Nobility of the 21st century

Chapter III: Tour at Gold and Silver Crowns

The kind voice of the woman startled the young Russian, who slowly stepped back. He opened his backpack and took out the documents Stella had given him at breakfast. Without even responding, he extended his hand with the papers. The woman chuckled.

—Yes, I am Edgar O’Neal… —he managed to say as he watched the woman take the documents and place them in a black folder she carried in her arms.

—A pleasure, Edgar. I am Ximena, the principal secretary of Gold and Silver Crowns —introduced the woman without losing the smile that sent chills down the young man’s spine—. I’ll be the one to guide you to your class and explain how things work around here. I understand this is your first time in a school for nobles…

—That's correct. —His voice sounded robotic and quick due to his nerves. He wanted it to be over already.

—Then, follow me, please. —She turned and started walking. Edgar just followed her without asking any more questions. They went through a corridor and took the elevator to the third floor. Once there, she made a turn and opened a door with a sign that read Student Committee. Edgar couldn’t help but take a look, surprised by what he saw.

The Student Committee room was an elegant and well-decorated space within the educational institution. The walls were adorned with paintings representing the institution’s values and outstanding achievements. The lighting was soft but sufficient to create a serene atmosphere conducive to concentration.

In the center of the room was a large polished wooden rectangular table, surrounded by comfortable and ergonomic chairs. On the table, documents and folders were perfectly organized, evidence of the work and responsibility of the students occupying those seats.

On one of the walls, there was a panel displaying the Student Council’s motto, reminding its members of the importance of their role in the student community. Around the room, shelves with books and reference materials were arranged, along with a whiteboard for jotting down ideas and proposals.

Ximena smiled at seeing the young Russian's expression of amazement. She placed the dark folder on the table and invited the boy to come in, which he did without objecting.

—This is the Student Committee room, the most prestigious place within the institution, where the most outstanding and exemplary students gather. Although it’s empty now due to the early hour, I’ll give you a brief description of the members, as you can rely on them for anything —said Ximena, pacing around the room until she reached the center—. The council president is Charlotte Smith, a senior recognized for her leadership and organizational skills. Alongside her, serving as vice president, is Ava Wilson, also a senior, known for her commitment and decision-making ability. The first secretary of the council is Benjamin Fox, who, in addition to holding that position, is also the president of the third-year disciplinary committee. Benjamin is noted for his sense of justice and commitment to order and discipline within the institution —she sighed and continued—. Lastly, there is Vénus Petit, the council’s second secretary and vice president of the disciplinary committee, who is a first-year student. Vénus is recognized for her dedication and ability to resolve conflicts, being an important figure in maintaining order and respect within the institution.

Edgar listened attentively. He might not have been very interested, but the way Ximena spoke about them only piqued his curiosity.

—Together, these students make up the student council, responsible for ensuring the institution’s smooth functioning and academic excellence, demonstrating their commitment and ability to lead and represent their peers. —Ximena took her folder and left the room, accompanied by the dark-haired boy—. Their work is significant, but they do it diligently.

Edgar nodded at the blonde’s words; she smiled and invited him to get back into the elevator. He had no idea where she was taking him now, but he was very excited. Too much, he thought. Although, he resented it.

They descended to the second floor, which was full of students and teachers. It was a much noisier place than the previous one, and that intimidated the dark-haired boy a bit, but he recovered when he heard laughter very close to him. When he turned his gaze, he saw some brown hair and a huge smile; it was a boy having fun with a black-haired girl. Both seemed very happy. And, unexpectedly, he found himself interested in the blue eyes of the brown-haired boy, which seemed to hold the sun and the moon within them. It was as if they plunged him into darkness and light.

Ximena's touch on his shoulder made him jump, bringing him back to reality. He quickly turned to find a concerned and sincere expression.

—Are you alright? —Ximena asked, gently touching his face. Edgar nodded, still affected by those eyes that dazzled him for a moment. He never expected to find eyes of such a beautiful color.

—Yes, sorry, I got distracted by something —he replied. Ximena smiled again and led him to the classroom where he would be studying from then on.

(…)

Benjamin had his brow completely furrowed at the amount of paperwork he had to fill out for a new student who transferred that very weekend, leaving him no time to complete the paperwork. Charlotte, a great friend of his and the president of the Student Committee, was just as busy, if not more, so he didn’t complain.

He remained calm and started filling out the forms; after all, there was still time before class began.

—Benjie! —shouted the Marchioness Erika Schelling, Benjamin’s best friend. Her dark eyes focused on him as soon as they spotted him—. I have something extremely important to tell you —said the girl seriously. The brown-haired boy put down his pen and observed her for a few seconds—. The transferee is in our class! —she exclaimed, raising her arms in a scandalous manner.

—Really? —inquired Benjie, checking the papers, which confirmed his friend’s words—. You’re right… And this Edgar O’Neal, what family is he from? —he wondered while touching his forehead. The surname didn’t ring a bell.

—O’Neal… Well, I know a family of marquises with that surname, but they’re from Argentina, and as far as I know, they only have a daughter. I don’t know more —muttered the marchioness, shrugging. Benjamin smiled at her, wanted to respond, but the familiar figure of a young man for both appeared in the room.

Erika ran to hug him and give him a sweet kiss on the cheek, the dark-haired boy smiled in response and walked towards Benjamin.

—Lu, you look as tired as always —said the brown-haired boy to the dark-haired one who sat next to him, throwing his backpack on the desk.