The early morning sun barely touched the cobblestone streets of Valerian City as Arin tightened the hood over her head. Her heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. She wasn't just stepping into a school—she was stepping into a world of nobles, princes, and warriors who had never seen struggle or poverty.
She looked down at the letter in her hand: a scholarship granting her entry into the Royal Military Academy. Her eyes stung with tears she refused to shed.
"Father… Mother… I will not fail. I will save our family. And no one can know… not even a single soul."
Her brother had run away with their family's servant, leaving nothing but mountains of debt behind. There was no one left to protect them. If she failed, her family would be ruined forever.
And so, she made the impossible decision—to disguise herself as a boy. Not because she wanted to hide, but because survival demanded it. Today, I am Aren Valis. I am no one else.
First Step into the Academy
As she stepped into the courtyard of the Valerian Royal Military Academy, she was immediately overwhelmed. Students clashed in training drills, swords flashing, commands echoing. Some laughed, some shouted, some fell. Every movement was precise, controlled… intimidating.
A blond figure leaned casually against a post, arms crossed, grinning as he watched her: Prince Kaelen, the heir. His eyes sparkled with mischief.
"New recruit?" he called, voice light and teasing.
"Yes… uh… Aren Valis," Arin stammered, bowing quickly. Her voice shook slightly, betraying her nerves.
Kaelen circled her, studying her carefully. "Interesting… a scholarship recruit. We'll see what you're made of."
Secret Observer
From the shadows near the fountain, Prince Elric, the second prince, watched silently. There was something strange about this boy—subtle movements, a grace unusual for a male recruit. He narrowed his eyes. Not just another boy… she's hiding something. I'll keep watch.
First Test – Sparring Hall
Arin's first match was with a boy twice her size. The fight began clumsily; she stumbled, laughter erupted.
Kaelen called teasingly: "Careful, Aren! Don't get flattened before breakfast!"
But her secret training kicked in. She dodged, rolled, and countered with precision. By the end, she had bested her opponent. Silence fell. Kaelen blinked in surprise; Elric allowed himself a small smile.
Mishap and Comedy
Later, carrying wooden swords, Arin tripped. The swords tumbled around her, clattering loudly.
Kaelen rushed to steady her. "Careful! Are you trying to make an entrance for attention?"
"I… I wasn't…" she stammered, face flushed.
Elric observed silently. He knew. She was a girl, disguised as a boy. But he would not reveal it yet. Watching her grow quietly was far more interesting.
Quiet Reflection
That night, Arin lay on her cot. "I can't fail. I must survive. For my family… for all they lost."
Kaelen thought of the new recruit with fascination. Courage, skill, and… something indescribable.
Elric remained in shadows, silent but watchful, intrigued by the secret she carried.
And so the story began—a tale of courage, secrets, rivalry, and the first sparks of romance.
Chapter One – "The Hidden Recruit"
The early morning sun barely touched the cobblestone streets of Valerian City as Arin tightened the hood over her head. Her heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. She wasn't just stepping into a school—she was stepping into a world of nobles, princes, and warriors who had never seen struggle or poverty.
She looked down at the letter in her hand: a scholarship granting her entry into the Royal Military Academy. Her eyes stung with tears she refused to shed.
"Father… Mother… I will not fail. I will save our family. And no one can know… not even a single soul."
Her brother had run away with their family's servant, leaving nothing but mountains of debt behind. There was no one left to protect them. If she failed, her family would be ruined forever.
And so, she made the impossible decision—to disguise herself as a boy. Not because she wanted to hide, but because survival demanded it. Today, I am Aren Valis. I am no one else.
First Step into the Academy
As she stepped into the courtyard of the Valerian Royal Military Academy, she was immediately overwhelmed. Students clashed in training drills, swords flashing, commands echoing. Some laughed, some shouted, some fell. Every movement was precise, controlled… intimidating.
A blond figure leaned casually against a post, arms crossed, grinning as he watched her: Prince Kaelen, the heir. His eyes sparkled with mischief.
"New recruit?" he called, voice light and teasing.
"Yes… uh… Aren Valis," Arin stammered, bowing quickly. Her voice shook slightly, betraying her nerves.
Kaelen circled her, studying her carefully. "Interesting… a scholarship recruit. We'll see what you're made of."
Secret Observer
From the shadows near the fountain, Prince Elric, the second prince, watched silently. There was something strange about this boy—subtle movements, a grace unusual for a male recruit. He narrowed his eyes. Not just another boy… she's hiding something. I'll keep watch.
First Test – Sparring Hall
Arin's first match was with a boy twice her size. The fight began clumsily; she stumbled, laughter erupted.
Kaelen called teasingly: "Careful, Aren! Don't get flattened before breakfast!"
But her secret training kicked in. She dodged, rolled, and countered with precision. By the end, she had bested her opponent. Silence fell. Kaelen blinked in surprise; Elric allowed himself a small smile.
Mishap and Comedy
Later, carrying wooden swords, Arin tripped. The swords tumbled around her, clattering loudly.
Kaelen rushed to steady her. "Careful! Are you trying to make an entrance for attention?"
"I… I wasn't…" she stammered, face flushed.
Elric observed silently. He knew. She was a girl, disguised as a boy. But he would not reveal it yet. Watching her grow quietly was far more interesting.
Quiet Reflection
That night, Arin lay on her cot. "I can't fail. I must survive. For my family… for all they lost."
Kaelen thought of the new recruit with fascination. Courage, skill, and… something indescribable.
Elric remained in shadows, silent but watchful, intrigued by the secret she carried.
And so the story began—a tale of courage, secrets, rivalry, and the first sparks of romance.