It was a strange feeling for Mor, standing in the gathering hall, seeing the new first years before him, like it hadn't been only a year, but a whole different life. While the gliders had neared Amethyst Isle, Mor had recognized the repaired parts with the slightly off coloration, while he was standing there, watching the headmaster go through his spiel.

°Is it just me, or are we having a boring stuff streak?° The human asked while Mor tried to suppress a yawn.

°Seems like it, but I'd rather be bored than scared for my life again.° Mor answered.

°True enough.° The human agreed.

But this innocent question and the long-winded speech of the headmaster, explaining the last year's happenings to the new students, at least the royalty-decreed version, sent Mor into a memory spiral. He remembered the fight against the possessed Ranbor, his fright, and something else before the memory got hazy and unclear.

But before Mor could investigate what that haziness was, his attention was captured as this year's "best" student was called to the stage by the headmaster. The human let out a whistle as the girl rose up to the stage, her bright, almost white eyes, long white hair, expensive robes, and regal behavior drawing the attention of everyone.

°I almost can smell royalty on that one.° The human stated.

°I would bet everything I own that this girl is Dino's little sister and our charge.° Mor answered.

°Think she got first place, with her own effort or by playing her political muscles?° The human questioned.

°I don't know, but we will find out. If we are to protect her, we are forced to interact with her.° Mor said, his gaze lingering on the girl.

The girl on the stage introduces herself as Tiara Diamond, the king's third daughter. She started her opening speech with practiced confidence, forcing Mor to cringe at the memory of his own attempt and the human to laugh for some reason. While Tiara is speaking, her gaze wanders over her audience until it locks with Mor's, and the smile of superiority that crept on her face sends a shiver down the boys' back.

°I don't like that smile. It smells of trouble.° The human commented needlessly.

After Tiara's speech, the new students went through the "showing-of-affinity" again, with the headmaster loudly calling out every affinity. As tradition demanded, the young princess was the first, and of course, she had a strong affinity for the royal element.

After the traditional opening, every student filed out, starting from the third year and ending with the first, each getting handed a map of the premises and the location of their designated rooms. Mor tagged along with his peers, and to his surprise, he often got an acknowledging nod and sometimes a slight pat on his shoulder from other boys.

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°Seems you won't be a loner anymore.° The human said, and Mor smiled.

When Mor was then handed his information material, he noticed that he had been assigned the same room as last year. Whether it was luck, destiny, or something else, it was still a pleasing bit of continuity for Mor. Another pleasant surprise awaited Mor when he opened the door to his room and found an additional key and a folded piece of paper.

He took a quick stock of his luggage, which the academy's staff had brought to the rooms, and after being sure nothing was missing, he read the writing on the paper.

…

Mor Agaton, for your services, you are given full use of training room three.

The key put by this letter is for your use only.

Headmaster Amethyne.

…

°That’s a welcome boon.° The human commented.

°Yes, our training location is secured.° Mor agreed.

The rest of the day was set aside for orientation, and Mor spent it with his friends. However, while the little group was moving through the school chatting, a girl blocked their way.

"You're the boy my big brother told me about? Up close, you are not as impressive as he told me." Tiara opened while Orth, Clare, and Saphine knelt down.

Mor, on the other hand, didn't like the tone of the younger woman's voice and crossed his arms, looking down on her, remaining upright.

°Yeah. It's hard to be intimidating if you're half a head shorter than the one you try to intimidate.° The human chuckled.

°Also, I'm done getting shoved around by those of "higher" birth than me. One year of that was enough. We are all students here and have the same rights. Family shouldn't matter here.° Mor answered.

"Kneel down." Orth hissed.

"Indeed," Tiara said, then dismissed Mor's friends with a wave.

The three friends retreated slowly, Saphine taking the longest and looking back in concern.

"Don't worry, he will be fine. Let's just find a teacher to resolve that situation." Clare tried to calm her friend.

As his friends slowly left, Mor let out a deep sigh.

"Why do I have trouble with arrogant nobles each year?" He murmured.

"Kneel," Tiara ordered, repeating Orth's suggestion, but Mor disobeyed with a simple

"No."

"My brother, first Prince Dinothom Diamond, appointed you as my guard, so you are to treat me with due respect! That means you are also responsible for unpacking my luggage!" Tiara continued.

"I only need to act if someone is after your life. I'm your bodyguard, not your nursemaid. Find someone else for that." Mor stated and turned around.

°A true example of a sheltered little princess.° The human snickered, drawing another sigh from Mor.

"Don't turn your back on me!" The princess howled.

°Two bucks. She's as entitled as Ranbor and will attack you with magic now because you are refusing her "status".° The human offered.

°I think you might be right… I heard that sentence once…° Mor answered as he spun around, and just as the human had guessed, the princess was channeling her magic.

"Fuck this." Mor sighed, using a very human expression.