Re:Crafting in Another World
Chapter 49: Beginning

Chapter 49: Beginning

The grand capital of the Principality of Sturgon, Stadia, was a sight to behold. Towering buildings with elegant glass windows reflected the golden glow of the sun, casting shimmering lights across the stone-paved streets. The roads were filled with ornate carriages, their polished exteriors gleaming as they moved through the city, each carrying nobles and wealthy merchants to their destinations.

The city’s vibrancy was unmistakable—merchants shouting their wares, the clatter of horses’ hooves against the cobblestone, and the hum of countless conversations filling the air. It was a thriving capital, with several parties fulfilling their duties to keep it lively.

At the heart of this magnificent city stood the Academy of Sturgon, the only educational institution permitted in the entire principality. Sturgon strictly reserved education for the elite of the society. Only the children of noble families and wealthy merchants were admitted, and even within these privileged groups, a rigid hierarchy existed.

Most of the commoners had little to no education, but the religious organizations were kind enough to teach them, seeing it as a service to their gods, while some did it to expand their influence among the commoners.

The academy followed a structured five-year program, with students beginning at the age of eighteen. Until then, they were expected to serve their families and lands, honing their skills before they officially entered the institution. By the time they arrived, they were already well-trained in combat, magic, and diplomacy. Yet, education was not the academy’s true purpose. It was, above all, a mechanism to establish and reinforce societal hierarchy.

The fifth-year students, the highest rank in the academy, held dominion over the student body. Most of them were sons and daughters of dukes and royalty, wielding power as though they were already rulers in their own right. At the very top of this hierarchy stood the student council president, a position currently held by a young noble—none other than the nephew of the renowned knight, Sir Juno Marciel.

Today, the academy was bustling more than usual. Professors and staff scurried about, their faces tight with anticipation. Even the student body, typically exuding an air of superiority, seemed restless. Something grand was happening.

Inside the main administrative hall, two figures stood in deep conversation—Master Daniel Marciel, the overseer of the student body, and the son of Duke Marciel and Nephew to Sir Juno Marciel.

"Everything must be perfect, professor," Daniel stated firmly, his voice carrying a sense of authority and respect.

The professor nodded, his brow furrowed. "Indeed. The arrival of Princess of the Harlow Empire is no trivial matter. It is not just an exchange student program—it is a declaration of peace and harmony between our nations. Sturgon has sent its own prince, and in return, we must ensure the safety and dignity of the princess."

Daniel exhaled sharply. "We must not only ensure her safety but also remind the Harlow Empire that we are second to none. The Academy Festival is approaching, and I have no doubt she will try to make a statement."

The professor chuckled. "She is said to be both a beast and a beauty. You should prepare yourself, Daniel."

Daniel scoffed, his arms crossing over his chest. "I will not lose to a woman. This is my academy and my nation, and I will prove that Sturgon stands above all."

The professor smiled knowingly. "That confidence will serve you well. But let us not forget the principal’s strict orders regarding security. She has even gone so far as to hire members of Sir Juno’s unit, so you better not harm the princess."

Daniel’s eyes widened in shock. "What? That cannot be! The principal despises my uncle. Their rivalry is well-known. For her to turn to him... that alone proves how seriously she is taking this matter."

The professor nodded gravely. "Indeed. It is not just about ensuring peace, but also about displaying our strength. The Harlow Empire must leave here knowing that we are not to be underestimated yet we can trusted for that purpose the princess should be the highest priority of us."

Daniel clenched his fists, his determination hardening. "Then we must be ready. When Princess arrives, she will see firsthand the power and defense of Sturgon. And when the festival comes... I will ensure she knows her place and realize that Sturgon is not be underestimated."

The professor patted his shoulder. "That is the spirit. Now, let us ensure everything is in order. The princess will arrive soon, and there must be no mistakes. As the student body head, you will be welcoming her along with our principal."

As the academy staff continued their frantic preparations, the capital of Stadia remained as lively as ever. But within the towering walls of the academy, an undercurrent of tension flowed.

While the whole academy was busy preparing for this special event, a few students were practicing in the academy’s training grounds.

The sound of clashing steel echoed through the academy’s training grounds. The sharp ring of swords meeting reverberated in the air as two figures danced across the training grounds, their blades moving with precision and speed.

The young woman lunged forward, her blade a blur as she attempted to break past her opponent’s guard. But the young man before her effortlessly deflected each strike, his expression calm and focused.

"Too slow, Christina," Udo said, sidestepping her attack with ease. His sword flicked forward, forcing her back. It wasn’t just the two of them training on the grounds—hundreds of students were dueling with each other. This was an everyday occurrence for the knighthood students, the most sought-after class in the entire academy, along with the mana control classes.

Christina gritted her teeth, sweat beading on her forehead. She tightened her grip on her sword and lunged again, aiming for his side. But just as she thought she had an opening, Udo twisted his blade, parrying her strike and stepping in close. With one swift motion, he struck her sword hand, forcing her weapon from her grasp. Before she could react, he swept her legs out from under her, sending her crashing onto the training ground.

Dust rose around her as she lay on the ground, panting. Udo lowered his sword and extended a hand toward her. "You fought well, but you’re still far from beating me."

Christina slapped his hand away and pushed herself up with a scowl. "I don’t need your pity," she muttered before turning on her heel and stalking away.

Udo watched her go and sighed, shaking his head. "What an arrogant woman."

As Christina made her way out of the training grounds, a group of young men approached her, their expressions smug. One of them clapped her on the back, making her stiffen.

"Good work, Christina," one of them sneered. "You really gave Master Udo a workout. At least now you don’t have to worry about your Baron father losing the favor of the Count Komasi’s family."

Another laughed. "That’s right. Just keep being a good little punching bag for Master Udo, and maybe your family won’t sink any lower."

Christina clenched her fists as the group walked away, their laughter ringing in her ears. She turned abruptly and slammed her gauntlet-clad fist into the stone wall beside her. A resounding crack echoed through the corridor, dust trickling down.

"This is pathetic," she muttered under her breath, her nails digging into her palms.

She exhaled sharply and closed her eyes.

Christina was conflicted because she knew the knighthood ceremony was approaching, and every year, only ten new knights were chosen from the academy. If she lost like this, she knew the trainers wouldn’t even consider recommending her as a competitor. Yet, the noble hierarchy prevented her from showing her true abilities.

She noticed everything—his movements, the way he aimed to disarm her—but she had to ignore it all and lose on purpose. She simply wasn’t allowed to win against a Count’s son in this academy, not when she was just a baron’s daughter. That wasn’t the only factor holding her back, though. Only 2% of the knighthood students were women, as most trained in mana control or studied territory management, preparing to become noble ladies in the future.

As much as she hated everything about this situation, she knew what came next. It was time to visit home—she hadn’t been there in months..

Her thoughts darkened as she imagined stepping through the doors of her father’s estate. She did not wish to see him, to hear his bitter words about how much she owed their family. But at least... at least she would get to speak with her mother.

Lost in her thoughts, she barely registered the sound of hurried footsteps until a voice called out to her.

"Christina!"

She turned just as another girl came running toward her, breathless and urgent.

"Did you hear the news about the princess from the Harlow Empire? She’s here!" she shouted, as if it were one of the most important events in the academy.

Students had already gathered, hoping for a chance to introduce themselves to the princess—especially the young men who dreamed of using their charms to capture her heart. But she wasn’t the typical princess they expected her to be.

"..." Christina didn’t know how to react. Should she be happy? Why should she even care about this princess?

"Whatever, Lema. I don’t really have time to see her. I need to get ready to go back to my estate since vacation is coming."

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