It was another afternoon, right after our classes ended. William and I were walking down the corridors, aiming to go back to our dorms and end the day. However, we happened to come across a large crowd that had gathered around the bulletin board. 

“What’s that about?” I asked William. William, who also had no idea, simply shook his head to indicate he did not know. I approached the crowd, trying to make sense of what they were chatting about. I found their conversations unintelligible, garbled by the voices talking over each other. 

I pushed my way through, perhaps angering a few who were trying to do the same, and saw that there was a paper hung on the board. There was a notice on the sheet of paper, which excited me as much as it made me worried.

‘Security Try-Outs! All students are welcome. Friday after the 7th period!’

That was the summary of the notice that I had read. My first thought was wondering how Meran had made it this far without gathering new members, but then I considered that he possibly had asked his close friends and people that he knew to act as security before try-outs could be officially held.

I pushed my way out of the crowd once more, and breathed a sigh of relief once I was free of the barely livable environment of the crowd. William had leaned on the wall, and was waiting for me to report back.

I didn’t suffer through that just so you could lean back, you know.. I thought, feeling pretty dumb knowing I had acted like William’s puppet.

I told him about the notice, and he reacted by nodding. He held his chin, possibly considering if it was worth his time to attend. After a short while, he asked;

“Are you going to be attending?” 

I nodded with enthusiasm, as I was quite excited to have a chance to increase my social status. 

“I shall attend as well, in that case.” he responded after another short while of giving it thought.

As it was scheduled on Friday, we had more than enough time to prepare.

Time went by in a flash. Every day after school, I  repeatedly practiced martial arts. I had some assistance from Professor Arthur, although it was very limited as he was busy preparing for the final exams of the year.

Regardless, now was my chance to prove that I was able to become strong. This would be my first step into taking my revenge against the demons. 

I’ll do whatever it takes.

The Security Squadron had many people stronger than me. Not only would this give me the opportunity to make strong allies, but it would let me learn from them as well. I had to pass the try-out.

Just as I was thinking these, I heard the bell chime. The seventh period was finally over, and it was time for the try-outs. 

In the capital of Tver, in the royal palace. A boy with golden hair and eyes is preparing for his outing. 

“Liss, I can dress myself. I am not a child anymore.” He referred to the servant who was picking clothing for him. Elizabeth had been with him since he was a baby, as such they were quite comfortable around each other. 

“I understand, your majesty, but please understand us ladies are better at picking clothes. Especially since we are trying to increase public opinion of you..” 

The boy recognised Elizabeth had a point. He was none other than Aleksander, the current Heir to the Tverian throne. Since the death of his parents, Elizabeth had been his only friend and had become something akin to a second mother to him. 

Although he was still too young, at the age of fifteen, he was preparing to ascend to the throne. According to the laws of the Empire, he could not legally become an Emperor until he reached the age of eighteen. But this worried him.

Aleksander, as the imperial prince, had the opportunity to see the inner workings of the Empire. The current Regent, Thomas Marc, was nothing more than an incompetent mess in his eyes. His recent policies had tanked the economy, angered the population and done nothing to support the country. In addition to this, he was trying to pass a legislation that allowed him to be regent for another five years. Thomas was living the luxurious life that his parents had worked so hard for, and even died for.

This was something Aleksander could not let happen. With the rumors of an upcoming war, he was certain Thomas would not be allowed to be Regent for an additional five years. His ascendancy in three years was almost guaranteed.

Aleksander was smarter than nearly every Advisor in the palace. He had been working hard to become a good Emperor, and had the mannerisms of someone with immense prestige. Two things that were lacking were a good school education and publicity stunt.

If Aleksander attended a good academy, he could convince the populace that he was fit to rule. If he could not do a proper publicity stunt, he was certain his ascendancy would be rocky and there would be some opposition. A stable rule must start stable.

“How’s this?” asked Elizabeth, showing an extravagant dress that was only fit for those with royal heritage.

“It’s alright.” he replied, not thinking too much about the subject. He was more worried about how his outing was going to go.

This outing was one more of his schemes to increase public opinion. He intended to do giveaways, sit in his carriage and wave to the population etcetera.. Classic royal behaviour. Although this was oddly generic, it was a surprisingly effective strategy. 

He was also going to unveil a new automobile factory in the east of the city - one of the first of its kind. The thought excited Aleksander, as automobiles in the Empire meant he could invest more in war industry during his reign, which meant he could give a good show of force. Perhaps even conquer a nation or two.

War.. I beg you, do not befall us for another three years…