THE FIRST LESSON
905 Words
The ancient bell of Eldoria Royal University rang three times, its deep echo rolling across the campus like a solemn promise of a new day.
Students poured into the stone pathways from every direction.
Some carried leather satchels filled with books.
Others chatted excitedly beneath rows of crimson maple trees whose leaves danced gently in the morning breeze.
The university was alive once again.
Inside the dormitory apartment...
Octavia stood before the mirror, fastening the clasp of her emerald-green dress. The flowing fabric complemented her glowing caramel skin, while her beautiful orange-red curly blonde hair framed her face like a crown of fire.
Aurora emerged from her room wearing a lavender dress with a cream shawl draped elegantly over her shoulders.
She spun once with a grin.
"Well?"
Octavia smiled.
"You look beautiful."
Aurora laughed.
"So do you."
Just then...
Arina stepped out, wearing a sapphire-blue dress embroidered with delicate silver flowers.
Aurora folded her arms dramatically.
"Must the two of you always make me look ordinary?"
Arina laughed.
"You say that every morning."
The three friends left the apartment together, laughing as they made their way across the beautiful university grounds.
---
The first lecture of the day was scheduled in the Grand History Hall.
Students gradually filled the spacious room.
Everyone expected Professor Hawthorne.
Instead...
An unfamiliar man stood quietly beside the lecturer's desk.
He was tall.
His broad shoulders were wrapped in a long black academic coat trimmed with silver embroidery.
His neatly combed dark hair and piercing grey eyes gave him an air of calm authority.
He didn't speak.
He simply observed the room.
One by one...
The whispers faded.
Even the noisiest students found themselves sitting up straighter.
A moment later...
Professor Hawthorne entered.
His warm smile lit up the room.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Professor!" the class replied.
Professor Hawthorne looked toward the man beside him.
"I have someone I'd like you all to meet."
"This semester, another distinguished scholar will be joining our faculty."
"He is known throughout the kingdom for his wisdom in leadership, military history, and royal diplomacy."
"Please welcome..."
"Professor Adrian Blackwood."
The professor stepped forward.
He gave a polite nod.
Nothing more.
Professor Hawthorne smiled.
"I'll leave the class in your capable hands."
With that, he quietly left.
---
Professor Blackwood picked up a piece of chalk.
In neat, elegant handwriting, he wrote across the board.
ROYAL STRATEGY AND THE RISE OF KINGDOMS
He turned to face the students.
His voice was calm.
Strong.
Every word carried effortlessly across the room.
"Many believe kingdoms are built by powerful kings."
He slowly placed the chalk down.
"They are not."
The classroom became completely silent.
"They are built by ordinary people."
"And destroyed by foolish rulers."
He began walking between the rows.
"If your kingdom had enough food for only half its people..."
"Who would you save?"
No one answered.
He looked around the room.
"There is no correct answer."
"Leadership is choosing between impossible decisions."
His words captured everyone's attention.
Even Aurora, who often struggled to sit through long lectures, found herself listening carefully.
Professor Blackwood stopped beside Octavia's desk.
"Miss..."
"Octavia Ashford, Professor."
He nodded once.
"Miss Ashford."
"If you were queen..."
"What would be the first duty you owe your people?"
The classroom turned toward her.
Octavia remained calm.
She thought carefully before answering.
"To protect them."
Professor Blackwood watched her for several moments.
"Protection is important."
"But protection without justice becomes tyranny."
He gave a faint nod.
"A thoughtful answer."
Then he continued the lesson.
Aurora quietly leaned toward Octavia.
"I would've panicked."
Octavia smiled softly.
"I nearly did."
---
The lecture ended to a chorus of relieved sighs.
Students gathered their books while talking excitedly.
"I've never enjoyed history this much."
"Professor Blackwood is incredible."
"He notices everything."
Aurora smiled.
"I think we're going to learn a lot this semester."
"I think we're also going to have to study twice as hard," Arina added with a laugh.
The three friends stepped into the corridor.
At that exact moment...
The atmosphere around them subtly changed.
Students respectfully moved aside.
Conversations lowered.
Lincoln walked through the corridor with quiet confidence, dressed in a perfectly tailored black coat embroidered with silver, dark trousers, and polished leather boots.
He acknowledged those who greeted him with a simple nod.
His eyes settled on Octavia.
A gentle warmth softened his otherwise regal expression.
"Good afternoon."
Octavia smiled.
"Good afternoon."
"I hope your first lesson with Professor Blackwood wasn't too overwhelming."
She laughed lightly.
"I survived."
"I expected no less."
Before he could say another word...
Professor Blackwood stepped out of the lecture hall.
The distinguished professor inclined his head respectfully.
"Your Highness."
Lincoln returned the greeting with calm dignity.
"Professor."
Their exchange lasted only a moment.
Yet everyone nearby noticed it.
If a man as respected as Professor Adrian Blackwood showed such respect to the Crown Prince...
Then Lincoln's influence reached even farther than they had imagined.
Aurora watched Lincoln walk away before leaning toward Octavia with a teasing smile.
"I don't think His Highness came to the History Hall for Professor Blackwood."
Arina covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Octavia's cheeks turned pink.
"Oh, stop it."
The three friends walked away together, their laughter filling the corridor.
None of them noticed...
From the upper balcony...
A hooded stranger watched Octavia with cold crimson eyes.
Then, without a sound...
The figure vanished into the shadows.
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