In the end, I didn’t get much reading done.

Somehow, the Flower Faeries have overheard rumors about me floating about already… I should probably try to catch less attention.

It’s officially the first day of classes, so my heart is pounding with worry as I make my way to homeroom.

Please let my school life be peaceful, please let my school life be peaceful, please let my school life be peaceful! Taking in a deep breath, I steel my resolve and walk into the lecture hall.

The first thing I notice are the cliques naturally forming. Kindred aristocracy settle to the left side of the classroom, multiple circles of Fairfolk gather in bunches to the right, while groups of Human nobles are spread around.

Looks like Human nobility with more prestige are clumping together. It seems it's not just species that separate us, but class as well… But if possible, I would like the chance to interact with everyone…

Oh, it’s the girl who wore the same dress and got in a spat during the aptitude test. I’m not too well-versed in brands, however she looks well-groomed and her dress looks impeccably detailed today as well. She notices me staring and directs an elegant smile back, beckoning me over with a gloved hand.

“Good morning. You must be Aeriea of the Newlyn household. My name is Margot Linette.”

Ah, the Linette family. Her father is the Minister of Justice, which would explain how she knows my name. Though it’s still a bit surprising that she’s able to recognize me by face since we've never me in any official capacity before.

“My father often speaks fondly of the judicial trials Sir Linette oversees. Apparently, not only is he capable, but he is also quite the showman. So, it is wonderful to finally meet you, Lady Margot. How do you fare today?”

Margot’s perfect, blue eyes glint with ambition as she scrutinizes my face. “I am quite well. Hopeful even, to form meaningful relationships during my time here.”

She introduces the other girls crowding around her, “This is Véronique of the Mercier household,”

A high-profile merchant family.

“and Astrid of the Chastain family.”

The Chastain Manor heiress, a few provinces south.

I narrate in my head without skipping a beat.

“It is a pleasure to meet you ladies.” Turning to Véronique who has short, mahogany-red hair, I curtsy. “The silk your family recently brought back from Sunria is of the finest quality. Luxurious to the touch even. I do hope our trading relations continue to prosper.” Véronique looks content as she curtsies back.

I then turn to Astrid, who has crimped brown hair, and repeat the motion. “I hear the chestnut trees in Chastain are absolutely delightful during the summer.” Astrid’s looks flattered and smiles back in response.

Hahhhhhh, I internally sigh in my head. Thank goodness I was able to respond with proper etiquette.

Margot’s eyes crinkle approvingly.

...Was that a test?

She’s the type to ascend far in the social ladder, all the while aiming even higher. I’m mentally exhausted just thinking about it…

“Speaking of which, Lady Aeriea, it is nothing short of amazing for you to rank top place while only being a first year. Congratulations are in order.”

N-Not this again… “Thank you, but it is nothing so incredible…”

“Nonsense. Let us celebrate after classes today, perhaps an excursion through town.”

“I am honored by your invite. However, as it is the first day of classes, I was hoping to study. Would you three care to join me in the library instead?”

“...”

Whoa… The three look at me as if I just told them I were a Necromancer.

“M-mm… How admirable for you to be so hard-working. But, perhaps another time, Lady Aeriea.”

Hah… So I was right yesterday… It isn’t normal for most nobles to try their best at learning… This is quite a troubling revelation. I blame that brute Aristole for thinking this was normal. I hope you miss dinner tonight.

The doors slam open. Everyone jolts and looks to the door, “Good morning everyone, I will be your professor for the majority of first-year classes.”

W-WHAT!?

I rub my eyes forcefully.

This is an illusion…! An illusion of stress! Slowly, my eyelids crack open to take a peek. Standing at the front of the lecture hall is Aristole.

Unfortunately, Lady Luck has abandoned me for it is not an illusion.

Aristole makes eye contact with me. A shiver runs down my spine as his cool eyes meet my own. A wave of nausea hits. He doesn’t address me though and continues by taking attendance.

Speak the devil’s name and he shall appear alright! That demonic mind reader has invaded my sanctuary of academia!

“Are you alright Aeriea? You suddenly look pale…”

“Hahaha… Thank you for your concern Margot, but I am quite alright. I simply… have low-blood pressure in the mornings.”

What a lie I'm spinning.

If anything, the blood is draining from my face because of that vampire over there- No, that would be an insult to all Kindred…

My peaceful school life…

“Quiet over there!”

WAH! I’M SORRY! Please stop reading my mind!