Society of Royals

Prince Ren and his two friends who are heirs to their respective dukedoms hastily entered the small room which slightly resembled a mini library. There was a huge ancient world map displayed on the wall at the back of the room. Book cases full of thick and old volumes on the history of every monarchy and kingdom in the world lined up at both sides. In front of the room stood Silva, a member of the Patch clan whose roots can be traced to an old nobility of the land who had established the first preparatory school for royal bloods almost five centuries ago.

"Ah it's nice to see that you are back Prince Ren," the instructor greeted the Tao heir the moment he saw him enter the room. "I'd like to think that of all courses in the academy, mine is what you missed the most."

The Kaminari prince groaned as he took his seat. Society of Royals was his least favorite subject. He just couldn't acknowledge the need to study the history of other lands nor appreciate the importance of forming alliances with foreign kingdoms. Kaminari was contented with Kouku as its sole ally. They were formidable partners who are strong enough to stand against their neighbors or even against invading foreign kingdoms.

"As you all know, the Royal Patch Academy will be turning 500 years old three weeks from now," announced Silva. All nineteen pupils stared at him with no sign of interest or excitement.

"To commemorate the foundation of our beloved academy," he continued, "the management had decided to organize a friendship ball."

Eagerness shone in every female student's eyes. A ball meant dressing up in stylish gowns and beautifying themselves in front of their suitors.

"This will be attended by the young noble men and women from every kingdom in the world."

"Are you inviting even our enemy kingdoms? Why call it a friendship ball if there will be enemies coming?" a young lad scoffed at the whole idea.

"Yes, we are," the instructor confirmed with a tone of finality. "In fact our personnel had started delivering the invitation letters six months ago. To be fair, we had encouraged all kingdoms and dukedoms to send at most four representatives. However, it is really up to them if they would accept it or not."

Prince Ren was saddened. If Anna did not go missing, he would be going with her to the ball.

"The friendship ball's objective is to promote peace and harmony among the monarchies." Not to mention encourage new enrollees as the number of students had dwindled since that fateful incident seven years ago. Silva thought.

"As for all of you students, we already sent telegrams to your families two months ago and I'm glad to inform you that majority of them had responded positively. The list of those who were not permitted to attend is with assistant headmaster Bron. You may check with him after class. Those who will not attend the ball are all mandated to stay in the academy during the event."

Majority of the pupils crossed their fingers. This was a good opportunity to finally spend time outside school whose strict rules barred them from leaving its premises.

"This is a masquerade ball by the way," Silva grinned. "The use of masks will hopefully inhibit your prejudices against other clans and kingdoms." The instructor's gaze fell on the Kaminari prince who scowled when their eyes met.

"Following the tradition of masquerade balls, we will be asking all attendees to take off his mask as the closing activity of the event."

Students began conversing with their seatmates in excited whispers about what attire to wear or made guesses on who their families had decided for them to bring along to the ball.

"So Master Silva, can we go to town to purchase ball gowns, shoes masks and jewelry?" a tall gregarious girl beamed at the instructor.

"No," the man in front said flatly. "We had requested your families in the telegram to send in your ball attire and accessories starting this week. Moreover, I'd like to reiterate that leaving the premises of the academy without our knowledge is strictly prohibited. Our school rules will also be applied during the friendship ball. We will be deploying a special security force to patrol the venue."

The students did not seem to mind the stringent policies impose on them for the upcoming gathering of royals. The restless whispers from the students became loud thrilled chatters that the instructor had to quiet them down.

"Now, I'd like to remind you to exhibit proper manners and good etiquette during the ball. Remember you are representing your kingdom and your actions will clearly show what kind of monarchy you really are. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Master Silva…" the whole class chorused.

"Good. Now, that announcement about the friendship ball is just an icing on the cake. The real exciting part here is your homework for my subject," smirked the Patch mentor.

Everyone grunted.

Silva took out a glass fish bowl containing small folded pieces of white paper. "All the young men, please come forward and pick one. Do not open it until I tell you to do so. Now Lyserg, let's start with you."

The green-haired boy who sat at the leftmost side of the front row stood up and approached the teacher's desk to make his pick. The rest of the male students followed.

The instructor spoke as soon as the last one got back to his seat, "Since males and females are equally numbered in this class, young men, you will be paired up with the name of a female classmate written in the paper you took. Your homework is to gather firsthand information about each other's kingdom. We will limit the information to the kingdom's history, its geography, demographics, culture and traditions. You are to read your report in front of the class a week from now. Oh and by the way, you are not allowed to exchange partners with another one if you're not comfortable with yours."

Chocolove and Lyserg shot a quick glance at the Kaminari prince.

"Otherwise, the purpose of this homework will be defeated. That is all. I would no longer prolong your excitement or agony, young men, you may now look at the paper."

Cries of triumph and groans were heard afterwards. Those who already peeked at the names left their seats and went to their partners to start on the assignment.

"Darn it! Why not her?" Chocolove pulled his hair from frustration as he approached Ren's table to check on his luck.

"I'm paired with my cousin. Disappointed Choco?" Lyserg walked behind him with a smirk. "I guess I can start with the research even if Jean's absent. After all, she's a relative. Who did you get Ren?"

The Tao heir seemed fixated at the unfolded paper he's holding.

"Lyserg," Chocolove nudged his friend as he peered at Ren, "don't you recognize that expression before? He made the same face when he picked ---"

Ren abruptly stood up and put the paper on his desk for his two friends to read before he walked towards his partner's side of the room.

The name Pirika Usui was written on it.

"We can change partners if you want to, Ren. I'm sure Master Silva would understand your situation," Lyserg called out to him but his friend just waved to tell him it was fine.

"Hey," the Kaminari prince pulled the nearby chair and sat next to the Kouri princess. "I guess we're partners in this."

"I can appeal to Master Silva if you don't want to pair up with me," the girl snapped at him.

"I doubt that he would listen to you. He already stated his policy regarding this homework. Besides, there are no enemy kingdoms in this academy," Ren took out his pen and notebook to begin his data gathering.

"Now look who's talking. You're the one who's been ignoring me all the time," Pirika folded her arms across her chest.

"Oh? And you were expecting some attention from me? Just can't resist my charms, princess of Kouri?" he sneered at her.

The girl's cheeks turned pink. In her embarrassment, she accidentally dropped her pen which the prince retrieved from the floor. She snatched it from his grip and started scribbling down on her notebook.

"Let's just get this done already! But I'm telling you I won't reveal too much information regarding our kingdom."

"Fine by me," said the prince.