Arrival and Enrollment

Raphael glanced at the young prince Alistair from across the courtyard. His princely features were striking—even Raphael had to admit that his heart fluttered a bit. **"At just seven years old, Prince Alistair already possesses the intelligence of an 18-year-old man,"** the rumors said, and from what Raphael observed, it seemed to be true. The sheer influence and power that Alistair had worried him. He knew his mission would be far more challenging than anticipated.

Time seemed to slip by quickly. Now five years old, Raphael had already learned a great deal about the politics and power structures of this world. Yet, in all these years, his father had never once attended his birthday celebrations. The festivities were modest, attended only by maids, but they were the closest thing to a family he had.

Staring into the mirror, Raphael marveled at his reflection. **"I'm growing up into a beautiful lady,"** he thought, not with pride but with a strange detachment. His appearance was undeniably feminine, a stark reminder of the world he'd been reincarnated into. He chuckled softly as he remembered he hadn't had any real friends. **"Wait, I only had one friend,"** he muttered, thinking back to his past life.

Raphael's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hushed voices from the hallway. Curious, he crept closer, pretending to play with his toys. The maids, thinking he was just an innocent five-year-old girl, continued their conversation without paying him any mind.

"Did you hear that the young mistress is going to school?" one maid whispered.

"School? What about kindergarten and the other children's schools?" the other maid asked in surprise.

"I don't know myself. Maybe the Marquis is still mad at his daughter, even after all these years."

"Well, it's no surprise. He only married the envoy duchess for political power and influence, which crumbled when she died. The whole family's reputation suffered because of it."

The second maid shifted nervously. "You shouldn't talk like that. If the young master hears you, he'll be furious."

Suddenly, the maids froze, their conversation cut short. The air shifted. Someone important had arrived.

Raphael could feel it too, the change in the atmosphere. He quickly composed himself, setting his toys down as the room fell into a tense silence.

Someone significant was about to enter, and Raphael's instincts told him that this encounter would be far more important than a mere visitor.

The maids turned around, eyes wide. They bowed deeply as a figure entered the room—an imposing presence who radiated authority.The door creaked open, and a tall man stepped into the room. His aura was commanding, his eyes sharp as they scanned the room before landing on Raphael. Dressed in finely tailored clothes, his presence was enough to silence everyone in the vicinity. Raphael knew immediately that this man was no ordinary visitor.

"Young mistress Asha," the man said, his voice deep and composed, though there was an edge to it. "I see you've grown."

Raphael felt a chill crawl down his spine. Asha—the name given to him in this life. Despite living as a child for the past five years, he still hadn't fully accepted his new identity. The man before him was a stranger, but there was no mistaking the power he wielded. The maids were trembling, their heads bowed low, refusing to meet his gaze.

"I am Lord Garrick, your father's chief advisor," the man introduced himself, though his cold demeanor made it clear this wasn't a courtesy visit. "His Grace has requested that you begin formal schooling immediately. You will be enrolled in the Royal Academy."

Raphael blinked in surprise. The Royal Academy? He had overheard snippets about it before—it was a prestigious institution, attended only by the highest-ranking nobles and royalty. Yet, the sudden decision felt odd. His father had never shown any interest in him. Why now?

Garrick's eyes narrowed, as if sensing Raphael's hesitation. "You are to represent the family. It's time you fulfilled your duty as the Marquis' daughter."

The words stung, but Raphael maintained his composure. He wasn't just a child in this world—he was Raphael, with a mind far older and sharper than they could imagine. But the decision was made, and he had no choice but to comply. The system within him stirred slightly, as if acknowledging the change in his circumstances.

"Understood," Raphael finally responded, his voice soft but steady.

Garrick gave a curt nod before turning to leave. "You'll leave for the academy in two days. Prepare yourself." He paused for a moment, glancing over his shoulder. "And remember, the world is watching you, Asha. Do not disappoint your father."

As the door shut behind him, the maids hurriedly began to tidy up, too nervous to speak. Raphael, meanwhile, sat quietly in his seat, deep in thought.

"So, it's happening. The academy…," Raphael muttered to himself. The system buzzed in the back of his mind, feeding him information. It confirmed what he already suspected: the Royal Academy was a hotbed of politics and influence, filled with the future leaders of the country. If he was to survive and thrive in this world, this would be his next battlefield.

For the rest of the day, Raphael's mind was preoccupied with the upcoming shift in his life. He had spent years learning about the world, its politics, and magic through books and eavesdropping on conversations. But this would be his first time stepping into the world of nobles as an active participant.

Night fell, and Raphael lay in bed, his mind racing with possibilities. "The Royal Academy…" His thoughts drifted to Prince Alistair. Surely, he would be there. The prince's influence was vast, even at such a young age. He will be my greatest obstacle, Raphael thought, but also acknowledged that Alistair could be a powerful ally.

As the moonlight filtered into the room, Raphael felt the system stir again. This time, it spoke.

[SYSTEM ALERT: Preparations for the Royal Academy have been initiated. Access to additional learning modules unlocked.]

A small smile tugged at Raphael's lips. "This will be my chance to understand the politics more deeply. If I can learn the system here, I can maneuver my way to the top."

The system continued. [New skills available for analysis. Combat Magic, Political Strategy, and Social Manipulation modules are now unlocked.]

Raphael closed his eyes, focusing on the system's interface in his mind. "Let's see how far this world's magic and politics can take me," he whispered, ready to face the next chapter of his journey.

Two days later, as the carriage rolled towards the grand gates of the Royal Academy, Raphael steeled himself for what lay ahead. The academy will be my proving ground, he thought, gazing out at the towering castle-like structure.