Chapter 2: Angelina and the Advancing Wisdom Academy
SPRINGTIME had arrived. Boats floated down the waterways of the Purple Forbidden Palace, cutting through the numerous flower petals floating atop the water’s surface.
Hisame Hirefu—the sixth Prince of Anda—traveled northwards through the palace on top of a rocking palanquin. His long, navy hair swayed in the wind. Unlike last year, he’d pulled his hair into a bun and wore men’s robes. If not for his clothes, however, he still could have been mistaken for a girl due to his gentle features. A rose quartz amulet sparkled at his hip. Last year, he and Angelina had bought different colored amulets at the festival celebrating Kyril’s ascension.
Now ten years old, Hisame would begin living in the Canopy of the Emperor from this spring onwards. He would study abroad at Advancing Wisdom Academy, which was also in the Canopy.
Hisame’s attendant, riding in the same palanquin, started a conversation. “The manor’s a pretty long way away, isn’t it?”
Until now, there hadn’t been an Andan manor in the Canopy. Since Anda and Jinlong had been enemies for so long, Anda had never sent a hostage to the Canopy.
Hisame laughed. “The Andan manor is on the farthest southeastern edge of the Canopy, after all.”
“The disrespect makes my blood boil!” the attendant roared, his indignation plain for all to see. “Is Jinlong mocking our great nation?!”
“This represents how much Jinlong fears us,” Hisame replied. “Our manor being newer and bigger than the homes of other nations is proof of that.”
The attendant snorted in satisfaction. “What keen insight, Prince Hisame! I never would have considered that. But you’re right—the cruel emperor prepared a large, new manor for Anda because he fears us!”
Hisame smiled vaguely. In all honesty, he didn’t believe Feilong had placed the manor so far away because he feared Anda. The emperor didn’t trust fiends as their two nations had been at war until recently. As such, it was the natural decision to place the Andan manor in a remote section of the Canopy. Regardless, Hisame had come up with that alternative explanation to satisfy a fellow Andan.
Fiends loved showing off their strength. According to their worldview, might made right, after all. Thus, Hisame needed to put on a bold front to avoid ridicule in Andan society.
Hisame stepped down from the palanquin. After putting on his conical hat, he draped a cloth over his face. It was customary for Andan people to wear it in foreign countries to hide their fangs and horns. Unfortunately, it only served to increase their uncanny appearance.
“It’s a fiend…” someone whispered.
When Hisame turned in the direction of the voice, multiple people looked away in fright.
The attendant’s lips curled into a sinister, satisfied smile. “Looks like they’re scared of us, Prince Hisame.” He appeared to be basking in a sense of superiority at stoking their fear.
I’m exhausted, Hisame thought while stifling a sigh. I don’t like this way of doing things.
“It would seem so,” he agreed aloud. “Well then, please head back for now. I don’t want to be criticized as a coward for dragging an attendant around.”
The attendant nodded in satisfaction.
The Jinlongian royal family and hostages from vassal nations studied at the Advancing Wisdom Academy—the Canopy’s place of learning. Not even people of high standing could bring servants there.
“You are most admirable, Prince Hisame,” the attendant said. “You’re composed even in an enemy camp. Well then, I’ll come pick you up at a later time.”
After parting with his attendant, Hisame waited for Angelina at the entrance.