After Tanya Whirlwind concluded her introduction, a fair-looking girl with long, wavy black hair tied in a ponytail, seated behind Tanya, stepped forward. She wore a worn red sleeveless warrior hanfu adorned with burgundy borders, a light pink sash cinched around her waist, and simple black leather shoes.
As she approached the front, she bowed her head. Her voice, soft yet surprisingly firm, carried across the classroom:
"Greetings. My name is Reina Flaming. I am a first-year disciple, aspiring to master Flame magic. I live with my family in Bronzeforge Village, Southern Silver Heaven. My elder sister serves as a maid for a wealthy noble family."
"I aspire to become the strongest Flame Magus this academy has ever seen! And I also hope to make many friends here."
Once Reina concluded her introduction, whispers immediately spread among the disciples:
"Flaming? Isn't that a commoner's name? She's sitting near noble disciples! Surely she knows her place."
"She's sitting so close to disciples of noble lineage. I assumed she was also a Noble. Doesn't she know her place?"
"Her face is quite beautiful, despite her simple outfit. There's no chance she could be a Noble."
The hurtful words pierced Reina, sending a subtle shiver through her. Reina forced a small, brave smile, masking the sting of their harsh words. Her eyes fell to the ground. A brief flicker of pain crossed her face, swiftly hidden by her stoic resolve.
"That concludes my introduction. I look forward to learning with all of you," she said, bowing stiffly, her face meticulously neutral.
Just as her hand was about to grasp the back of the chair, a figure appeared, obstructing her path. Reina raised her eyes to identify the brown-haired girl who had halted her.
"Stop right there, commoner! Where do you think you're going? Surely you don't intend to sit here? That seat is reserved for the nobility, not… just anyone," a brown-haired girl declared, her arms crossed, exuding an air of superiority, her expression filled with disdain.
"Yes. Find somewhere else to sit. You don't belong near us," a black-haired girl seated behind adjusted her glasses and waved her hand dismissively.
The words pierced deeper than any blade, echoing with the insults Reina had endured throughout her life.
"Understood. My apologies. I merely sought an unoccupied place," without saying another word, Reina started to turn, the sting of their remarks leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. Before she could move, a warm hand gently gripped her wrist, halting her.
"Wait! Reina, you don't need to go anywhere," a gentle, melodic voice said.
"But Lady Nina… she's just a commoner. She shouldn't be sitting so close to you," Natsumi exclaimed, eyes widening in disbelief.
The girl holding Reina's hand smiled softly, her presence radiating calm authority. "Within these academy walls, all disciples are equal. There are no royals, nobles, or commoners—only disciples striving for knowledge and wisdom."
She continued, her voice steady yet imbued with quiet strength: "My father always believed in treating everyone with respect, and I intend to follow his example. Reina has every right to sit where she pleases. Her abilities and character are what truly matter, not her lineage."
A stunned silence enveloped the room. Natsumi and Julia exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier pride wavering under the weight of Nina's words.
"Oh… you're right, Lady Nina," Natsumi stammered, her voice small.
"We crossed the line. Please forgive us, Lady Nina," Julia added, her posture softening.
Nina turned to Reina, her smile gentle and sincere. "Reina, I am truly sorry for their behaviour. Will you accept my friendship?"
A warmth unfamiliar to her filled Reina's chest. The sadness melted, replaced by a shy but radiant smile. Her eyes shimmered with tears.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I would be honoured to be your friend," Reina said softly.
"Oh, just call me Nina. We're friends now, remember?" Nina replied, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Yes, Nina," Reina said, grasping Nina's hand.
The two shared a soft smile—a promise of the friendship that had just begun. Reina settled into her seat beside Nina, a sense of belonging blooming within her.
**********
Admiring whispers rippled among the disciples, their faces alight with collective appreciation for Nina's kindness.
"How generous of Lady Nina to extend her friendship to Reina. She truly represents the spirit of compassion. It's rare to witness such humility in someone of noble blood."
"She's the sweetest. Offering friendship to Reina, a commoner… it's inspiring."
Even Grandmaster Maya Flamefox observed from the side-lines, a knowing smile gracing her lips.
"Generosity? What an utter display. She's mingling with a commoner—it insults her lineage. Commoners are meant to serve, not to befriend. Such sentimentality is… unbecoming," Katherine scoffed, her tone dripping with contempt.
"It seems her father has clearly failed to instill proper decorum in her. A royal should recognize her inherent superiority," Katherine added, her lavender silk hanfu shimmering as her eyes narrowed.
"Lady Nina was raised with boundless love, genuine respect, and an understanding of true dignity—not with the inflated ego and arrogance some display. She possesses everything she should," Maya's eyes sparkled, her posture firm and resolute.
A thick tension hung in the air, their verbal clash silencing the hall. Katherine's jaw clenched, a flash of outrage in her eyes as Maya's words cut deep.
"Are you implying something, Lady Flamefox?" Katherine hissed.
"I'm merely stating facts, Lady Dragonblade," Maya replied, her eyes narrowing with a teasing glint.
Shaun, sitting quietly, allowed a gentle smile to touch his lips. Warmth spread through him, memories flooding back from beneath the cherry blossom tree.
"She truly is an angel… just like back then under the cherry blossom tree. Her kindness shines brightly," he murmured, lost in the memory.
He gazed toward Nina, completely absorbed in admiration, the faintest trace of awe reflected in his eyes. Natasha, sitting next to him, noticed Shaun's focused gaze. A flicker of jealousy crossed her otherwise confident face, subtle but undeniable.
"Shaun? Are you alright?" she asked, her tone soft yet tinged with curiosity.
**********
As Reina settled into her seat, a graceful girl stood and stepped forward. Her angelic fair skin and curvaceous silhouette radiated elegance, while her long black hair framed a face of serene beauty. Her indigo eyes, deep and luminous like the ocean, captivated everyone around her. A gentle smile graced her lips as she bowed respectfully and spoke.
"Greetings, esteemed masters and fellow disciples. My name is Nina Heavenstar, a first-year disciple aspiring to master holy magic. My father, Lord David Heavenstar, was the former Emperor, a leader beloved by all. I aspire to uphold his legacy of compassion and strength."
"My great-grandfather, Lord Gabriel Heavenstar, is counted among the greatest Supreme Magi and Guardians of the Silver Heaven Region."
"I yearn to follow in their footsteps, to become a Supreme Magus myself. I wish to protect our realm and serve our people with compassion and fortitude. Here, I hope to be accepted not merely as a princess, but as a friend and fellow disciple." As Nina concluded her introduction, the room erupted in whispers, a mixture of awe and admiration sweeping through the disciples.
"Did she say… Heavenstar? She's not just a noble, she's a princess! She's stunning… like a goddess!"
"Lord David's daughter? And Lord Gabriel's great-granddaughter? Incredible! Their legends are unmatched, and she embodies them perfectly."
"She's breath-taking! Her hair shines like spun moonlight, and her eyes… like endless indigo pools. I wish I could possess such grace. Such beauty… it almost feels unfair. We're all… inferior to her."
The hall buzzed with murmurs of envy and admiration, the disciples collectively enthralled by Nina's lineage and presence. From the fifth row, a brown-haired girl observed the commotion with a sly, devious smile. She leaned back, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Well, well, if it isn't Princess Nina gracing us with her royal presence. Did you bring your crown and a royal decree to make us your loyal subjects? Just kidding, of course," she said, her tone laced with both sarcasm and challenge.
**********
The legacy of Lord David Heavenstar and Lord Gabriel Heavenstar wasn't just carved in stone; it lived in the very spirit of the Silver Heaven Region. Lord David Heavenstar had been an emperor whose reign defined an era. He cherished his people, treating every subject as though they were his own children — a ruler of wisdom and compassion, remembered with reverence in every corner of the land.
Lord Gabriel Heavenstar, Nina's great-grandfather, was a figure of unshakable integrity and strength. His deeds had inspired generations, his very name still echoing as a beacon for every aspiring magus.
Now, that heritage rested upon Nina's delicate shoulders. With her breath-taking beauty and the gravity of her bloodline, she had always drawn admirers. But admiration was not universal.
"Honestly, the way everyone fawns over her is ridiculous," Natasha muttered, her arms crossed tightly against her chest. "It's sickening. She's barely been here, and already it's Lord David this, Lord Gabriel that. A bunch of lovesick fools worshipping her name."
Her black eyes flicked toward Shaun. "And why is a princess even here? Shouldn't she be locked away in some royal palace, learning from the kingdom's finest masters? This is nothing but a show. Look at them, Shaun — disciples falling over themselves to bow at her feet. Pathetic, isn't it?"
But Shaun wasn't listening. His eyes were fixed ahead, wide with awe as the morning light fell upon Nina's serene face. For a moment, the classroom faded, and he was back beneath the cherry blossom tree, staring at the mysterious girl he had once glimpsed in silence.
"It's her…" he whispered. "I never thought she was a princess. This… this is unbelievable."
"Shaun?" Natasha's voice sharpened. "Shaun Thunderhawk! Are you even listening to me?"
"Huh? What? Of course, Natasha—" He stammered, tearing his gaze away, his voice cracking with guilt.
Her brows knitted as she leaned closer, her tone tinged with jealousy. "Don't tell me you were gawking at her like the rest of them. A moth to a flame, is that it?"
"No! I—I wasn't!" Shaun said quickly, his ears burning. "I was just… surprised, that's all. You don't meet royalty every day in class, you know?"
Natasha gave a huff, though the flush on her cheeks betrayed more than irritation. "All boys are the same. Mesmerized by a pretty face. Hmph." Then, with sudden defiance, she straightened, tossing her brown ponytail back. "Princess or not, I'm definitely prettier than she is. Right?"
Shaun froze, then scratched the back of his head, his lips fumbling into a smile. "You're… you're really beautiful, Natasha. Honestly."
Her pout softened ever so slightly, though she tried to hide it with a dismissive glance away.
**********
"Silence, class!" Maya's voice sliced through the hum of chatter like a blade of authority. Instantly, the grand classroom fell into a hush, every disciple straightening under the Grandmaster's commanding gaze.
Her sharp eyes softened as they settled upon Nina Heavenstar. A warm, almost maternal smile graced her lips.
"Today, we are honoured beyond measure," Maya declared, her voice echoing across the high-arched hall. "For within these walls sits Princess Nina Heavenstar. Royalty has graced Silver Heaven Academy before, but rarely with such humility. Princess, your willingness to stand as an equal among your fellow disciples moves me deeply."
"Princess Nina, your kindness toward your classmates, regardless of birth or standing, is a lesson in itself. Your grace in addressing Reima earlier was proof of that. Where harsh words might have sparked resentment, your wisdom turned the moment into understanding. For that, I commend you." Her words carried weight, stirring quiet admiration among the class.
Nina lowered her gaze modestly, but a faint glow of pride touched her cheeks. Maya's tone deepened, carrying a reverent cadence:
"Remember, disciples, Princess Nina is not simply of noble blood. She is the great-granddaughter of Emperor David, whose compassion shaped a kingdom, and of Supreme Magus Gabriel, whose courage safeguarded our lands."
A ripple of awe moved through the room. But Maya did not stop there. Her eyes sharpened, and her words struck like thunder.
"And yet—her lineage runs deeper still. Princess Nina carries within her veins the blood of the greatest magus ever to walk this earth… Lord Shinrama Heavenstar, the one who surpassed even the Legend Rank!"
The classroom erupted in gasps and hushed exclamations.
"What?! Lord Shinrama Heavenstar?"
"The strongest magus in history… and she's his descendant?"
"Unbelievable!"
"Yes. Lord Shinrama—whose power defied even the boundaries of legend. His name is etched into the very foundation of our arcane history. And now, his descendant sits among you. Princess Nina, I urge you to honour this legacy and let it guide your path." Maya raised a hand, quieting them with a dignified calm.
"Lady Grandmaster Maya, it is my greatest wish to live up to their name. If you would allow me the honour of learning directly under your guidance, I promise to devote myself to greatness." Nina rose from her seat and bowed deeply. Her voice, though soft, carried unwavering resolve:
Maya's approving nod sent another ripple of murmurs through the disciples. But not all voices carried admiration. Katherine leaned with a sardonic smirk.
"Well, the princess certainly knows how to polish her crown. Pride and grace—the only jewels a royal truly needs."
The tension hung in the air as Nina gracefully resumed her seat. Her childhood friends Julia Morningstar and Natsumi Celestine soon stepped forward, introducing themselves with the confidence of those long accustomed to walking in her shadow.
Meanwhile, Shaun sat distant, his black eyes unfocused. His mind wandered past the murmurs of the class, past the titles and honours being spoken.
Noelle Airheart… Lord Shinrama Heavenstar… True legends, who proved that through will alone, even Heaven itself could be drawn down to Earth. And me… just a commoner boy. Can anyone like me ever reach such heights? Or are legends simply a gift of bloodline and destiny?
His hand tightened over his lap, a sigh slipping unbidden from his lips. The thought weighed heavily on him, even as his heart burned quietly with defiance.
**********