Before coming here, Athena's maid, Alice, had been heartbroken. She had wanted nothing more than to accompany her, but maids were not permitted at Hunters Academy. Athena could still vividly recall their conversation.

"Your Highness, how are you going to manage without me? Who will wash your clothes, clean your room, and prepare your meals?" Alice’s voice had been thick with distress. She had been by Athena’s side since the day she was born and had never imagined a time when she wouldn’t be. The thought of her beloved princess handling such mundane chores was unbearable. Her large, round eyes brimmed with unshed tears.

"Well, rules are rules, Alice. You know you can’t change them," Athena had replied, doing her best to console her grieving maid.

Sensing Alice’s reluctance to let Athena fend for herself, Agatha had stepped in. "Alice, don’t worry. Every dorm has designated maids to handle those tasks, and most of them are trained in martial arts. If anything unexpected happens, they’ll be able to protect the students."

Alice had looked at Agatha in shock. "Your Highness, are you saying Hunters Academy isn’t safe?"

Agatha had sighed, shaking her head. "Alice, you’re focusing on the wrong thing. Hunters Academy is the safest of all academies. There’s nothing to worry about."

Even now, Athena could recall the conversation as if it had happened just yesterday.

From what she had learned from her parents, all maids at Hunters Academy were either human or elves—both known for their exceptional competence in various fields. Being a maid at the academy was considered a dignified position, one that required extensive qualifications.

Unlike traditional households that employed separate guards, maids, and healers, the academy’s maids were an all-in-one force—efficient and highly skilled. Their expertise extended beyond household chores; they were trained in combat, first aid, and survival tactics, making them invaluable in emergencies.

Only students from higher-level dorms were assigned personal maids, while others shared one maid per small group. However, regardless of numbers, their efficiency was unmatched and not to be underestimated.

But in her memory, she had never heard anyone mention the thing standing before her. It wore a butler’s uniform, and its entire body appeared to be made of metal. Standing in a polite bow, its right hand rested over its chest. Despite being a metal construct, the craftsmanship was extraordinary—its life-like features intricately carved, and even its metallic hair was neatly combed.

Looks like the old man was really skilled, she thought.

As if hearing her, a voice suddenly echoed from thin air. The holographic figure of Rufus Alfonso leaned casually against the massive wardrobe.

“I’m more than just skilled. I was a legend even before my death.”

Athena narrowed her eyes. “Are you reading my mind? How are you doing that?”

Rufus chuckled. “Of course, I can hear your thoughts. You may have a strong mind, but you’re still new to your abilities. Until you learn to control them, I can hear everything.”

She exhaled in mild frustration. “What is this thing, and where am I?”

Rufus straightened, crossing his arms. “Kid, like I said before—work on your manners. And this is not a ‘thing.’ This is Cleo, your butler, one of the high-level robots I created. And this—” he gestured around the room, “is your dorm.”

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

As if on cue, Cleo spoke. “Nice to meet you, Miss. I am Cleo, your butler for as long as you remain a student at Hunters Academy.”

Rufus’s eyes gleamed. “See? Even my robot is more polite than you. Learn from him.”

Athena rolled her eyes. “Didn’t you want to tell me something before I passed out?”

Rufus walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window. “If you’ve made it here at such a young age, it means you’re talented. And it’s a sign.” His voice grew serious. “More will join you soon.”

Turning to face her, he continued, “Life in the House of Alpha won’t be easy. You’ll have to work harder than anyone else. Every day after your classes, you’ll undergo special training in the personnel training room.”

He took a step closer, locking eyes with her. “Remember this: you must return before 9 PM after dinner. The gates automatically lock, and if you’re late, you’ll sleep outside and face punishment.”

Seeing her silent acceptance, Rufus smirked. “I’ll take that as your agreement. Cleo, take good care of her. And kid—” he gave her a knowing glance, “we’ll meet again soon.” With that, his figure faded.

“Miss, it’s time for lunch. Would you like to get ready?” Cleo inquired.

Athena closed her eyes briefly. “Yes.”

At Cleo’s clap, a female maid robot entered. “Miss, this is Lana, your personal maid. Once you’re ready, please inform me. You can use the bell on the bedside table to summon me. I will escort you to the entrance.”

As Cleo turned to leave, Athena suddenly spoke. “Cleo.”

He halted. “Yes, Miss?”

“Don’t you want to know my name?”

Cleo bowed. “We already know your name, Miss. Master informed us beforehand.”

As he exited, Athena suddenly remembered something. “Lana, how long have I been asleep?”

The maid bowed slightly. “Miss, you have only slept for an hour.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, she thought, Thank the Lord. I thought I was out for an entire day. She hurried to get ready, eager to check on Ayden and Julian.

As Cleo had instructed, he arrived to escort her after she finished getting ready. Before leaving, Athena summoned all her luggage from her dimensional ring and placed it inside the massive wardrobe, deciding to organize everything once she returned.

Stepping out of her room, she noticed the golden nameplate on her door, engraved with her name and the room number: 001.

Cleo led her through a grand hallway lined with rooms on both sides, all of which were locked. As she walked, she couldn’t help but admire the exquisite decor—the space was well-lit and radiated warmth. The hallway opened into a vast circular hall, with a magnificent chandelier hanging at its center. She spotted three other hallways branching off—one straight ahead, another to the left, and one to the right.

Cleo guided her through the right hallway, where tall windows allowed golden sunlight to stream in. Through the glass, Athena observed mechanical beings tending to the plants and trees outside with meticulous care. The journey didn’t take long before they reached a set of enormous doors leading outside.

“Miss, a carriage will be arranged to transport you to and from the entrance,” Cleo informed her. “Please remember the master's warning—after 9 PM, travel becomes difficult, even with a carriage.”

From his coat pocket, Cleo produced a sleek wristband and handed it to Athena. “Always keep this wristband on, Miss. Press the red button to summon a screen where you can message or call me.”

He then demonstrated the wristband’s basic functions, and Athena listened attentively. Once he finished, a carriage arrived before them.

Athena’s eyes widened in amazement. It was a horse-drawn carriage—but instead of real horses, four mechanical steeds stood in perfect formation, their metal bodies gleaming under the sunlight. They even neighed and moved as if they were alive. A mechanical coachman sat at the front, awaiting her departure.

Bidding Cleo farewell, she stepped inside the carriage. The interior was just as impressive—spacious, well-decorated, and furnished with plush cushions and glass windows.

As soon as she settled in, the carriage smoothly began its journey.

As the enormous gate swung open, Athena’s breath caught. The world beyond was not what she expected.

Now, she understood why the curfew existed.