After introducing herself, Soya Jemi had a thick beginner’s textbook distributed to each student. Flipping it open, Leyang was met with dense rows of Doloryara Continent script.
“Brings back memories of school days… really makes you sigh,” Leyang murmured to himself.
He’d once been an ordinary student—neither a slacker nor a star, just drifting unremarkably in the middle. Later, family troubles stole his focus. His grades plummeted until he dropped out, scraping by with an online job. The pay barely covered basics, but it was easier than grinding away like others.
“In the year 257 of the Human Calendar, the first emperor of the Camila Empire founded…”
“Huh? Phoenix, you can read this?” Leyang’s eyes lit up as he heard Phoenix reciting from the textbook.
“Eh? Of course, Lord Leyang… you can’t?” Startled by his sudden question, Phoenix gave a slight nod, her pointed ears flushing faintly.
“Honestly, I never learned Camila script. Not a single character.” Leyang spread his hands helplessly.
“Are you interested in the book’s content? I could read it to you?”
Truthfully, he cared more about the script itself than the content.
“Sure. I’d appreciate that.”
“No trouble at all! You’ve always looked out for me—it’s the least I can do.” Phoenix waved her hands earnestly.
“Two whispering troublemakers over there—what secrets are you sharing? Pay attention to your instructor.” Soya Jemi’s stern voice cut in, her gaze fixed on them.
“Yes, Instructor!” They snapped upright, cheeks warm with embarrassment.
Soya Jemi outlined the schedule: two morning theory classes, afternoon practicals covering noble etiquette and emergency self-defense. Lunch break lasted one *shichen*—two modern hours. After classes, students were free—to study in the Arcane Library, train at the combat grounds, or simply rest.
“That’s all for now. Listen carefully: slack off after class, and others—*even other classes*—will overtake you. Kamila Noble Academy holds monthly exams. Fail, and you’re expelled. Slip in rank, and you’ll be demoted from Class A. We do this to forge excellence. Stay sharp. Understood?” She rapped the desk, expression grave.
“Yes, Instructor Soya Jemi!” The class roared back.
No one wanted to leave Class A. Demotion meant being surpassed by weaker peers—a disgrace to their pride.
“Next, I’ll appoint Class A officers to assist me. Princess Ailin Camila Lumier will be class president. Objections? Or anyone believing they’re more qualified?” Soya Jemi gestured to Lumiere, who rose instantly.
“No objections! We wholeheartedly support Princess Lumiere!”
“Absolutely!”
“Princess Lumiere, your thoughts?” Soya Jemi sought her consent.
“Honored by your trust, I, Ailin Camila Lumier, accept this duty to serve our class and instructor.” Lumiere executed a flawless Royal Protocol bow.
Only someone of royal blood and unshakable authority could command Class A—and Lumiere was that person.
“Settled. Class President Lumiere. Applaud.”
Polite clapping filled the room as Lumiere took her position.
“Now, two vice presidents to aid the president—and act in their stead if needed. The two beside Princess Lumiere: Glantham Phoenix and Nebis Leyang. Any objections?”
“Me? Vice president?!” Phoenix gasped, disbelief flashing across her face.
“Hold on! I object!” A boy named Byron Moses shot up, scowling fiercely. Scion of the Byron family—his father an Earl, outranking Leyang’s Viscount father—he glared at Leyang.
“Oh? Byron Moses, what’s your concern?” Soya Jemi asked coolly, unsurprised.
“We accept Glantham Phoenix. But *Nebis Leyang*? He’s no match for Lord Alec Dode—*Duke’s son*—the only worthy candidate here!”
Byron Moses was Alec Dode’s crony. He knew Alec coveted Lumiere’s favor. Pushing himself forward would anger Alec—and cost him dearly. Better to gift the position to his patron. Alec shot Byron a subtle thumbs-up, eyes gleaming with approval.
“Exactly! Alec is the perfect choice!”
“Leyang doesn’t deserve to stand beside Princess Lumiere—*Alec* does!”
“We refuse!”
Noble students eager to curry favor with Alec swarmed Leyang with jeers, hoping to shame him into retreat.
