“Good morning, class,” said the teacher as he entered the room where Class 1 studies.

His eyes gently darted across the faces of the students, registering each and every face he passes by. Venus did her best not to meet his gaze, though it’s doubtful that she can avoid it for long.

“This is the first time we have met, is it not? Forgive me for I had to attend the Global Security Council Meeting for the past month in place of my father and brother. Anyways, my name is Charles Grace D. Olympia, Second Prince of the Gracious Empire and your homeroom teacher. It is a pleasure to meet you all.”

“The pleasure is ours,” the class responded in unison. Though it’s just a standard reply, a lot within the class are truly thrilled to meet him, the Prince of the world’s largest empire.

“Now that introductions are out of the way, we should waste no time before studying. Displayed on your boards right now is a set of questions, please answer them so I could gauge your abilities.”

Each student did indeed receive a file in their electronic boards installed to their tables. Listed in it are several questions mostly relating to mathematics and basic logic, which shouldn’t be hard for anybody with half a brain, particularly those who already went through college like these students. Each student started answering their sheets, keeping their eyes on their boards and on no one else. In the meantime, Charles went around the room, checking on every student. One by one he finished. One by one he came closer. And soon enough he’s standing besides Venus.

“And who might you be?” he asked with great curiosity.

Venus did her best not to look at him, and used her hair to obscure her face. “Venus Marigold.” Her voice sounded deeper than it usually is.

“I see.”

Venus didn’t look at him as he spoke, but she could feel the a great amount of doubt and distrust from him.

Luckily however, he walked away without saying anything further.

And so the hours passed and the lectures continued until the bell finally rang.

All the students stood up and fixed their belongings before leaving one by one. “Ms. Marigold,” said Charles, “Would you please stay for a while? There is something I have got to talk to you about.”

A single sweat formed on Venus’ temple as she shot a quick glance towards Gavin, who blinked in turn before leaving the room.

“Of course! How may I be of service?” she smiled.

The room has now emptied itself except for top student Venus Marigold and her teacher, Charles Grace D. Olympia. The two stared at each other as if they know that any movement they make could have unforeseen consequences and, although it can’t be seen, the pressure in the room has increased significantly. After a few moments, Charles finally broke the silence.

“Did you know that the Gracian Emperor had three children?” said Charles. “Of course, not many know about the third child, not because she is female, but because she is an insolent fool who dared disrespect our father. As such, she was quickly disowned before even being properly introduced to the world and thus she faded into obscurity. Father is not a monster, however, and allowed her to stay within the palace for longer than she should have. She is, however, an ungrateful bitch who ran away the first chance she got. It was rather disheartening, if I am being honest. She is my sister, after all.”

Venus quietly listened to the story, more and more bullets of sweat seeking to form and drop from her temple as her entire body wanted to simply dash out of the room and forever run away. “Why are you telling me this?” she asked.

“For no particular reason, really. I just felt like it. However, I do want to note that my father is still rather disappointed by her disappearance - as am I, but I digress.”

“Well, I’m certain that she has her reasons for running away, don’t you agree?”

“Yes, I am certain that she would have her reasons for running away, however I do not accept them. Both father and I had given her nothing but gifts even in her pitiable state. No amount of excuses will make up for her ungratefulness.”

“With all due respect, my Prince, your gifts might as well have been curses.”

Charles gave out a small chuckle at her comment. “Maybe so, but the fact remains that father allowed her to stay at the palace even after being disowned and given her a life like no other, and she still ran away. But what really is the most insulting part of it all is that she has the audacity to waltz into my paradise years later and declare open war against me and mine. It goes beyond mere ungratefulness - this is arrogance.”

Charles looked up at Venus, eyeing her entire body before finally staring her straight into the eyes. Despite her discomfort, Venus still mustered the will the look into them to see that they are filled with hatred and desire.

“Why have you returned, my dearest sister?”