16 April, Space Era Year 90.
Upon reaching her thirteenth year, Aelyzabeth von Thors entered the level of lower secondary education, as decreed by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of New Hope. A child whose mind was steeped in freedom and inquiry, she first wished to attend a modest school within the capital city of Berlyn, drawn to its warm and convivial atmosphere.
Yet out of love and devotion to her cousin and sworn sister, Aelaera, Aelyzabeth set aside her own preference and followed her instead to the foremost academy of the nation, situated in the grand capital of Bistach—though in her heart she knew it was not the path she would have chosen for herself.
At first, she adjusted with grace: excelling in studies, engaging with society, and kindling lively debates with her new companion, Vito Vilozyver, a youth of piercing political vision. Their exchanges brimmed with such vigor that even teachers would often pause, compelled to listen.
The Change She Could Not Abide.
In August of that year, the recently victorious Democratic Party announced a new policy. The Ministry of Education decreed that all female students of secondary level and above must henceforth don short skirts, without regard for religion, culture, or personal belief.
To Aelyzabeth, this was no matter of mere attire. It was a grievous violation of women's rights—a denial of choice, a wound upon the dignity of humanity itself. Thus, she resolved upon an unthinkable act: she filed suit against the Ministry of Education before the Central Administrative Court of New Hope, and appointed herself as her own counsel, having already passed the bar examination at an age when most had scarcely begun to dream.
The Trial.
3 September, Space Era Year 90.
The courtroom overflowed—journalists, activists, and citizens all pressed within its walls to witness how a girl of thirteen might contend against the power of government.
There stood Aelyzabeth at the advocate's bench, clad in a black tailored suit, her hair bound neatly, her face stern and without a smile yet burning with determination. She opened the proceedings with words that rang through the chamber:
"A just law must not trample the dignity of the people. The right of women to choose ought never be dictated by the gaze of those who hold power."
A murmur swept the room; many sat stunned, for the child spoke with a voice steadier than most grown men.
The government countered:
"This measure serves to modernize the appearance of our young women, aligning with the popular fashions of the youth."
Aelyzabeth answered, calm yet unyielding:
"Popularity is no warrant to violate rights. Modernity cannot be purchased at the cost of dignity. To compel uniformity is to murder the diversity of humankind."
She summoned evidence from the Universal Charter of Human Rights, from studies in psychology on the harms of enforced dress codes upon young women, and from nationwide surveys she herself had conducted, showing the overwhelming desire of students to choose their attire freely.
The courtroom became a forum of awakening. Each sentence she uttered was seized upon by the press, inked into the annals of public conscience.
At last, the judgment was delivered: Aelyzabeth von Thors prevailed.The Ministry was ordered to amend the decree, granting female students the liberty to choose apparel befitting their own dignity.
The Aftermath.
On the very next day, Aelyzabeth entered her academy wearing a skirt that swept to her ankles. At once, she became the emblem of liberty and women's rights across New Hope. Thousands of young women throughout the republic donned attire of their own choosing, unshackled by imposition.
Women's rights groups and civil organizations hailed her as a champion of a new generation. Conservative politicians, however, railed against her as a radical child undermining social order.
Yet undaunted, Aelyzabeth spoke before the gathered press:
"Rights are not gifts bestowed by authority. Rights are those which the people must rise and affirm for themselves."
Thus, her name was not only inscribed in the chronicles of House Thors, but her deeds became a beacon—an inspiration to the youth of New Hope, who dared at last to stand tall for what they believed.
Thus ends Chapter B-II.