A Story From Zinnia

Part 2: Helling Rose Royal School

"Have you heard? He said the crown prince's younger brother will be attending our school"

"You mean Prince Xavier?"

"Yes, who's his sister anyway."

"really? Why would he want to go to school here?"

"I heard that Prince Nathaniel is going to the military academy, maybe he's tired of it so he went to school here."

"I can't imagine how cool Prince Nathaniel would be in an air force uniform."

On a clear morning starting with the babbling of the students in the classroom corridor, the news of the bird about Prince Xavier who will attend the Helling Rose Royal School has been crowded. Whether because they felt strange or curious about the presence of the prince, which was clear that morning they all looked enthusiastic and excited.

"Hi Eveline!"

"Oh! Hi Oliver."

The only daughter of the de Mauren family, Oliver Luxia de Mauren. His father, Mr. Eden, now works as a secretary in the interior ministry. Her jovial figure and easy to make friends, making everyone in this school including teachers know her.

At the table next to her sat a Gilbert family's youngest daughter named Eveline Alexandra Gilbert. His father, Mr. Gilbert, is the current defense minister. In contrast to Oliver, Eveline is very shy and not easy to get along with. So Oliver is his only close friend at this time. Having purple eyes like amethyst gems adds a graceful and elegant impression on Eveline. Both are now in the first grade of primary school.

"It's exhausting, why is this school too big for my short legs." Oliver pulled out his chair and put the bag in his desk locker.

"You've been so diligent about opening your book this early." Said Oliver who saw Eveline busy turning the pages of his math book.

"You forgot? Today there will be a quiz, have you studied?"

"QUIZZES?! Why didn't you say there was an impromptu quiz?!"

"Ah... Looks like you forgot yes, master teacher announced there will be a quiz last week."

"True, I'm finished..."

"Just calm down Oliver, this isn't a real replay anyway."

Whether in any part of the world, an impromptu quiz in the morning is the thing that students hate the most, especially math quizzes.

At seven and fifteen, a loud school bell rang, indicating that classes were about to begin.

"Kids let's start the quiz."

"Yahhhh." Say all the students in unison.

For a few moments only the sound of the clock ticking was unceasingly spinning. Until the sound of a bell that signifies rest.

"All right, let's end the meeting this time. Please rest."

"Thank you sir."

The students run out, their short break activities are filled with various activities. Some go to the cafeteria, play on the field, continue their studies, or just joking with friends.

Oliver, who is now seen getting sleepy after the math quiz, closes the novel and puts his right cheek on the table. Her eyes began to close. Her friend, Eveline, is still engrossed in reading the material for her next lesson. Their classes were quiet, as more students were now outside the classroom.

The silence did not last long. When a student from another class ran along the corridor shouting,

"THE PRINCE XAVIER HAS ARRIVED! PRINCE XAVIER HAS ARRIVED!"

The remaining disciples in the classroom flocked to run out to see the appearance of the prince.

But instead of running, Oliver was instead struck by confusion when he saw his other friends running out.

"Prince? What does prince mean?" Oliver asked Eveline next to him.

"You don't know? Said Prince Xavier was gonna start school here."

"School here? So why is everything so crazy? Just disturb my sleep."

"They were just enthusiastic to see the prince"

Eveline then moved from her chair, she then pulled the arm of Oliver who at that time still wanted to continue his sleep to come with her.

"Come on... We go down yuk too! Aren't you interested in seeing the prince's face?"

"No. I'm not interested." That answer only made Eveline even more forcefully pull her arm.

"I want to sleep Eveline...."

"You can sleep at home, but not by looking at the prince, so come on!"

"OK okay, I'm coming. BUT DON'T PULL MY ARM!"

Inevitably Oliver got up from his stool, now they went towards the crowd of people. They dwell on a second-floor balcony where the inner gates of their school can be clearly seen from there. It was seen from afar that the prince was escorted by the numerous palace guards. They were dressed neatly wearing black suits, swiftly setting the way for the superior.

"Look at the bodyguards, what's the prince going to school for? Troublesome." Oliver said cynically

"Hey, watch what you say Oliver. He's a prince, after all."

"Why indeed? After all, when he set foot here, he was just a disciple just like us."

"Have been silent, I want to see his face."

"Look there until your eyes come out! Clearly his face was everywhere, as if he had never seen it." Now Oliver folded his hands in front of his chest, although upset, but in fact he did not move a step from where he stood.

Eveline's amethyst eyes couldn't even move a second from looking at the prince.

"Hey hey Oliver, isn't he handsome?"

"I'm still Prince Nathaniel."

Now the prince walked up the stairs, towards the second floor with his aides. The students who were standing directly pulled over gave space, then bowed respectfully. His steps came to a halt as he reached the front of the classroom that seemed to be classroom 2-A.

"Hey Eveline, isn't that your brother Louis' classroom?" Asked Oliver who was watching from afar.

"You're right, that's my sister's class. Does that mean they are in class? GREAT WOW!" Eveline said as he jumped in joy.

"Great what?"

"Then I'll ask my sister after school."

Even though the prince had entered his class, the crowd of students still stayed outside, until finally one of the teachers told them to return to the classroom.

"Children go back to your classes now! Lessons are about to begin, let's disperse!" Shouted one of the teachers.

The second lesson bell rang. The presence of princes in the school is enough to make the attention of the students distracted. But what can be done, learning activities must be continued.

The situation in class 2-A is quite awkward. Xavier who is now sitting in the middle row seat to two from the back is very attention grabbing. The prince's eyes were busy looking to and fro trying to adapt to the surrounding environment.

He sat very politely, with his back straight and folded hands on the table. Clearly, manners education was the first thing taught to royal members. How to sit, stand, talk, eat, drink, hold a glass and even a cutlery should illustrate that he is a member of the royal family. Not in vain his teacher taught Xavier royal manners for hours, although the lesson was the thing he hated the most because it required him to move like a robot.

Not only was Xavier awkward, but all of his classmates were the same. Imagine being in a class with the third most respected man in the whole country. They are confused what to do, until finally the next hour subject teacher enters.

Before long, a middle-aged man with many books in his hands walked into the classroom to break the silence.

"Good morning, kids."

"Good morning Professor Archie." Speak the disciples simultaneously.

Archie Alexander is a professor of history, his name is quite popular in Zinnia. His long career and once a teacher of King Arthur when young used to make him have a good prestige until his old age.

Now the 6-year-old headman has devoted himself to teaching at several primary schools, including the Helling Rose Royal School.

"Oh there seems to be a new face here. Your Majesty, would you please stand up and introduce yourself? Although I don't think anyone knows you in this country, Your Majesty." Said Professor Archie followed by a small ruckus to make the other students laugh.

Xavier stood up from his chair, "Good morning everyone, my name is Xavier Hellen Rayton. The second son of King Arthur. Today is my first day of school here, nice to meet you guys."

The other students clapped their hands after that, but the silent atmosphere came back after.

"Prince, this is the first time I've seen His Majesty in person. I can't believe His Majesty's face really resembled the face of the king when he was a child. That's interesting."

Xavier only smiled when he heard that.

"I've never heard anyone say that before, people always say that I look like my mom."

"The aura of the queen's beauty is inherited from you, Your Majesty."

"really?"

"Of course."

"Good to hear. Ah, the professor does not need to call me 'Your Majesty' when in the school environment, and also treat me like any other student. After all the professor is my teacher now."

"It's gonna sound rude and awkward to me, but I'm gonna work on it." Professor Archie smiled at Xavier, then he began to open the history book he had brought.

"Well kids, go to page 34 of your package books."

That's how Xavier's first lesson in his new class begins.

Not felt the lesson passed quickly, the clock has shown twelve o'clock, time for lunch. So far no one has dared to say hello to Xavier first, so inevitably now he sits alone on his stool when other students have flocked out to the canteen.

Now Xavier stands up from his stool, walking towards the window in his class facing directly the field that is not so wide outside. He saw a lot of people playing ball there, it was fun.

Long enough Xavier looked out, until one of his aides knocked quietly on the classroom door, "Your Majesty, do you want lunch? We can prepare it."

"May I eat in the lower canteen like the others?"

"Of course, Your Majesty, we will prepare."

"All right."

Now that Xavier was walking towards the canteen, another disciple who saw him immediately stood up and saluted. To be honest, for Xavier this was quite embarrassing and troublesome. His mind wondered, why did his father send so many aides? After all he would only go to school, not go to enemy areas. There was no way anyone would hurt him, two to three aides were enough to escort him.

Protocol is the protocol that needs to be followed. For every parent, their child's life is worth more than anything. Now his adjutant walks first to show where Xavier can sit.

"Please sit here Your Majesty."

"Thank you."

Without a long wait, the chefs and waiters came to serve the food. Quite a lot of types of menus are served or even very much for the size of the lunch menu of school students.

"It's an honor for us Your Majesty is willing to try the simple dishes we made." Said one of the cooks.

"Thank you very much, but isn't this too fancy? You simply serve the food you used to cook for the other children."

"Of course not troublesome, Your Majesty."

"Well I'll eat a lot."

The chef and the servants resumed their work, leaving Xavier to start eating his lunch.

"WAIT FOR YOUR MAJESTY! Let me try it first."

In fact, this is a rarely done royal protocol. Since King Arthur ascended the throne, the late Queen Issabela ordered the palace butler to always ensure that no hazardous materials entered the palace kitchen. Strict checks were also made against the chefs and the palace servants, the queen wanted no harmful ingredients that could cause poisoning or allergies. The position of the royal taster is also rare, unless a member of the royal family goes to a meeting or a foreign banquet that has not been guaranteed security. Just like the school cafeteria that Xavier first came to today.

"Have you?" Xavier asked his adjutant.

"Please Your Majesty."

"In addition to what they got by poisoning me, Dad could have beheaded them. You're too much."

"Sorry Your Majesty. Please enjoy."

Xavier who was hungry ate his food voraciously. Surrounded by the atmosphere of the cafeteria which is quite noisy, not a sound of cutlery colliding with the plate or the sound of chewing from Xavier's mouth, this little prince ate quietly.

The large number of menus served does not make Xavier greedy by eating everything, he only takes what he can spend.

Now Xavier cleans his mouth with a napkin available. Lunch is over.

"Have you finished, Your Majesty? Are you going back to class?"

"No, there's still time off, I want to go to the room." Without further ado Xavier walked quickly towards the airy.

"And yes, stop following me by walking like this. You guys make me tight." Xavier said to his guards who had been loyal to follow wherever Xavier's feet went.

"Ah... Good Your Majesty."

"Just keep an eye on me from afar, you're making other students uncomfortable."

"Your Majesty." The adjutant immediately gave his men a cue to spread.

Xavier arrived right on the stairs to their school room. His steps came to a halt when a soccer ball flashed late in front of his face. Almost hit his face.

His adjutant swiftly held the ball and was about to throw it back, but Xavier held it back.

"Let me throw it." Xavier then took the ball from his adjutant.

Another student who was standing a fair distance away from the edge of the room shouted towards Xavier, who was,

"HEY NEW BOY! THROW THE BALL HERE!"

"OOO! TAKE CARE OF YOUR ATTITUDE YOU DON'T KNOW WHO HE IS?" Said his adjutant who looked quite upset.

"That's it." Xavier threw the ball at the boy.

"Thank you." He then turned around, but his steps stopped, and now he turned back to Xavier and said, "You... Wanna play? Our team is less than one person."

"Eh? Me??"

"Who else is it, I can't take your aide. I think we're one class. You can play football, right?"

"T-Of course!"

"Good then, come on!"

Xavier walked towards the middle of the field towards the boy.

"Y-Your Majesty wait..."

"Hey just wait there, I won't do anything." Xavier said as he waved his hand telling the aide who was about to catch up with him to wait.

Xavier and the boy were now walking side by side, "Isn't it troublesome with so many people escorting you even while at school?"

"Yes that's... Enough to keep you tight."

"Oh yeah, my name is Louis. Louis Anthony Gilbert. Hello to you."

"W-w... My name"

"No need to introduce myself, I already know, Your Majesty." Louis now ran towards his other friends.

'That boy is quite annoying' said inner Xavier.

"HEY PRINCE! COME QUICKLY!" Shouted Louis.

"AH YEAH WAIT!"

"Here's our star today." Said Louis to the others while embracing Xavier's shoulder.

"Make sure you're good at playing ball, okay?" Louis.

"Of course."

The match also began. Not a big game, but fun enough to follow. Now many other students are also watching from the edge of the room. It is undeniable, Xavier is quite good at playing football.

On the sidelines, a worried look was seen from the look on the face of the adjutant. Of course, he must keep an eye on Xavier, if he is injured, his history is gone.

"GOER!!!" Xavier scored for his team, a smile emanating from the rest of his team.

"You're good too, new boy." Said Louis while asking him tos.

But before long the fun took place, the bell rang, stopping their fun match. Students and students are flocking to their classes. No exception Xavier. The next lesson begins.

In this last hour, most students are already out of focus with their lessons. Their focus was split, some were paying attention, some were sleepy after lunch, and some had their minds floating around wanting to go home quickly.

Louis who was now sitting right in front of the bench Xavier turned towards him, "So... You're really a prince?" Louis's question was enough to make Xavier who had noticed the blackboard jolt.

"Of course I'm a prince."

"So you really live inside that big Cassania Palace?"

"Yes. Although there are other private houses, but now our family must live in the palace."

"Wow.." After Louis turned around again, it seemed that he was no longer interested in the material on the board. He accidentally took a book from his desk locker, then piled it up to be a pillow. A common sight in the last hour of learning.

The sun is getting higher, but the weather is not too hot. Shortly after that the bell came home ringing.

"We're learning enough today. You can go home."

"Thank you sir."

Xavier tidied up his bag and prepared to go home. The adjutant was ready to wait for him in front. His father's order was to go straight home right after school ended, he now got into his car. Heading to the palace was followed by the cars of his guards. Xavier's first day at school was over.

Now the gates of Cassania Palace are wide open, welcoming the prince's car and his motorcade. Xavier got out of his car and entered the inner gate of the palace and headed straight for his room.

On the stairs to his room, his nanny and trusted assistant greeted him, and brought him the backpack he had brought earlier.

"How was your first day at school, Your Majesty?" Said the man in his twenties named Liam.

"Not so bad, it's even fun."

"Thank God, then, Your Majesty." The man helps Xavier undress his school uniform vest.

"So I played football after lunch."

"Football?"

"Yes, one of my classmates invited me to play."

"Sounds so pleasant, Your Majesty."

"I haven't played football in a long time. If only there was Ashton's brother, I'd invite him to play now."

Xavier has now changed into his daily clothes.

"Your Majesty, His Majesty said he would like to see you after school."

"Oh really? Where's dad now?"

"Paduka is now in the back pavilion. Judging from the clock, it seemed like he was enjoying afternoon tea. Do I want to prepare your Majesty as well?"

"Thank you but no need, Liam."

"Okay, Your Majesty."

Now Xavier rushed to the back pavilion, his father's favorite place to relax for a while.

"I heard you call me?"

"Xavier you're home apparently. How was school today?"

"Fun enough."

"really?"

"Yeah, I don't think it's as bad as I imagined. But there's one thing that bothers me."

"Congratulate you? What is Xavier?"

"Can you reduce the number of bodyguards who drive me? It was quite troublesome, and I was worried that it might disturb the other students."

"Oh really? I thought you liked being escorted like that."

"Two or four bodyguards are enough, after all I'm going with my father's aide to trust."

"Well if that's what you want. Do you have any new friends in class?"

"Ah yes, there was a child from the same class as me who invited me to play football earlier."

"What's his name?"

"If his name is not mistaken Louis well, Louis Anthoni Gilbert."

"...Gilberts? She's from the Gilbert family?"

"From his looks it seems so. He looked like a child of most nobles. Why is it dad?"

"If he's from the Gilbert family, he's most likely the son of Morgan Antonio Gilbert. You know, the defense secretary."

"Well, is it true?"

"So, I'll ask Morgan. I forgot he had a son who was the same age as you, I only knew his daughter was a year younger than you who seemed to be attending school there too."

King Arthur was now busy stirring the tea in his cup, adding a squeeze of lemon before drinking it, "Want to drink tea?"

"No dad, I want to rest in the room."

"Alright, go back to your room. Come down to dinner tonight."

"Well yeah." Xavier said as he left his father who was still busy with his afternoon tea activities.