March 6th, 1897 – Third Month
That morning, I woke up with a slight jolt as the warm sunlight touched the tips of my feet. I blinked several times, trying to gather my awareness, still drifting in the remnants of last night's dreams. For a moment, the golden light piercing through the window gave me the impression that I had overslept.
My heart began to beat faster. Without a second thought, I jumped out of bed, hastily put on my uniform, and rushed down the stairs in a frenzy. But before I knew what was happening, my foot slipped, my body lost balance, and in an instant, I was sprawled out on the floor below.
"Yohan!"
Mother's worried voice greeted me immediately. She rushed over and helped me to my feet.
"Running down the stairs is dangerous, Yohan!" she said, her tone half scolding, half relieved that I wasn't hurt.
I winced, embarrassed, but quickly tried to explain. "I know, Mom, but I'm late!" I was just about to dash out when a small burst of laughter came from the dining table.
When I turned, Wilhelm and the others were sitting casually, enjoying their breakfast. They looked at me with amused expressions, as if they'd been waiting for this moment.
"Late?" Wilhelm finally spoke, grinning. "It's only six-thirty in the morning, Yohan."
"Huh?"
I frowned and glanced at the large clock in the corner. The short hand indeed pointed just past six-thirty. I froze for a moment, letting full awareness settle in my still-drowsy mind.
I forgot. In spring, the sun rises earlier than it does in winter.
A wave of embarrassment crept over me, making my face flush slightly. Awkwardly, I pulled out a chair and sat at the table with them. Wilhelm held back a laugh, while the others continued to smile with amusement.
During breakfast, we talked about various things—school lessons, the latest gossip, and the most exciting topic: the trip to Notstein village.
Wilhelm and I were selected to join a visit along with the students from the noble wing. For our friends, it was like a golden ticket that sparked envy and admiration, especially with rumors circulating that Princess Serena's class would be joining.
"I'm sure this will be the best trip of my life!" Wilhelm said confidently. He leaned back in his chair, adding with a proud smile, "You're all jealous, aren't you?"
"What? No way!" one of our friends protested, though his expression clearly betrayed the lie.
Wilhelm chuckled in satisfaction. "Really? Just imagine—seeing the lives of nobles up close. And the chance to meet Princess Serena? Ha! That's a rare moment."
Our classmates from the other wing scoffed, some sighing in resignation, while others tried to change the topic to avoid hearing more of Wilhelm's boasting. Still, I could see in their eyes—they truly were jealous.
Meanwhile, Mother simply smiled gently, watching their antics.
After breakfast, we headed to school as usual. The streets were filled with the scent of blooming spring flowers. We chatted and laughed all the way there. But upon arriving at the school gates, only Wilhelm and I remained outside, along with the other selected students. While the rest went inside, we gathered to await departure.
The atmosphere grew quiet. A dull ache spread through my legs, and tired expressions appeared on the faces around me. Just as some began to voice complaints, three teachers in white robes of the Holy Order stepped out from the gate. They looked charismatic. Each step they took radiated an aura of silence that made us fall quiet.
I recognized two of them—Preceptor Rozen and Preceptor Gabriel. The third, an older man around fifty years old, I had never seen before. But from the golden ornaments on his robe, it was clear he was no ordinary figure. He was one of the Lectors of the Holy Order.
Preceptor Rozen stepped forward and called out loudly, "Everyone, please settle down and listen carefully."
His voice made the hairs on my neck stand up.
"Let me introduce," he continued, gesturing toward the older man. "This is Lector Yehezkiel. He will lead and guide us on this journey."
We all bowed respectfully.
"Raise your heads," said Lector Yehezkiel, his voice deep and authoritative.
I looked up at him. His eyes were sharp yet calm. He observed us one by one before speaking,
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. You are the chosen generation that will someday bear the hopes of this nation, and more importantly, the hope of the Divine."
He paused briefly, then continued, "May this journey be a valuable lesson, so that when you return, you come back wiser and more useful—not only to your families, but to the world... and to the Divine."
Midway through his speech, Wilhelm nudged me gently. "Yohan… look to the side. P-Princess Serena is looking at me," he whispered nervously.
I quickly turned, and sure enough—Princess Serena was looking in our direction. But the moment our eyes met, she quickly looked away.
What's going on with her? I wondered, confused. She had smiled and waved at me yesterday, and now she was avoiding my gaze.
Maybe I'll never really understand women.
My expression must've looked strange because Wilhelm gave me a suspicious look.
"Hey, why are you spacing out?" he asked.
"It's nothing. Just forget it," I replied quickly.
"Ahem. Please focus your attention forward," Lector Yehezkiel's voice suddenly startled us.
"This journey will take two days and one night," he continued.
"Whaaaaat!!"
Everyone gasped in unison. But I wasn't surprised—considering the distance, Notstein's location in the mountains, and rest time, two days and one night might even be a bit too fast.
"There's no need to be shocked—that's a reasonable estimate, factoring in all aspects of this journey. Also, we'll be camping along the road at night," Lector Yehezkiel added.
"All necessary supplies for the trip have been prepared by the academy. And most importantly, for safety, we will be escorted by fifteen mounted guards from the Kingdom of Eltheria. That's all the information you need for now. We'll just wait for the carriages to arrive."
A few moments passed, and as Lector Yehezkiel checked his pocket watch, the rumble of carriages began to fill the air.
Five carriages arrived, escorted by fully armed cavalry. All eyes turned toward them.
Preceptor Gabriel took out a list and began calling names.
"Oh, and one important thing," he said, "Whether you're from the noble class or not, everyone will sit together. There will be no segregation in the carriages."
The announcement sparked immediate uproar.
"Why must we sit with them?" one noble protested.
"Yes! Just separate the carriages—two for us, two for them, and one for the teachers," added another.
But Preceptor Rozen quickly intervened with a firm voice, "No exceptions! You are all students of the same academy. You will ride in the same carriages—period."
Silence fell. The nobles said nothing, though their dissatisfaction was plain on their faces.
I understood. They had always received special treatment. Now, for the first time, they were being forced to be equal.
But as always… when it came to the Holy Order's commands, no one could defy them.
Whether noble or not, the authority of the Holy Order was absolute and unchangeable.
Then Preceptor Gabriel began reading off our names at random until finally, Wilhelm and I were called.
"Yohan, carriage number two. Wilhelm, carriage number four."
"Farewell, Yohan. Looks like I'm going to miss you," he said dramatically, placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Oh, stop being so dramatic," I muttered with a small laugh.
I entered carriage number two and took a seat near the front. Time passed, and the carriage gradually filled up. I recognized a few classmates—Caren, Oswalt, James, and Reyna. The rest were nobles. The atmosphere in the carriage was incredibly awkward. No laughter, no chatter—just silence and side glances.
Until finally, the last passenger climbed aboard.
Princess Serena.
We were all stunned—especially us commoners. Who would've thought we'd be in the same carriage as her?
And even more surprising…
She sat beside me.
I stared straight ahead, trying to stay calm. But inside, I knew: I might have just used up all the luck I'd ever have in my entire life today.