c17
I, a mere commoner named Esty, am more nervous than ever before.
Today is finally the entrance ceremony for the Royal Academy, a place where people from all walks of life, from commoners to nobles, gather.
For someone like me, a commoner, to be entering such a place, my heart races just from passing through the gate.
As I walk through the gate, I see solemn buildings lined with trees, creating a dignified atmosphere.
Many new students in uniforms are walking toward the buildings.
Trying not to feel overwhelmed, I hear a commotion behind me.
"Hey, look! There's a kid with an escort..."
"Isn't that the young lady of the Persifam family?"
"One of the two great noble families?! Crap, make way!"
The students quickly scatter to the sides as the young lady of the Persifam family, accompanied by her escort, approaches.
Her crimson hair flows gracefully as she walks, so beautiful that I can't help but stare.
For a commoner like me, nobles are people I would never have the chance to meet except on occasions like this.
Though we're all human, there's something distinctly different about her aura.
It's hard to describe, but I feel an indescribable pressure.
I want to think it's just my imagination, but even from this distance, there's something about her that makes her seem untouchable.
"You can stop here with the escort."
"But Lady Lillisha, your father instructed us to escort you to your classroom..."
"Can you imagine how suffocating it is to be followed around by overprotective adults? I'll talk to my father myself."
"But..."
Before the escort could say anything more, flames burst from Lady Lillisha's hand.
Just feeling that momentary surge of magic sent shivers down my spine.
The other students also recoiled in shock, as if they sensed danger.
"Don't make me repeat myself. Go back."
"Y-yes, my lady."
The escort quickly retreated outside the school gates.
Lady Lillisha snorted and walked off.
The Persifam family is one of the two great noble families of the kingdom, alongside the Balfont family.
With their exceptional magical abilities and technology, they have contributed greatly to national defense and the welfare of the people.
From the development of magical weapons used by the knights to magical tools that create fire or regulate indoor temperatures, their influence is vast.
Most of the magical tools we use in our daily lives were developed by the Persifam family over generations.
It's also said that the Arc, the kingdom's mage corps, demonstrated overwhelming power during wars with neighboring countries.
In terms of magical talent, appearance, and everything else, they are on a completely different level from us commoners.
*Sigh... this is really bad for my heart.*
"Hey, is that..."
"The princess?"
Just as I was starting to calm down, a dignified girl with neatly trimmed golden bangs appeared.
The moment I saw her, I felt a sense of comfort.
Though she had the same untouchable aura as Lady Lillisha, there was also an indescribable warmth about her.
*Whoa... just looking at her, I can tell. That's the princess of this kingdom.*
For commoners like us, seeing her in person is a rare opportunity.
The ones making a fuss are probably the noble kids.
Unlike Lady Lillisha, the princess was smiling at everyone.
"Damn, she's so beautiful..."
"Hey, do you think the princess has a fiancé?"
"Of course she does. She's royalty, so it's probably already decided."
"Really? No chance for me, huh?"
Just her appearance alone has captivated the boys.
Even as a girl, I can't help but envy her beauty. On top of that, I've heard she's highly skilled in swordsmanship.
As a commoner, I can't compete with her in status, appearance, or anything else.
I'll be studying in the same place as the princess for three years.
That alone makes enrolling in this academy worth it.
"Hey, Princess! Looking forward to the next three years with you!"
"Good day! My name's Dale!"
A crowd of male students has gathered around the princess.
Her popularity is no joke. It feels like every new student might propose to her.
Maybe you need that level of confidence to survive in this academy. I could never do that.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Lady Lillisha watching from a distance.
She hasn't left yet.
"Hey, move aside."
"Make way! Alphiss-sama is coming!"
Beyond the crowd, someone is standing there.
The moment he appears, the boys surrounding the princess turn to look.
"Who the hell are you?"
"You're blocking the way."
The newcomer is a boy with striking black hair.
The girl with cream-colored hair next to him might be another new student?
The boy gives off a cold impression.
Just looking at him makes me feel like I'm being unraveled from the inside.@@novelbin@@
Lady Lillisha was intimidating, but this boy,Alphiss , is on a whole different level.
I can't help but feel that it's better not to get involved with him.
"You've got some nerve. Can't you see the princess here?"
"So what? Does that mean you block the way?"
This is bad! If this keeps up, they're going to fight!
That Alphius guy doesn't need to provoke him like that!
"Do you know who I am? Where are you from? State your family name. I'm Dale of the Brooks family, a count!"
"So what? If you're not going to move, should I move you myself?"
Alphiss raises a hand toward Dale.
What is he planning to do?
"Alphis-sama !"
Just then, the princess pushes past the boy who introduced himself and runs to Alphius.
Wait, what? Do they know each other?
"Letitia, it's been a while. You look well."
"Alphiss , you've become even more dashing... I've been wanting to see you."
Wait, the princess is blushing!
Who is this Alphiss guy?
If I'm reacting like this, the other boys must be—
"Who the hell is that guy... Why is he so close to Princess Letitia?"
"Is he some kind of noble?"
"Damn it! I'm so jealous I might lose my mind!"
The commotion is overwhelming.
While the boys are in chaos, Alphiss and the princess seem to be in a world of their own.
Seeing this contrast, I can't help but feel anxious about whether I'll be able to graduate from this academy safely.
Please, let nothing bad happen.
What do you think?
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