Registration

As for how she got back that night, Selina had no memory.

All she recalled was the wine’s rich, fragrant allure.

Never had she drunk so freely with a friend, the potent alcohol seeping into her mind until she passed out.

“So, I didn’t do anything too outrageous last night, right?” Selina asked, rubbing her still-dizzy head inside the carriage, a touch embarrassed.

“Oh, you did something outrageous,” Cuibis replied, arms crossed, her expression stern.

“What? Did I go wild after getting drunk?” Selina’s heart sank with guilt, though she doubted her new body, so sensitive to alcohol, could have behaved that badly.

“The most outrageous thing, Your Highness, was leaving me outside while you drank yourself into a stupor despite my warnings!” Cuibis said, her usual gentleness replaced by sharp reprimand.

“You’re a princess, representing the Elven Kingdom’s dignity. Drinking recklessly with a middle-aged human without guards is utterly irresponsible!”

Her relentless scolding made Selina’s head spin.

She knew Cuibis meant well, but she also trusted Leisen would never cross a line.

Explaining further would mean delving into her past life, a complicated matter.

Before leaving, Karina had briefed Cuibis on some of Selina’s unique circumstances, but those details were limited.

Fully explaining would take ages, and given the elves’ commitment to peace, Karina wouldn’t have revealed Selina’s past as a thief who raided their sacred nest—not in front of Leisen, at least.

If Cuibis learned her mistress was once a notorious thief, her head might explode.

Selina didn’t doubt Cuibis’s loyalty. Having served her since childhood, the maid was like a sister. “Alright, alright, I get it. I won’t be so reckless again,” Selina said, raising her hands in surrender under Cuibis’s barrage.

Seeing her contrite expression, Cuibis eased up. “I won’t say more, but your safety is paramount, Your Highness. If anything like this happens again, you must include me. It’s my duty. Please remember.”

What could Selina say? She’d erred and could only nod obediently, playing the repentant good girl.

The carriage had left Kendall Town that morning, heading toward Tianqi Academy.

Selina hadn’t lingered—Leisen would soon open a tavern in Tianqi’s outer city, so they’d meet again. No rush.

But admissions were pressing.

Tianqi’s competitive enrollment meant she couldn’t miss the optimal registration window or resort to using her privileges.

In her past life, she never had the chance to be a student. Now, she wouldn’t miss it, eager to play out those “underdog triumphs” scenes from the novels she’d read.

The noble elven princess descends upon Tianqi Academy. The great Thief Saint will reclaim her glory on this land of geniuses. No more words—it’s her time to shine!

Gazing out the window at the bustling crowds, Selina spotted the faint, majestic outline of a grand structure ahead.

Street vendors multiplied, and the crowd was filled with vibrant young students.

“Cuibis, are we almost at Tianqi City?” she asked, excitement creeping into her voice.

After five years confined in the Elven Forest, this was her first taste of freedom.

Used to seeing only elves, the sight of so many humans stirred memories of her human past.

The liveliness of social creatures was something even her elven self still craved—her human traits hadn’t entirely faded.

“Yes, Your Highness. We’ve reached Tianqi City, the outer perimeter of Tianqi Academy. Once through the gates, we can head straight to the registration point,” Cuibis confirmed.

Over millennia, Tianqi Academy’s growth had spawned a sprawling commercial and residential zone around it.

As student numbers swelled, so did the economy, making Tianqi City a thriving hub.

After queuing, their carriage passed through the city gates following a series of document checks. Finally, Selina’s group entered Tianqi City.

The city’s prosperity was undeniable.

The outer district buzzed with activity, a stark contrast to Kendall’s quiet.

The vibrant human energy enveloped them.

Navigating crowded streets with the skilled driving of Karina’s trusted coachman, the carriage reached the inner city wall—the entrance to Tianqi Academy and the registration point for new students.

Faced with the long line ahead, Selina swallowed hard.

She’d underestimated Tianqi’s allure. Despite arriving on time, countless students had beaten her here.

The queue wasn’t just humans—it included beastmen, dwarves, orcs, elves, and more, showcasing the academy’s vast inclusivity.

“Your Highness, the line’s long. Shall I—” Cuibis began.

“No need!” Selina cut her off. “If I’m enrolling as an ordinary student, I’ll act like one. I’ll queue myself. Cuibis, handle the carriage and luggage.”

Seeing Selina’s resolve, Cuibis hesitated but nodded. In Tianqi City, the continent’s renowned hub, no villain would dare cause trouble in broad daylight.

Stepping off the carriage, Selina joined the line like any other student.

The endless queue reminded her of past-life memories of waiting for major events. Glancing up at the grand golden sign reading Tianqi Academy, she clenched her fists.

Tianqi Academy, I’m here!