Your Grace! This is too hard for me!

The carriage pulled up in front of the academy, and Elias stepped out, his heart pounding with nervousness and excitement. The imposing building loomed before him, its ivy-covered walls and grand entranceway adding to its aura of prestige. As he gazed up at the academy, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with trepidation.

Elias knew that this was a new beginning for him, a chance to further his education and pursue his dreams. But with the new beginning came a flurry of worries. Would he be able to keep up with the other students? Would he fit in? And most importantly, would he make the Grand Duke and his father proud? But no matter what, he'll make them both proud!

Lost in his thoughts, Elias didn't notice a familiar face approaching him until she was practically right in front of him.

"Elias!" a voice scolded him, and he looked up to see Ezra standing there, her hands on her hips, a stern expression on her face. She was dressed in the academy's uniform, her ginger hair neatly tied back, and she looked every bit the disciplined student.

"Ezra?" Elias stammered, surprised to see his friend here, "You've been here since when? Well, aren't you an early bird?"

Ezra's stern expression softened into one of exasperation, "I've been looking all over for you, you idiot! I couldn't find you at your house, and I was worried something happened to you."

Elias felt a pang of guilt. He had been so preoccupied with his own nerves that he hadn't considered how his sudden departure might have worried his friend, "I'm sorry, Ezra," he said sheepishly, "I didn't mean to cause you any trouble."

Ezra sighed, irritated, "Where have you been exactly? I've heard rumors that the imperial guards knocked on your door, is that true? I don't believe in rumors."

Elias shifted uncomfortably, realizing that his hasty departure from home had sparked rumors. He didn't want to worry Ezra further, but he also didn't want to reveal too much about his encounter with the Grand Duke. He decided to provide a partial truth.

"Well, the imperial guards did come to my house," Elias admitted, he smiled, "but it was because I was summoned by the Grand Duke. He wanted to see me for some reason."

Ezra's eyes widened in surprise, "The Grand Duke? Elias, what did he want from you?"

Elias hesitated, unsure of how much to share, "I'm not entirely sure, Ezra. But he caught a fever, the butler told me he was calling my name in his sleep so the butler thought about summoning me. Interesting isn't it?" he chuckled afterwards.

"Idiot." She slapped the back of Elias's head.

Elias rubbed the back of his head, laughing at Ezra's playful rebuke, "Ouch, that hurt, Ezra," he said with a grin, "But I promise, it's all good now. The Grand Duke seems to have recovered, and I'm here at the academy, ready to start this new chapter."

Ezra rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her relief, "Just promise me you won't keep any more secrets," she said. "We're friends, Elias. We should trust each other and face whatever comes our way together."

Elias nodded earnestly, "You're right, Ezra. From now on, no more secrets. We're in this together."

Their first class was Mathematics: Algebra, and as the professor began explaining complex equations, both Elias and Ezra exchanged bewildered glances. The numbers and symbols on the board seemed like a foreign language to them. This start was called a 'pretest' to examine if the students have a hint, or an idea for their lesson.

Ezra leaned over to Elias and whispered, "What the hell is this? Did they switch us to a different universe overnight?"

Elias stifled a laugh, trying to make sense of the lesson, "I have no idea what these are, but, we better spend our time in the library again if we still didn't get it.."

They spent the rest of the class furiously taking notes, trying to decipher the mathematical mysteries presented to them. It is the worst breakfast for them. Ezra hoped that this subject would end sooner, but the time seemed to slow as she pleaded, so she tried to understand whatever's on the board and ask Elias from time to time.

As Elias and Ezra struggled to make sense of the intricate equations on the board, the academy's teacher, Professor Wrenwood, paced back and forth at the front of the classroom. His voice was calm and patient as he explained the concept of algebra to the bewildered students.

He smiled friendly, "It seems that all of you don't have much ideas in Algebra, do we?" Then he went to pick a chalk to the board, "Well then, I'll start the lesson."

"Algebra," Professor Wrenwood began, "is a branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating those symbols to solve equations. In essence, it's a way to represent and solve real-world problems using variables and equations."

Elias furrowed his brow, trying to absorb the information. He whispered to Ezra, "I think I get it. It's like using letters to stand for numbers, and we need to figure out what those numbers are, right?"

Ezra nodded, grateful for Elias's attempt to simplify the concept. They continued to listen as Professor Wrenwood went on to explain the basic principles of algebra, introducing terms like variables, constants, and equations.

"Equations," Professor Wrenwood continued, "are at the heart of algebra. They are mathematical statements that show two expressions as equal. Our goal is to find the values of the variables that make the equation true."

Elias and Ezra exchanged glances, their determination growing as they began to grasp the fundamentals of algebra.

Professor Wrenwood, a distinguished scholar with salt-and-pepper hair and wire-rimmed spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose, exuded an air of intellectual authority. He had a reputation for being a brilliant mathematician and an exceptional educator.

With a gentle smile, Professor Wrenwood continued his explanation of algebra, making sure to break down the process of solving equations step by step.

"Let's take this equation as an example," he said, pointing to an equation on the chalkboard: 2x + 5 = 11. "Our task is to find the value of 'x' that makes this equation true."

He began by demonstrating how to isolate the variable 'x' on one side of the equation, "To do this, we need to perform operations that will move terms to the other side. In this case, we want to isolate the term '2x' on the left side."

Professor Wrenwood then walked the students through the process, "First, we subtract 5 from both sides of the equation to get rid of the constant term on the left side."

2x + 5 - 5 = 11 - 5

The equation now looked like this: 2x = 6. "Now that we have '2x' on the left side," he explained, "We need to isolate 'x' by dividing both sides by 2."

2x / 2 = 6 / 2

The students watched attentively as Professor Wrenwood simplified the equation further: x = 3. "There you have it," he said with a triumphant smile, "The value of 'x' that makes the equation 2x + 5 = 11 true is x = 3."

Elias and Ezra exchanged relieved glances. The professor's clear and concise explanation had helped them understand the process of solving equations better. Ezra was, however, having a lot of questions on this and that, she was about to grasp on it but.. what happened again?

Just when Ezra thought Ezra couldn't take it anymore, the bell signaling the end of the class finally rang. Elias let out a sigh of relief, and Ezra slumped in her chair, exhaustion evident on her face. The single lesson of Algebra took 40 minutes before the bell rang. He bid a farewell and left the classroom. No one knows which subject was next, but at least, the hellish Algebra is finally done.

Ezra ran a hand through her hair, her frustration from the earlier confusion still evident on her face, "Well, that was quite a workout for the brain." she remarked with a tired smile.

Elias chuckled, "Tell me about it. But we made it through, and that's what matters. Let's find out what's next on our schedule and hope it's something a bit less... math-y." Elias added with a teaseful smirk, "But hey, It's a big surprise to me that you're a business woman, why don't you get the math lesson?"

"You little—" she playfully shoved Elias but her brows lightly knitted, "Oh, you! Just because I'm a businesswoman doesn't mean I enjoy torturing myself with algebra. Numbers and I have a complicated relationship, let's leave it at that."

Elias and Ezra gathered their belongings, ready to move on to their next subject. As they checked their timetables, they noticed that their next class was philosophy. Elias raised an eyebrow and turned to Ezra, a curious expression on his face.

"Philosophy, huh?" Elias mused, "This should be interesting. I've always been curious about the big questions in life."

Ezra smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief, "Well, get ready to have your mind blown, my friend. Philosophy can be a real brain-twister."

They made their way to the philosophy classroom, and as they entered, they found the room arranged with comfortable chairs in a circle. The philosophy teacher, a wise and old woman with a serene presence, stood at the front of the classroom and began her introduction.

"Good morning, students," she said, her voice calm and soothing, "I am Professor Elowen, your guide on this philosophical journey. Philosophy is the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, and in this class, we will explore the profound questions that have intrigued thinkers throughout the ages."

Professor Elowen had a warm smile that seemed to put her students at ease. She continued, "I have spent a lifetime delving into the realms of philosophy, from the ancient Greek philosophers to modern existentialism. My hope is that I can help you develop the skills to think critically, question deeply, and engage in meaningful discussions about life's most fundamental mysteries."

She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over the eager faces of her students, "Remember, philosophy is not about providing all the answers; it's about asking the right questions and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth. I encourage you to approach this subject with an open mind and a willingness to explore ideas that may challenge your preconceptions."

With her introduction complete, Professor Elowen welcomed her students to the world of philosophy and began the first lesson, igniting a spark of curiosity and contemplation in each of them.

She welcomed the students and began the class with a thought-provoking question, "Today, we'll delve into the realm of philosophical inquiry," the teacher began, "Let's start with a fundamental question: What is the meaning of life?"

Elias and Ezra exchanged glances, knowing that this class was going to be quite different from their previous ones.

"No one?" Professor Elowen asked again.

Elias hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. He raised his hand tentatively, along with a few other students who were willing to venture an answer.

Professor Elowen acknowledged Elias and said, "Yes, young man. What do you believe is the meaning of life?"

Elias cleared his throat, feeling the weight of the question, "Well, I think the meaning of life could be different for each person," he began, "Some might find meaning in their relationships with others, in the pursuit of knowledge, or in making a positive impact on the world. It's a deeply personal and subjective question, and I believe that people find their own meaning through their experiences and beliefs."

Professor Elowen nodded, acknowledging his response. She then turned to the rest of the class, encouraging more students to share their thoughts on this age-old question. As the discussion unfolded, it became clear that there were a myriad of perspectives on the meaning of life, reflecting the diversity of ideas and beliefs within the classroom.

As they engaged in discussions and debates on topics ranging from ethics to metaphysics, they found themselves drawn into the world of philosophy. It was a subject that challenged their beliefs, encouraged critical thinking, and opened their minds to new perspectives.

The topic got into the point where the classes of lives were divided into two and she used the example of nobles and commoners. Elias's ears perked up and raised his hand.

"Yes young man?" Professor Elowen asked, "Please stand up."

"Why is the status in Landroich divided into two?" He asked.

Professor Elowen nodded at Elias's question and responded, "That's an excellent question, young man. The division of society into nobles and commoners is a complex historical and social construct that has existed for centuries in Landroich and many other kingdoms. It's deeply rooted in our history, traditions, and the way our society has evolved."

She continued, "Nobility often traces its lineage back to a time when certain families or individuals were granted special privileges or titles by the monarchy for their service or loyalty. These privileges included land ownership, wealth, and the right to rule over certain regions or territories. Over time, these noble families became a distinct social class, with their own customs, responsibilities, and expectations."

"As for commoners," Professor Elowen explained, "They make up the majority of the population and typically do not have the same privileges as nobles. They may work in various professions, from farming to trade to craftsmanship, and their social mobility is often limited. This division of society, while deeply ingrained, has also led to disparities in wealth and power."

She encouraged further discussion, saying, "It's important to understand that this division is not fixed and can vary from one kingdom to another. In recent years, there have been movements and debates about the role of nobility and the potential for social reform. It's a topic that philosophers and thinkers have explored for centuries, and it continues to be a subject of discussion in our society today."

"Professor," Elias added, "Is it wrong to both eyes, if the opposite status started.. to uh.. love each other? or the other party, like the commoner fell in love with the noble." he asked sheepishly.

Ezra abruptly looked up at Elias, she knew what this was about.

Professor Elowen smiled, appreciating Elias's question, "Ah, matters of the heart and love. It's a topic that has fascinated philosophers, poets, and thinkers for ages. Love knows no boundaries, young man, and it is not inherently wrong for individuals of different social statuses to fall in love with each other."

She continued, "However, it's important to recognize that societal norms and expectations can sometimes make such relationships challenging. Historically, there have been prejudices and obstacles when it comes to nobles and commoners forming romantic connections. These issues can include disapproval from families or communities, differing social responsibilities, and the potential for inequality in the relationship."

Professor Elowen emphasized, "But love itself is a beautiful and powerful force, and it has the ability to bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. Many stories and legends tell of love transcending societal boundaries. In the end, it is up to individuals to decide the path they wish to take in matters of the heart."

Ezra glanced at Elias again, a knowing look in her eyes. She knew that his question was not purely theoretical, and she wondered what had prompted him to ask it. Love, it seemed, was a topic that could be just as complex and perplexing as philosophy itself.

After the philosophy class concluded, Elias and Ezra left the room with a sense of intellectual curiosity and a newfound appreciation for the subject. They had learned that philosophy was a discipline that encouraged exploration, debate, and about the differences of the statuses.

As they walked through the academy's corridors, Elias turned to Ezra with a grin, "Well, that was certainly different, but I have to admit, I enjoyed it. Philosophy has a way of making you think, doesn't it?"

Ezra nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with enthusiasm, "Absolutely, Elias. It's like exercising your mind, and I can't wait to see what other philosophical questions we'll explore in this class."

With their minds filled with philosophical ponderings, Elias and Ezra headed to their next class, eager to continue their academic journey and uncover the mysteries of the world, one question at a time.

In their next class, which was a combination of history and geography, the teacher introduced herself as Professor Thaliana. She was a young woman with a warm smile and a passion for her subjects.

"Welcome, students," Professor Thaliana began, "Today, we'll be diving into the rich history and geography of Landroich. Our kingdom has a long and storied past, and understanding it is crucial to our identity and the way our society functions."

She continued, "Landroich is divided into several regions, each with its own unique geography and history. From the fertile plains of Feigan to the rugged mountains of Drakonhelm, our kingdom offers a diverse range of landscapes. These geographical features have played a significant role in shaping our culture and way of life."

Elias and Ezra listened intently as Professor Thaliana delved into the historical events that had shaped Landroich over the centuries. They learned about wars, alliances, and the rise and fall of noble houses. The teacher's vivid descriptions and animated storytelling made the past come alive in their minds.

As the class progressed, they began to understand the interconnectedness of geography and history. How the landscape influenced where settlements were built, how resources were utilized, and how trade routes were established.

Ezra leaned over to Elias and whispered, "This is fascinating, don't you think? Learning about our kingdom's history and how it relates to the land itself."

Elias nodded, his eyes filled with curiosity, "It really is. It's like uncovering the secrets of our own home."

While Professor Thaliana continued her engaging lecture, Elias couldn't help but drift into thoughts about the Grand Duke. He admired how the Grand Duke had managed to maintain peace and stability within Landroich. The ruler's wisdom and leadership were evident in the way the kingdom operated.

Elias thought about his recent encounter with the Grand Duke, especially the intimate moment when he had helped care for the feverish nobleman. It had been an unexpected and somewhat thrilling experience. He had seen a side of the Grand Duke that was vulnerable and human, far removed from the stoic and regal persona he usually displayed.

Ezra noticed the distant look in Elias's eyes and elbowed him gently, bringing him back to the present, "Earth to Elias," she whispered, "You look like you're in a dream."

Elias blinked and realized he had been lost in thought. He offered a sheepish smile and whispered back, "Sorry, Ezra. Just got caught up in my own musings."

"Musing my ass," Ezra snorted, "Stop thinking about the Grand Duke, can you?"

Elias chuckled softly, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink, "I can't help it, Ezra. He's an intriguing person, and that fever incident was… unexpected, to say the least."

Ezra rolled her eyes, her playful tone returning, "Well, just remember, we're here to focus on our studies and not get distracted by handsome noblemen."

Elias sighed dramatically, "I'll do my best, but no promises."

NAPPEN'S EXTRA:

Nappen: [breaking in] Oh, look at you two, getting all philosophical and historical. Elias, my man, you really know how to pick a class, huh?

Elias: [looking surprised] Nappen? What are you doing here?

Nappen: Just dropping in to see how my favorite characters are doing in their new academic adventure. So, philosophy, huh? Any profound revelations?

Ezra: [rolling her eyes] Profound revelations? More like mind-bending confusion. That class is a puzzle wrapped in an enigma.

Nappen: [laughs] Well, philosophy does have a way of doing that. And Elias, still daydreaming about the Grand Duke?

Elias: [blushing] Can we not talk about that?

Nappen: [smirking] Oh, come on, it's the spice in your academic journey. Love in the air, philosophy in the mind, and algebra probably giving you nightmares.

Ezra: [sarcastically] Oh, joy. Nightmares about solving equations. Can't wait.