The morning mist had yet to fully disperse, but students were already stirring in twos and threes along the main avenue of Glory Kael Magic Academy.
When that blue-clad figure appeared, standing as straight as a slender bamboo stalk, both first-year newcomers and older students instinctively lowered their voices. Some stopped to bow and greet her respectfully, while others watched from afar with gazes mingling awe and admiration.
"Good morning, Your Highness Vivian."
"Good day, President."
"You're here so early, Your Highness."
Greetings rose one after another, polite and restrained, carrying unmistakable respect.
Vivian Kahn, the Kingdom's First Princess, was a second-year student and the Student Council President of this premier magic academy.
Her waist-length, lake-blue hair, beautiful enough to outshine the morning light, was meticulously tied into an elegant ponytail. Her ice-blue eyes gazed calmly ahead, and her delicate features looked sculpted from ice and snow-flawless, yet devoid of warmth.
She merely inclined her head or offered a brief reply before continuing onward. Her natural air of authority and reserve made any attempt at more familiar conversation feel out of place.
Her lofty standing did not stem solely from her exalted status as a princess.
At Glory Kail, strength and ability were the only true credentials.
Vivian had earned her reputation little by little through extraordinary achievement and discipline far stricter than most could endure.
In the past decade, she was the Academy's only first-year student to pass the year-end assessments with top marks in every subject and successfully win election as a Student Council officer.
Her schedule was precise down to the minute. It was said that she began meditation and physical training at four in the morning without ever missing a day.
Her notes were models of excellence that professors praised in private, clearly organized and thoroughly