Chapter 43: The Announcement
Two days later, the calm routine around Mia's school finally shattered.
It started early in the morning.
When Anshul arrived near the street where Mia lived, he immediately noticed something unusual. Several unfamiliar vehicles were parked along the road. Some of them had satellite equipment mounted on top, and a few people were already setting up cameras near the sidewalk.
Reporters.
Anshul stopped walking for a moment as he observed the situation.
"So it begins," he murmured quietly.
The announcement must have happened.
The television screens inside the nearby café confirmed it almost immediately. Through the window he could see a news broadcast showing Queen Clarisse standing beside Mia during an official press conference.
The headline beneath the screen read:
"Genovia Announces Its Crown Princess."
Inside the broadcast hall, Mia stood beside her grandmother wearing a formal outfit, her expression nervous but determined as the cameras flashed around her.
Anshul watched the screen for a moment before turning away.
By the time Mia returned to school, things would already be chaotic.
Sure enough, within an hour the street in front of the school had turned into a noisy crowd of reporters, curious onlookers, and students whispering excitedly about the news.
Anshul leaned casually against a tree near the gate, observing everything.
Students were already discussing the announcement loudly.
"Did you see the news this morning?"
"She's literally a princess!"
"I always knew something weird was going on!"
"Do you think she'll stop coming to school?"
The excitement was spreading quickly.
Several reporters were standing near the entrance hoping to catch a glimpse of Mia when she arrived.
Ten minutes later, the black limousine appeared.
The moment it turned onto the street, the crowd reacted immediately.
Cameras lifted.
Microphones appeared.
Voices called out questions.
"Mia! Over here!"
"Princess Amelia, how do you feel about becoming the heir to Genovia?"
"Will you continue studying here?"
Joseph stepped out of the car first, calmly opening the door.
Mia stepped out a moment later.
The difference between today and the previous week was obvious.
Everyone was looking at her.
Students.
Teachers.
Reporters.
For a brief moment Mia froze slightly as the cameras flashed around her.
Then she remembered her training.
Her posture straightened.
Her expression remained calm.
She walked toward the school entrance.
Anshul stepped forward quietly and moved beside her.
The sudden appearance of a tall unfamiliar student next to the princess confused several reporters for a moment.
"Who's that?"
"Is he security?"
"Maybe a friend?"
Mia noticed him immediately.
"You came," she whispered.
"Of course."
"This is insane," she said softly while continuing to walk.
"Get used to it."
"I don't want to get used to it."
Students parted slightly as they walked through the gate.
Whispers followed them everywhere.
"That's Mia…"
"Princess Mia."
"Who's the guy with her?"
Inside the school building, the atmosphere was just as chaotic.
Students were staring openly.
Some even pulled out their phones to take pictures.
Mia looked overwhelmed.
"This is exactly what I was afraid of."
Anshul looked around calmly.
"This is only the beginning."
"What does that mean?"
"It means things will get worse before they get better."
She sighed.
"Great."
They finally reached the hallway near her classroom.
Before entering, Mia turned toward him.
"You're staying around today?"
"For a while."
"Good."
She hesitated slightly before adding,
"I feel a lot less nervous when you're here."
Anshul nodded.
"I'll be nearby."
Mia gave him a small grateful smile before entering the classroom.
Meanwhile, Anshul remained standing in the hallway, observing the situation.
The school was already becoming chaotic.
Students would continue approaching her.
Reporters would keep appearing.
Normal life here was disappearing quickly.
Which meant one thing.
He would need a more permanent reason to stay here.
And that solution had already begun forming in his mind.