Why am I a Princess?

Where am I?

This isn’t my room.

Everything looks regal, bright, and shiny.

Wait…

Who is this?

Is that my face I’m looking at in the mirror?

Touching my cheeks confirms it.

The last thing I remembered was that old geezer coming into the store, and he pulled out a pistol.

He shot one of my coworkers in the head because they refused to hand over the money.

I could remember the pain that old man inflicted on me.

Bastard shot me on the chest before loading more bullets into my head.

“Lady Cassiopeia, are you awake?”

Are they calling me?

The knocking continues, awaiting my answer.

I have to admit…I do look pretty!

Now, none of my coworkers can make fun of my height.

Or call me a child.

Wait a minute…

If I got shot, does that mean the others are here too?

I wonder where they are.

“Lady Cassiopeia? Do you hear me?”

The knocking grows louder.

It’s best I start answering before I make them worried.

“I-I’m here! Sorry for not answering earlier.”

“May I come in?”

“Go right ahead.”

The maid quietly comes into my room.

“Is something the matter, milady? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I wonder if I start asking her questions I would get some answers.

Well, it’s worth the try!

“My memory feels a little haywired. Do you mind helping me recollect some of my memories?”

Why am I speaking like this?

This isn’t…me…

“What can I help you with, milady? I’ll happily answer them the best I can. After all, I am your loyal servant!”

Forget it…I need to know what’s going on.

“First, what is my role as the princess?”

“I’m afraid that is an answer only you can fulfill. The King of Valera wishes you success. How you do is up to you. Although, he does want you to attend the Ultiminia Academy. Politics is very important when you’re royalty.”

Great…I hate politics…

I wish a dragon could just kidnap me, so my prince can come and save me.

“What is expected of me in the academy—uhh?”

“Marissa de’ Lamoria.”

She continues answering my question.

“You are expected to reach top 10. Failure to reach that spot in each exam will result in your exile. After your little rebellion in that meeting, King Xigrias has been very harsh on you.”

This is bad.

I don’t even remember what I did.

And, now I’m in a situation where I’m being exiled?

“Worry not, princess! I shall assist you until the very end. You are an inspiration to everyone. I am rather surprised you would have such audacity to oppose the king.”

“Do you mind reminding me what I did?”

“You said anyone should attend the academy regardless of background. And now, King Xirgrias has been searching all over the villages—recruiting only the strongest peasants to attend the academy. It isn’t on your accord, but King Xirgrias wants to prove only nobles can defend this kingdom.”

Great, I really messed up.

Even though I didn’t do anything.

“Unfortunately, out of the one-hundred peasants that have been recruited have failed to meet expectations—and they were immediately exiled from the kingdom.”

It looks like I’m at a losing side.

“Rest assured, milady! Three more peasants have been recruited. So we haven’t lost hope!”

Three peasants?

Out of one-hundred?

This is rough.

“What are their names if I may ask?”

“The first comes from a nearby village of Erfonis; he goes by the name Archie Hamon. He’s fairly smart and athletic for a peasant.”

Things seem to be going in the right direction.

At least I hope.

“The second peasant is by far the most promising! For a peasant, he has the highest magick among the three peasants. His name is Kaito Yakumo, coming from the village of Gozetsuka”

“Magick? What’s that?”

“Magick is the force of life, energy drawn from the very essence of our soul.”

She presents a wisp-like entity to me.

It hovers above her hand, flickering like flames, and brimming with life.

“If I concentrate hard enough, the power grows stronger!”

The energy starts to grow larger in size.

I can feel the warm presence touching me from a distance.

I realize I have been distracted, so I quickly return to the previous topic.

“What about the third peasant?”

The wisp-like energy vanquishes.

Silence fills the room, and Marissa looks rather disappointed.

Or it looks like she’s about to deliver some bad news.

“The third peasant is from Zensenku Village. His name is Tsubasa Kazetani. Unfortunately, he might end up just like the other peasant…”

“Why do you say that?”

“Among the other peasants that have been recruited, he has the lowest magick. It doesn’t help that the majority of people in Zensenku Village are magickless.”

This doesn’t sound good.

Since I’m the princess of this kingdom, I may as well try to say something inspirational.

What should I say?

That’s right!

What would Rin say?

He was always passionate about his job, positive, and funny.

If there’s anyone who shouts inspirational, that person would be him no doubt.

Oh, I think I have an idea!

“Worry not, Marissa! My father will see that peasants are just as good as nobles are. I promise you that!”

She stares at me with admiration.

“You are brave, milady. I’ll follow you to the very end.”

The church bell chimes loudly outside of my room.

“It is time, milady! It seems the new students have arrived! Let us go see them in person!”

I’m a little nervous.

Wherever I have been sent to, it’s not home.

It’s not Heaven or Hell either.

Maybe I’ll find some answers along this journey…