Princess of the Silver Ocean - Chapter 20

“Today’s lesson will focus on the Kingdom of Bern Badir, which is ruled by the political party, Leading Motherland Party,” the witch began teaching.

Astoria opened her notebook and textbook, pen in hand, and listened.

“Unlike Ashen, Bern Badir is not ruled by a monarchy, but by the political party, which I mentioned earlier. This kingdom is home to the centaur race. This kingdom was built amidst the green grasses of a windy meadow and is truly an ever-growing phenomenon. Its beauty is matched by the backdrop of a gentle mountain that has helped shape the kingdom into what it is today.”

“The materials these mountains brought were, and still are, of great importance. Still, the kingdom is also influential when it comes to architectural designs as the vast majority of buildings have been built with rocks from those very same mountains,” she paused as she drew multiple skyscrapers on the chalkboard.

Astoria thought that she was a great artist.

“The skyline is riddled with stylish skyscrapers, and there’s no place in this world with anything like this. Recreation is impeccable in Bern Badir,” the witch added, putting the chalk down and pointing at the skyscrapers on the chalkboard with a smile.

“Since recreation is impeccable, it has attracted a lot of attention to the kingdom. Many different creatures have left their mark not just on business but also upon the identity of the kingdom. Historically, what was a kingdom of predictability has grown into a multicultural hub.”

“This is what unites more than two million creatures to this day. You can find hundreds of concession stands, bistros, and food carts that offer a plethora of culinary choices. Those who feel hungry for something else can enjoy theater, photography, adventure sports, or one of the many other recreational venues.”

The teacher looked around the class to see if anyone was not paying attention but was satisfied that all the students were taking down notes. Well, almost all the students. She noticed that the troll was in a daze and was staring at Astoria the whole time.

‘Young love,’ the witch thought.

“Now, as for the kingdom’s coat of arms,” she said, turning the page of her textbook.

“Hey,” Astoria whispered, looking at the troll in irritation, “will you quit staring at me like that. It’s creepy and disturbing.”

Laojin smiled, clearly amused at the princess’ words.

“And if I say no?”

Astoria tsked loudly in irritation.

“Miss Callan?”

She heard the teacher call her and thought she was in trouble. Now she was overly irritated.

“Would you please stand up and read the description of Bern Badir’s coat of arms to the class?” the teacher asked her.

She was relieved to find that she was not in trouble. Standing up, she fixed her ponytail and held her textbook, and began to read with Laojin staring at her on the side.

“Bern Badir’s coat of arms has a regular-sized shield with a symmetrical sharp and outward-pointing top and a symmetrical upward curving bottom. This is supported by an image of a centaur on each side and rests on a golden platform. A humble coronet, signifying the Leading Motherland Party, with a woolen cap and rows of precious gems decorating the outer sides, rests atop the shield.”

She looked at her teacher and heard the her say, “Continue,” with a smile on her face.

“On top of the coronet sits a barbute helmet, which itself supports the crest, in this case, a classic silver anchor,” she continued.

“The coronet crest is decoratively bound by a roll of fabric, or torse, which carries the main colour used on the shield. Lastly, tied to the helmet is an average-sized drapery in the shape of small stage curtains and coloured in the main colours, just like the torse.”

“The shield itself has three colours, which are painted in a horizontal, symmetrically striped pattern. Two bow and arrow sets serve as the emblem, and an elegant maroon ribbon, hanging above the crest, carries the kingdom’s motto, which reads: “Pride and Honour.”

“Thank you, Miss Callan. You may be seated,” the witch said.

Astoria sat down and sighed softly. She thought that was a mouthful to read, and it was hard for her to properly concentrate with Laojin staring holes at her. Thankfully, she managed to read the text loudly and fluently.

“I’ll gouge out your eyes or put a spell on you to see darkness when you look at me if you continue to stare,” she whispered to him, to which he just laughed.

She was thankful when the bell rang, signalling the end of the lesson. Who knew that being stared at during the whole lesson would be so uncomfortable. Because of that, she was unable to focus on the kingdom’s laws, which the teacher was explaining in great detail.

The teacher left, and students began to chat excitedly, wondering what was in today’s menu and what snacks to buy. When it was just her and Laojin, he got up and sat on her desk. She glared at him as she closed her bag.

“I must say, Nexi,” he began, ” it’s like you became a completely different person. Before, you never used to do so well in PE because you were quite weak. You never read if a teacher asked you to since you were shy, and you most definitely never stood up to Alexa and I when we harassed you.”

She sighed, not in the mood to have a conversation with him.

“So she was being harassed,” she mumbled, “I figured.”

She looked at the troll, a psychopathic smile and murderous gaze plastered on her face, and placed her hand on his left shoulder.

“So, let me get this straight,” she began.

“You and your retard friends harassed and probably bullied Nexi since harassment is a form of bullying?” she asked.

Laojin stared blankly at her.

“Sweetcheeks,” he replied in a flirtatious manner, “we are all friends here. Friends don’t bully each other, am I right?”

She scoffed at his tone and question. The truth was, Nexi had been bullied by these troublemakers ever since she joined the academy. This was mainly because she was an introvert and, compared to others, had a weak magical energy force. She was a total pushover, too sweet for her own good. Astoria vowed to change the princess’ life before she went back to her world.

“Friends?” she asked him, slowly digging her nails into his skin.

“Friends,” she repeated, getting a cry of pain from the troll, “I don’t think we are friends, you darn troll. I’m not friends with you, and I’m definitely not friends with your retard friends. So listen up real, real good.”

She let go of his shoulder and crossed her arms, her body glowing in what seemed to be a silver hue which she did not notice, but the troll did. Laojin, completely scared, slowly backed away from her. He thought she had gone crazy. Could being sick for two weeks change a person this much?

“If I see you,” Astoria walked towards him as he moved backward, eventually hitting the wall, “bullying me or anyone in Room 340…”

She paused, placing her index finger where his heart was situated. It was beating rapidly as if ready to burst into a million pieces.

“Actually, if I just happen to see you or your friends bullying anyone near me, you’re dead,” she said, emphasising the ‘dead’ part.

Of course, she was not going to kill him. She was just trying to scare him. Judging from the cold sweat the troll was having, she was glad the scare tactic worked a little. She snickered and patted his shoulder, leaving the class with a triumphant expression. After walking a few steps, with her ponytail bouncing lightly in the air, she paused.

“Wait a minute,” she said, “where’s the cafeteria again?”