04
1108 Words
With a breathe of the aromatic smell coming from the cup of tea I'm holding, I took a sip. The sun is standing up high but this place's temperature hasn't risen. So, I brewed some tea by myself, clearly not trusting the palace's people with something I would intake.
This kingdom's higher-ups also gave a surprise. They didn't even send a single servant to serve us in this huge palace. Well, it is to my advantage.
I leaned my back on the couch, setting etiquette aside cause I'm the only one in this receiving room which is also located in my room.
The kingdom sure is regale yet it did not even touch my eyes. Meaningless things are not something I learned to treasure.
When we arrived at this huge place, grandpa hurriedly ushered me to this room then left me by myself. The questions at the tip of my mouth could only be swallowed back as I watched him go further and further away.
'Be ready. Everything starts tomorrow.'
Those are the only words that he left me.
I sighed again before I emptied my cup.
Tomorrow. The start of everything I've trained for.
•••
"Aish!" I grunted as I stretched my arms and legs in this uniform.
Despite finishing my studies at the island, the king made an order for me to attend the academy for a year. It's to familiarize myself with people, that's what grandpa said.
Of course, I agreed. It is to my advantage, especially when most of the nobles attend the academy. And most importantly, I would only be attending it in a year. One of the reasons also involves my fiance, it's his last year in school. In order to spend more time with him and take time to get to know each other, I was ordered to attend school.
The island's academic branch is different from the capital's. Our's is shorter than theirs. I guess it's because we are much more focused on physical training while they focus on their ability.
"Stupid dress!" I complained again when I found it hard to even walk.
Despite the rules of girls not showing their skin, this academy's uniform was accepted.
Skirt that reaches just above the knee that I feel would reveal the things that should be covered even with a little walk, high cut shoes, and a bloused upper uniform that shows the arms. There isn't even a blazer or cape that could cover it up!
I begrudgingly glanced at my reflection on the mirror. Who the heck designed this dress!
With a glare at the mirror, I rummaged through the closet, looking for something that I could wear beneath this skirt.
Found it!
I hastily wore the black fitted shorts that I brought from the island. Thankfully, I brought plenty!
I looked at the mirror again and the corners of my lips lifted up in satisfaction.
At the very least, I won't get peeked at.
"Nesrin!" Grandpa shouted. His voice was laced with impatience. He was urging me to get ready an hour early. And till now, I still have not gone down.
I ran down the stairs in a hurry. I'm guessing we'll be a little late. All because of this stinking uniform. Thankfully, grandpa already knew my illness called tardiness so he woke me up and made me get ready very early. But still, it did not defeat my 'illness'.
I entered the carriage directly. Great, grandpa's not here yet. I put my head out the window as I acted like I was searching for him.
"Let's go, Grand!" I shouted.
"Where are you?!" He shouted back.
I can see his silhouette on the door so I waved my hand at him.
"Let's go!" I urged him and retracted my head from the window. I sat down properly as I waited for him.
Moments later, he entered the carriage and ordered the driver to drive away.
"Behave, Nesrin okay?"
I blinked my eyes as I watched him when I could hear the wariness and warning in his voice.
I sighed. "I know, Grand." I replied. Can't he trust me, even just a little bit.
"I don't," he suddenly said.
I tsked. Right.
"By the way, you look good in that uniform," he commented as he held his chin and nodded seriously.
My head tilted from side to side as I looked for the word 'good' in this uniform.
"This piece of sh– thing," I hurriedly changed the way I addressed this uniform when I noticed the warning gaze coming from him.
He nodded in satisfaction while I sighed.
I don't know if I'd ever be able to keep up this act.
•••
I breathed deeply as I stepped inside the academy gate.
Grandpa didn't even bother to send me in so I strode by myself.
I can feel the piercing stares that the students are giving me. It seems like the plan to stay low-key is already failing. No. I didn't even get to start.
I didn't really expect that my arrival would be kept low at the first place. My grandpa and parents told me that the issue of the phrasers trying to overthrow the kingdom was widespread so this kind of attention is something I knew would happen. But if possible, I would like this to be peaceful.
At the very least, they didn't bother to approach me and after scrutinizing me for a while, they would go on with what they were doing.
I focused my gaze on the numerous buildings ahead. Fifteen minute walk before I could reach that. If only these skirts were a little longer, I would have reached the building much faster. And using a carriage is also out of line, the school wants their students to walk from the gate to their respective class.
Hah~, so troublesome.
"Lady Asteria?" Someone just called.
"Yes?" I subconsciously replied. Half answered, half asked.
My eyes that were focused on the path moved towards the origin of the voice.
A young girl with cat-like eyes and straight black hair stood there straight as she watched me.
She then bowed slightly. "The name is Al Sier, Lady Asteria," she stood, "Your class' representative. I'm here to take you to the class."
The worry of getting lost suddenly vanished into thin air.
I bowed at her quite thankfully then she strode ahead of me as we walked towards the third building.
She stayed silent all throughout the walk until we arrived at Class 2 of the last Grade in the academy.
The first stage of this battlefield… is now starting.
- Writer
