Soon the carriage arrived at the academy .
As Livia get down of her carriage , the two guards stationed nearby saluted her.
The luminaris Vireholm Academy, co-founded by the ASHWOOD and MELVIEW ducal families and officially recognized by the imperial family— was as magnificent as the name suggests. Towering buildings, fragrant gardens, and a curriculum tailored to nobles made it the crown jewel of education in Thalassaria.
Students in their first to third year studied in the elegant Ellia building . Beyond that lay a gigantic castle' The castle of Beatrice' named after the late third queen Beatrice Aurelantis Thalassaria —reserved for the upper class and the late-entry commoner , who joined from fourth year onward when noble youths began receiving titles and debuting in society.
Livia , now in her third year belong to the Verdant Crest Class fourth in rank among the four classes —Solar Crown, Crimson Coil ,Obsidian Wing and lastly verdant crest class .
Class placement was determined strictly by family standing, and as the daughter of baron , Livia had always remained in Verdant Crest class.
Though from next year the classes would mix under the pretense of curriculum reform, Livia doubted it would do any benefit to the transferred commoner.
On this spring morning, instead of heading to her usual classroom, Livia stepped into the grand hallway and made her way to the classroom marked for Solar crown as the name Symbolizes the sun, royalty ,this class is reserved for the highest nobility—princes, dukes and marquises—was where Madline, daughter of the grand duke, studied.
As always, Livia had come to offer her morning greetings as she pushed open the golden door.
It was still early , so not many student had arrived in the classroom but among them sitting in a straight posture was Lady Madline Feliste —the most beautiful woman Livia had ever seen.
With a heart full of mixed feeling, Livia
approached.
"Good morning, Lady Feliste"
"Hello, Livia"
As if she'd been expecting her, Madline offered a dry smile.
Livia scrambled for a conversation topic, her eyes catching the necklace around Madline's neck—a purple garnet pendant.
"Oh my, is that necklace new lady Feliste?"
"Yes, it is."
Medline chuckled softly, closing her eyes. She was clearly waiting for Livia to take the bait.
And like always, Livia did. Not that she has any choice.
"It's such a unique design—absolutely stunning! May I ask which artisan crafted it?"
"Hehe. I didn't buy it."
"…Then, it was a gift? Don't tell me—was it from Master ALEXI…"
Medline's smile deepened, clearly pleased. Livia had guessed right.
"No wonder it's so beautiful! Of course—it was from him! As expected of you, Lady Feliste!"
Hands clasped and eyes shining, Livia feigned excitement. But behind the performance, she felt sick.
So this is how I'm supposed to act.
She'd been at it for days now—playing the doting admirer, flattering the one who embodied everything readers had once loathed. Yet it never felt natural.
Their relationship was simple: an arrogant master, and a loyal, tail-wagging dog.
Twenty years ago, the Maren Baron family had aligned themselves with the Feliste grand dukes family. Officially, it was called an 'alliance.' In practice, everyone knew the truth. A proud master, and a desperate dog groveling for scraps.
There were no lies in that reputation.
"Um .. Lady Feliste " Livia steadying her voice asked " are you going to visit to 'Blossom Hollow' Garden today?"