New Journey. New Me. Hopefully

Five weeks had passed, and now the day I'd been dreading—excuse me, preparing for—had finally arrived. I was fifteen.

In just a few short hours, I'd be stepping into the Royal Academy of Aurelis, the very place where future rulers, strategists, and warriors were apparently molded like fine porcelain. Or shattered, if you were unlucky...

I stood in the cool morning air of the capital, the scent of dewy grass mingling with a hint of freshly laid stone. Which kindly reminded me about the newly rebuilt roads in our estate. Our Dukedom was slowly showing signs of recovery. The roads, once a sad, cracked mess, now boasted proper stone, and trade routes were stabilizing.

At least, that's what I was told over too many cups of bitter estate tea. But, naturally, it wasn't enough. Not when the stakes were this high.

These last few weeks, I had pounded the pavement alongside my father's advisors—sorting finances, ensuring resources didn't vanish like my childhood innocence, and negotiating with those incorrigible noblemen too attached to their "good old ways." I learned that ruling wasn't some graceful art; it was more like a battle—one fought with patience, sharp negotiation skills, and, on good days, a touch of ruthless decisiveness.

Typical run-of-the-mill kind of stories. You get it...

It wasn't all spreadsheets and bored frowns, though. My training had intensified in ways I never anticipated. Under Alexander's unblinking supervision, I'd honed my swordplay until I could probably disarm a particularly nasty bartender with a flick of my wrist. My tactical skills were sharpened in mock battles and lessons on war strategy—a far cry from the ballroom bumbles I'd endured at banquets. Even Leonard had meddled in his own mischievous way, throwing in underhanded tricks that forced me to think on my feet, and often left me chasing after lost shoes and dignity...

And now—now—I was about to face an entirely new battlefield.

The Royal Academy wasn't just a school; it was where the future of our kingdom was hammered out in grueling drills, political chess matches, and the occasional duel that I'd sooner avoid than remember. As I took a deep breath and adjusted the strap of my new sword slung at my side, I couldn't help but let a wry smile cross my face. 

The kind that spoke out; look at me, an old, grumpy, broke-hearted girl from before, evolving into the boss of the game... Kinda... Just hyping myself up. Don't worry.

But this was indeed my chance to prove myself. To blend all I'd learned in the noisy corridors of our estate and on the messy dance floors of banquets into something worthy of a future noble. And maybe, just maybe, to avoid tripping into another crown prince's arms—unless, of course, that was part of the master plan.

I glanced back one last time at the familiar carriage, its sigil stretching like promises of progress. With the weight of expectation and a splash of hope, I stepped forward.

And so I entered...

The Royal Academy's Grand Hall was... well, grand. Like, "I hope my shoes don't squeak too loud," grand. Huge banners with all the noble house crests hung everywhere, and giant columns that looked like they could crush a person if they weren't careful. Above the stage, the enormous Aurelis crest sparkled under chandeliers that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe.

At last, I found my seat.

I sat there, trying to keep my back straight and my uniform neat — a deep navy coat with silver embroidery that screamed, "I'm important, don't mess with me."

Luna, seated next to me, was busy fussing with her own uniform like it was a fashion contest. She grinned at me and said, "Welcome to the start of our glorious school days. I bet something dramatic happens by the end of the week."

I snorted. "Three days, tops. You're too optimistic."

The hall quieted down as the final students entered and the Headmaster appeared. Grand Magister Reynard—he looked like he could turn you into a frog just by glaring—strode up on stage. Tall, silver-streaked hair, eyes that could probably see through walls and your soul at the same time.

"Welcome, future prospects of Aurelis," he boomed. "This Academy has shaped rulers, warriors, and troublemakers alike. Some of you will rise to greatness. Others will fall flat on their faces."

I felt a twinge of sympathy for the ones about to fall flat. Because, spoiler alert: that could totally be me.

"But today isn't about fear. It's about recognition. You're not just students. You're the future." Then came the kicker: "We'll start with the elite Introduction Ceremony. Those who scored near perfect marks, state your name and lineage, and let everyone know who's worth keeping an eye on."

A few eyes rolled, some whispered, and I suddenly felt very aware of my own "special connection," which mostly meant my family knew people. Not that I was entirely complaining.

Scoring high marks was option A for people. Option B was the secret alternative: Being accepted because of connections.

Names started getting called, and one by one, the "elite" students strutted onto the stage like they owned the place. I was trying to stay calm, but my brain was already buzzing: Who would be my biggest rivals? Which of them looked like they'd trip over their own feet?

Luna elbowed me. "Ready to see how the game begins?"

I gave her a crooked smile. "Bring it on."

One of the first to step up was a tall, elegant girl with sharp emerald eyes and golden orange hair braided so intricately it looked like art. She moved with practiced grace, like she was born to own a room.

"Lisa Von Edelweiss," she announced, voice clear and proud. "Daughter of Duke Edelweiss, heir to the Northern Territory."

Luna leaned over and whispered, "She's one of the top contenders for best female duelist."Big whoop.

Next came a broad-shouldered boy who swaggered up with an almost lazy confidence, silver eyes gleaming under the chandeliers. A smirk was permanently glued to his lips, which kinda reminded me of my own brother, Leonard.

Absolutely disgusting.

"Caius Vermillion," he drawled. "Son of General Vermillion, first in line to the Vermillion name."

Some murmurs went through the crowd—clearly, the Vermillion family carried weight. Thanks to Luna's running commentary, I knew they were famous for producing some of Aurelis' greatest commanders.

Me? I was struggling to remember half the names. I guess I'd been too busy pretending to listen to Headmaster Reynard to actually absorb anything.

More names were called, introducing a parade of nobles, military heirs, and a handful of exceptional commoners who'd earned their place. Nothing too exciting. Just the usual royal parade. At least, that's what I thought.

But then came the one name I'd been waiting for.

"Adrien Aurelis."

The whole room froze. The Crown Prince strode up onto the stage like the entire world was his to command—which, honestly, it probably was. His black and gold uniform was a stunning variation of the Academy attire, instantly marking him as royalty.

"I am Adrien Aurelis, Crown Prince of Aurelis," he said, calm and sure, every word carrying the weight of generations.

No need for extra fluff. Just him standing there was enough to silence every whisper, every cough.

I let out a quiet breath. Adrien was exactly as composed as I expected—like he'd never had a moment of doubt in his entire life.

"And now for the final student to be standing beside the elite."

I eased down on my seat as this lengthy ceremony was finally coming to an end. To be honest, I couldn't care less who the last one is...

"Elisha Lancaster. Please come up."

Elisha. Huh, how ironic that someone else bears the same name as I do. Though when I peeked around, it became all the more true. It was me he was directing at.

A hush fell over the hall as I rose, feeling every pair of eyes settle on me like hot coals. I walked forward slowly, locking eyes with the crowd—future rivals, possible allies, enemies I hadn't met yet.

As my feet touched the large podium, I began speaking. "Elisha Lancaster," I said evenly, voice steady and sure. "Daughter of Duke Lancaster, heir to the Lancaster name."

No applause. Just a ripple of whispers as I stood there. 

"Lady Elisha here has scored the most out of everyone here. Marking an impressive 100 out of 100. Please give a round of applause."

Only when the head master lifted the silence—people started clapping.

As I stood beside the Elite, I felt Luna's stare from afar, eyes curious. A gaze that spoke out, "Lancaster?"

Bingo—I gave a knowing smirk.

The key to survival here was to be a mystery. My family's real troubles, our bloodline—they were secrets only a handful knew.

Changing my surname was the perfect disguise.

One thing was certain: I wasn't planning on losing this game of power. For I am not a person running after family connections or shortcuts.

So, option A was the natural option for me to strive for. But option B was also very well welcomed~