Ascendance The Original Lands Book 1

After the commotion yesterday, today was much, much more preferable. I awoke to the fleet still en route through the tear, a lightless void that looked more than capable of s.u.c.k.i.n.g all light from the universe.

Folduin had mentioned it lacked air, as it had been closed off from both sides of our world. But now that both sides had opened, there was a chance for air to take residence. That time was not now, however, so my balcony to the outside in my room had been sealed off.

It wasn't so bad though, I rested in the lounge area of my suite, two stoic Royal Knights stood guard inside the door.

I had to admit, at first it was really unsettling to be accompanied by heavily armed guards at all times, but I quickly grew used to it. They were always polite to me and got me whatever I needed.

A few of the servant class were added to my service as well. Folduin explained them yesterday, they were a class of people who earned their keep from serving others. Servants who served the royal family were different though. They trained for years in several different types of skills which included cooking, housekeeping, gardening, combat, and a few other misc skills. In my mind, I liked to refer to them as a type of militia. They weren't extremely good at fighting, but they would be able to hold their ground and defend their charge until real soldiers arrived.

Mine were specifically young females, which led me to think that they had been specially tailored for me. Folduin did emphasis that they'd do anything I asked of them. I chuckled at the thought. Having beautiful model grade women wait on me was a dream that any young teenager full of raging hormones would d.e.s.i.r.e.

One of my servants who happened to be standing in a corner of the room heard my chuckle and tilted her head. "Do you require something, your majesty?"

Her soft voice demanded my attention and I glanced at her. Her straight blonde hair tickled her shoulders as it rested atop them. Her sharp cheekbones gave shape to a face that would entrance no end of men. And her golden eyes could attract pioneers far easier than any previous gold rush in the United States.

She was definitely hand-selected to be my servant. Folduin also told me that people on this side of the world were long-lived, he said it's quite possible that because of my blood, I would acquire the same trait.

I didn't care much at the time and still don't. I'd have plenty of time to live and accomplish what I needed even without it. At least, hopefully.

"Mi'lord?" She asked.

I realized I began to wonder again with my mind, and quickly tried to cover it up.

"Ah, it's nothing Adeline. Just thinking to myself, that's all." I smiled appreciatively at her.

She bowed her head, her face slightly red, "Understood."

Was that a blush I saw? I mentally shrugged and took another drink of the tea that she made for me. It really was good tea.

That's when there was a knock on my door.

"Enter," I said, loud enough for the other side to hear. My Knights and even Adelin turned their attention to the door.

Folduin entered, his bloody hair swung over to the right in its usual style, followed by Zurlian.

"Good morning, your majesty," Folduin and Zurlian greeted together.

"Good morning you two," I replied, gesturing them to have a seat on the two chairs in front of me. They both sat, and I turned my full attention to them as Adeline acquired another two cups of tea for them.

They both said their thanks, with Zurlian pulling his helmet off and resting it on the table. His hair was pulled back in his usual ponytail, though as small as ever.

"I came here to talk to you about your future," Folduin started.

I nodded, my interest rising.

"Once we arrive in Galia, we'd like to immediately take you to the Academy," he said simply.

I raised a brow, I figured I'd go to the Palace and meet with the Nobles and other important figures who've run Galia in the absence of an Emperor.

"I can guess what you're thinking, 'Why do they want me to start School right away?'" He guessed right.

I nodded and he grinned, "We want to get you caught up and graduate you before you're found out. I believe it will be the best way for you to get an education. Of course, there will be those who will know who you are, such as a few teachers and a few others."

My hand moved to my chin as I thought about it. I liked the idea, and it would give me time to adapt to the world before being swamped by responsibilities. And it'd help me not look so much like a bumpkin who knows nothing.

"Alright, I'll do it," I nodded again at him.

His grin grew an inch bigger, "Perfect, we'd also like to send Team Sixteen with you into the class. They'll accompany you as guards and take care of you while you spend your time there."

"Team Sixteen?" I asked, I've never heard that name before.

Folduin facepalmed gently, "I forgot we never told you who Team Sixteen was, my apologies there." He smiled and continued, "Team Sixteen is Tirieal's team, I heard about you letting him track Wulf, but this is more important, and he agreed."

I nodded, I understand. And that'd definitely be other times to get Wulf, I had to just make it to that point. And this is a way that would help me in that regard, so I could offer no complaints up.

"We may plant others in there at a later date if things begin getting a little dangerous. The populace has only been told that we've opened up part of the world to retrieve you. They haven't been told that you'd be arriving this soon, so luckily you aren't as expected yet. Though there are those who are aware."

I nodded and took a drink, continuing to listen when a question popped in my mind, "Won't the school get suspicious of sudden transfer?"

Folduin laughed, his kind voice reverberated through the room, "A good question, my lord! Usually, they would if it were the middle of a semester. But we timed this pickup to be at the start. There will be no questions to five, if not more, new students suddenly appearing."

I asked a question that had been on my mind for the last few days, "What do I expect from the Academy, and what all kinds of people will attend?"

I was curious, I'd perhaps get to meet Galians around my age once and it was an exciting prospect. I think I was excited to get back into what I could call a somewhat "normal" life, if moving to a new part of the world and going to school there could be called normal.

Or maybe it would be getting in the habit of starting a routine that would help me cope. I realized I was getting more excited by the minute.

Folduin scratched his head, "You'll find many of the nobility there and others from the lower class families. None of them should know of you, so this should be a good time to get to know their personalities before they start s.u.c.k.i.n.g up to you."

He frowned slightly after that while Zurlian chipped in for the first time, "That could also be a bad thing. There are those in the Nobility who aren't so... noble."

"Enough, Zurlian, he doesn't need you getting into that again." Folduin quickly cut in and stopped Zurlian's assault. My interest was now provoked but now wasn't the time to ask, as Folduin continued Zurlian's explanation.

"What he means is there are a few certain Noble families that will use any means at their disposal to better Galia. They are the ones you'd need to watch out for, as it is believed that the families would even dispose of their own master if they believed it would benefit the country even more. In fact, there were several who vehemently opposed you ruling as Emperor."

I was starting to get nervous now.

"Of course, that's why we've assigned Team Sixteen to you, and a squad of Royal Knights will be ready to assist at all times. Oh, and before I forget, while at the school, you'll be the son of a certain noble whose house is falling in decline. They have no other children, so this is perfect." Folduin gulped down more tea and reached for a snack on the tray of baked cookies that Adeline had just placed on the table.

I hadn't even heard her enter or leave the room. Geez, this woman was terrifyingly good at her job.

"The noble in question is one you'll meet soon, his family name is Syldi, Count Syldi. He is extremely loyal to the crown and is one of the nobles who was for assisting you. Actually, we believe he may have suffered because of his support. It's only after that that his house began falling into ruin. But being his son will be the perfect excuse for you to take Adeline and a few other servants to attend you while you're there. It's also an excuse to sneak in a few extra Knights to protect you."

Folduin grinned and winked at me, and I started feeling better. I had to admit I was worried about the nobles finding out who I was, but this was good news. I'd have support and would be safe while I acquired the knowledge and power I needed. It was perfect, and it restored my enthusiasm.

"As long as you have no more questions, I suppose later I'll teach you in the small amount of time that we have about customs of Galia, I believe many of them may be similar to your own and you may pick them up easier. But for now, how about we begin training you with the basics of sword and a baton spear, that way you won't be as helpless next time you encounter the enemy," Folduin casually explained the plan to me, that last part poked at my hurt pride and I found myself unconsciously moving and placing my hand upon my wounded shoulder.

I nodded my agreement, the injection that the doctors gave me had completely annihilated the pain that had haunted my shoulder when I tried to move or use it.

"I'd like to start my training now, please," I pleadingly stared at Folduin and Zurlian, letting my determination show.

They grinned when Zurlian replied, "Very well, let us start. Don't expect me to take it easy on ya."