Zet enjoyed his breakfast, the flavors and aromas familiar and comforting. Violet, ever watchful, remarked, "It's not time yet for you to depart to the academy."
Zet couldn't contain his excitement, exclaiming, "You know, I am really happy. I can't wait to go to the academy and make friends. Imagine their reactions when they find out the Prince has come to join the academy."
[https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53267940783_713a987d92_w.jpg]Eleanor chimed in, "You're incredibly energized today."
Grinning, Zet nodded, "Yes, it's my first time meeting people my age."
Violet, with a hint of concern, reminded him, "But remember your status, you're a prince."
Unfazed, Zet continued, "Oh, I can't wait to go and meet new people."
Violet cautioned, "But you should know, being a prince, noblemen might approach you for various benefits."
Zet asked, "Is that a bad thing?"
Violet, showing her protective side, expressed her worries, "You're so easy-going, and I can't help but worry."
Confident, Zet assured them, "I'll be fine. I'll learn all about how the world works."
Eleanor chimed in, "Yes, he's not like a small kid."
Violet continued, "I'm just saying how the world works, especially on the other side of the mansion."
Zet comforted them, "I'll take care of myself. I'm ready to reveal myself to the world."
Violet sighed, "You're right."
Zet expressed his gratitude, "And I want to thank both of you for always being there to help me. I truly am grateful."
Reflecting on their time together, Eleanor remarked, "You are a good prince. It's hard to believe it's only been six months since we met."
Zet, empathizing with their situations, said, "Oh yeah, you two don't have to go to the academy?"
Violet explained, "We are not allowed to. We're just commoners, and commoners have their own academy. The fee for the academy for us is not affordable."
Eleanor added, "We were trained to write and read somewhat, but we were groomed to be maids since childhood."
Violet shared her personal struggle, "It was different for me. I used to be a noble in a small village, unlike the nobles in the capital. We were poor. I wasn't trained to be a maid; I became one because I needed money. The academy where my sister studies is expensive, and I needed money to support her."
Zet expressed his empathy, "That's hard to imagine."
Eleanor acknowledged, "That's why you are different. You give off a different vibe than others."
[https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53268003429_16c9f768ee_w.jpg]Violet opened up about her past experiences, saying, "I've worked for different lords previously, and they were all rude and extremely violent towards me. They belittled me, reminding me that I belong to the lowly class of maids, daring to compare myself to them."
Tears welled up in Violet's eyes as she continued, "How am I different than others? How are they allowed to say that about me?"
Zet realized her struggle, "That's why you said you were a commoner, to not embarrass your family. You are brave, Violet. I didn't know about your background until now."
Eleanor felt sorry for not noticing earlier, saying, "I apologize for not realizing this earlier. You carried all of this until now."
Zet comforted her, "Leave her for now, Eleanor. She's not stable. Violet, you've shown a lot of courage to speak your mind. I'm not ashamed of you; I'm proud of you. You are still a nobleman who has done so much for this continent. I'm really happy you opened up."
Violet expressed her emotions, "I'm sorry for being so emotional in front of you."
Zet empathized, understanding that she might feel like the world is unfair. A former commoner like him had gotten a chance to be royal, while she, born noble, had to face such circumstances.
Captain Aurelius entered the room where Violet had tears on her face and Eleanor was holding her. He glanced at Zet's guilty expression and inquired, "Zet, did something happen here? Let's not talk here. Come with me, Zet."
Zet nodded, saying his farewells to Violet and Eleanor. They wished him a good day, their concern evident. Zet and Captain Aurelius left the room. Walking down the hallway, Captain Aurelius asked, "Did something happen between you and that maid?"
Zet sighed, "Yeah, so much has happened."
Captain Aurelius probed, "Did you suddenly become a man overnight?"
Perplexed, Zet questioned, "What do you mean?"
Captain Aurelius pressed, "Then why is she crying like that?"
Defending Violet, Zet said, "Take off those dirty mindsets, Captain. That's not cool to think like that."
Captain Aurelius offered a perspective, "Becoming a man is part of your life."
Zet, ending the discussion, stated, "End of the conversation. I want to know something."
Intrigued, Captain Aurelius asked, "About what?"
Zet expressed his concern, "About my maids. Can you find a way to increase their salary?"
Captain Aurelius, firm in his stance, replied, "Don't think too much about them. They are getting paid as maids."
Zet emphasized his feelings, "I think of them as friends too."
Captain Aurelius cautioned, "Don't get too close to them. They are still maids and their pay is appropriate for their role. Every knight has a maid in the mansion. It wouldn't be fair to increase the salary for just two of them."
Despite Zet's plea for their betterment, Captain Aurelius stood firm, "No means no. I dislike the idea of increasing the salary of just two maids."
Zet, determined to address the issue of maid salaries, suggested, "Why not increase the salary for all the maids at once?"
Captain Aurelius shook his head, explaining, "That's not going to happen."
Curious, Zet inquired further, "How much do they currently get paid?"
Captain Aurelius revealed, "Knights receive 5 gold coins, while maids get 50 silvers each."
Understanding the discrepancy, Zet proposed, "Alright, then let's increase the maids' salary to 5 gold coins as well. You do know that 100 silvers are equal to one gold coin, right?"
Captain Aurelius hesitated, cautioning, "We have thousands of knights in our mansion. Are you suggesting that the maids should earn the same as the knights?"
Unfazed, Zet insisted, "Why not? Just raise the maids' salary to 2 gold coins At least."
Captain Aurelius sighed, realizing the young prince was determined, but he expressed his limitations, "I can't talk to the King about this."
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Zet, feeling frustrated, retorted, "You're being annoying. Just do as I said. I am a prince, after all."
Captain Aurelius responded with a suggestion, "Everyone receives their salary weekly. You can ask the King to increase their salary when you receive yours."
Zet, attempting to exert some influence, threatened, "Fine, I'll do that. I'll ask the King to increase their salary by decreasing your weekly pay."
Captain Aurelius chuckled, "Sure, I think my salary is too high anyway."
Curious, Zet asked, "How much do you get paid?"
Captain Aurelius revealed, "I receive 50 gold coins monthly. It's enough to do anything you want, like going on a vacation, eating eight times a day for an entire year, and it would still not run out for a commoner."
Surprised by the amount, Zet questioned, "Is that too much? and "What about your family?""
Captain Aurelius somberly replied, "They passed away when I was little, during a mission."
Zet responded sincerely, "I didn't know, and I'm sorry."
Captain Aurelius maintained his stoic demeanor, saying, "There's no need to apologize. It's a part of life. One learns to endure."
Zet, a bit puzzled, replied, "I don't fully understand what you mean."
Captain Aurelius simply said, "Don't dwell on it."
As the conversation ended, Zet realized it was time to leave. "It's about time. I'm going to the academy now."
Captain Aurelius nodded, offering a parting wish. "Have a good day at the academy."
Zet noticed a carriage waiting for him, this time a more comfortable one with good-quality seats. He climbed in, and upon settling, signaled the person to start moving.
Meanwhile, Captain Aurelius went to the training ground where he found a knight deeply engrossed in her training.
"What brings you here, Captain?" she asked, pausing in her exercises.
Captain Aurelius smiled, teasing, "I am drawn to beauty, like you, Ms. Delacroix."
Delacroix rolled her eyes playfully. "You always have to say things like that."
Captain Aurelius continued the banter, "Well, you are one of the most beautiful people I've ever met, but it's your inner beauty that truly shines through."
Delacroix chuckled, "How kind of you to say that."[https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53224430644_3a58a22e53_w.jpg]
Captain Aurelius changed the topic, remarking on the beautiful day, "The day is beautiful, isn't it?"
Delacroix agreed, "Yes, it is. I feel refreshed. I might have trained a bit too hard today."
Captain Aurelius continued, admiring her dedication, "I admire your intelligence and your passion for your work. If you asked, I'd be more than willing to train you."
Delacroix, a bit flustered, responded, "How could I ask you? You're the star of the Continent."
Captain Aurelius decided to have a bit of fun and spun a tale, "Well, once upon a time, in this very continent, there was a fearsome dragon that terrorized a distant village. The villagers were in despair until I, the great hero, appeared to save them. With one punch, I took down that dragon and made it my pet, roaming the continent together."
Delacroix, now thoroughly entertained, laughed, "I never heard that news before. I apologize for my skepticism."
Captain Aurelius asked, "Are you free tonight?"
Delacroix regretfully replied, "No, I have to go on a round this month."
Captain Aurelius nodded in understanding, "Ah, I see. Duty calls."
Delacroix explained, "As you know, we have to roam the cities to make sure nothing happens at night and maintain order."
Captain Aurelius, with a playful smile, said, "I'm not sure what's cuter: your face or your sense of duty."
Delacroix couldn't help but laugh at the playful banter. "I wonder that too."
Meanwhile, Zet arrived at the academy and observed numerous students entering through the gates. Feeling a blend of excitement and nervousness, he followed their lead and entered the academy grounds. The journey into this new chapter of his life had truly begun.
Zet found himself lost in the academy. He had been wandering around for hours, exploring its vast corridors and hidden chambers. But now, all the corridors looked the same, and he couldn't tell where he was going.[https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53230285957_56670ffb31_w.jpg]
He tried to retrace his steps, but he only seemed to get more lost. He started to feel a little scared. He was all alone in this strange and unfamiliar place.
Zet decided to just keep walking and hope that he would eventually find his way out. He walked through endless corridors, past empty classrooms, and down deserted stairways. He started to feel like he was the only person in the academy.
Finally, Zet came to a large room. It was empty, but it had a high ceiling and a large window. Zet walked over to the window and looked out. He was high above the ground, and he could see the academy grounds spread out below him.
Zet took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He knew that he had to find a way out of the academy, but he didn't know where to start. He decided to just go with his gut feeling.
Zet turned away from the window and walked out of the room. He started walking down a corridor, and he didn't look back.
Zet walked for what felt like hours. He started to get tired, but he didn't stop. He was determined to find his way out.
Finally, Zet came to a door. He opened the door and found himself in a small courtyard. He looked around and saw that he was back in the main courtyard of the academy he saw ground of students.
Zet sighed with relief. He had finally found his way out. He had been lost for hours, but he had made it.
Zet couldn't help but wonder why the interior of the building seemed so similar and why there appeared to be no one inside. Perplexed, he glanced around and noticed a group of students, adding to his confusion.
Meanwhile, just outside the gates of the academy, Kai and Onyx were engrossed in a discussion. Kai, a bit frustrated, asked, "Are you sure the Prince is coming today? It's been a while, and everyone else seems to have arrived."
Onyx [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231213841_6d9b9c6291_w.jpg]Onyx, reassured, responded, "Yes, I am sure. The Principal specifically mentioned Prince Zet and confirmed he was on his way. I heard he left the mansion some time ago."
Kai, realizing a possibility, smacked his forehead. "You fool! That means the Prince is already inside the academy, and you failed to notice! If you haven't seen his face, how can you recognize him?"Kai [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53231711170_cd9612e30b_w.jpg]
Onyx, sheepish, admitted, "I didn't think of that."
Kai, puzzled, asked, "But you always expressed hatred toward the Royals. Why would you come here on the Principal's request?"
Onyx explained, "The Principal asked me to bring Zet because I secured the first position in the entire class."
Kai, taken aback, responded, "And what about me? I'm a Royal too!"
Onyx clarified, "I hate your family, not you."
Kai sighed, realizing the situation. "You're a fool. If I were anyone else, you'd be in deep trouble."
Onyx pleaded, "Please, don't tell others."
Zet found himself retreating to a corner, disheartened by the encounter. He felt the courage to approach the crowd dwindling. Summoning his strength, he gathered the nerve to ask someone, "Excuse me, could you tell me where my class is?"
The person he approached laughed, mocking him, "What do you want? Are you asking such an obvious question? Don't you know we're all supposed to gather and head to the grand hall today?"
Zet tried to explain, "Could you guide me there?"
Scoffing, she accused, "Why should I? Are you trying to get near me with excuses?"
Zet pleaded, "No, that's not what I want."
Dismissively, she responded, "Enough. Don't get near me, you lowly noble. Now, get lost. How dare you speak to me."
Feeling defeated, Zet retreated to a corner, trying to blend into the shadows. The onlookers noticed him, not for his appearance or presentation, but for his solitude. They saw him as a loner, someone standing out for the wrong reasons. Conversations buzzed around him, mocking and laughing at his predicament.
As the ridicule continued, Zet couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loneliness, contrasting starkly with his experiences in the mansion. Violet's words echoed in his mind, "This world is not as kind as you think."
A kind soul named Elias Sterling approached Zet, asking if everything was alright. Zet, still feeling the sting of rejection, hesitated before responding, "Yes, why do you ask?"
Elias introduced himself warmly, "I'm Elias Sterling. Nice to meet you." Zet felt a glimmer of hope and began to open up, only to overhearElias [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53222119482_1cb17c85e0_w.jpg] people whispering about Elias, mentioning his infamous Sterling family. "Hey, isn't that person from the notorious Sterling family? The family that's fallen, right?" they gossiped.
They both must be from the fallen family, they both will make a good team. They laughed and said, "We've got two people to have fun with this year. I can't wait to see the suffering on their faces."
Elias said, "Ignore them."
Zet said, "But they're making fun of you too."
Elias said, "That doesn't bother me."
Zet said, "But it bothers me though. How can they say that about you?"
Elias said, "I'm really fine. Don't worry."
Zet said, "Okay. Can you show me the way to the Grand Hall?"
Elias said, "Are you new here?"
Zet said, "Yes, today is my first day."
Elias said, "Hi, this is my first day too. What class are you in?"[https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53268132210_fb6c77b099_w.jpg]
Zet said, "I'm trying to figure that out too."
Elias said, "What do you mean? The class group. Like, I'm in the Royal Knight class. There are three more classes: Adventure, Assassin, and Scholar."
Zet said, "Oh I think I gonna pick Adventure class."
Elias said, "So we're going to be in the same class this year."
Zet said, "What do you mean?"
Elias said, "Our course takes seven years to finish. For the first year, Royal and Adventure classes have similar topics and materials to study, so we're able to sit in the same class."
Zet said, "Now I understand."
Elias said, "Let's go to the Grand Hall where the Principal is going to give her speech. You're new, so I'll guide you there."
Everyone around them started to say, "Look, the two losers are going together."
Zet said, "Should I teach them a lesson?"
Elias said, "There's no need. People are like that. If you punish one person, there will be another one just like them. They're just blowing hot air; just ignoring them is the best way to deal with them."
Zet said, "Yes, you're right. But leaving them alone will be harmful to others."
Elias laughed and said, "You're funny."
Zet said, "Thank you for helping me there. I noticed you intentionally approached me after you saw people talking bad about me."