The Baldovery Heir Steps Out
"Achoo!"
I rubbed my nose, scowling. Someone must be talking about me. Not that it was surprising—news of a Baldovery entering the Royal Academy had probably already spread like wildfire. I bet nobles were foaming at the mouth, dying to see what I looked like.
Too bad for them.
"Young master, are you alright?" Jeya, my maid, asked with concern.
"I'm fine," I sighed. "Jeya, how do I look?"
She hesitated, her lips parting before she clamped them shut. I raised a brow. "That bad?"
"...You look different, young master," she finally said.
I turned to the mirror and nearly groaned.
My signature golden-blond hair was messily brushed down, completely covering my forehead. Thick, oversized glasses sat awkwardly on my face, dulling my sharp features. My usual elegant attire had been swapped for something plain, making me look… forgettable.
Exactly what my parents wanted.
For the past seven days, my gut had been screaming danger. My instincts, sharpened from years of survival, warned me that stepping into the academy was like walking into a battlefield. But my parents were clear—I had no choice.
With a final sigh, I straightened my clothes and left my room.
Baldovery Estate - Grand Entrance
The grand double doors of the estate were already open, sunlight spilling into the lavish hall. My parents stood at the entrance, waiting for me. My mother’s eyes shimmered with worry, while my father wore his usual unreadable expression.
"You’re finally here," my father said, adjusting his coat. His piercing gaze swept over my appearance, assessing every detail. “Good. You’ll go unnoticed.”
My mother took a step closer, reaching for my hands. "Lucien, my love, remember—keep your head down. Don’t talk to anyone unless necessary."
Don’t talk to anyone? As if I’d listen.
Elise, my sister, crossed her arms. “And if anyone dares to bully you—”
“I’ll burn them alive,” I deadpanned.
“Lucien!” my mother gasped in horror.
“What? Just kidding.” I grinned, but she didn't seem convinced.
Elise sighed. “Just be careful, alright?”
My father remained silent for a moment before placing a firm hand on my shoulder. "No matter what happens, remember—you're a Baldovery. You don't kneel for anyone."
I swallowed, a strange warmth settling in my chest. Even in a world full of unknowns, I wasn’t alone.
A carriage waited outside, its golden crest shimmering under the sun. Today was the first day of the academy’s welcome event, an extravagant ceremony where all newly enrolled students were gathered.
I stepped forward. This was it.
No turning back.