The wheels of the royal carriage rumbled softly over the cobbled road amidst the bustle of the city. Pure white and various precious metals adorned its cabin. A flag bearing the emblem of a rabbit and a magic staff was planted firmly upon its roof.
The carriage advanced straight without hesitation. It carried out an important duty of the kingdom, escorting the children of King Alveria to the Atlantea Magic Academy.
It was the most prestigious academy of magic in the entire world. All geniuses were gathered there. Standing upon private land and holding a neutral political stance, that combination only increased its allure in the eyes of many.
In the corner of the cabin sat Elysia, gazing out the window. Her ears twitched at the sound of her elder siblings' voices.
"Do we really have to return?" muttered Lirei, the ninth princess, resting her head against the window. Her white hair was left disheveled, part of it falling across her eyes. "Sleeping in that house was far more peaceful."
"You say that every start of the semester," replied her twin brother, Leon, without opening his half-closed eyes. He sat cross-legged. His black hair was cut short in a careless fashion, as if never once combed.
"Because every time I return, it feels like my life ends," Lirei complained.
"You two are too spoiled." Syrene sighed. She was the fourth princess, sitting straight while smoothing the folds of her robe that was nearly free of wrinkles. Her blue hair was cut short to her shoulders, her gaze was sharp as always. "The academy is not a prison."
Syrene was flanked by Elene and Mireya. Though triplets, they were easily distinguished by their hairstyles. Elene let her hair flow long, while Mireya wore hers in a side braid with crimson irises, unlike her sisters' golden eyes.
"Hehe, Syrene is right about that, Leon, Lirei," Elene added with a broad smile. "Besides, why do you act as if you dislike the academy? Do you not miss your friends?"
Both of them pouted.
"Friends..." Leon murmured before letting out a long sigh. "Everyone there feels unbearable. They are arrogant, selfish, lazy, and far too proud of themselves. It is unpleasant to be near them."
"Yes. Even those who are not nobles are the same, always looking at us as if we were rotten, selfish nobles. Yet we often treat them to food." Lirei raised her voice. She glanced at Leon. "In the end, I am always stuck with this guy."
Leon returned her look with weary eyes. "If there were a kind and beautiful girl willing to be with me, I would never stay near you."
Lirei snorted angrily. "Hmph, foolish boy."
Mireya smiled faintly, her gaze gentle and full of understanding. "Most nobles truly are like that. They cannot even get along with their own siblings because of power struggles. You had better be patient," her voice was soft and calming.
"There are many such people out there. That is also why commoners often have a poor view of nobles. They... are only wounded children. Try to understand them a little."
"But sis..."
Before they could protest, Mireya softly stroked their heads. "I know how you feel. But... are there not at least a few who are kinder in your class?"
They both fell silent again, lowering their heads slightly.
Once more, Mireya smiled tenderly. "It seems I was right." Her hand descended to caress the cheeks of the thirteen-year-old twins. "Try to befriend them. Greet them. Approach them. Surely you will soon gain friends. I am certain."
"Mira is right. Cast away your shyness and prejudice. Try to befriend them little by little. After that, I am sure you will feel at home at the academy." Once again, Elene encouraged them.
"Alright, sis... we will try."
In the corner of the carriage, a man with short, slightly messy red hair smiled faintly. His gaze shifted toward Elysia and Irine, who had remained quiet.
"Are you nervous, Ely, Irine?"
Irine nodded, while Elysia shook her head.
Adonis's lips curved faintly as he patted Elysia's head. "Do not lie like that."
"Brother, I am not nervous. Truly." Elysia brushed off her eldest brother's hand. "You had better cheer up Irine. She has not opened her mouth all this time."
"Ah, that is true."
Their attention shifted to Irine.
"Hehe," Elene lifted Irine into her arms and hugged her like a doll.
"Woah, Sis." Irine's eyes widened at her sister's sudden action before realizing her body was already buried within her sister's plump flesh.
"Calm down, Irine. There is no need to be nervous. Think of this as a holiday."
"But-but-but... are we not here to study?"
"Grades are not importa–"
Thud.
Before she could finish her words, Syrene had already struck Elene's head with her fist.
"Do not poison Irine with your foolish thoughts."
"S-sorry."
Adonis could not hold back his laughter. A heartbeat later, everyone followed him. The cabin that had felt stifling now became warmer and more comforting.
Shadows crept across the cabin window.
When Elysia turned outside, she saw a great fortress with blue towers not far ahead. An artificial river flowed around it. Ancient stone buildings rose high upon the hill.
"Woaaaah." Irine reacted first. Her eyes sparkled. "I did not think it would be this big."
Elysia only looked with her mouth slightly open, while their other sisters smiled faintly as they watched their youngest.
The carriage rolled on until it finally passed through a massive gate that stood wide open.
Through the open window, Elysia could see more clearly the students in red and blue tunics passing by. The smell of brick that formed the walls and streets reached her nose.
Their carriage finally halted in a vast field alongside many others. The flags and ornaments upon each carriage displayed the diversity of the students arriving.
"From here we part. Syrene and I will escort them. The rest of you return to your dormitories."
"Eh?" Elene raised her brows, filled with disappointment. "But I also wanted to escort the youngest."
Adonis sighed. "Too many people is not good."
Elysia caught Elene's look, so full of disappointment. Her sister leaped forward and hugged her, sobbing.
"Ely! Why is this happening?"
"Sis... you are suffocating me." Elysia struggled to free herself, but the embrace only tightened.
Elysia glanced at her siblings who were laughing at Elene's antics, making the cabin feel even warmer.
Elene clenched her fist toward the ceiling with great spirit. "You must fight hard, Ely, Irine!"
Leon and Lirei also smiled faintly at them. "Make as many friends as you can. As long as they are not unpleasant. We will fight too."
Elysia turned her gaze toward her quiet yet gentle sister, Mireya.
"Do not worry, Ely. I promise I will visit you whenever I have time."
Elysia put on a faint smile and nodded softly. "Thank you, sisters."
When the carriage door opened, they finally parted ways. Adonis and Syrene escorted the two westward, while the others went east. Elysia watched their steps slowly vanish into the crowd of countless people passing by.
"Come on, Ely." Irine tugged at her hand.
Elysia turned and walked with her two siblings. They moved toward the great hall, its roof towering high with glass adorned with the symbols of the elements.
Along the way, Elysia noticed the variety of races around them. From beastmen like herself, elves, dwarves, and humans. Varied clothing, skin tones, and even languages filled all five of her senses.
Elysia's ears twitched, catching people trying to speak the Atlantea language though still broken.
Adonis gently patted her shoulder. "This academy is a place for geniuses sent from various nations. Some are recommended by kingdoms, some are teachers here, and others apply independently."
"Wait... there is no selection?" Elysia tilted her head.
"For you? No. None at all." Adonis chuckled.
"Not yet, to be precise," Syrene added. Her gaze softened as she looked at her younger siblings. "The academy you enter is not the main academy. It is a preparatory academy for those who know nothing of magic but are deemed to hold great potential."
"Hah, a preparatory academy?" Irine raised her brows.
"Wait, Father did not explain anything to you?"
Both shook their heads at once, making Syrene slap her forehead.
"Oh, dear." She took a deep breath. "Let me explain. Simply put, this academy holds no selection. All who enter will be gathered in the preparatory school for a year to assess their worthiness to join the main academy. Do you understand?"
Elysia nodded, though Irine furrowed her brow for a moment before reluctantly nodding as well.
"Thank goodness..." The curve of Syrene's lips suddenly fell. "To think Father explained nothing to you this past week. Did he forget or what?"
"Hehe, Father must be senile already. Though he is only forty." Irine laughed while scratching the back of her head.
"Well... never mind. Let us hurry to your dormitory."
Along the way, they occasionally passed children wearing slightly worn clothes.
Elysia frowned.
"You noticed, did you?" Once again, Adonis patted her shoulder. "This place knows no noble nor commoner. Whether young or old, all are the same. As long as they are recommended or deemed worthy, they are accepted."
"Moreover, this academy is strict, even the preparatory school. Whether prince or cobbler's son, if you fail, you repeat the year, or worse, are expelled." Syrene added while throwing a sharp glance at Adonis.
Adonis shuddered in fear, averting his eyes. "D-don't look at me like that. I was only held back three times. Some were held back more than five."
"At least try to graduate this year, Brother Adonis. Father is too old to remain on the throne. Only you, Leon, and Callis remain. Considering their age, only you can ascend soon."
"Can you not speak of the throne? That is a burden for your brother here." He lowered his head slightly, smiling stiffly. "Besides... I am not fit to be king. If the throne could be passed to a woman, I believe you would suit the crown more, Syrene."
Syrene let out a weary sigh. "Do not throw away responsibility so easily."
Suddenly, their rabbit ears caught a loud voice ringing clearly from the corner of the hall.
"Remove your filthy hand! Do you think this place is a market?" shouted a boy clad in a purple robe embroidered with gold. In front of him, a commoner child stood silent, his eyes downcast, clutching his scratched and shabby magic trunk.
"Is there a problem?" A school supervisor approached.
"No, Sir," the commoner child quickly replied, stepping back with his head lowered further.
The noble boy glared before walking away without the slightest apology.
Adonis only sighed. He leaned closer to Elysia and whispered, "Officially, social status holds no sway here. But... the world is not that clean yet, Ely. Many arrogant nobles cannot even get along with their own siblings."
Elysia turned her gaze to the brown-haired boy still standing stiff in the corner, his eyes filled with both anger and determination.
"You need not worry." Adonis smiled broadly. "With our family crest and Father's position as the academy's main patron, our family stands higher. No one will dare trouble you."
Elysia looked at Adonis, wanting to say something... but her voice caught in her throat. She knew he wished to comfort her, yet that was not what she sought.
She had not come to be exalted, for her soul, already matured, no longer needed protection. She came with an empty heart full of questions, to learn magic and to find the one she loved most.
I am certain... he too has reincarnated into this world, just as I have.