A letter was written to the academy about the delay in my attendance to their esteemed institution. I say was written, because while I sat down with every intention of writing just that, I must have spent too long considering the prefect form of said letter and autopilot Aurelia took the wheel.
The resulting letter was dignified, classy, and way cooler than what I would have written. Most importantly however, I didn’t spy anything in the contents that seemed likely to trigger a destruction flag. Though with my unfamiliarity of the plot for Idol Princess VI: A Melody for the Heavens, a flag could have strolled up to me and bit me on the nose, and I’d have greeted How do you do, a very nice morning to you. Which is to say I was coasting by on a wing and a prayer.
The officials returned only once, less the hapless man who had been introduced to the many potential surfaces a window could achieve when disassembled, however a repeat demonstration of my displeasure (which resulted in two more injuries) dissuaded further visitations.
The week passed all too quickly. On the day I was set to make my tardy entrance to the academy, I discovered that no plan to speak of had materialized in the intervening time. Not a single concrete detail for my oh so essential flag squashing plans.
Which was not to say I hadn’t considered my plans, but… well… it wasn’t like I really knew much of what was to come. Attempts to plan inevitably morphed into fanciful daydreams where a splendid romance fell into my lap, and I effortlessly evaded the clumsy flags that sought to trip me up. Oh how glorious it would be. Then it would be time for a meal, or a nap, or I would be compelled to try on the opulent gowns that graced my new wardrobe, selecting just the right outfit for my big academy entrance—the clothes made the lady after all. And I would find myself enraptured in the sleek velvet, or the intricate lace work, or the sparkling gems. I’d find myself twirling this way and that, admiring the way the skirts many layers wooshed out when you spun. Then Tori would prepare my make up to match, guiding my in her preparations that I might replicate the look at the academy. And when she was done, I’d be captivated by the glamour of Aurelia’s stunning face, which I found more exquisite in each transformation than the last. Necessitating I try yet another outfit to see if she could outdo herself one more.
Suffice it to say, when the week ended, I was wholly unprepared. Whoops. Tee hee. This was just like my school assignments all over again. That wasn’t to say I’d learned nothing from the week however, the academy had promptly sent a return letter to mine, in which they enclosed my syllabus and room assignment and expressed their regrets that I would be unable to attend the opening ceremonies where such things would normally have been received, as they had eagerly anticipated my performance there.
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At reading that I’d blanched. I’d nearly been forced to sing. And before the entire academy no less. A scene that was surely disaster incarnate. Not that autopilot Aurelia wasn’t dependable, but I still had no I idea how I supposed to summon her for things. She just… came and went seemingly as she pleased. And. AND, even if I could have activated autopilot mode and crushed out the song, I’d be courting destruction. Aurelia’s instincts would drive her straight into the nearest destruction flag. She was a villainess after all, it was in her nature. And once it was raised, game over Eiji, game over.
I thanked the gods, even that stupid goddess, for letting my skip such an obvious trap. Prayers I redoubled when I read on and discovered my syllabus. Aurelia hadn’t registered for even a single music course. I whooped for joy! Then had to wave off Tori who appeared at my door in a tizzy wondering whatever could be the matter, and did I need her for something? The headmistress went on to write that it still wasn’t too late to change my mind about that, and that the music faculty would be delighted to have the
Fat chance! Never mind an example, I’d be the laughingstock.
No, Aurelia’s classes on magic, history, governing, and politics seemed a much safer curriculum. Aurelia’s memories told me that she’d spurned the music department, despite heavy courting, as she’d already achieve the pinnacle in song. As the future queen consort, improving her knowledge on other matters would be crucial to the success of the kingdom.
Brilliant, lovely, and ambitious, was there nothing my Aurelia couldn’t do? The stupid playboy prince didn’t deserve her.
Moreover, the room assignment was plum. I got a freaking adjoining suite. They’d featured in Idol Princess II’s academy arc, and they were GLORIOUS. Expansive, luxurious, tastefully furnished, and oh so limited. In Idol Princess II only the royal family, and select, distinguished students were granted such an honour. Naturally as the
Was I expected to bring Tori?
I pictured my handmaid tearing through the elegant halls of the academy, as she was so wont to do at home, sweat dripping from her brow, and tittered uncontrollably. That would be quite a sight, but alas, no sooner had the possibility been considered than Aurelia’s more modern sensibilities informed me that the Academy had done away with the handmaidens and manservants of yesteryear. Students were expected to learn independence on academy grounds, and it had been so ever since the reform which opened the doors to the commonfolk decades prior. Which was to say, the adjoining suite would instead serve as a sitting room parlor wherein I could entertain company away from prying eyes.
How scandalous. My mind was aflame with the possibilities. Late night liaisons with glamourous fish; laughing over tea until it was much too late. Both of us unwilling to part from such sweet company. Bidding adieu well past midnight, and the next morning the scandalous rumours. The academy at twitter with the hints of a passionate affair. A romance to set the heart ablaze.
Yes, with sigh bright portents, a brilliant future awaited me at the academy. I was sure of it.