The entire management staff for the initiative was replaced within one week after the trial. Ravina didn't know what had happened to the others, only that there were two more. She was surprised by this fact on the day she was set to introduce her new support plan. Five noble women, wives of respected men, were waiting for her in the red room. Mathus had informed her ahead of time that each of these women were volunteers, and that the list was so vast they could choose those who were genuinely doing it for the children rather than seeking prestige. "A lot of care was given this time," he had stated. "It wasn't the old rush job to get it done; this time, the lord truly ensured it was done right." A loving father, in appearance anyway. The last time the count had just ordered such a thing to be done and ignored the process.

Of course, the count was right: rumors had spread about the love the man had for his child, willing to ignore the laws and rules of the kingdom and stand against the church itself. Public opinion had plummeted, and there was a time when tension was high and most thought civil war was inevitable. Yet, the church itself issued a public apology for the incident, citing the overzealous nature of its priest. To the public, it was a harmonious understanding, and the church and state had never been better. But politically, it was a significant win for the count, one that caught the eye of the royal family.

School was an annoying concept—one that usually lost its appeal when it was time to pay one's way into higher education. So it was with mixed feelings that Ravina faced the prospect of returning to school once again, though this time it was on the count's dime. Better still, education was not the goal; networking was. Still, Ravina doubted it would be all keggers and frat parties. Nobility were creatures of customs and courtesies, provided one held the right rank.

"Of course, the lord wishes to be here himself," Mathus told her as he escorted her to the carriage that would take her away to the new world of college life. "However, he has been quite busy as of late." True to his word, the count hadn't seen her again. She had two parties to celebrate her birth, which was now celebrated in winter rather than summer, and yet no one dared suggest his interest in her was feigned.

Three fine years had passed, and the daughter of the Raven was now fifteen years old. She had grown in both wisdom and beauty. Losing the trial had pushed her to double down on her education, focusing on a wider array of subjects so she would never have to rely on someone else's help again. Between her studies, she assisted Madam Pelman with managing the territory. She had learned so much, and now school was interfering with her continued education.

"He does, however, wish me to convey the message that you are a Ravenshield, the tallest pillar of the kingdom. Don't let anyone look down on our name." These subtle hints left by her father were quite clear. Apparently, Mathus wore such a unique pair of rose-tinted glasses that his world must have been pure red.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Tell Father not to worry," she told the old butler. Turning away from him, she looked at Siet, who would also be joining her at the academy, not as a student but as a diligent maid and confidante. The young girl had matured dramatically, like a freshly watered seed that had sprouted up taller than even Aurelia. The gods had gifted her a feminine jawline and soft features that would make any woman look twice, either with envy or desire. She cut a fine figure in the dress Ravina had designed from her memories: a white, long-sleeved shirt with a little flair at the chest, and a black skirt that wrapped around her high waist and reached past her knees. Her bubbly smile now held a hint of danger. In another year or two, she could probably take down an empire.

"Is everything set?"

The girl nodded once and, with that dangerous smile of hers, answered, "Of course, my lady." In a few more years, the wars fought for her would be devastating.

Ravina then turned her attention to Aurelia. The woman hadn't changed. The only difference was that the young raven had grown accustomed to her beauty, losing her breath only occasionally now. Unlike Siet, the azure woman would remain behind, as the royal family provided guards for the entire student body—a system to ensure fairness in the guard, especially if the royal family ever attended.

"How is everything going with—"

The knight waved away her question. "The brats are doing well."

"...Sorry." It had been two years, yet Ravina hadn't made any progress in finding the bird with a rose for a head.

"It's fine. I understand," Aurelia said quickly. "Besides, I'm way too busy now," she joked, but Ravina knew better. Still, Aurelia would be shadowing the Villmenuan Guard while Ravina was away. For the past year, she had been the poster girl for Großerhebende—the great uplifting. Thousands of commoners and adventurers alike had applied to become real knights in service to the local lord. Ironically, the uplifting had proven the value of Ravina’s new orphanage plan sooner than expected, earning her points with some nobles and those seeking her favor due to the trial's outcome.

"Still," Ravina began.

"I know," Aurelia replied with a nod. "But it's only five years."

"Ugh," Ravina grimaced in disgust. "So long." It would have been tolerable if it were an actual educational experience, but it was all one big social show—playdates filled with political landmines. What made it worse was that the Ravenshield family had no side, clique, or faction. It stood alone in politics, meaning Ravina’s actions would be scrutinized twice as much. The Raven clan was large and powerful, after all.

"Yes, well, it will still be the best years of your life, so make sure you truly enjoy them," Mathus said with a smile as he opened the carriage door for her. Ravina could only cringe beneath her forced smile. She hated that line: "Best years of your life." It wasn't true before, and it certainly wasn't true now. The best years were far in the future—on an island somewhere, enjoying lazy days far from the destruction that was to come.

"By the way, my lady," Mathus continued after she had settled into the carriage. His face seemed comically small, as his head did not even reach the inner door handle. She bemused herself with her new height as she placed a small wooden ornament of a delicate looking bird by the window. "May I ask which major you've chosen?"

Socially focused or not, they were still a prestigious academy. There was only one subject the school cared about, and even then, it only accounted for 12% of their final grade.

"Law," she answered with a smile.