Mero stood in the vast living room of his apartment, situated in one of the most prestigious quarters of the Imperial School of Mor. The richly decorated walls and the elegant furniture recalled the grandeur of a world governed by excellence and protocol, but that day, a particular atmosphere floated in the air. As he mentally prepared to begin the next part of his first days in this exceptional establishment, a soft knock sounded at the door, interrupting the hushed calm that reigned in the room.
A servant, faithful to his duties, immediately presented himself. The servant announced, in a calm and respectful voice, that the school secretary was waiting for Mero in the living room to offer him a detailed presentation of the institution and to answer any questions regarding his stay and the requirements related to his student status.
Mero then straightened up slightly, took a deep breath to center himself, and carefully adjusted his attire, reaffirming his calm and royal demeanor with this gesture. Before allowing the door to open, he exchanged a final discreet smile with Leila, who, true to her habit, also assumed a more formal posture at that moment. This smile, filled with undertones and shared memories, testified to the unique relationship that bound them, despite the evolution of roles that now imposed itself in their daily life.
The servant, always imbued with respect, entered the room. In a solemn tone, he declared, "Your Excellency, the school secretary is waiting for you in your living room for a detailed presentation of the institution and its operations. She is also ready to answer any questions you may have regarding your stay and the expectations related to your student status." Mero nodded with assurance, signaling him to invite the new interlocutor. After a slight bow, the servant promptly withdrew, leaving behind a silence filled with promises and the solemnity befitting the place.
This silence did not last long. A few moments later, the door opened again to let in a woman of about thirty, dressed with an elegance that characterized the style of the Imperial School. Her fine features, framed by a carefully styled hairdo, and her professionally warm smile testified to her experience in dealing with both students and members of high nobility. She greeted Mero with a slight nod, waiting discreetly for his invitation to take a seat.
With a measured air, Mero invited the secretary to sit down. In a calm and assured voice, she began her presentation by explaining, with precision and clarity, the main aspects of the new daily routine that awaited the young man. "Your Excellency," she began, addressing Mero, "it is essential that you understand the operations of the Imperial School of Mor. This establishment is not merely a place of study; it constitutes a true training center intended for the empire's elite."
She continued by explaining that Mero would be trained in various disciplines, each supervised by exceptional masters and mistresses, chosen for their expertise and dedication. The training there was both rigorous and prestigious and offered the opportunity to rub shoulders with students from royal and imperial families, as well as exceptional individuals from various backgrounds. The tone of her voice, imbued with benevolent authority, revealed the importance of the place and the stakes involved.
The secretary then detailed the daily organization of the school. She explained that each student's schedule was carefully designed to accommodate classes, exams, and major events such as receptions, galas, and other ceremonies of the institution. "Your schedules will be adjusted according to your studies and commitments," she indicated, "and your stay will unfold under the close supervision of our institution, while allowing you to evolve in a stimulating environment, surrounded by your peers. Cooperation and exchanges between students are not only encouraged but also essential to achieve the set objectives."
Then, with methodical precision, she enumerated several rules of conduct. She insisted on the importance of etiquette, diplomacy, and the ability to forge alliances in a context where the art of compromise and negotiation was as crucial as acquiring academic knowledge. "At the Imperial School, you will be given the opportunity to form close ties with the future leaders of the empire," she affirmed. Mero, listening to these explanations, understood that this establishment represented much more than just a place of learning. It stood out as a true strategic crossroads, a space where the next generation of leaders, tasked with carrying the ambitions of a vast and complex empire, was formed.
The secretary then paused, carefully observing Mero's expression to ensure his comprehension. In a more personal tone, she added, "If you have any questions, whether about the logistics of your stay or more specific points, I am entirely at your disposal to assist you." This offer of help reinforced the impression of seriousness and dedication that emanated from her, and Mero reflected on the questions that preoccupied him.
After a brief moment of reflection, he declared in a calm and measured voice, "I have many questions, and I would like you to answer them one by one." The secretary, without missing a beat, nodded with a professional smile. "Of course, Your Excellency. I am here to answer all your questions. Ask your questions, and I will do my best to answer them with the utmost precision." She then took out a notepad and a pen, ready to note down each of the questions Mero was about to ask.
Mero's first question concerned the internal organization of the school. He asked, "Regarding the organization, if I have a specific request, whom should I address? Also, are there areas within the establishment to which I am not authorized access?" The secretary took a few moments to organize her thoughts before responding in a calm and assured voice, "Regarding the organization, the Imperial School of Mor is divided into several sections. Each faculty is dedicated to a specific field of study, and you will be assigned to one of them based on your choices and interests. If you have a specific request—whether to modify your schedule, adjust your program, or any other particular need—you should address your academic supervisor, who is responsible for each group of students."
She continued by specifying that, although most facilities were accessible to all, certain areas were restricted for security or confidentiality reasons. "For example, the imperial archives, certain sensitive research laboratories, as well as the private quarters of the teaching and administrative staff, are closed to the public, except in cases of special authorization. However, overall, the freedom of movement within the public areas of the school remains quite extensive." The secretary then scrutinized Mero's face, ensuring that he had fully assimilated this information. "Do you have any other questions regarding the organization or other aspects of the school?" she asked.
Mero, wishing to know more about his future within this environment, asked a second question, "When will I know which assignment will be given to me?" The secretary took a brief moment to organize her thoughts before responding in a measured tone. "Your assignment will be determined based on your exam results, your choices, and the available spots in the different faculties. Generally, this assignment process takes place in the first days following your arrival. You will have a meeting with your academic supervisor to discuss your preferences and skills, and an official notification will then be sent to you. A member of the staff will inform you of your placement as soon as the decision is made."
A slight smile formed on the secretary's lips as she added, "We aim to ensure that each student is integrated into a program that suits them perfectly, so that you can develop your talents in an environment conducive to your fulfillment." Then, noticing that Mero seemed ready to address other topics, she proposed, "If you do not have any other immediate questions regarding your assignment, I can provide you with more details about the school's facilities, extracurricular activities, or the various events organized within our institution."
Mero, preferring to wait before addressing these points, simply replied, "I will see in due time, thank you. Moreover, I would like to know more about extracurricular events." The secretary nodded and responded enthusiastically, "Extracurricular activities play a crucial role at the Imperial School of Mor. They allow you to develop your social, artistic, and physical skills in addition to your studies. You will have access to a multitude of clubs and associations covering a wide range of interests. Among these, you will find debate clubs, musical ensembles, sports competitions, as well as theater and dance groups."
She then paused, highlighting the importance of special events organized throughout the year. "Each year, we organize a grand annual ball, various artistic competitions, as well as discussion forums on current topics. Exhibitions also allow some students to present their works or projects, thus providing unique opportunities to strengthen your communication skills and team spirit." The secretary added, with an engaging smile, "Students of the West House, in particular, are generally invited to participate in these events, as we consider them indispensable opportunities to forge strong bonds with your peers and honor your elite status. Of course, your participation remains voluntary, but these occasions are excellent ways to make yourself known in the imperial world."
Mero expressed a specific request. "As you know, I come from the archipelago kingdom of Sel. I would like to participate in activities related to the sea, navigation, and anything related to it." The secretary acknowledged this request with attention, carefully noting it down. "I will ensure that you are informed in advance of events and resources related to the sea and navigation. We have specialized clubs and periodically organize conferences on these topics. You will also have the opportunity to meet students with practical experience at sea. I will transmit all the necessary information to you as soon as possible."
Finally, Mero expressed one last request for the moment. "I would also like to obtain a map of the school to familiarize myself with the layout of the buildings, gardens, and various areas." The secretary then took a sheet of paper and, with a precise gesture, sketched some indications before handing him a basic plan of the Imperial School of Mor. "Here is a basic map that will help you orient yourself within the different buildings and gardens of the institution. The areas marked in red indicate restricted spaces, accessible only with special authorization, while others, such as the library, gymnasium, or classrooms, are open to all students. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions regarding this."
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
"Regarding outings in the city?" Mero asked in a measured voice, though betraying a curiosity mixed with apprehension. The tone of his question, both formal and imbued with the assurance he strove to maintain despite the inner turmoil, reflected the importance of managing his freedoms within an environment as strict as the Imperial School of Mor.
The secretary seemed to reflect for a moment, taking the time to choose her words carefully before responding. Her gaze, sharp and serious, fixed on Mero as she explained in a calm and controlled voice, "Outings in the city are permitted, but under certain conditions. As a distinguished student, you must be accompanied by a member of the staff or a trusted person from the school, such as a tutor. All outings must be announced in advance, and it is recommended not to be absent at night, except in cases of emergency or special authorization."
She leaned slightly forward, as if to emphasize the importance of her words, and added, "Moreover, discreet surveillance is ensured in the city, particularly around the school, to guarantee not only your safety but also that of all students. Nevertheless, if an outing is duly organized and validated, you will be free to enjoy the city within the established rules."
Mero nodded, absorbing each piece of information with the attention of a future leader aware of his responsibilities. The conversation resumed, and Mero, wishing to quickly address the topic of communication with his family, asked in a measured voice, "How can I send letters and mail to my family?"
The secretary smiled professionally and responded with the same clarity as before, "To send letters and mail, several options are available to you. The school has an internal post office where you can deposit your mail. Your correspondence will then be handled by our services, who will ensure it is delivered to the indicated address, whether to your home kingdom or any other destination. You only need to ensure that your letters are correctly addressed."
After a brief pause, she added with reassuring precision, "If you need urgent mailing, we also offer a special service, for an additional fee, that allows for faster delivery. In some cases, a school messenger can even be dispatched to ensure the transmission of your mail under the best conditions. Do not hesitate to visit the post office if you require assistance with your mail."
Mero, listening attentively, showed particular interest in a more subtle point. He then asked, in a tone filled with sustained curiosity, "And for non-conventional addresses, those that do not appear in the official imperial list?"
The secretary allowed a hint of an enigmatic smile, as if the question, though delicate, was not unfamiliar to her. "For this type of address, that is, those not listed in our official registers—whether it be an isolated island, a particular domain, or an uncharted region—we have a dedicated, more discreet but equally reliable service. You will need to provide as many details as possible and, if necessary, employ codes or additional indications to ensure the security and accuracy of the delivery. This service, though sometimes slower, guarantees the delivery of your mail to these more exotic destinations."
The secretary paused again, letting the silence instill a climate of confidence. Mero, convinced by the precision of her explanations, responded in a measured voice, "Very well. I will need this service for this week."
The secretary nodded, slightly inclining her head in a sign of understanding. "Very well, I will personally ensure that everything is ready for you to use this service as needed. You can deposit your mail directly at the school's post office or, if you prefer more discretion, entrust it to me personally."
She then let a slight smile escape and added, "Moreover, if you wish to use a seal or a distinctive stamp to guarantee the authenticity of your message, know that the school's engraving workshop is at your disposal to provide this service."
Mero, satisfied with this response, nodded and continued by addressing another concern, "I would now like to discuss extracurricular expenses. How should they be settled?"
The secretary straightened up, adjusting her notepad in front of her, and responded with the precision of an experienced official, "Extracurricular expenses can be settled in several ways, depending on your preferences and status. First, each distinguished student has an imperial account opened with the Empire's Treasury. You can deposit funds or receive allocations from your family. Your expenses will be automatically deducted from this account."
She continued by listing the other options, "Alternatively, you can opt for a letter of credit provided by your kingdom or an affiliated bank, which allows for deferred or guaranteed payments by your family fortune. For more modest expenses, direct payment in piastres or any other currency accepted by the Empire is possible. Finally, for long-term projects, such as organizing events, the school can advance the funds and send you an invoice later, which will be sent to your kingdom or your legal representative."
The secretary paused for a moment, then asked Mero, "Would you like to set up a specific tracking of your finances? For example, establish a detailed statement of your expenses or set a monthly budget?"
Mero, considering the management methods that suited him, replied in a firm voice, "I already have an imperial account, and I wish for all my expenses to be associated with this account. Additionally, I would like to receive a detailed statement of my expenses each month, with the precise mention of each transaction. I also wish that, for the time being, no expenses related to alcohol or tobacco be authorized."
The secretary promptly agreed, carefully noting these instructions in her notepad. "Very well, we will proceed as such. Your imperial account will be used for all your official expenses, and a detailed statement will be sent to you each month. If you wish to establish additional restrictions or modify the expense budget later, you only need to make an official request. For now, I note that no expenses related to alcohol or tobacco will be registered."
After closing her notepad, the secretary looked up at Mero and asked in a voice filled with professional curiosity, "Are there any other specifications you would like to add regarding the management of your finances, or any other topic you would like to address?"
Mero, wishing to organize the various aspects of his new life as best as possible, declared, "Yes, I would also like to find a romantic painter to create a series of paintings depicting different landscapes of the empire for my account."
The secretary carefully noted this request and then replied, "I understand your request perfectly. The school has a network of artists and intellectuals of renown. I will organize a meeting with several painters specialized in the romantic style so that you can examine their works and choose the one that best suits your expectations."
Mero nodded, satisfied with the swiftness with which his requests were being addressed. He then addressed a more personal question, "I would also like to have a tailor come, as my clothes seem too small. Moreover, how does the catering service work? I noticed a dining room upstairs, but there was no menu posted for orders."
The secretary promptly replied, "Regarding the making of garments, I will immediately send for a tailor to take your measurements. You will have a choice among various fabrics and styles, according to your preferences. As for catering, the upstairs dining room offers meals at fixed times, served buffet-style with a wide selection of dishes. However, for distinguished students, it is possible to order specific meals that will be delivered directly to your apartment. For this, you can either contact the dormitory staff or fill out a dedicated register. If you have specific preferences or follow a particular diet, a small leather-bound notebook is provided for you to note your requests, and the kitchen staff will adapt accordingly."
The secretary, after giving Mero time to assimilate this information, quickly moved on to another important point. "Would you also like to organize lessons with a weapons master?" she asked in a professional voice.
Mero, thoughtfully, replied, "I would like to improve my skills in fencing and firearms. I wish to have regular training sessions, three times a week, in the evening after my classes."
The secretary noted this instruction with methodical precision. "Very well, I will organize training sessions with our best weapons masters. We have excellent instructors specialized in imperial fencing as well as in the handling of precision pistols and rifles, with a shooting range available. You will thus benefit from regular training, three times a week, in the evening, after your classes."
Mero, already concerned with improving his social etiquette for upcoming events, added in a determined voice, "I would also like to learn to dance. It is imperative that I be at a respectable level before the first imperial ball."
The secretary smiled engagingly and replied promptly, "Very well, we have several renowned dance professors from the best schools in the empire. I recommend that you take intensive private lessons, as you wish to progress quickly. I will organize intensive training for you with an experienced dance professor so that you will be perfectly prepared for the ball."
Then, after carefully noting these various requests, the secretary looked up at Mero to ensure that no other topics were pending. "Are there any other requests you would like to make?" she asked.
Mero, after a brief moment of reflection, replied in a measured and firm voice, "Yes. I have another important request: my hostess, Leila, is getting married. I would like to offer her a gift for this occasion. I would like you to call upon competent persons to take care of the organization of this present. That is all for now."
The secretary, who had already noted each of the previous requests, paused for a moment before responding, "Very well, I will personally take care of this matter. We will identify trusted service providers to create a gift worthy of the event, ensuring that everything is taken care of according to the rules of the art."
Mero, satisfied, continued by addressing the last question that preoccupied him, "When do we start classes?"
The secretary quickly consulted her documents and replied in an assured voice, "Regarding classes, we need to define a suitable schedule. Would you like to start tomorrow? We could organize your sessions according to your availability, while ensuring that the instructors and teachers are available to accompany you."
Mero, resolute and determined not to waste any time, declared without hesitation, "I wish to start as soon as possible. Currently, I am available all day. Do not hesitate to fill my schedule; I am used to managing multiple activities. I trust you completely to create the most suitable schedule for my needs."
The secretary smiled satisfactorily and replied, "Very well, I will organize this for you. I will ensure that your schedule is perfectly balanced between your various activities and that your classes begin as soon as possible. You will be informed of the first appointments shortly."
Mero nodded in silence, aware that, despite the complexity of the organization that was imposed on him, the efficiency and rigor of the institution would allow him to fully blossom. The secretary, after meticulously noting all his requests, concluded the meeting by addressing him with a final gaze filled with professionalism and courtesy.
"Your Excellency," she said in a calm voice, "all your requests have been taken into account. We will do everything in our power to ensure that your stay at the Imperial School of Mor unfolds under the best possible conditions. Do not hesitate to come back to us if you have any other questions or requests."
The secretary, after summarizing the essential points and confirming the organization of the schedule, finally left the room, leaving Mero alone with his thoughts. As he stood before the large window, contemplating the landscape that stretched beyond the walls of his apartment, Mero told himself that, despite the complexity and demands of his new life, he was ready to embrace this destiny with the strength and wisdom inspired by each of these instructions.
---
