Alexia

Several Years Ago

“We are gathered here today to begin the commencement ceremony of Year 101742 After Chaos within the Royal Academy,” the headmaster of the Royal Academy declares as he stands at the front of the auditorium filled with people. All of whom are wearing the same uniform meant for official ceremonies. But apparently we don’t have to wear it outside of these ceremonies, which is unlike most of the other academies.

Definitely a benefit of the Royal Academy.

“As you all know, only the best of the best are allowed to attend this Royal Institution,” the headmaster continues as I glance around the audience, finding everyone else wearing the same silver uniform. With the boys wearing pants and the girls wearing skirts, but with the tops being the same blazers. “So you are expected to act as is be expected of your station. Do not damage the reputation of the nation and the Royal Academy in any way.”

After he finishes with that, he goes on and on, blabbering about school rules. But I’ve already read the rules, so I don’t pay any attention.

Instead I glance at Astrid to find her sitting right next to me with her eyes staring directly at the headmaster. Yet I can still tell that she’s asleep with her eyes open. Something that I can’t help but feel jealous of sometimes. The fact that she can actually do that.

Definitely makes ignoring people a lot easier.

Although, since girls are all required to wear their hair in the same way during this ceremony with it straight down and not put up in any way, the two of us look completely identical with no differences whatsoever. We’re also seated right next to each other since the seating for the ceremony was done based off last name then first name. And we obviously have the same last name, with both of us having first names starting with A. Making us sit side by side despite there being other people here with the last name Knight.

So more than a few people are sneaking glances at the two of us.

It’s even more of a good thing that the school outside of ceremonies doesn’t require a uniform. Otherwise it’d be near impossible to tell us apart.

I glance at Astrid again, thinking back to how much she’s been studying for our time here. More than me, that’s for sure.

She’s stayed up all night for at least a few nights just studying.

I’ve even helped her study during one of those nights. Before I fell asleep that is.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

I really do admire her for how much work she puts in for things like this. Especially when I know she’s doing it mostly to catch up to me.

Also to impress Gramps as well, but that doesn’t seem to be as much of a priority.

I turn my attention back to the stage again as the headmaster finally finishes blabbering on about rules and instead begins to introduce the head of the class. Who also happens to be a prince.

The prince quickly begins to give his speech, droning on just as much as the headmaster was. But soon enough I notice his gaze locking onto me and Astrid, the prince pausing for a moment in the process. Just an awkward pause in the middle of his speech.

He looks between the two of us with his mouth parted open for a second before he blinks twice and continues his speech. While occasionally glancing at us. Particularly at Astrid, whose sleeping face makes her look like she’s staring right at him. When she’s really out cold.

Huh. Well, that’s probably gonna be a problem in the future.

I watch him for a moment, occasionally glancing back at Astrid in the process. Then I just shrug, deciding I don’t particularly care much.

Judging by the looks he’s sending, he seems interested in Astrid. Not me.

Although how much of that is because of her supposed eye contact with him and how much isn’t is not very clear.

Either way, she’s in for a surprise when she wakes up.

I glance at the clock closest to where we’re sitting before frowning a little at the date.

Right.

I return my expression to normal, choosing not to show any reaction at all to the memories flooding my head. Most of which are little more than a blurry, vague memory due to me being too young to clearly remember.

Memories of Mom before she vanished.

On this very day all those years ago.

I turn my gaze towards the desk right in front of the prince who is still talking. Then I just stare at the desk for a while, thinking back on all of the news me and Astrid have been scouring through every single day. Trying to find some sort of hint about her whereabouts.

But nothing has shown up. Not a thing.

All I’ve been hearing about on the news is the Hound of the Apocalypse. The human who almost committed genocide.

Of a Class A species no less.

He’s on a world far away from this one though, so it’s not something I need to worry about happening here too.

I just hope wherever Mom is, she’s nowhere near him. Or anyone like him.

And that she’s safe.

I let out a sigh at that, lowering my gaze to my hands in my lap.

And that she’s alive in the first place.

I glance at Astrid before patting her hand, waking her up in an instant before she looks at me. Then she turns to face the stage and spots the prince right around the time he meets her gaze.

To my amusement, I feel a shiver run down her arm soon after their gazes meet.

Yep. An unpleasant surprise indeed.

That’s what she gets for sleeping through the commencement ceremonies.

Anyways, the prince’s speech ends in a couple more sentences, following which the headmaster has everyone stand up and place their fists across their chests as the orchestra plays the national anthem. Which is the reason I woke her up in the first place.

This is going to be an odd change.

Going to a fancy school like this.

But… I guess odd isn’t always bad.

Except in Astrid’s case, considering that prince.

Rest in peace Astrid.