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Sunnyside Royal Academy.
All Royals go there. It’s where every Kingdom’s future leaders are nurtured into promising future leaders. It’s where we become the people others need us to be.
…Or something like that. The truth is, I’m not the best at stuff like this. And the truth is currently in my sight; future classmates and possible housemates sitting in seats in front or beside me.
I am about to go through hell.
—————————
The Cloud Train was PACKED, like, really packed. Whenever I thought everyone was inside, there’s always three or more Royals swarming in and trying to find a seat in such a cramped area. Look, when I thought SSRA was going to house many students, I didn’t think it’d be this much.
But anyway, enough about that. Life’s always so full of surprises—courtesy of my mom—and with surprises comes… new… beginnings? What? I don’t really remember, but even so, I have to stay calm and focused. I am a Royal of Inscription, and I am attending Sunnyside Royal Academy. I can’t mess this up.
“Attention all students! The Cloud Train will depart shortly, please make sure you are seated and have your belongings with you.”
I heard a robotic voice ring through the speakers. I tried to get a good look through my bubblecase, but then I bumped into the people next to me, and I decided I didn’t need to. Besides, I’ve checked that thing 15 times. But I did have certain items that needed to be checked for…
First, my journal. It’s been with me for months. My father gifted it to me shortly after I turned 17. It might just be a book for compiling info, but to me, it’s better than a compensation fee for the inescapable there-goes-your-childhood phase of a Royal’s life.
Second, my chryslyt and chrystop. No I do not play games, my mom would kill me if she heard I had even ONE app she never saw before on my devices. But I do like reading articles. Oh, speaking of articles, the daily news should be updated by now…
I opened my chryslyt and skimmed across the articles. As expected, it was news about the Royals’ departure for SSRA. Familiar faces were on here too… Princess Crescenta, Princex Hatter, a Duke from Charisma, drama surrounding Mixed Royals…
“Attention all students! The Cloud Train will now depart for Sunnyside Royal Academy. Once again we ask that you remain seated and have all necessities with you.”
I heard the announcement again. I put my chryslyt back, leaned against my seat, and closed my eyes.
“Quill, I know it’s scary.”
Oh.
“But I want you to try. We want you to try. For the betterment of you and us.”
“That’s right. We know it’s daunting to be in such a place of prestige, we understand. Do you remember what your mother said?”
“...The bigger the goal…”
The higher you’ll leap to reach it.
And the bigger the cause…
“...the higher you’ll go. You can do it.”
“And we love you, Quill.”
I know. I love you too.
—————————
I swore we hit a bump. That must be why everyone’s so startled. Some people were sighing, either in annoyance or relief that we’re here…
Wait. We’re here.
I rubbed my eyes and fixed the dark-tinted glasses on my face. My head feels weird… Did I fall asleep or something? I hope my head didn’t hit anyone’s shoulder or anything.
“Attention, all students!”
And there it was.
“Welcome to SSRA! We ask that you leave the train in five minutes, and please do not forget your personal belongings. Once again, we are the Cloud Train crew, and we…”
…hope you have a wonderful stay, my mind filled in.
After the larger crowds of Royals began to disperse, I stepped outside of the train. The air was different. It’s always been cold and thick with tension when you’re a Royal, but now I swear I just heard someone gasp in awe.
Sunnyside Royal Academy. I’m finally here.
—————————
I’ll be honest, I barely listened to the orientation. But I did manage to catch a few things…
1. Each house consists of four Royals. We have a house AI that can assist us in our needs.
2. Schedules will be announced soon.
3. There was a strange Royal staring at me earlier.
Wait, hold up. What?
I blinked and looked at the page of my journal. What? What was number 3 even for? Why did I write that? Was I still out of it? Am I still out of it? How long did I even sleep for—?
“Excuse me.”
I think my heart jumped just now because the dark-red haired Royal behind me tilted her head with a puzzled look. Maybe at my reaction.
“Were you zoning out? You seemed dazed.”
“Oh, sorry…”
“Sorry…?”
Why did I say that? What the heck??
“No, you didn’t do anything, I was just… a bit worried. I apologize if I bothered you.”
What!? Now SHE’S apologizing? No, no, that’s not right!
“A-Ah! It’s alright, I don’t mind…! You didn’t bother me, um… thank you for the… check-up, though…?”
I felt like every word I say will only lead me to old age faster, so I bowed my head and ran.
Well. So much for my first ever conversation.
I sighed. Okay, so maybe it won’t go well immediately. That’s FINE. I just have to keep my head up, that’s what Pa always said.
And besides, there’s still so much more to come.
—————————
Wow. I had an inkling the houses looked good, but… wow.
It’s like the area was built just for me and my roommates. The living room even had a beanbag! I’ve always wanted a beanbag! And it’s… sparkly!? Well maybe that’s not too impressive for everyone, but holy smokes…!
My feet started moving on their own and found their way to the staircase that led to our rooms. Soon enough, I was in front of a white wooden door with Inscriptic words carved into it. This was my room, there’s no doubt it is.
Oh my. The inside is…
“Pretty, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it really is—”
…
“Oh, hello! I must’ve startled yo- OH MY GOODNESS, are you okay!?”
…I fell. I actually fell.
“I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have snuck up on you like that…”
The Royal… Charisma Royal, lent his hand. Shakily, I took it and got up. That was embarrassing.
“Well, I guess we’re roommates, huh? I’m really sorry about just now, again…” That won’t get me out of my daze, you know…!
“But I think we should get to know each other, right? Um, are you—”
I snapped my head and turned to look him right in the eye.
“Hey. I didn’t fall, did I…?”
He blinked. “Huh? You did.”
“Oh…”
“Oh, indeed.”
He turned his head away but I could see the faintest hint of a smile. That is NOT funny. Don’t you dare laugh at my misery.
“Anyway… going back. I was going to spook you a little to surprise you, but I might’ve gotten too carried away…” You did. You absolutely frickin’ did. “I did want to introduce myself, but with how awful I’ve been so far… why don’t you tell me who you are?”
Oh my days. I can’t even be mad, because now I’m scared.
“...My name is Quill. Duke Quill of Inscription. It’s, um, nice to meet you.” I managed to force out.
“Quill…” he mumbled. “Quill, Quill, Quill…” Please stop doing that, you’re scaring me!
“Fuhu… what a lovely name. I’m Duke Eros, from Charisma. And I guess I’m your roommate, too.”
Oh. Oh… oh! That reminds me, there WERE hearts carved into the door! No wonder!
Unfortunately, I lost my will to talk and I could do nothing but nod weakly. Thankfully, Eros noticed this, and did not demand a response.
“Well, Quill. I’ll look forward to the next two years with you.” He grinned. “I’ll go ahead and unpack my things for now, though. Lovely chat, really!”
“...Yes.”
I slowly walked to my bed. It had a pleasant texture, it reminded me of home. I opened my bubblecase, and took out my journal.
“XX/XX/XX…”