Time flies so fast so today is the Royal Annual Introduction of Successors. The punishment of the seven of us as well as Julianna will start after this event so in short, tomorrow. Somehow, I begged Aunt Calla so they agreed.
I immediately put on the stilettos given to me by Headmaster Hades. I scanned it a hundred times every night so I'm sure it doesn't have what it takes. It's just normal stilettos. I next wore my beige gown that we bought when Ate Scarlet and I went shopping.
I wish I didn't have to put on much make-up but these three girls with me insisted because it was my first time. We went to the Academy Mall yesterday and they put highlights on my hair. So there you go, I look like a neutral palette.
"Lipstick time!" Lia exclaimed and pulled out my matte lipstick. “I'm sure everyone will be mesmerized by your gay beauty!” All of us laughed. Except for the fact that she calls me gay, she also sounds one.
I plumped my lips after Lia applied the lipstick. As she went out of my front, I saw my reflection in the mirror and wow, I looked even more beautiful.
“Smirk, b*tch, smirk!”
“Oh my, thank you!” They all laughed. Yes, we are like that. “Get dressed, we'll be late.”
Yep, with them. The Royal Palace permitted students from Schiz Academy, Thalian Academy, Dark Light Academy, Sorcelleire Academy, and Demetria School of Magic to attend the annual event as long as they can present any proof that they are the students of the said schools and they will have one or two teachers with them. Moreover, the Royal Palace isn't responsible if something happens to the students as well as the teachers coming with them.
I rose from my seat so they can all start fixing themselves in front of the mirror. I went inside the bedroom and wore my necklace, yet I hid the pendant just like usual. I took my champagne clutch and placed my phone, wallet, invitation, and school ID inside before leaving the room again.
After a few minutes, they were all done arranging so I opened the door where I saw a total of eight butlers.
I smiled. “Let's go?”
“Let's go!” Freesia, Lia, and Marina exclaimed simultaneously.
Every student got surprised as they see us all, walking like we own this school. The butlers are walking beside us, while I'm at the front, looking like a bad*ss leader.
“Shocks, Ahrina's very intimidating.”
“Her beauty can crush Julianna easily.”
“Yup, Julianna has no match against Ahrina.”
Come on, people, I know I'm ravishing. Don't talk about it like it was just breaking news.
As we got near the Academy doors, two butlers walked briskly and opened both doors. After they opened it, a total of five black cars greeted us. One car is from Aurora, another is from Hesperia, and the three last ones are Academy cars.
I faced the girls. “So, let's just see each other later.”
“Of course. Good luck, Ahrina. You can do your best,” Freesia cheered wherein agreed by Marina and Lia.
I smiled and nodded. “Thank you. I'll go now.” They all nodded. A butler opened the door leading to the backseat and shut it carefully when I was sitting properly.
The driver didn't start the engine yet so probably we're waiting for someone to arrive.
And I wasn't wrong. Crimson just got out and he immediately got into the Hesperia car. After him are Tito Carob, Tita Calla, and Sir Collin. They all rode the other Academy car. Last to step out from the Academy doors are the eight butlers that fetched us earlier. They are also included.
Sir Collin's car left first, followed by where the girls are, then this car, fourth is the one in Hesperia and the last one is the butler's car which I think will act as a convoy.
When Aunt Calla's car approached the Academy gates, two motorcycles with the Schiz Academy flag also started running. The same happened when my car came out and another same scenario happened when the convoy car came out.
I wasn't reminded of the butlers coming with us but these six motorcycle convoys, yes. Tito Carob told me that the entire administration decided to send at least six security personnel to make sure that the successors of Hesperia and Aurora, as well as the students attending, are all safe.
The car was heavily tinted so I could stare outside. I glanced at the clear blue sky and saw ten doves. And the f*ck, those aren't real doves. I am sure that Headmaster Hades ordered whoever in Dreich to change the appearances of some of the city’s ravens into pure white doves so they can have surveillance of me without being watched.
I heard the butler sitting on the passenger seat murmured so I secretly glanced at him. “I will, Governess.” Then he properly sat down and spoke again yet this time, enough for me to hear. “Lady Ahrina, Governess Regalia told me that she is with the Vice Governor of Aurora, and both Governor and Vice Governess of Hesperia and they have arrived at the Royal Palace just now.”
I smiled and nodded. “That's good to hear. Thank you for updating me.” He nodded too and faced outside the windshield again. I stared at the sky once again and still, doves are traveling along with us.
Headmaster Hades, my father, do you think I will really represent your grotty city?
We arrived at the Royal Palace after, I think, an hour, and godd*mmit, it was like we were back in the French Renaissance period! The roof of the Palace is grayish-blue and the exterior paint of the walls is off-white. And, it's so huge! It is even bigger and more spacious than the Royal Palace of Madrid.
The driver and the butler who were with me in this car stepped out first and they went both near the door which is on my left. I saw the butler open an umbrella while the driver opened the door for me.
When I got out, everyone stepped out of their respective cars too and we all gathered in front of the convoy car. Tita Calla spoke. “Ms. Edwards, Ms. Davis, Ms. Copeland, Mr. Thoreau, and Mr. Whistler, your respective seats are in the SVIP section. As you present your ID at the guests' entrance, maids will approach you to bring you to your seats.”
“We understand, Headmistress Mildred,” Lia responded.
“You five, go ahead to the Zahra Hall. We have to meet the Royal Family first.” They all nodded again. “Successors and butlers, follow us. Deploy.” Tito Carob commanded.
While walking, someone poked my left oblique and it was Merlot. “Tantan, you look mesmerizing!”
“Thank you, Merlot,” I said immediately.
Scarlet glanced at me since she is walking ahead of me and Merlot. “Merlot's right, Tantan. The dress looks very simple yet classy and elegant when you wore it.”
“Thank you.”
Blake snapped his fingers. “Oh yeah, right, now that Ate Scarlet and Merlot are here, I want to tell you all something.”
Sir Collin snickered. “That sounds pretty interesting.” Oh no, I was suddenly nervous.
“These past days, Crimson started calling Ahrina—”
Crimson cut him before he spills the beans. “That's not the right time for that.”
Aunt Calla laughed. “And we're dead curious now.”
Scarlet punched Blake's shoulder. “Continue, Blakey.”
“So—”
I cut him off again. “There is a right time for that.” I frowned when they all laughed. “It's pretty obvious so why bother asking?”
Just to make it clear, Crimson and I are NOT together.
I’m just really assuming. We're not really that ul*l yet. We're just on the dating stage so yeah.
At the main entrance of the Palace, we entered. We presented our individual invitations and passed through a metal detector before we were admitted. Of course, our clutches are handed to us as we fully entered the Palace.
Royal Palace is simple on the outside yet screams luxury, wealth, and power on the inside which makes me recall again the French Renaissance period. The interior of the Palace is so beautiful. There are also lots of paintings and sculptures displayed along the corridor. Next are the gold chandeliers on the ceiling.
If Thalia was left in the Medieval Period, the Royal Palace in turn was left in the French Renaissance Period.
“Tantan, where are you?”
I immediately glared at Merlot. “I'm not wearing gold!”
At the Royal Hall, we went straight to where we saw the other successors and current leaders of every city and province. Everyone faced us since we just arrived.
We did some sort of interaction with everyone in this Hall. When we got close to Mommy and Tita Ruby, they didn't stop praising us. Mom also introduced me to the Vice Governor of Aurora. “Ahrina, this is Vice Governor Leonidas Alexandrus.”
I nodded my head to the Vice Governor while he stretched out his hand to me. “I'm glad to meet you, Lady Ahrina.”
I accepted his hand with a smile drawn on my lips. “I'm also glad to meet you, Vice Governor.”
When we both left, I looked at Mom who was wearing an ivory white ball gown. “Mommy, did you become a successor too?”
She nodded. “Of course, Ahri. Every leader became successors first.” I nodded as I understood what she said. “Annually, this event is happening. However, the city and provincial elections happen every five years, along with the Royal Elections. The Oathtaking Ceremony happens on the same day as the Crowning.”
Crowning is where the newly elected monarchial leaders oath, accept their staff and crown, and publicize their plans for the whole of Demetria. Fortunately, that was the topic for us in History. Crowning was started in 1857 by the last Empress Heatherstone of Demetria. Before it was said, Demetria was composed of three kingdoms due to the Kingdom Partition Agreement in 1861 signed by the leaders of Enchantrie, Townland, and Demetria, where the Demetrian Empire disappeared.
In 1862, King Delroy and Queen Amethyst were hailed as the first king and queen of the Demetrian Kingdom. The current king, King Malachi, is the great-grandson of King Delroy. The year 1862 also had the Royal Family. Back when Demetria was an empire pa, they call the family 'Imperial Family'. There was no school here in Demetria so all of the youth were all going to Enchantrie to study. Enchantrie is the center of education in Magic World, law, and politics in Demetria. Case in point, the problem is, not everyone can afford to go to Enchantrie because there is no state school there and transportation is expensive even if it is just a neighboring country.
Then the first Enchanted War happened. The main war happened in Antheia which was still the capital of Demetria in 1792. Geminid Schiz, being the first female magician to graduate at the University of Enchantrie — the most prestigious university with Centers of Excellence in Magic, Sorcery, and Witchcraft — led the war.
Then the Schiz Academy was built. The first magic academy to be built in the memorial of Geminid Schiz. The first magic academy to receive Center of Excellence Magic and Witchcraft and Center of Development in Sorcery and Technology. And the rest is history.
Too long? But I mastered it. If I were only human, I would probably have had a nosebleed while we were studying that. But not now. Thanks to my ability to mimicry, I can master any text and account.
In few minutes, dumating na ang Royal Family. As they walk to the middle where the red carpet is properly laid, we all bowed as a form of respect. I'm still bowing yet I was a bit surprised when I viewed everything like I'm not. I think I subconsciously did something.
A young girl whom I presumed as Princess Perelia stared at me for a long before diverting her attention in front of her. I also observed them and saw how they walk, their facial reactions, and their appearances. And well, the Royal Family of Demetria are really a bunch of luxurious, highly respectable people.
I raised my head as the people around me did and looked at the Royal Family already standing at the far end of the Hall. King Malachi pulled off his smile, a nostalgic one. I don't know why but everything in this place is nostalgic for me. “Good morning, leaders and successors. Today is the one hundred and eighth celebration of the Annual Introduction of Successors and I'm glad that all of the important personalities that the Royal Palace invited are all here.”
Applauses filled the Hall. My eyes landed on Princess Perelia, whose eyes are focusing on me. I smiled a bit, making her brows furrow a little and slitted her eyes, and averted my attention. I think I trip her now since I saw her in my dreams.
Queen Rosewell continued the speech. “Thank you for attending, leaders and successors. So, shall we do the tradition?”
There is a tradition, according to Aunt Calla, that is done before the ceremony proper. It is to meet the Royal Family, greet them, and shake hands with them. The tradition is divided into three categories: the leaders, the successors, and the school leaders. As for the first two mentioned, calling the city or province is alphabetical.
And since Mommy and Vice Governor will be first because they are the leaders of Aurora, I will walk alone in the middle later because I am the only successor.
The leaders of Antheia were called first because Antheia was the first in the alphabetical arrangement and Aurora was next.
After calling the Sutton sisters, am I next? Oh gosh, can I just go back to the Academy?
“Governess Amberleigh Regalia and Vice Governor Leonidas Alexandrus of Chamber of Light, Aurora.” I smiled at both of them as I applauded too.
There are six cities and three provinces in Demetria so a total of nine local government units. Demetria has a large land area but because of the KPA, almost all local governments in the Demetrian Empire are already in Townland and Enchantrie. Not really because of the agreement but because of the location of those provinces.
A few minutes passed and it was Celeste who called so I looked at Mommy and smiled a little. She just smiled and held my hand. “You can do it. You used to the catwalk in the hallway of your school, you can do that now.”
“Mom used to do that. I don't even do it in Schiz Academy now.”
“Just don't mind the pips, daughter,” she reassured. “You can do it, okay? Check your hand?” My hand is numb, goodness.
“Now, let us call on the successors of each city and province.” Argh, whatever! “Lady Jade Sutton and Lady Julianna Sutton of Antheia.” Even though I was disgusted, I still applauded. That's maturity, gays. Love your enemy, that is.
Ate Scarlet patted my shoulder and smiled. “You can do it, Tantan. Just calm down, okay?”
“Can't I have a butler?”
Aunt Calla snickered. “You're getting used, huh? It's okay but you'll get more attention because -”
I cut her right away. “Anyway, butlers should rest for a while. I don't want them to get tired.” And they all just snickered.
I looked at Crimson. He smiled and nodded a bit. “You can do it.”
I can't help but smile too. “Thanks.”
We were just side by side so we didn't hear much though our actions were obvious. Just leave it at that.
When the two Suttons bent down, it seemed like I wanted to ask for a diaper, then I'll have a diaper. G*gi, it's scary. Maybe later when I'm so nervous, I'll do runway to and do a labyou walk.
When the two of us passed our seats, the MC spoke. “Lady Ahrina Tantiana Regalia of Aurora.” Since everyone isn't much familiar with me, they just clapped.
I took a deep inhale and started walking my way hell to the Royal Family. I stopped in front of the king and queen and did a curtsy bow. I was reminded of the formal bows, no. “I'm Ahrina Tantiana Regalia, daughter of Governess Amberleigh Regalia, niece of Headmaster Carob Mildred and Headmistress Calla Mildred of Schiz Academy, cousin of Collin Shallows of Schiz Academy too, and the successor of the city of light, Aurora. This is my first time meeting the Royal Family so I'm very glad that I have such a regal chance.”
Oh yeah, sugarcoated words, baby. Well, that's what Tito Carob told me. I should state all my connections. So, I did. Except for the part about being Dreich’s princess.
Queen Rosewell smiled. “For a successor, you already have number of connections.” Is that so? Well, not my fault. “Nice meeting you, Ms. Regalia.” Then she lends a hand.
I bowed my head before accepting it. “I'm much honored to meet the Royal Family, Your Majesty.”
And the same went smooth. I finally bowed to Princess Perelia. She offered her hand too so we shook hands. I don't want to give her a hint so I tried concealing my magic. Yes, tried.
Her brows furrowed a bit so I immediately let go. I bowed to her before stepping away. When I was in the middle again, I made a curtsy bow again and then walked back to our place. Applauses echoed in the whole Hall but this time, they looked familiar to me.
“What's the feeling, daughter?”
I forced a smile. “It's just a good feeling. They all look so humble and good leaders.” Mommy smiled genuinely and caressed my hair.
I looked at the Royal Family once again. Princess Perelia wasn't the only one looking at me. As well as Prince Walter and Princess Perelia's seeming secretary.
If this is happening this morning, what about later in the ceremony proper and at Ball Night?
Good luck to me.
After the tradition was done, we all went to Zahra Hall where the ceremony will be held properly. I was immediately nervous to see the crowd. Like gosh, is the whole country here. There are more reporters. Anyway, this is an important event.
Mommy faced me and gave me a hug. “Just be yourself.” Then she caressed my hair. “Okay?”
I nodded. “Yes, Mom.”
They all went to the seats while we four remained standing here. We looked at each other and Scarlet spoke. “Let's go?”
“I'm nervous.”
She patted my shoulder. “You can do it. Just imitate what Jade and Julianna will do, okay?”
Goodness, it's in alphabetical order.
We entered the hall and stood in a corner near the stage. On the stage, there are nineteen chairs of different colors, and don't worry, it's not just a monobloc chair. Those French chairs come in different styles and colors and also have gold features.
There is a white chair there. And gosh, so beautiful. There are, on the other hand, three chairs in black and those all look ko elegant. But the color white is better.
The MC spoke and said that the ceremony will start properly, so everyone is focused. Freesia, on the other hand, looked at me and gave me a thumbs up.
Jade Sutton spoke first and the fudge, her speech was beautiful. Before she stood on the podium, she first stopped in the middle of the stage to make a curtsy bow. Then after she spoke, jade Sutton bowed again in the middle and then sat down in the first green chair.
Goodness, I'm going to sit there in the vacant white chair. Nice. That really made me a neutral palette.
A few minutes later the people applauded because Julianna had finished speaking. She did the everlasting curtsy bow and sat down next to Jade. I was nervous but I hid my nervousness and went up on stage. I went in the middle and curtsy bow as well. Because Scarlet said, I'll just imitate what those before me did.
I stood behind the podium as I took a deep inhale and smiled. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and to the Royal Family. For sure, most of you aren't familiar with me and I understand that part. I will introduce myself. I am Ahrina Tantiana Regalia, daughter of Governess Amberleigh Regalia and late Governor Tyson Regalia, and the sole successor of the city of light, Aurora. I was born in Hesperia, the city of darkness, and grew up there for six years. In my seventh year, Governess Regalia and I transferred to Earth and there we lived for eleven years, much more than enough for me to adapt a variety of cultures and traditions.”
“Due to circumstantial events, Mom had decided to return here and gave me the opportunity to live on who really I am. In Schiz Academy, I found answers to my endless questions. I also learned how the Magic World revolves, how magicians lived, how to easily adapt, and how to be a true magician. However, those things aren't easy for me to do. As someone who forgot her past, it is very difficult.” Everyone shared the same reaction. “Yes. I suffered from amnesia and heaven knows why. But I didn't let it become the hurdle that will block me from everything. Instead, I accepted that fact as the motivation, to strive more, do more, and be more.
I gave them a smile, a reassuring one. “Standing up here made me gather tons of courage. Why? Because as I reviewed the history of the Magic World, no leader nor successor grew up on Earth. And I was like, 'Can I really do this?' and 'I don't think people will accept me. And honestly, those still concern me as I speak here. I just want to say that it's good that my friends and family are here because I might have to ask for a diaper and pee.” I smiled as some people laughed and chuckled. “Come on, that's how it is when you're nervous, isn't it?
“Even though I grew up on Earth for more than a decade, I know in myself that I can be like my Mom. I can be a leader that is responsible, innovative, quick-thinker, wise, goal-oriented, and most especially, the mother of everyone. In the eleven years living on Earth, I have watched how politicians persuade people and lead there, and comparing those politicians and the leaders here in Demetria seems to have a minimal difference. All leaders aren't born leaders leaders. They all came from scratch. They all learn things first, study law, humanities, sociology, business, and whatever course and they use their capabilities and talents to be more. Until they become the leaders that serve their community.
“As the future governess of Aurora, I want to do my best to maintain my Mom’s and Dad’s contributions to the city, strengthen the amity to all of the cities and provinces as well as to the other countries, increase the economic and defense status of both the country and Aurora, give assistance to the people living under the poverty line, educate young magicians, and be like a mother to my city. Again, I am Ahrina Tantiana Regalia, the sole successor of Aurora.”
I wore my brightest smile as people all applauded and my loved ones even stood. They were still yelling Freesia. “I love you, gay!” Lia shouted. “You're the winner.”
I went to the middle and did a curtsy bow. I looked to where the Royal Family is sitting and bowed to them. A smile was drawn to Queen Rosewell's lips as she clapped.
I sat on my chair and maintained my smile. Julianna spoke. “Seems like you persuade people more than me. But it doesn't guarantee that you're more powerful. Remember this, Regalia, I will make sure that you will go back to Earth, where you naturally belong.”
“Stop, Julianna,” Jade Sutton stated and leaned to her front to look at me. “You're good at giving a speech. I admire you.”
“Thank you.”
She lends a hand, so I accepted it. “Nice to meet you, Ahrina. You can call me Ate Jade.”
“Nice to meet you too, Ate Jade.”
Well, my first time attending this Annual Introduction of Successors isn't that bad.