervously. My two neighbors are here among some of the familiar places like the newscaster from yesterday and her twin sister who is now beaming at me positively.

"I am Kady Groves, sixteen years old from Visayas Autonomous Province, Maharlika. Studying here is the last thing I expected to do since I was scheduled for an interview yesterday for a pantry staff position but I landed myself a scholarship instead."

A girl serious-looking girl raised her right hand as if this is just a regular discussion. I glanced at the teacher who just smiled at me kindly before facing the whole class, "One question at a time, kids. We don't want to scare her away, don't we? Shoot your question then, Mina."

"Thank you, Sir Ernest. I'm Alumina von Bairal, I was just wondering why you took the bus for the examinees if you don't have any intent on taking the test?"

I tried to smile wryly as I noticed that she, as most of the other students here, are not Maharlikans. 

I noticed several from the third row just laughed at the question because they find it nonsensical to be even asked.

"It's that or I wouldn't reach the academy before sundown, my lady," I answered respectfully as she looked positively confused, "The school buses are given the priority, that's why I was able to get here early yesterday. If I rode a regular one, I would've spent the entire day sitting in the traffic."

A familiar girl from the third row laughed and smiled patronizingly to Alumina as she nodded, "She is telling the truth. We have a term here in Tayabas called "Carmageddon" and it usually happens every Monday and Friday. The traffic got so bad, it's faster to just walk. Anyways, hi Kady! My question is, would you mind sitting next to me?"

"Uhm, no... Th-thank you," I said in a shock when I finally realized who is she.

Belle de Marillac a supermodel and accomplished pop idol at such a young age. One of the best of the younger Maharlikan generation. Her mother, Madeline de Marillac, was a famous beauty queen and philanthropist but she didn't use her mother's influence to gain fame. She worked hard to attain it on her own because Madeline refused to give her daughter a hand so she can experience how hard it is to start at the very bottom.

I thought I heard from random showbiz news that she will be taking a hiatus to focus on her studies. I should've known she will be here.

I steeled myself as I noticed that more than ten hands are in the air.

Oh boy...

This is really going to be a long day...