2 An Unenthusiastic Audience

As a "straight A" student, I used to have this disgusting habit of assuming that everyone who failed to do well in school was all doomed to be troublemakers. I never said it aloud, but gradually, I realized that these people aren't actually all that bad.

Some students just like to have fun and enjoy their lives to the fullest. If you overlook all the delinquent behavior and touch base on who they truly are behind their foul mouths, you would think so too. Sometimes, they say things that are surprisingly highly intelligent…they just don't always do. If a person—no matter their reputation or wrongdoings—tries their utmost best, I think they could accomplish more than you could ever guess. It irritates me when I hear my beloved friends insult another student just because that student doesn't give a shit about their education. That's why I can't help but defend people like that—for they always have much more to show than what you've been told.

My heart felt crushed after hearing those brutal words—not because they are scrutinizing "me"—but because they are basing Elisabeth wholly on prejudice.

After all, how many of them have actually spoken to her?

"My Lady, you must hurry." Teresa ushered me along. "Your incident with Lady Lancaster is still fresh, you must not tarnish your reputation further."

"What incident?" I asked her with rising concern.

When she didn't acknowledge my first question, I reiterated the inquisition with a more vehement tone.

Her face contorted into discomfort. She hastily reached out to straighten a stray strand of the raven crop on my head. "My Lady, please! It is not the time for this discussion!"

Unwillingly and reluctantly, I entered through the towering gates. The academy entrance was enormous, and many of the school structures were made of glittering marble. What really made the scene so unbelievable was the abundance of ladies and gentlemen wearing outfits fit for grand balls. It was as if they had been preparing for this day for quite some time.

Despite all the bustle, I found my way in and followed the crowd towards the auditorium. People naturally avoided me, which was advantageous for me. I didn't need to deal with anyone just quite yet, and I didn't feel like it either. The seats were white with red velvet like a lavish cushioned armchair. Every student had their own, except for me. I was stuck standing in the rear.

That's unusual, why wouldn't I have a chair? Has it really come to the point where people are discriminating against Elisabeth? It's great that she wasn't half-blind like I was. Reading books and staring at screens in the dark didn't do me good. I'll learn from my mistakes this time.

The lights were focused on an elderly man with a scruffy beard. He was positioned directly in the middle of a huge stage where he spoke with loud volumes. Everything was arranged much like an expensive theater with some VIP seats for people of authority above us.

Who would be watching from those seats?

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the opening ceremony of the prestigious academy for the upper class. I am Headmaster Oscar, the head of the academy. Will each student come to the stage and present themselves before society?" Headmaster Oscar asked.

Present yourself before society? This is a thing? I don't even know basic royal etiquette. Everyone here seems to be so experienced and comfortable—what if I make a joke out of myself?

One by one, the students came by the call of their name from the headmaster. They introduced themselves and curtsied or bowed accordingly. With that, they left the stage with elegance. The one that stood out the most was Caydel Whitensen. His hair was light brown and his eyes a brilliant blue. The female students seemed to be very fond of this person, which was one of the reasons why he caught my eye.

With great pride and dignity, the young gentleman ascended the velvet stairs to the stage and faced the audience fearlessly. He gave a warm smile before bowing deeply to us.

"My name is Caydel Whitensen, the Crown Prince of Whitensen," were his words.

I could hear stifled squeals.

Ah...I see he is that kind of person. Though I do understand where they're getting at, he is attractive, and he is a prince, but is there something important I am missing? I feel like there's another reason why the audience is reacting in this way. Perhaps, I'm being silly. He is a prince and the heir to the throne of whatever kingdom he may belong to.

Before I could put two and two together, I was shaken back into reality.

"Miss Elisabeth Carabell," the headmaster announced.

My heart lurched forward.

I'm not ready for this at all. Whew. Here we go.

I walked down the aisle towards the stage stairway. I could feel the others staring me down, expecting me to be rude and arrogant.

Even the headmaster said my name as if he weren't fond of it. I really am infamous for being a terrible person, aren't I? That's not going to stop me from trying my best anyways. It's not like I've done this before, so I'll end up winging it either way.

I stood before the audience with my best posture and gazed forward at the many uncomforting faces.

"Hello everyone, my name is Elisabeth Carabell, the daughter of the Carabell family," I introduced with a bright smile and a curtsy.

The students glanced at each other uneasily.

Did I say something strange?

Even if I did, I exited the stage without any other issues. My attention diverted from my thumping chest to those who encircled me in an instant, attempting to hear what they were saying about me. A mysterious gloom loomed over those around me. Malicious words blossomed from here and there and all that breathed.

"I heard that she's an illegitimate child. Any Carabell child that was raised properly always succeeded expectations, but her? She can't do anything."

"Wow, she has the nerve to introduce herself as a part of the Carabell family."

"How disrespectful."

There are rumors about Elisabeth like that? If the people I saw this morning were my parents, I'd say we look very similar. I have "my" father's eyes and "my" mother's hair. There shouldn't be any questioning being done about whether or not I'm an illegitimate child. I'm surprised the oh-so-grand reputation of the Carabell family has permitted this absurd story. Ridiculous.

Everyone quickly silenced themselves when a certain person was announced.

"Miss Viktoria Lancaster," the headmaster boomed.

My heart plunged again. Her golden hair trailed behind her as her silky train glided across the stage. The noble lady's facial features resembled that of an ethereal goddess. Amethyst eyes peered at the crowd with virtue and allure. For some odd reason, I felt as if her gaze was directly caught on mine. I wasn't sure if I had seen wrong, but I could've sworn she slyly grinned at me with this…this dark sense of superiority.

Huh? Why would I…why would I be nervous when it's not my turn? That's so strange.

"Viktoria is stunning, but she's very smart too. Elisabeth should learn from her."

"Indeed, Viktoria excels in every subject. She has no rival. I aspire to be as studious."

"She retains such a high reputation too."

The constant whispers circled around, but as soon as this Viktoria girl was on the stage, everyone shut their mouths. They appeared to be acting so innocently⎯as if they weren't degrading another person just a moment ago.

"I am Viktoria Lancaster, the daughter of the Lancaster family," she said with a silky voice.

Her curtsy seemed to keep everyone in a trance, and as soon as she left the stage, they averted their watchful eyes. Every footstep resonated so clearly with dignity and power as she ambled down the staircase. Her golden hair danced behind her as her eyes twinkled a mesmerizing purple hue.

I wonder why everyone loves Viktoria so much. Popular people are really out of this world. I was always curious about how it felt to be loved and respected by your peers. Even though people didn't hate me, my type of popularity was much different. My fellow classmates were aware of me and my achievements, but it's not like they would wholeheartedly support me unconditionally. I wasn't blessed with the best genes, so it's not like I ever had men chasing me. I was their student council president, that one kid who was equally kind to everyone, but never the one everyone aspired to be.

The thought made my hands shake uncontrollably. Tears started to well up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I couldn't show everyone such a pitiful side of me. It didn't matter who saw it, but it mattered if they did.

No matter how hard I tried to improve myself, it's like people only ever nod and look away. For once, I just want someone to appreciate me. Well, it's not important now. Calm down…

After I took a couple deep breaths, my special ritual to ease the nerves that liked to stress me out, I set my head on straight. Determination fired up in my soul, burning the malicious thoughts that taunted and ridiculed me.

I'm going to try my best for now, and then I'll figure out how to handle my inconvenient situation. What if I'm actually asleep and I'm missing my classes? I may have imagined that slap earlier. I need to confirm a couple things before I go crazy. Hmm, I wonder if I can convince another person to slap me.

Once the student introductions were finished, the headmaster nodded his head and resumed the rest of the ceremony. This process included a detailed explanation of where exactly we, the students, were supposed to go. It was much to my convenience.

"Students, please proceed to your first classes of the day. Student rankings will be posted at the end of each semester. Excel and do well," the headmaster dismissed us.

Silk and lace twirled and twisted as each lady gracefully rose from their seats. The aroma of various perfumes burned away my nostrils as it swirled about in the atmosphere. I found myself developing a pounding headache from all the clashing and intertwining scents. I gagged a bit, using my hand to cover my mouth. A lurching feeling started to bounce about in my stomach, greatly contributing to my queasiness from the constricting corset I wore.

So…much…perfume…

The gentlemen awaited the departure of all the female students before finally escaping this stuffy auditorium. I heard someone choke from behind me, and once I turned to look, it appeared to be Prince Caydel. He was covering his mouth with the back of his hand. He wore a pale complexion and seemed to be extremely relieved to see that most of the ladies had left. I chuckled to myself, being the only person who noticed this.

It seems I'm not alone on this. How reassuring!

Firstly, I need to go to my mathematics class. Looking at the schedule Teresa handed me, it's just like any other school. There are core subjects like language, math, science, and history. Of course, this is some prestigious school for the richer than rich kids in the age of royalty. There's bound to be things like basic manners class. I'm lucky they don't have anything athletic on the female schedules. Don't get me wrong, I simply suck at all things that have to do with running.

Back in the old days, men would be the ones doing physical work, not women. That's, of course, different in modern times, where females are finally recognized as equal to men. It's simply a battle of capability and good behavior when it comes to the traditional female students here, though it's not like that ever changed.

As I strode down the hallways, desperately searching for any class that had to do with math, I was rudely interrupted by an immature statement.

"Look, it's Carabell's lowlife," a student scoffed at me.

I paused in my footsteps and sent a deathly glare. The others in the hallway watched this entail from afar, ignoring the concept of assisting a person who is clearly being bullied.

Excuse me. What did he say?