So around nine in the morning, my sister and I appeared in the commercial district north of the Imperial Capital. This was the liveliest spot in the city, teeming with people from all walks of life. The crowd here far outnumbered the quiet noble district.
After my sister woke me up, I learned the acceptance letters from Imperial Kingdom Academy had arrived. I suddenly got excited, all sleepiness gone. I rushed downstairs to see what the legendary letter from one of the Empire of Aifei's top academies looked like.
Though my parents never pressured me to attend any academy—leaving education to private tutors—I still heard about it from friends.
Legend says the academy's founder was a close friend of Breath of the Sun before he became a god. They were battle companions, and he was incredibly strong. His youthful dream was to become a teacher. In old age, wealthy beyond measure, he fulfilled it by founding this academy. He poured all his fortune and energy into teaching.
His fate after death remains a mystery. Some say he joined his old friend Lord Deseli in the Divine Realm for eternal peace. Others claim Lord Deseli personally escorted him into reincarnation, as he had no regrets. Still others believe his soul never faded, guarding his only legacy—the academy.
Regardless, an academy founded by a peerless powerhouse and backed by the Divine Church was truly remarkable. Its facilities were top-notch, teaching experience rich, and faculty exceptionally strong. My rowdy friends always gossiped about which beautiful young lady enrolled, or which poor boy got a scholarship for his talent. To parents, these were the "other people's kids"—having one meant bragging rights for years.
This feeling boils down to envy and resentment. Now, I too had this honor. I was genuinely thrilled inside. Soon, I could boast about being a student there.
Even as a noble academy, Imperial Kingdom Academy's acceptance letter wasn't made of real gold and silver as rumored. But it was unique. The paper was simple and elegant, unremarkable except for the emblem: a dove carrying a spear. I'd seen it before on that knight girl, Liyue. The text stood out most—all engraved with magical runes, handwritten by a mage or divine art user.
"Miss Lerfu, we are honored to invite you to join the Divine Arts Department at Imperial Kingdom Academy. Please report by the first day of Fruit Month. Required items are in the 'Enrollment Supplies Notice'."
This was the technique for magical artifacts, requiring a mage or divine art user to write each character. Imperial Kingdom Academy subtly showed off its strength.
The "Enrollment Supplies Notice" wasn't long, but the items would make an average family tighten their belts. Poor students could take low-interest academy loans or use second-hand gear from seniors.
Four uniform sets—provided by school, no issue. An Empire of Aifei crystal card—for ID and payments. I'd just register my info on one; we had plenty at home. Teaching supplies like divine breath for meditation, spirit spring water for healing, and practice automatons were covered in tuition.
The rest was professional gear, varying by department. As a divine art user, I needed a scepter—I could take one from home; Father Sir had many unopened high-grade ones. A holy emblem—I already had one. At least one cleric robe—I'd buy a few. A belt for consumables, small bottles for Holy Water, a feather pen for runes, a silver ritual dagger. I planned to buy all at the Holy Cleric shop.
After planning this, I broke into a cold sweat. This was the cheaper option. For the notoriously expensive magic and knight departments, buying everything would bankrupt an ordinary person.
"So, Elder Sister, where shall we go first?" My sister seemed happy. She rarely got to go shopping—was she excited?
"Let's buy clothes first. I still feel awkward wearing your dress." I was in a light green dress my sister had maids alter. It fit okay, but I disliked it.
That morning, I'd struggled when she brought it to try. Wearing women's clothes felt humiliating. The church's simple dresses were plain like shirts—no issue. But my sister's, even the simplest, were noble attire with lace and decorations. They were troublesome: the waistband tight, buttons on the back—I needed maids to help.
Even now, the dress felt uncomfortable. Walking made my skin rub against the fabric. The skirt was too long, hard to move in. I decided to buy loose, cool clothes later, with shorter skirts.
