If you think that's where it all ends, then you're absolutely wrong. There's Ball Night yet!
After the speeches of every successor, we all got up from our seats and headed a little further. The podium was removed for us all to see of course. We mentioned one by one our names and the city or province we will inherit and then we bowed at the same time as the closing of the ceremony.
Prior to that, the prince and princess of Demetria Prince Walter and Princess Perelia gave a short speech. Prince Walter is the Crown Prince so he is the next king while Princess Perelia is also a Crown Princess but she will be the Duchess.
After that almost four-hour celebration, we all headed to the Royal Dining Hall. The student guests are directed to the Royal Ballroom since Ball Night will take place there.
As we entered the Royal Dining Hall, all of the maids turned to us and bowed. King Malachi went to the center seat and Queen Rosewell across. Then we all continued walking until we were in front of our seats. The maids all started moving and assisted us all.
As a form of formality and respect, what we had earlier on stage, is still the same here. So, it's annoying to say but Julianna is on my left. Fortunately, Cidae's eldest successor, Lord Poseidon is sitting on my right. She's just quiet and her aura is cold so I'm more comfortable next to her than here with this fire woman.
But, Crimson is still undefeated.
King Malachi raised his utensils and smiled. “Everyone, please enjoy the meal.” We all bowed and started eating, still in full manners.
After we ate all the appetizers, the main dish was served to us. Honestly, I've had enough of the appetizer before so now that there's a main dish and a side dish, I'm bloated for sure.
And f*ck, that's not possible! I will be ugly if ever I gain even 500 grams!
While we ate the main dish, they talked about the future of the whole of Demetria and the alliance abroad. And since I didn't know anything about such things, I just ate and didn't participate anymore. It’s hard, I might be judged especially by this Julianna Sutton.
I felt someone looking at me and when I checked who it is, Princess Perelia. He also immediately averted his eyes and just ate. Is she also one of those who are amazed at my beauty?
“Headmistress Mildred...” King Malachi called.
Aunt Calla responded immediately. “Yes, Your Majesty?”
“I heard there was a mess that happened in Schiz Academy including two of the successors.” We all stopped eating. Look, how did it get here? “May I know who those students are?” Oh, sh*t!
I faced Aunt Calla and she also seemed hesitant. As well as Mommy and Aunt Carob. “Y-Your Majesty, uhm, the i-issue was already resolved—”
“I see that you're quite nervous. Don't worry, Headmistress, I just want to be aware of what is happening in the pioneer academy in Demetria.”
I was suddenly nervous. The fire next to me is planning something, for sure.
Tito Carob cleared his throat. “All due to respect, may we know your sole reason, Your Highness?”
King Malachi nodded and wiped his mouth using a table napkin. “The Union of Magic is now planning for the competition which involves all the existing schools worldwide.”
Still, they are all still hesitant. Me too. It got to the point that Crimson looked at me as well.
“Don't,” he told me in his mind.
I shook my head slightly and faced King Malachi. “It was me.” And everyone's attention went to me.
“Ahrina!” Mom whispered. “What do you think you are doing?”
Princess Perelia chuckled in amusement. “Looks like we already have our representative.” Wait. What the f*ck? “Kuya, can you read her mind?” Don't try, dear princess.
“Unfortunately, I can't. I think there's a spell which blocks every ability that will affect her.”
“A spell? She has sorceress blood?” Oh, there is?
“No. I think she's a pure mage only approached a sorcerer.” How can I do that anyway? Eh, I only know a few creatures in this world.
King Malachi smiled at me. “That's good.” Huh? Is it good that I'm making a mess? “Moving on...” I hope everyone can move on.
And that's it, that's where our nervousness ended. Mom looks at me badly while Aunt Calla and Uncle Carob are still feeling well.
Did I do something wrong? King Malachi said that it's good. You're making me nervous.
After dinner, someone immediately pulled me over and carried me to a quiet part of the Palace. “What the hell are you thinking?”
“What? I didn't do anything wrong.”
“What's wrong? Ahrina, isn't it obvious yet? Haven't you got the clue from what they said?”
“What's the matter? There's nothing wrong with me admitting it! And at least I told the truth! What about Julianna, huh? She's just quiet there and insulting me in her mind!”
“What she did was the good one, Ahrina!” I was taken aback by his shout. F*ck, I'm nervous again. “You could have just shut your mouth! In what you did, you ruined yourself! You know in yourself that you don't know much about the Magic World and here you are, acting impulsively! I told you not to, but you did the opposite!”
“What are you so upset about, huh, Crimson? What's the matter and why don't you want to talk about what happened? It's been a while so—”
“That's the problem Ahrina! It's over! Why bother bringing it up again? Do you want to lose consciousness again, huh? You know how powerful your magic is! You can't just act! What, you're going to start in the war of at least pajamas and newly awake?” Crimson took a deep inhale and held both of my hands. "Ahrina, can you follow what I say? With the two of us, I am more knowledgable than you.”
“What's the matter first? Why don't you answer my question?”
Crimson took another deep breath and shook his head. “It's too early—”
“Crimson, you said it yourself! I know nothing in this world and then you will deny me more—”
“Ahrina you're not ready yet! Do you understand me, huh? You're not ready yet! You don't even know how to control your power so what right do you have to know things you can't do? Why? Can you contribute something? Nothing, Ahrina! So, listen to me! If you continue like that, just go back to Earth!”
I could barely move because of what he said. Plus he left me here. You're so st*pid, Ahrina.
But...I just want to know everything. That's why I want to know so that I can prepare for any of that competitions. Yes, I know in myself that I am st*pid and very ignorant. But again, I just want to be aware of what's happening! Can't they just give that to me?
“Lady Ahrina Tantiana Regalia?”
I immediately wiped my tears carefully and fixed my posture. I bowed to her. “Princess Perelia, Your Majesty...”
She looked around and eyed me. “Why are you crying there? Did something happen?”
I forced a smile and shook my head. “Ah, nothing happened, Your Majesty. I-I should go now. Uhm, goodbye.” I bowed my head and walked away.
While in the hall, I met Sir Collin. His eyebrows rose a bit and then took his hankie. “Crimson told me. Wipe your tears, Tantiana.”
“Thank you.” I accepted the hankie and carefully wiped my cheek and eyes.
“You want water?”
“No, I'm okay, Collin.”
“Are you sure?” I nodded. “Let us go to the Royal Ballroom if you're already okay.”
“A-Ah, Kuya Collin?” He faced me. “Isn't my make-up messed up?”
Good thing he shook his head. “Nope. Your eyes are just a bit swollen.”
“Oh, f*ck.” Sir Collin chuckled. “I apologize. But, it's really okay, Sir?”
He nodded. “Promise, it's okay. Anyways, you should call me Kuya Collin more often. I like hearing it than 'Sir Collin' from you.”
I smiled there. “All right, Sir — Kuya Collin.”
We returned to the Royal Ballroom and upon entering it, orchestral music immediately greeted our ears. There are also a lot of people here but it's not so obvious because the Ballroom is big. This is even bigger than the combined dorm of girls and boys in the Academy.
And of course, since there weren't many obvious people, I immediately saw Freesia. They are at one table while Mom is at the next table. I returned his handkerchief to Kuya Collin because he said he had nothing to use and went to Mom's table while I was here at my friends' table.
Freesia immediately threw me a question. “What happened to you?”
“H-Ha?”
Blake pointed to my eyes. “You're crying, aren't you? Why?”
“It's nothing. Just ignore it.”
“Who made you cry? Tell us and we'll beat him to death!” Lia exclaimed. “Point it out, gay. Who—”
Marina punched her quickly. “Witch, learn to calm down.” Then she faced me. “Well, good thing your makeup isn't ruined.”
“Ah well, whoever made you cry, I'll pull out all his body hair.” Thoreau was almost choked by what Freesia had said. “Oh, crush, are you okay?”
We were all the next to be surprised. Lia almost spits out the juice she was drinking. “Crush?” I exclaimed. “Hey, Davis, what's wrong with you?"
Marina laughed immediately. “Hey Freesia, do you have a fever?” She next looked at Thoreau whose ears were already red. “Hey, you're there, Whistler. Do you have a fever too? You look ugly when you're blushing.”
Blake responded immediately. “Copeland, you're already insulting. And so what if he blushes? When he's seeing your ugly face, did he insult you?”
“That's my line!” I yelled. That's really my line!
Lia immediately beat me. “Stay quiet, b*tch. Those two are having their love quarrel.”
And that's it, Marina and Blake are already arguing. They vary on the topic but they still answer...despite the peaceful ambiance created by the orchestral music.
I laughed when Marina took a deep inhale to prevent herself from standing up. I slapped Lia lightly on the arm. “Hey, girl, do we have popcorn there?”
Lia slapped Freesia's arm. “Hey, girl, you're the one who started it, where's the popcorn."
“Even just barbecue flavor,” I replied with a smirk.
“If you can I'll make popcorn?” Lia and I giggled. She immediately slapped Marina's arm. “Hey, Water, stop that. You're losing your finesse.”
Blake snorted. “F*ck that finesse.”
Marina was about to answer back when Freesia beat her again. Blake sighed and suddenly glared at Thoreau. Ah, the two set foot.
A few minutes later, people were dancing in the middle. The Royal Family, on the other hand, stayed at their table and talked. While the people were dancing, there were butlers fixing something at the other end of the Ballroom. The long table.
“Baby...” I turned to Crimson. He stood up and lend a hand. “Can I have this dance?”
I just nodded and held his hand. We went in there pretty middle and danced already. I know how to do this because I already attended the JS Prom when I was in Grade 9.
Crimson held my waist tighter, pushing me closer to him. “Baby, I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I didn't mean to raise my voice on you.”
I smiled a bit and nodded. “I already forgave you earlier.”
“Still, I'm sorry. I promise I will tell you everything you need to know as soon as we return to Academy, okay?”
I nodded again. “Is that a promise?”
“Yes, baby, I promise.” Crimson, why can't I be angry with you for a long time? “You cried earlier...”
“A-Ah, it's nothing...”
“You cried because I was mad at you earlier?” I nodded. “Sh*t. I shouldn't have done that.” He moved his left hand and cupped my cheeks softly. “I'm really sorry, baby.”
“What are you? I told you, I forgive you. I understand you, Crimson. I should be the one saying sorry. I knew that I lack knowledge about Magic World.”
Crimson nodded. “I always forgave you, baby girl, even your little mistakes.”
I can't help but smile. Crimson, why are you making me nervous? I must be angry with this one.
Crimson and I talked about things that aren't that private since there are many people around us. I also told him some bits of my life back on Earth and he was just there, laughing his ass off.
After the dance, dinner was announced so we went to the long table that was set up earlier. Just what like I saw in my dream, I am sitting between Crimson and an unfamiliar woman. She's wearing a royal blue gown so I think, she's from Cidae. She's maybe the governess of Cidae or maybe the governor's sister.
As the Royal Family sat also in their respective seats, we all bowed our heads slightly. King Malachi raised his utensils and by that, we all started eating.
All of the leaders along with some other elders and the King and Queen talked about Demetria, as usual. While us youngsters—wow youngsters—just eat quietly. Even both the Prince and Princess.
While eating, I could feel the stealthy stares at me of the Prince and Princess. And I also can feel that they are both talking telepathically.
“Kuya, I feel something to that Regalia.”
“Perelia, just eat there.”
“No Kuya. There is something strange with that Regalia that I need to know.”
I mentally smirked. “As if.”
I felt her gasp. “Oh my god, Kuya!”
“I heard. Nothing's surprising with that, Perelia. She has the ability mimicry—”
“I know. But isn't that confusing? She can talk to us telepathically but we can't do the same to her?”
I was about to react when I felt something odd around me. I immediately looked around as if I was looking for something. And there outside the huge window, I saw a huge dove the size of an eagle staring at me.
My eyes slightly narrowed as the dove's head titled. I could already feel the Prince and Princess stare at me. I'm being too obvious.
“Ahrina...” I turned to Crimson. “Is there any problem?”
I just smiled and shook my head. “Nothing, Crimson, don't worry.” He just nodded and continued eating. I threw a glance outside and saw that the dove already left. Good.
In the middle of the dinner, Princess Perelia spoke. “Your Majesty, may I talk to you for a while?” Sh*t. That's it.
Though confused, Queen Rosewell nodded. “Of course.” She excused herself and her daughter and left the Royal Ballroom.
They have left the Ballroom but I can still hear them. I just didn't show up too much because this handsome Prince Walter seemed to be watching over me.
“Mom, that Regalia girl, she's a bit strange.” Princess Perelia told Queen Rosewell with a hint of threat in her voice. Well, is my appeal really that strong?
Queen Rosewell became more confused. “Why? How can you say so? You don't know her personally, Princess Perelia.” Of course, dear princess.
Princess Perelia took a deep inhale. She may be running out of patience. “Mom, don't act as if you don't know me. I can read people without breaking any sweat. That Regalia girl, there is something in her. Something very pernicious. History will repeat itself because of her and we have to do something! It is the Demetria that will be destroyed once we ignored this.”
“Take it easy, Perelia. Please calm down.”
And there, their conversation stopped. Is that all? Tss, it's a bit useless.
*****
Everyone woke up early because there was class today. But we will not be attending classes for today. Remember the scene they made during a disciplinary meeting about the abuse of power? Now our punishment will begin.
Outside the girls' dorm, we saw the three idiots. Looks like they've been here before.
“We'll all go to the Headmistress' Office,” Blake told us angrily.
And we went straight to Aunt Calla's office. They are brainstorming what we will be asked to do but they have one thing for sure: mine is not heavy. Maybe it looks the same with Crimson.
I knocked on the door and it opened. “Headmistress Mildred, good morning.”
Aunt Calla turned to us. “Come in.” We entered and saw Julianna standing across from Aunt Calla's desk. As soon as we all stood properly, she spoke. “You are reminded that now you will all be punished.” She turned to Julianna. “As for Ms. Julianna Sutton, you have the heaviest workload. Six days, you will aid the maintenance unit of the Academy and we will also apply Nullification to you to prevent you from using your magic and ability.”
My hand immediately moved to strike Marina as she giggled. Even Freesia glared at her. This woman is really crazy. We really want to increase the punishment.
“As for the seven of you, you will clean the main building in three days. I will leave the distribution of workload to the seven of you.” Then Aunt Calla eyed us one by one. “Next Thursday marks the seventh day of your punishment so we have decided to send you all out of the Academy premises.”
“Huh?”
“The eight of you must find the oldest woman alive in Demetria.” I mentally smirked. It’s just pretty easy for me. “You, eight, must ask her information that is relevant to the Academy. We will not restrict you in terms of your magics and abilities since dangers are lurking around outside the Academy premises. If you successfully asked the oldest woman and jotted down her responses, the punishment will end.”
“However, if you didn't succeed, the administration has no choice but to place the eight of you under the three-day suspension with Magic and Ability Nullification.”
“Because! If only that one—”
I immediately cut Marina. “Marina, just be quiet there!”
Julianna being Julianna, she threw a rebuttal. “Well, it wasn't just my fault. She's bragging. If I were her, I'd just leave here since she doesn't belong here either.”
Well, just wait. I'll just silence this rat. “Unfortunately, I am not you, Lady Julianna.” She glared at me. "Let's just all go!"
I only entered two subjects this morning. In Chem class, my classmate was Julianna. So I was a little taken aback by her behavior.
While walking down the quiet hallway, I was suddenly hungry so I went straight to the Dining Hall. Whether I'm late cutting or not, I don't have a pack. All I want is to eat.
But when I opened the door of the Dining Hall, I was surprised by what I saw. Not because the Dining Hall is empty which is obvious because it's class time now, but two people are sitting at the middle table side by side.
I adjusted my posture and bowed in respect. I still want to eat alone in case I seem to be forced to sandwich it. So, I ordered three breakfast sandwiches and a chocolate float. Yes, float immediately, early in the morning.
I stopped walking when Princess Perelia called me. “Lady Ahrina. Please join us.”
I bowed to them and then across Princess Perelia. I put my bag on the side of the chair and spoke. “What do you need?” They both chuckled.
I'm really hungry, okay? Before you can talk to me politely, feed me first.
“You're fierce. I like you.” Should I be grateful, then? “Actually, Lady Ahrina, you're the one we sent here.” I just nodded. “We want to see your magic and ability.”
I immediately choked on the float I was drinking. Leche. “Excuse me? I want to ask for what reason.”
“You know, that international competition.”
“I doubt that.” Please let me eat first.
Princess Perelia immediately laughed. Nothing funny in my situation. “I see. So, why don't we bargain?”
“I don't do deals.”
But, she smirked. “The monarchial government will add 10% funds for the Aurora and will give 100 slots of scholarships for those who want to study in Schiz Academy. That's the deal.”
I thought you would give me a full course meal. But not that bad. “Deal.” I got up immediately and bowed to them before walking away.
While in the hallway, I immediately ate my three sandwiches. They both followed me to the Training Chamber. I lowered my bag to the floor and removed my blazer.
The two of them stood in the middle and removed their coats. I stood up across them. “What do you want?”
Prince Walter stepped backward while Princess Perelia started moving her hands. Water is Princess Perelia's magic because she makes a water orb. I remained standing and just watched her move. When she threw the water orb at me, I lifted my palm and the water orb turned to ice. They were immediately pleased with what I did. But it was also quickly replaced by astonishment when the ice ball fragmented and turned into the form of dry soil.
Prince Walter stepped forward and waved his two hands. It was as if two waves had coughed up on his side and he moved his hands so that the waves could land on me.
Sad for them, it froze again and turned to dry ground powder. “Stop playing with us, Regalia. You are already disrespecting both of us as the heirs of Demetria. Fight with us, Regalia.”
“No, Your Majesty.” I was almost surprised a big wave almost hit me. Fortunately, I immediately picked up my palm, and the water vaporized. “I don't do fights without the supervision of Sir Collin or the school.”
"Really?" Princess Perelia asked amusingly. “We'll take full responsibility. Now, fight with us. Consider this as a screening for the international competition.”
I just nodded. Princess Perelia moved her hand and created a water flow behind her. Before it can totally hit me, I swept the water away and it vaporized again. I smirked a bit and raised both of my hands.
They became both frozen as they saw what I did. I just created a light orb on my right hand and a dark orb on my left one. I snapped my left hand, causing the orb to divide into smaller ones, and went in their direction. Prince Walter immediately created a water barrier. I did the same to the light orb yet it became ice shards as it hit the water barrier.
I moved my hand to control the water barrier and made the water vanish. I smiled at both of them. “If you are satisfied, Your Majesty, please leave feedback to Headmistress Mildred. I must go now.” I bowed to them, took my bag and blazer, and left them there.
I'm going crazy! I just showed them enough magic for them to include me in the international competition!