“So what did she want?” Rena asked.

“He,” I corrected, “and he wanted me to help spread the word that he is definitely male. It seems he has had a lot of trouble.”

“What? That cute kitty was a guy?” Rena asked in disbelief.

I nodded. “I think the first course of action is a manly training regimen, don’t you think?”

“Poor Autumn,” Rena whispered, “I will be sure to pay my respects at your fune-”

“I am not going to die!” Autumn shouted, “and I was super manly before… I mean I am sure I can be super manly!”

“That’s the spirit,” I encouraged, “But what image to go for? A knight in shining armor? A prince? A scholar? I know, the delinquent seeming hero type!”

I was glared at fiercely by Autumn. “Okay,” I amended, “Just the hero type…”

“That sounds cool to me,” Autumn said, “but keep in mind I am in the magic division, okay?”

“Of course. I should come up with some ideas before we meet again,” I promised, “Muscles and fashion are a must for sure. If you want to be seen as a man you need to dress like one.”

Autumn backed away. “Um… I am going to go back to my group.”

The cat beastkin boy quickly escaped while I plotted the manly training regimen I would put him through. While I was plotting somehow the field trip ended and I forgot to target a cool new friend.

“It is your own fault for going off into your own little world,” Rena told me, “Stop pouting.”

“But who knows when next time will be? What if this was a once in a life time opportunity to make connections?!”

“Didn’t you make one? That not-girl beastkin.”

I paused. Yes, that was true. I had intended to just help him as practice for a quest of the queen, but since I was training him anyway, there shouldn’t be any harm in making him a strong connection to the magician division.

Before I noticed a dark chuckle left my lips. “Yes, it is perfect. You truly are a genius, Rena! No matter who becomes the queen I am sure we will be perfect partners!”

“Okay, but calm down. Remember, we have special guests coming tomorrow so we have to prepare today.”

“Right after the field trip, huh?” I wondered, “They must be preparing us for the busy life of nobility. Let’s get going!”

Rena panicked as I darted forwards. “Hold on! Sandra! Wait up!”

The preparations for the guest were just as amazing as I anticipated. Truly, there could be no better position than queen candidate.

The next day I woke up much earlier than I usually would, filled to the brim with excitement. The sun had not even come up but there was no chance of going back to sleep. There were no mechanical clocks in this world so I did not know what time it was without looking at the dorm’s magical clock. I couldn’t wait to learn time magic. Magical clocks sure were convenient.

Before I noticed I was pacing. “What are you doing?” a grumpy Rena hissed.

“Oops,” I whispered, “Sorry, did I wake you?”

“Yes,” she groaned, “You are never up this early.”

“Sorry,” I apologized again, “but I just can’t wait to meet these guests.”

“Wouldn’t sleeping make it go faster?” Rena complained.

“Unless I slept in and wasn’t ready in time. I could never handle the embarrassment from that.”

“Ugh. Fine. Let’s get ready and wait-”

“EVERYONE! Wake up and get ready! The guests are coming in less than an hour!” May shouted.

Rena quickly scrambled up. “No way! You were right again,” she said, shooting strange glances in my direction.

I was actually already dressed. “I will help with the remaining setup,” I told her, “Hurry and get dressed. I will make sure to cover for you until you arrive.”

Rena smiled. “Yeah. Now get moving.” She gave me a small shove.

Outside of the dorms it was a bit chaotic. Everyone was rushing to take care of the morning preparations, but even with the chaos everyone was doing their part properly. I couldn’t help but feel a bit of pride for being among them.

“Cassandra, can you take care of the entrance!” May called, out of breath.

“Right away!” I responded. I quickly got to work. I opened the drapes and made sure the decor was perfect, and as I was sweeping the floor again just in case, Rena came out and joined me.

“I can’t believe they are really coming this early. I was placed in charge of greeting them along with Iris. Hold on, where is Iris?” Rena blurted.

I looked around. Come to think of it I hadn’t seen her. As a blue-haired elf she stood out so I doubt I missed her. “Do you think maybe she didn’t wake up yet?”

“Wait!” Iris panted, “I got lost again. Do I look okay? Can you tell I ran here?”

Iris looked as stunning as usual so I gave her a thumbs up and retreated to help in the large dining hall where the guests would be joining us for breakfast. Rena and Iris sure were lucky.

Things were already set up in the dining hall so there was nothing for us to do but wait for Iris and Rena to bring the guests inside. There was a tense silence. I had a feeling the older girls already knew who was coming, and from the way they were acting the guests were amazing people.

The door to the dining room opened. “Welcome the queen and her princesses,” Rena announced.

“Welcome the shadow maidens,” Iris announced.

First the queen stepped in, followed by ten princesses. Princesses are those who assist the queen, and are not far behind her in authority. They serve as her replacements when she is sick or busy. Then the shadow maidens entered. They were clad in dark clothing and moved with elegance and confidence. These ladies were the ones who specialized in gathering information for the queen, and spreading the information everyone gathered to important people. They were an intelligence agency, but to me they were definitely ninjas.

The queen stepped forward. “Today is the day after all new candidates have gathered to have the annual Feast of Maidens. Take this time to strengthen your bonds and decide for yourself who you truly want to be. All of the candidates who graduate Nobility will be able to join us, but I can only name one of you my heir. If you truly wish to follow in my footsteps, become someone that your fellows would be proud to follow. Now, let the feast commence.”

The guests sat down and the girls in charge of bringing the food came in. Everything was just according to plan. And to think, I got to meet the princesses and shadow maidens! This would definitely be my favorite day of the year.