Academy de L’échec

Madeline sat with an emotionless face in the back of the carriage. Her mother had picked out a new wardrobe for her to wear for social functions in the capital as she would be attending social events held by the other nobles. Duke Aumont and the Duchess planned to stay in the capital as well during the first month of the Academy in order to present their daughter at social functions until they were sure she wouldn't be bullied. Once she arrived at the Academy de L'échec entrance exam, she saw a long line of dilapidated carriages letting off poorly dressed nobles. Most looked in worse condition than most commoners in the city. The carriage from House de Aumont was better than most any aside from the royal carriages, so as they approached the lesser nobles hastily moved out of the way.

The Duke and Duchess were the first to step down from the carriage followed closely by Madeline. The other nobles quickly made way for the trio who walked past the line as if they didn't see it. A pretty girl with bright blond hair and light blue eyes who was a few people back in the line called out, "Hey, you can't cut in the line. The end is back there." She pointed to the back of the line while the others around her refused to make eye contact with the trio who stopped and looked at the young woman. The Duke shook his head and continued to the front.

Once the trio was in front of the clerk the Duke stated, "Duke and Duchess Aumont, our daughter, Madeline Celeste d'Aumont is here to take the examination." He looked down on the poor clerk with hawkish eyes exerting a fearsome pressure.

"Ah, yes, of course, your grace, Lady Aumont can move over to the swordsmanship exam first. The written exam will be held in batches. Lady Aumont will be in the first batch in an hour." The Clerk said as he stamped her entrance papers.

Madeline easily passed both exams, but oddly wasn't seen as the best in either category. Another student ranked first on both exams. Madeline suddenly felt her heart tighten, she needed to try harder, she must have been looking down on the Academy de L'échec after all. After the exams, the Duke and Duchess wanted to take Madeline to live in their family estate in the capital, but she refused and instead asked to stay at the Academy where she could train and study immediately. Her father understood at once it was coming in second of the exams that spurred her into action, so he agreed against the wishes of the Duchess.

*****

After Aoi finished his exams he took a leisurely stroll around the campus to get comfortable with his new home for the next four years. As he walked around he was starting to get a sense of déjà vu. The buildings all looked familiar, yet different. He searched Guy's memories and knew that he had never been to this campus before and yet all of this looked vaguely familiar as if he had seen drawings or paintings of the buildings. Aoi decided to see what the library was like and walked deeper into the campus. Once he reached the library he saw a young woman sitting out front reading a book. She had beautiful red hair that was twisted into looping curls on either side of her face, her emotionless face looked as if it had just a hint of makeup.

As he looked at the girl he suddenly thought of an otome game his sister used to play. The girl sitting on the step reminded him of the villain from that game named Madeline d'Almond or something like that. A spoiled rich young lady that used her family power to bully the other love rival for the affection of the capture targets. He chuckled as he walked by the young woman.

"I'm sorry, do you find my appearance funny?" Madeline asked as she continued to read from the book.

Aoi stiffened and then apologized, "No, please excuse me, I was thinking of something unrelated." he gave her a gentleman's bow, "My name is Guy de Montfort, son of Duke Montfort."

Madeline slowly looked up, her head tilted and she asked, "Guy the molester?"

Aoi winced and nodded, "Yes, unfortunately, my reputation precedes me I see."

Madeline resumed reading, she mentioned, "Reputations deserved or undeserved are hard to overturn, I wish you luck."

Aoi thought for a moment and then asked, "M'lady, might I have the pleasure of knowing your name? It seems we will be classmates here soon as I have just passed the examinations."

Madeline looked up once again, she remembered her father's words and sighed, she knew that she was here to make acquaintances as much as to study. "I am Madeline Celeste d'Aumont, daughter of Duke Aumont." She offered her hand as was proper etiquette for a lady when greeting another noble.

Aoi looked at her in shock, it was her, the villain from the game. He was sure of it. He walked forward and took her offered hand giving a gentle kiss to the back of her hand. "M'lady also has a reputation it seems. As I recall, the second prince chose Lady milk cow for his fiancé and unjustly ended your engagement."

Hearing him call Lady Foix Lady milk cow caused Madeline to laugh against her better judgment. "Mm, yes, indeed it was so." She chuckled.

Aoi smiled and then said, "Lady Aumont, I hope to see you around the campus. I will leave you to your reading. I too was interested in the library here, so I will allow you to have your privacy."

"M'Lord, I thank you for your understanding." She smiled at him.