Chapter 41: A Grand Welcome and a Subtle Scheme

The carriage glided through the main gate of the Holy Academy. From afar, Alice spotted the principal and several professors already assembled outside the school building, directly facing the entrance, awaiting their arrival.

“What an extravagant display,” Alice remarked. “The last time I witnessed the principal extending such a welcome was during the new mayor’s visit.”

“Try to show a little more ambition, darling,” the Duchess said with a smile.

“The territory you are destined to inherit encompasses three cities of this magnitude. In terms of status, this mayor wouldn’t even be fit to polish your shoes.”

“Don’t you feel a sense of vindication?”

“None at all. Only irony,” Alice replied, a cold sneer twisting her lips. “The same person, merely adorned with a different title, receives entirely disparate treatment.”

When she was Levi from the slums, she was relegated to living in the hayloft. Even after achieving the top rank in the theology program, the principal had not the slightest acquaintance with her.

Now, as the future Duchess, her mere presence at the school gate sent the entire institution into a flurry of activity.

“In social circles, a person’s worth is inherently determined by their title. How many do you imagine can truly transcend such a rule with mere talent?” the Duchess reminded her. “And do try to control your expression.”

Alice subtly reined in the sarcasm on her face, then pulled out a pocket mirror, adjusting her smile in its reflection.

“Speaking of which, the man standing directly in the center is the principal here, isn’t he?” the Duchess inquired. “The one who tried to buy your spot from you back then?”

“That’s right,” Alice confirmed.

“Perhaps I should handle him for you. It would make for an excellent demonstration of revenge,” the Duchess suddenly proposed.

“I would be most grateful,” Alice responded nonchalantly. “I have little interest in personally retaliating against him, but he must face retribution.”

“Very well, then I shall improvise,” the Duchess smiled.

Principal Nabo’s abuse of power had rendered Alice’s two years of arduous study futile, a debt he was certainly obliged to repay.

However, Alice’s primary focus for revenge remained Camilla. After all, Camilla had subjected her to brutal torture and a death sentence, and the visceral hatred born from that agonizing pain was truly unforgettable.

****

The carriage came to a halt. A footman descended from the coachman’s perch and respectfully opened the carriage door for the two women.

As Alice and the Duchess stepped out, their appearance caused a considerable stir. Both women possessed exceptional beauty, and with the added allure inherent to witches, the sheer impact of their stunning presence left the principal and his entourage, who had been waiting to greet them, utterly stunned.

It wasn’t until Alice gracefully approached, her arm linked with the Duchess’s, that Principal Nabo snapped back to attention. He immediately led his party forward, bowing respectfully.

“Oh my, this must be Principal Nabo of Maplewood City. Your esteemed reputation precedes you,” the Duchess greeted him with a polite smile, taking the initiative. “I’m truly flattered that you would trouble yourself to greet us personally.”

“Nonsense, it is only proper,” Principal Nabo chuckled, stepping forward and bowing deeply. “It is our humble institution that is truly flattered to have earned your esteemed recognition, Your Grace.”

With a gracious smile, the Duchess extended a hand, allowing him to perform the customary hand-kissing.

“Then this must be Miss Liddell?” The principal’s gaze shifted to Alice.

“Good day, Principal,” Alice greeted him with a faint smile, her hands remaining linked with the Duchess’s arm, presenting the image of a stepdaughter with a good relationship with her stepmother.

She had no desire for such a man to kiss her hand. Even with the Duchess’s crash course in aristocratic etiquette, some customs still felt alien to her.

“Though it will be less than two months, I hope this academy will be to your liking,” Principal Nabo said, nodding to Alice with an amiable expression.

“Thank you,” Alice replied, a genuinely warm smile gracing her face this time.

Indeed, the events destined to unfold within this academy over the coming month would undoubtedly be entirely to her liking.

Principal Nabo then introduced several department heads and professors to the two women, before proposing, “There’s still some time before classes begin this afternoon. How would it be if I gave you both a tour of the academy? If you’re interested, I can arrange for you to audit a class or two this afternoon.”

“Such a minor matter as a tour shouldn’t trouble the principal personally,” the Duchess said, covering her mouth with a smile. “She’s hardly a child attending school for the first time. Let her explore the academy on her own. Besides…”

The Duchess paused, looking into the distance. “Isn’t this also an opportunity for her to quickly integrate with her classmates?”

Principal Nabo looked in the direction the Duchess was gazing, then suddenly understood.

Several students had already gathered in the school building’s main hall. These students were mostly familiar faces to Principal Nabo, being the children of local dignitaries—either local nobles, officials, or at the very least, immensely wealthy individuals.

Indeed, a distinct class hierarchy existed among the students here: those from upper-class families associated with their peers, and commoners befriended commoners. This was the circle that the esteemed Alice Liddell was to join within this academy, and they were clearly here to welcome the future Duchess Liddell.

Alice also looked over, though no one noticed her eyes momentarily gleaming, like a lioness spotting her prey.

She saw Camilla Dumpty standing among them, positioned prominently towards the front.

The reunion with her ‘old acquaintance’ filled her with profound delight. She watched Camilla from afar, suppressing the urge to rush forward and exact immediate revenge, instead locking her expression into a demure smile.

“You are absolutely right. Our students are also very eager to welcome Miss Liddell. Let’s take this opportunity for her to get acquainted with her new classmates,” Principal Nabo said, nodding repeatedly to the Duchess before fawning over her. “Your Grace, might I have the distinct honor of accompanying you on a stroll through the academy?”

“After such a long and tiring journey, perhaps we can save the tour for later. However, I am rather interested in a longer chat with the principal. I wonder if Principal Nabo possesses any particularly fine tea?” the Duchess inquired with a polite tone.

Principal Nabo paused, then replied with a look of pleasant surprise. “Of course! It would be my honor to host you for tea, Your Grace!”

“Go on, Alice, go and greet your future classmates,” the Duchess gestured to Alice. “The principal and I have some matters to discuss.”

“Very well,” Alice replied, finally releasing the Duchess’s arm and walking slowly towards the school building.

The moment she stepped into the school building’s main hall, Camilla was the first to approach, leading a group of noble girls in a curtsy. “Greetings, Miss Liddell, and welcome to Southwest Holy Academy.”

Camilla lowered her head, yet subtly raised her eyes to observe Alice’s reaction.

“Greetings,” Alice returned the salutation in kind. “This is truly a hospitable academy, and I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”

She gave a slight nod, then met Camilla’s gaze, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.