Their home room teacher, Grace Astoria, was a Princess from the kingdom of Russow. She was directly hired as a teacher after she graduated in Windsor two years ago. Her achievement of becoming the youngest and first female teacher in the most prestigious school in the whole empire made her a legendary figure in their generation. She was beautiful, smart, upright, and fair-minded. All the students look up to her and all the girls idolize her.

"As you noticed, classes for first years are divided by gender. Obviously, the reason for this is some archaic gender inequality bull. However, I do see its importance. Unlike the male populace, we girls, only received home schooling before entering this school at the age of 18. Thus, there is indeed a need to correctly assess the knowledge and capability of each and everyone of you." Grace said while raising her left brow, looking intimidating. Serena noted the class being silent, taking every word in.

"You may feel a bit intimidated now, I can see. But fear not, for that is the reason I am here. I know that you all were educated differently, but keep to heart if you may my advice, that education is NOT merely the learning of the facts, but the TRAINING of the mind to THINK." And then she smiled.

The students were all speechless in awe. Serena had to smile with the ingenuity. She read that line in the novel before but hearing it herself is another experience entirely.

"Now, as you all heard, in this school, your title is moot. You all will need to address each other by name if you're close, Miss or Mister plus the surname if you're not. However, in this class, I want to harness solidarity. So I ask everyone to call each other at least by name. By the way, as this is the first day of class, let us introduce ourselves. I'll start and let the girl in the front seat next to the window continue. Again, I am Grace Astoria from the kingdom of Russow. Just call me Teacher or Sister Grace. Don't call me Ma'am Grace, it makes me feel so old!" Grace said exaggeratedly as the students laughed.

"I am Kelly May Roberts from the kingdom of Balamb. Please call me Kelly or Kiel." The girl stood from her seat and said shyly.

"I am Millicent Stark from the kingdom of Horace. Please call me Milly..."

"I am Serena Lilianne Maxwell from yours truly, you may all call me Serena." Serena said as she turned to everyone, smiled winningly, and bowed. 'Well, I need to at least make everyone like me, unlike the previous Serena, I do intend to enjoy my time here.' She thought, recalling how frigid novel Serena initially was.

Serena observed that people in the class either smiled at her, gave her strange looks, or sized her up. She knew that her name was well known specially to young maidens whose heart has been stolen by either the crown prince Geoffrey or her brother Leonard. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Emily turn pale.

The students continued to introduce themselves, and when it was Emily's turn, although she was down, she still introduced herself confidently. After everyone was done, Teacher Grace gave more inspiring speech, and then gave instructions and guidelines regarding their schooling this year.

"Unlike before when women of upper society were only taught how to please their husbands through learning how to sew, cook, sing, dance, and play an instrument, we are given opportunities to grasp more or even try to reach further heights. I am not saying that learning those is of little worth, but knowledge is power. I always believed that women should also be given the same right and access to education as men. And it is gratifying that now, you and I are part of the first institution to give chance to this sentiment. As part of the first batch of female graduates of our school, I must say through experience that learning more is not just that. This 'more' in terms of knowledge is the key that opens the door for us women to be what we want to be. So I implore you all to seize this opportunity granted to you... As first year students, it may be difficult for you to adjust with the schedule and load that will be given. Some may be encountering most of the subjects for the first time. But as they say, be brave to travel the unknown path, and learn what you are capable of." Grace said as she turned to start writing on the board using chalk.

"As you can see on the board is your schedule. This year from Mondays to Thursdays, you will be learning seven core academic subjects which are Mathematics, History, Reading, Biology, Philosophy, Economics and Geography. In case you are asking, all first years have the same subjects only that the lessons to be given your male counterparts are more advanced. While Fridays are dedicated to extracurricular activities aimed for socializing...."

'Ugh... all those subjects will surely give me a headache. In the novel, all those were just said in passing, but here, I have to actually study all of them again? Huhu... hopefully, I will be able to recall all those subjects I learned in college and graduate school. Alas, with this strict schedule, when will I get the chance to make waves with my love life? OH!!!! Fridays is the time when all students get to socialize. There are 6 sports activities to choose from in the morning, Fencing, Polo, swimming, croquet, archery and chess. In the afternoon, students need to choose amongst activities related to arts which are, sculpting, painting, calligraphy, music, and dance. I remember that Charlton took fencing and music during his second year. I have no plans of joining the fencing class, but music will be ok, although I am not a prodigy, I can still sing and play the piano, well at least a little.' Serena thought as she continued to listen to Teacher Grace.

"All subjects from Monday to Thursday will be held in this classroom with your classmates. While on Fridays, the venue, and the people you will be socializing with would depend on the class you choose. For your information, let me add that this year, aside from being your homeroom teacher, I will be teaching you economics. Do you have any question?"

"None..." the class said in unison.

"Alright. As it is your first day, the school is lenient, and no lesson will be given today. As there are no questions, I will be dismissing all of you early. Use the remainder of the day to explore the school. Tomorrow, I will ask everyone to provide the name of the clubs they will be joining on Fridays. Thank you very much and have pleasant day ahead. Goodbye." Teacher Grace said as she smiled to the class.

All the students stood up to the side of their table and gave a curtsy. "Goodbye, teacher Grace" Everyone said.

'Funny how everyone just did that. As if they rehearsed it.' Serena thought as Teacher Grace left them.

After Grace left, the girls smiled tentatively at each other. Almost everyone just met each other for the first time. Most of the students decided to talk to those who sat near them.

--

TBC