Magic

“You’ve decided to enroll as a magic student after all,” Melianne said, a smile playing in her violet eyes as she looked at the signed contract before her.

It was the first day after the exam, with two days until the final rankings were announced.

Melianne had anticipated a visit from Karina’s daughter, but Selina’s promptness surprised her.

“Do you think I’d joke about this, Principal?” Selina sighed, sitting across from her.

The black-haired girl—still in her human guise—had spent the previous night wrestling with her decision.

Ultimately, she chose the magic department to better conceal her identity.

The warrior department’s practical courses risked exposing her combat habits, while her elven affinity for magic allowed her to blend in as an ordinary student, biding her time to complete her mission.

“Selina Garland, a real name, so no need for a disguise, I presume? Your mother and I go way back, so you can trust me for now,” Melianne said, propping her chin on one hand, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “Karina treasures her little princess. Everyone knows the Elven Kingdom has two princesses, but few have seen the second. Even I’m intrigued.”

Selina paused, then nodded.

With a gentle touch to her bracelet, a shimmering light faded, revealing her true form.

She rose, performing a flawless curtsy. “Elven Princess Selina Garland offers her sincerest greetings to Principal Melianne of Tianqi Academy.”

Her silver princess braid cascaded over her shoulder, pointed elven ears a proud symbol of her heritage.

Her emerald eyes held a quiet dignity.

With her identity unveiled, the meeting shifted from a simple student-principal exchange to a diplomatic encounter between a kingdom’s princess and the head of the continent’s most powerful academy.

Five years of royal training ensured Selina’s etiquette was impeccable, compensating for earlier informalities.

“Now that’s more like a princess,” Melianne said, nodding approvingly. As a contemporary of Queen Karina, she accepted the curtsy with ease. “Your disguise was convincing. Without Hecate’s tip, it might’ve taken me time to recognize you. You resemble your sister—elves do produce stunning royals.”

It was a familiar scene; even Felicia, the first princess, had greeted her similarly years ago. “Please keep my identity confidential,” Selina requested.

“I’m curious,” Melianne said, a teasing edge to her voice. “From what I know of Felicia, you two get along well. Why hide from her at the academy?”

Selina’s lips twitched. Melianne, seasoned and nosy, was clearly fishing for sisterly drama.

“My sister shines brightly here, gifted and serving as student council president. As her sister, I feel I can’t match her brilliance. So, I chose to enroll as an ordinary student to avoid overshadowing her,” Selina said earnestly, her emerald eyes dimming for effect, playing the role of a sister burdened by comparison.

She’d rehearsed this excuse last night.

Felicia’s stellar reputation and popularity at Tianqi made it plausible, deflecting scrutiny.

Even if Melianne saw through it, without evidence, she couldn’t challenge an elven princess’s word.

“Afraid of tarnishing the Elven Kingdom’s name by falling short of your sister?” Melianne chuckled, her expression unreadable. “I’d say don’t underestimate yourself, but with Felicia’s ranking, it’s understandable. Still, is that all?”

“Principal, regarding the anomaly in the Secret Realm, I worked with candidate Leia to resolve it. I don’t claim sole credit and am reporting it now,” Selina said smoothly.

Melianne’s lips twitched, half-amused, half-exasperated. “I haven’t even finished, and you’ve already covered your bases. Afraid I’d refuse?”

“No, it just occurred to me. Taking all the credit isn’t princess-like,” Selina replied, her smile poised.

Melianne nodded, then glanced at Selina, as if recalling something. “What about your sister?”

“She’s already left,” Melianne answered offhandedly.

Felicia frowned briefly but relaxed. “Principal, there’s something you haven’t mentioned.”

“Oh? What’s that?” Melianne asked, waving dismissively. “Nothing major, just a passing thought. Taking all the credit isn’t princess-like, after all.”

Selina’s poise mirrored her mother’s cunning more than her sister’s radiance. “Fine, I’ll keep your identity secret. Only Hecate and I will know, unless you reveal it yourself,” Melianne conceded.

“Thank you, Principal,” Selina said, her eyes bright with relief. Her actions in the realm had paid off, smoothing her path despite her royal status.

“Go prepare. Enrollment’s in two days. But don’t slack on your studies, even undercover. If your mother finds out I helped hide you and you flunk, she’ll have my head,” Melianne warned.

“Of course,” Selina nodded politely.

Opening the office door, she exhaled deeply. Her maid, Ceris, waiting outside, hurried forward. “Your Highness, did it work?”

“Yes, it’s settled. Let’s—” Selina stopped as footsteps echoed from the stairwell.

She quickly activated her bracelet, reverting to her human guise just as a figure approached, steps light and brisk.