After finishing up in the lavatory, Mina and Gregaron returned to the assembly. Except with gloomy clouds shrouding their head this time.

In the interlude after the incident, Mina attempted countless times to elevate Gregaron's spirit but failed entirely. Given that, Gregaron is loyal to his Kingdom and knows he has violated one of the vital codes in the book of Vuzgaria Royal Guard legislation, crushing his will to bits.

Even though Mina promised not to expose the truth, Gregaron remained dejected in his despairing bubble. As further time prolonged, Gregaron's dispiritedness slowly impacted Mina, saddening her as a result.

Soon their return journey arrived at its terminal, and the speeches of the orientation remained ongoing, making Mina even bluer. Their negative aura piqued the concern of Mina's mother, the Queen, who realized there was an unsettling feeling regarding the both of them. So she proceeded to probe Mina regarding the source that led to their dejection.

"Mina, both of you seemed a little bit miserable. Is there something unpleasant occurred during my absence?"

After an unexpected question from her mother, Mina responded in a panicked tone,

"No- no- not really... Mina meant the journey was a smooth sail, and everything went great... yay..."

The suspense from Mina raised her mother's suspicious level even more. So she decided to allocate the question directly to Gregaron, interrogating him with her eminence voice,

"You, as a royal guard of Vuzgaria. I presume deception to the crown is a transgression considered treason! So speak the truth, knight! If you wish to retain the bestowed rank!"

"Ye- ye- yes, your majesty, I, a low humbly sentry, shall convey the truth to relinquish that doubt of yours... During the journey, I might had-"

Sometimes confession can be even more dreadful than death itself. Given that Gregaron is a brave, devoted royal guard, willing to exchange his life for the safety of the throne, yet he stuttered to reveal the truth behind his error.

But in a split second, before he could fulfill his confession, Mina interrupted with a roaring shout,

"FINE! IT WAS MI- MI- MINA WH- WHO- WHO PEED HERSELF WHEN SHE WAS HA- HA- HALFWAY TO THE LAVATORY!"

Mina exclaimed so loud that it took over the presenter's arcanely augmented speech, captivating everyone's attention.

The Queen got flustered by Mina's abrupt exclamation and quickly apologized to everyone within the vicinity. The crowds were soon allayed from the disturbance and resumed to heed the speeches. On the other hand, the King was devastated by Mina's shout and approached them fidgety, speaking in a hushed, fretful voice upon his arrival,

"What happened, dear? Why did I hear such a mortifying shout from our daughter...? Is everything alright, dear?"

"Honey, really sorry for the embarrassment! I myself also have zero clue why Mina got so riled up when I was just questioning the royal guard who was supposed to be responsible for her release."

Mina suddenly hijacked the conversation and declared,

"Mina just hates the way Mama doubted Greg! Greg never did anything wrong, so Mama shouldn't threaten Greg like that. Mina believes Mama should release Greg and return him to his post!"

Both of the royal parents were surprised by Mina's declaration. As the King proceeded to kneel before Mina, levelling his height with her, and uttered in a hushed, soft tone while tenderly patting her delicate skull,

"Mina... What's wrong? Mama didn't doubted the guard. She was just worried about you and asked for reassurance."

"But Mama was a little bit too mean toward Greg..."

"Well, Mama might be a littttttleeee bit too aggressive toward the guard. But I assure you that your Mama is actually regretted for her inconsiderate action. So... let's just forgive Mama, alright?"

As Mina nodded slightly but not entirely, her father continued his explanation with a faint smile,

"But doesn't Mina think that she had went a little bit too overboard? It's not like your Papa was unhappy by your action. But instead, proud of it. For Mina to learn about getting defensive against those, she holds dear... Realllllyyyy impressed your Papa thousand times. But... Mina has to remember this, sometimes, we, as the royal blood, we have to-"

Before the King carried on with his advice, he made a faint gesture, shoveling backwards, instructing Gregaron to return to his post, dismissing him from his interrogation.

Gregaron respectfully bowed to signify his appreciation toward his King and Queen as he returned to his designated post. Once his departure was eventuated, the King continued,

"So... Where were we...? Oh right! *Ahem* Sometimes, we have to oblige our bestowed duty as the throne to our people, ensuring the power we bore is balanced among ourselves and the subordinates. Preventing the power scale's tips tilted inequitably. Instigating unwanted wars and conflicts that waged among ourselves, leading to an end of the reign of Vuzgaria."

The Queen was then also inserted,

"So from what your father said is that sometimes, it is wise to let them abide by their calling when the question is asked. Showing them who has the higher standing in the circumstance, preserving our seats as the crown and protecting it from possible overthrown. And the reason why Mina should learn to control and distinguish herself between her and her subordinates. Levelling her leverage with her subaltern.

This was to avert the idea of exploiting Mina's good intentions and abusing her authority in concert. And majorly why your Mama acted slightly too narky when she spoke to the guard. To ensure the scale wasn't jeopardized, that was.

But it still doesn't mean Mina should entirely extract herself from bonding with others. Mina can still build her connections and stand for those she cherishes, but all Mina needs to do is remember her standing with those she interacts with. Cognizing with what she can and cannot do."

"But Mina just merely doesn't want Greg to answer her shameful bidding. Mina is a lady after all... Mina will be ashamed if Greg said it in Mina's place..." Mina hushedly uttered while her head lowered. But her response only placed their parents into a synchronized pragmatic speechless thought,

*Well, at least it is better than shouting it out loud...*

The situation eventually quelled as time progressed. They all resumed the remained speeches, heeding what the presenter had left to say. After a series of dynamic events, Mina became bored as everything wore out.

To the point, Mina was already in her drowsy state and yawned more than her fingers could count.

Once the dreary speeches from the president of Dragania concluded, the host repossessed the mic, regained his stand on the stage and was in a position to announce the impending event. He smoothly and nonchalantly announced once the preparation was completed,

"To all my esteemed guests today! I'm humbly most appreciative of all your prestigious presences to deliberately presented today! And it's exclusive honor to be able to dominate the stage that was watched by thousands of illustrious eyes. As in the preparations for the next event, we would like to invite one of the most notorious special guests of the day, allowing them a chance to bestow their speeches on the stage.

And as I'm aware, they are someone you are credibly familiar with. Someone notorious, admired, honored and eminent! And surfaced in this very venue!

Before we embrace their approach. First, I would like to atone for my unsolicited and selfish proposition, which is done without proper consultation. Then, if the guests wouldn't object to accepting this offer, which I have spontaneously crafted. To the fullest extent of my heart, I would like to humbly welcome the following special guests to bestow their part in the speeches! So if you will, please welcome the majestic, Vuzgal royal family!"

The applause went frantic from the crowds upon the unanticipated announcement. While it was also dauntingly startled Mina, who was yet dwelled in her dreamy state. Besides, she was also frightened by this impromptu proposition, as it had never crossed her innocuous mind. On the contrary, her parents weren't amazed by this fortuitous invitation.

Captain Igor rushed to consult with his King, advising him to refrain from making a rash decision. And so he honorably bowed and specified,

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"Your royal highness, pardon for my intrusion. This one wish to discuss on the non-proper articulated proposal that had offered to your honorable presence. As the proposition is crafted under the unsolicited process, I believe, my King, it is fully under your conscious of denying or committing. But this one believes it is rather illogical and dicey to accept such an improvised proposition. As it could imperil your highness's safety when ones wasn't cautious."

"Hmm... I fairly understand your concerns, Igor. But I trusted the fortification Dragania offered and the intention behind the proposition. Besides, a mere speech wouldn't besmirch the Vuzgal's reputation. Yet conversely, if one perfectly executed, it could be an expand to one's reputation."

"I see... and yes, royal highness, this one's doubt had been satisfied and will trust your royal highness's sense of judgment. This one shall relinquish your royal highness from his questioning and return to his assigned post." Captain Igor dignifiedly bowed and receded to his post.

Soon Igor had departed from his King's side. The King turned his gaze to his consort and questioned in a dubious tone, concerned he might be making an imprudent decision,

"Honey, do you approve with my decision? Please tell me if you believe it is unwise to accept such an improvised proposition."

"No, dear, I trusted your judgment in dealing with the current circumstance. And I will fullfilledly respect every decision that lies on you."

"Well... if you say so, honey. Then it's the time for us to take our stand."

"So... shall we, dear?"

"We shall... honey..."

The decision was devised, and the royal family was readied to approach the stage. But their footsteps were ceased before the first step could be made, and it was Mina who interrupted,

"Don't Mina get to say anything?" she questioned, feeling rejected and unacknowledged.

"Oh, Mina... Mama is very sorry for disregarding you, my little princess. So, what do Mina think? Mama hopes Mina wouldn't mind by such a trivial task, right?" the Queen replied in a penitent soft voice,

"Well... if Papa really wanted to do it, Mina believes she had to respect his decision and tag along."

"Mina is a good girl." the King faintly smiled and patted Mina as he praised her.

The Queen then linked her hand with Mina, clutched between their palms, and marched through these confined crowds, escorting Mina safely to the stage, averting her from being lost in the midst of the crowd.

As they progressed through the crowd, the crowd orderly formed a pathway for their advance, guiding them to the stage. While most applauded and cheered upon their venture, some were not enthralled by their visit.

Once, they stumbled upon the light casted stage, joined by the orientation host. The host was immediately declared with sheer pleasure,

"To all my honored guests of the venue! May I have your ears on this humbly one! I had never felt more heavenly than ever to be able to accommodate by such honored and prestigious guests now beside this one's lowly side! And now, it's the moment this humble soul shall put forward the high-and-mighty, the most prestigious and formidable! HIS MAJESTY! The King of Vuzgaria! King Elias Vuzgal! To his stand!"

The roar of declaration projected through the crowds. Cheers and cries were the responses. The King aligned himself before the crowd, manifesting his grandeur and sublimeness, and greeted in his eminence tone,

"Rejoice, my courteous, loyal Vuzgarians! I had bestowed myself to the forth of you all, as you shall be brimmed with honor and bliss! And I had taken the stand in esteem the name of my affiliate, the College of Dragania. The academy I have entrusted my daughter with and the one I now stood upon, and one who was willingly forgo its stage for my voice be heard."

"No, your royal highness, it is our honor and pleasure to have you oblige by our selfish proposition." the host discreetly inserted his gratitude to the King,

"Your honor is mine, Max." the king responded with his stateliness. But the host somehow overthought his error by interrupting his King's words, and so he apologetically implored,

"Please ignore on this humbly one, your royal highness. This one sincerely apologizes for his interruption that have ceased your mighty words."

"Your apology is accepted...?" although the King had forgiven Max, he couldn't fathom his remorseful reason. So he reverted his attention to the crowd, and continued in his declaring,

"*Ahem* where was I? Oh yes... My loyal Vuzgarians! I, the King of Vuzgaria, King Elias Vuzgal, shall bestow my part of the speeches now!

As the King of Vuzgaria, it is delighted to see the varied lineage united under the same roof without dissension. Who are willing to exchange their might, strength, and knowledge with those disparate in names. And learn among themselves, overcome the notion of prejudice, and strive to compete for their rank without bloodshed but with orders. It is truly exalted as we commenced from conflicts to the barren wasteland and the flourished land we stood upon.

In the past, we may bore grudges for those who tainted our names and waged wars amongst others for the alleged dominancy. But these distraught pasts shouldn't be brought to daylight now, as they should always be stowed in the past.

I, as the King of Vuzgaria, now felt more privileged than ever to receive the support you all benevolently gave since the dawn of Vuzgaria. Despite our distinctive bloodlines, prestige, and clan denotations. We yet stand together, bolster the courage to challenge the austere eras, and nurture the prosperities and abundance for the future generations that are yet to come. All within one land, that is, despite being ruled by Vuzgal.

And thankfully, with the noble contribution of Dragania, we may thrive even further! With the bestowed facilities of Dragania, we may enforce our strengths and wits and overcome our weaknesses by adapting the fortes of others, expanding our limited potency! And through all this, we are joined in one account, shattering the discrimination beliefs and demolishing the inequivalent privileges! And soon, Vuzgaria will rise to peerless as our bonds are strengthened! Fostering Vuzgaria with all the glory and might, flourishing to another ascent! We are one, we are a whole, we are Vuzgarian!"

The King concluded his words, and the crowd immediately blustered with cheers and tears of joy. Mina was astounded by her father's speech, given that she had never heard any deliverance from her father in her prior life. As it thoroughly captivated Mina, admiration was left of her.

The King returned the stage to the host, who was also momentarily repercussed by his talks. Once the moment of weeping was definite, the host returned to his stand and boasted in a wrought-up manner,

"Gratitude to his majesty, King Elias, for his esteemed and impactful words! I personally have indeed compelled by those enchanted words of his! So without further dallying, and let's bequeth our one last thunderous applause to bless their royal presence!"

Everyone applauded with their utmost degree, appreciating the King for his glorious, inspirational well-wrought speech.

After a substantial amount of time, the applause eventually ended and fell silent. And the atmosphere of the venue recurred to its dignified state, and the host resumed his arranged speeches,

"Now, now, now, where were we... Oh right! The welcoming ceremony are now arriving at its closure. And we are now proceeding to the subsequent event, where our staff will be guiding the students to a tour that is for future references as well as grasping a better picture of the campus's blueprint. And they will be brought to their respective houses [classes] as well as the essentials they might utilize in the prospect. And now please head on to the name list board allocated outside of the venue and escort your bearing to their respective houses."

The host once made the announcement. Mina was already excited, as it was her first intention to come to Dragania willingly. Mina was thrilled to bits and urged her parents in an overenthusiastic manner, as her eagerness was the only thing that dwelled in her common sense.

Before the journey embarked, all the students were arranged according to their corresponding classes or "houses" in their terminology. The parents were required to relinquish their bearings to the designated queue, and there will be a total of 24 houses precisely. The houses included the House of Skull, the House of Horn, the House of Oculus, the House of Jaw, and others.

On the other hand, Mina was settled at the House of Lamella, a queue near the venue's perfect center. The parents were also requested to station behind the tail of the queue where their children were posted. Throughout that time, some students could not handle the sense of being isolated as they were only seven which was still a common age for companionship desperation. So many burst into tears because of it.

However, the obligation in Dragania was strict and exigent. No matter the extent of the student's braggy or weepy manner or the parents' condescending demands, they must refrain from being in touch until the session is finalized. The purpose was to fortify their fragile mind and train them to be independent and more resilient for future merit.

If they fail to oblige the rules by arrogantly forcing themself to cause an impractical ruckus, the student will be expelled without further debate. And since it was a hard-fought prestige to gain their seat in Dragania. Many parents were forced to abide by it and only console their bearings with encouraging words from afar.

On the other hand, Mina wasn't fazed by her parents' vacancy. Rather remained stuck in her enthusiastic thought, who was restlessly wobbling on the spot.

After the gathering is completed, the house's handlers [homeroom teachers] will execute their roll calls on their appointed houses, inspecting the presence of their fellow students.

"Patria Loraark Xorros?"

"Present!"

"Laura Malforedar Urkon?"

"Here!"

"Mina Xuzredar Vuzgal?"

although Mina's name was asked, her voice yet remained vacant. As it seemed, Mina' was yet remigrating from her little whimsical daydream.

"Mina Xuzredar Vuzgal?"

A second call was made, but the response resulted the same...

"Princess Mina Xuzredar Vuzgal?"

And a third time was forwarded, but Mina still refused to answer...

"MINA XUZREDAR VUZGAL?"

On the fourth time, the handler was snapped from Mina's dormant attitude and hollered in a blistering tone. Mina has woken by the holler and responded in an agitated, quivering tone, with her right hand waving flusteredly to signify her whereabouts.

"Yes, I- I- I'm here!"

Her obtuse response had made many laugh but also led many to gaze at her because of her prominent presence. Thanks to Mina's preceding presence on the stage, it had helped her avoid the imminent signed-off from her handler.

After she safely passed the easiest test, known as the roll call, a relieved gasp from her followed.

In one instance, a familiar name pierced through Mina's left ear, which had shared an unfortunate event with her, "Natharal" or "Nathan" in short, was the name. She was startled but also desirous to check on his whereabouts. Her gaze swirled around the masses and eventually arrived on a boy with his eyes locked on her, and it was none other than Nathan, who was queued beside her, the House after hers, the House of Dermis.

Because of Mina's recent stand-out incident, Nathan noticed Mina way before she did. And so he had been gawking at Mina since.

When their eyes met, Nathan restlessly adverted his gaze from Mina and shifted toward his fidgety hands that were positioned before his stomach. His bizarre action had once again put Mina into wonder,

*Why does Nathan always avoid Mina, did Mina's face that unbearable? Or maybe he is still mad at Mina because of the last time! Mina is sorry, Nathan. Mina shouldn't have gone that far the last time. Hopefully, Mina can mend her mistake and receive your forgiveness next time...*

After a wavering moment regarding Nathan's peculiar behaviour, Mina refocused on the tour that was about to begin.

The handler re-counted the students with her finger and ensured the attendance was free from errors.

And the absences were addressed, and every presented student was queued.

The tour was embarked on, and Mina was more excited than ever.