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The words "Imperial Royal Magic Academy" are written in ornate gold characters on the right-hand pillar of the main entrance.
In addition, there is an old obsidian monument in front of it, with an inscription in ancient Latin: "Founded in 1278, the year the Habsburg family defeated the von Babenburg family that ruled the Austrian region, and from that year the Habsburgs became the masters of Vienna."
It was a glorious and memorable day. Gisela smiled slightly as he read this, because he knew that since everything was related to magic, he could give her the best answer here, and all he had to do was patiently explore.
Pulling herself back to the grandeur of the school gate, she glanced around the open space in front of it and noticed a variety of carriages already parked there. These carriages were ornately decorated, each bearing its family crest. One after another, elegantly dressed noble ladies and gentlemen, accompanied by servants, alighted from the carriages. They greeted each other and, just like in her previous life when she went to school, entered the school in small groups.
Of course, besides these aristocratic children from high society, there were also some students dressed simply or even slightly worn-out, carrying stacks of thick books, who entered the school very discreetly from the side paths on both sides of the road, because they understood that the center of the stage and the center of the road belonged to those powerful and wealthy people who were surrounded by admirers.
Of course, these children from the commoner class were not content with mediocrity. They were all diligent and intelligent individuals who, through their own efforts, ultimately stood out from thousands of others to enter the academy that symbolized the highest level of magical energy application in the empire. This was due in part to their talent and in part to their hard work. As the saying goes, "We are not afraid of geniuses; what we fear most is that geniuses work even harder than you."
But they are ultimately two separate circles, and such a clear-cut path has already been laid out before Gisela. According to his status, he could have swaggered in the center to show off his position, but he also knew where the country's problems lay. Since a break was inevitable in the future, there was no need to compromise now.
With these thoughts in mind, Gisela strode onto the side paths to show her affinity for ordinary people.
In fact, Gisela's attire had already attracted the attention of many students, and seeing such a beautiful girl, who was like a princess, walking towards the common people made many students who were in a hurry stop and stare.
The noblemen were also somewhat surprised, because they did not know Gisela, but they could sense that she was special.
"Alright, Your Highness! Let's go inside quickly. We don't need to waste too much time here. The headmaster is still waiting for us," Rita whispered to Gisela.
“Okay, I understand.” Gisela nodded, but deliberately slowed down to let Rita walk ahead of her, for the simple reason that she was not familiar with the school’s route.
After walking for about fifteen minutes, Gisela encountered another problem. The reason was simple: she was wearing something called high heels. The heels were a full 6cm high, which was practically a disaster for a man who had never been exposed to such things before. Because of these shoes, not only did he have to keep his calves taut to stabilize his center of gravity, but he also had to constantly control the size of his steps, otherwise, taking too big a step could easily lead to a sprained ankle.
Besides, my heels were also a little sore from the friction. It's true that I used to think attack speed gear was amazing when I saw others wearing it, but now that I'm actually trying it myself, I might as well just kill her.
PS1: Please point out any errors in the book, and I will correct them immediately.
Chapter 8 Princess Starting from Zero: Capter 7 The Relationship Between the Principal and the Mother
Well, it wasn't all bad, of course. For example, with the large petticoat providing some cover, Gisela couldn't feel the cool breeze beneath her. But precisely because of this, her senses shifted from the coolness under the skirt to between her feet. Her thighs, encased in stockings, were rubbing against each other, and this itchy sensation was difficult for her to bear.
"Rita, why don't you go and inform the dean first? I'll rest here for a while; I don't want him to wait too long," Gisela said, leaning against the trunk of a large, ancient tree, beads of sweat naturally dripping from her forehead...
“Your Highness, I will always be by your side, no matter when or where. Besides, saying that might upset the Headmaster,” Rita reminded Gisela with a smile, while taking out her handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat from her forehead.
Rita's movements were gentle, treating Gisela as if she were her own precious treasure. Gisela could tell that Rita had a deep affection for the original owner of her body, and their relationship was quite close. This reminded Gisela of her childhood sweetheart in another world; if it weren't for the accident, perhaps she could have shared such a sweet relationship with her...
Well, a man can't always tell a woman he can't do something. In situations like this, he can grit his teeth and get through it. At this moment, Gisela seemed to be encouraging herself. She let go of the hand she was leaning against the tree trunk and started walking again, because even when a man is dressed as a woman, he must give it his all.
“Your Highness, let me help you.” Rita was a clever woman and easily noticed Gisela’s change in mood. So she took the initiative to walk to Gisela’s side, demonstrating the professional qualities that a qualified personal maid should have, and extending a helping hand to her mistress who was in trouble.
"No need, I can manage on my own..." Even if I, Lin Wei, am exhausted, twist my ankle, fall to the ground and can't get up again, I will absolutely not ask for help from anyone else.
Before she could finish speaking, Gisela nearly twisted her ankle by stepping on a stone, causing her to swallow back the words she had intended to say.
Really fragrant!
So Gisela, supported by Rita, walked carefully on the small path to the right of the school's main road. Because the ground was paved with cobblestones, she walked with her legs straight, very afraid of getting injured again if she wasn't careful.
Fortunately, Gisela made it across the path without any problems, and when she stepped back onto the flat concrete road, her feet felt like they had been reborn.
"Your Highness, today is your first day at school. Due to the current educational reforms, there are both nobles and commoners in your class. But you don't need to pay attention to those rude commoners. Just show your true glory and elegance as a member of the imperial royal family and a noble!" Rita whispered to Gisela. Because of the current situation, the school has recruited commoners to expand the number of magic users, but this has also allowed some people who are considered uncultured by the nobles to enter this prestigious academy, corrupting the school's atmosphere.
This was another key reason for the Austro-Hungarian Empire's failure, stemming from its adherence to the doctrine of bloodline. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was essentially still based on the framework of the Holy Roman Empire, which was far too ancient, having existed for almost the entire Middle Ages.
This educational reform was not achieved overnight. In the past, the Royal Magic Academy only admitted children of nobles, which caused the Empire to miss out on many outstanding magic talents from commoner backgrounds, resulting in the loss of a large number of potential magic users and even fewer magic wielders. The Empire's repeated defeats in the Napoleonic Wars not only exposed the deficiencies in the Imperial Army's military organization and training but also revealed the lack of magical talent reserves in the Empire.
In 1806, Archduke Karl, then Chairman of the Imperial Supreme Military Council, initiated a series of military reforms, such as establishing headquarters and specialized military academies. Reforms to the Magic Academy expanded its enrollment to include all talented magically capable individuals within the Empire. In addition to the Imperial Royal Magic Academy in Vienna, two new Magic Academyes were established: the Bohemian Magic Academy in Prague, the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, and the Pannonia Magic Academy in Budapest, the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary.
Seemingly setting an example, from then on, the most promising magical talents among each generation of the Habsburg royal family would be educated at the Magical Academy. Gisela, as the daughter of the current Emperor Joseph I, was undoubtedly a member of the school, though this time it was special—she was doing so under an assumed name.
"Knock! Knock! Knock!" Rita stood at the door of the dean's office and gently knocked on the rather old-fashioned wooden door on Gisela's behalf, then turned her gaze to Gisela behind her.
“Your Highness! The headmistress is a respectable woman; you need not fear her, and besides, she is also…”
"Thank you, Rita, I understand." Gisela (in terms of Lin Wei's own age) listened to the encouragement from the child in front of her who was much younger than herself. However, considering that this body itself was also a child, such instructions seemed quite normal. Therefore, Gisela also forced a smile as a response, but of course, she did not let Rita finish speaking.
"Please come in." A dignified and mature voice rang out.
As Rita creaked as the antique-looking door handle turned, a woman with glasses and long black hair came into view. She wore a long black silk robe that concealed her graceful figure within the loose fabric, but even so, it could not hide the allure of her stunning physique.
"Greetings, Gisela, and Miss Rita," the woman with long black hair greeted the two first.
"Greetings, Master Selena." Rita bowed deeply to the woman before her.
"Greetings, Master." Considering Gisela's identity, Lin Wei decided to simply nod in greeting.
Selena looked at Gisela with a smile, but Gisela herself found the smile to be somewhat meaningful.
However, due to her lack of information, Gisela couldn't say much. She could only stand there blankly, silently observing the woman's actions.
And so, the two sides fell into a strange silence, the atmosphere thick with an eerie sense of unease.
“Little Gisela, come here, let me take a good look at you.” Selena finally broke the silence. At the same time, she stepped forward and hugged Gisela tightly, gently stroking her smooth golden hair. Rita, who was standing to the side, breathed a sigh of relief, because this meant that the information she had gathered was correct and that the principal and Her Majesty the Queen did indeed know each other.
"Just as beautiful as Sissi was when she was young, but Sissi wasn't as well-behaved as you," Selena commented to herself.
Sissi? Gisela was lost in thought again because of this name, but she quickly realized that the Sissi she was referring to was the famous "Elizabeth Amelie Eugenie," the mother of her current body, who was also the Queen Elizabeth that Rita mentioned.
Lin Wei's understanding of Sissi came from the famous movie "Sissi" that he had seen in his previous life.
"Sisi" was, by definition, a nickname given to Empress Elizabeth by her family, and even among friends, it seemed somewhat impolite, given that she was the Empress. However, the Empress's family undoubtedly resided mostly in Munich, the capital of the Kingdom of Bavaria, not Vienna. The woman before him, named Serena, showed no signs of being Germanic, making her even less likely to be a member of the Empress's family. Therefore, her relationship with his mother was quite intriguing.
PS1: There's only one day left this weekend QAQ
Chapter 9 Princess Starting from Zero: Capter 8 Mother's Mission (Vote Requested)
"Master, are you and my mother on good terms?" Gisela first glanced at Rita beside her, and after confirming that she was not exactly familiar with this Master Selena, she asked in a somewhat confused and childish voice.
Although she was a man before, it doesn't mean that she won't use the weapons called cuteness and beauty after changing her body. After all, the good and bad of beautiful things are not divided by gender, and Gisela has the confidence and capital to do so.
"Guess?" Selena wasn't in a hurry to reveal the so-called truth to Gisela, but instead gently stroked her delicate nose.
“A close friend of my mother?” This was the only possibility Gisela could think of, although, as she had just reasoned, unless the relationship was extremely close, one should not casually call Queen Elizabeth “Sissi.”
Selena shook her head, denying Gisela's guess. These words also made Rita, who had been silent all along, frown, because she had a feeling that the headmaster in front of her was going to say something surprising.
Then, what happened the next second plunged both Gisela and Rita into a moment of silence. Selena blinked, then gently stroked Gisela's face, and then suddenly leaned forward slightly and gave Gisela a light kiss on the forehead.
"..." Gisela was taken aback by this unexpected move... then her pretty face flushed slightly, and she took a step back in a bit of a fluster, but was caught by the quick-thinking Selena.
Is it really acceptable for women to be this open with each other in this day and age? This puts Gisela, a man, in a difficult position.
“I used to do this to Sisi all the time, and her reaction was just as funny as yours…” Selena spoke casually, as if recounting a strange and unusual event from the past.
"Master Selena." Rita, who was standing nearby, quickly stopped Selena from speaking further, as some things were still too early for His Highness to discuss.
"Alright, I won't tease you anymore. Here, catch this." With that, Selena tossed a note into Gisela's arms.
"This is your task. The school has its role, and you have your mission. However, there is still plenty of time. You can investigate Gisela slowly."
A moment later, Gisela and Rita walked out of the principal's office, and Gisela gradually realized the seriousness of the situation.
He started replaying the conversation in his mind again—
This was her mother, Queen Elizabeth's, intention: to have her study at school while searching for radical elements of the Italian independence movement who had infiltrated the school, as they seemed poised for some major action soon. As for why herself, it was because Sissi was a magic user, so her daughter should at least possess some magical talent, and such an event would naturally be the best opportunity to train Gisela.
Since she is 12 years old, and the test for magical energy aptitude is conducted when a human individual reaches the age of 12, as long as Gisela demonstrates excellent magical energy control and becomes a qualified magical energy user, or even a great magical energy user like her mother Sisi, it will not be difficult. Therefore, the risk of this matter can be ignored.
In addition, Selena mimicked the Queen's tone, saying, "My daughter must never become a mere ornament for the Empire! Absolutely! Absolutely! No!"
"Even if something happens, Gisela, you just need to protect yourself. Leave the rest to your mother and me." Of course, Selena wouldn't tell Gisela this. She had her own considerations, because she also wanted to see how far the daughter of the person she once loved would go in the application of magical energy, or in other fields.
Regarding Empress Elisabeth, a magical user, the Chinese public's understanding of her largely stems from the romantic film "Sissi." She was a stunningly beautiful and intelligent woman, and also the longest-reigning empress in Austrian history. In this alternate timeline, this empress is far more powerful than the original, largely because she is one of the few remaining magical users in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, known as the "Golden Rose of Vienna."
“I understand. That means from today onwards I am Louise Vanessa Hurence, the daughter of a wealthy businessman.” Now that Gisela understood her mother’s thoughts, it would seem immature to refuse at this point.
“That’s right, Miss Louise.” Selena responded to Gisela with a smile, in a sense she was very satisfied with Gisela’s understanding.
"By the way, the second daughter of the Count of St. Gallen, if I remember correctly, you are also a mage?" Selena focused her attention on the maid beside Gisela, and she could tell that the maid's loyalty to Gisela was genuine.
“Yes, Master Selena, I am a Level 1 Magician who graduated from the Milan branch,” Rita replied respectfully to the black-haired woman.
Rita is really special...
As for why Gisela thought this way, it was naturally because Gisela had just noticed the dagger hidden under Rita's skirt at the base of her thigh, and Rita's light and steady steps, which proved at all times that she was not an ordinary maid.
“So you’re from the Lombardy branch,” Selena said thoughtfully. It’s worth noting that during this period, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, unaffected by the Italian Wars of Independence, did not lose control of northern Italy, namely the Lombardy region and the Venetian area.
“Then dealing with ordinary pests will be no problem. Your Highness’s safety is now in your hands. However, for safety reasons or as an extra layer of insurance, please wear this.” With that, Selena raised her right hand and waved it in the air. Visible purple light particles swirled, danced, gathered, and condensed in her hand, and two purple walnut-like objects appeared in her palm.
"If you encounter danger, please crush them. That way, I can sense it through my magical energy and come to help you as soon as possible." As she said this, a smile appeared on Selena's lips. "You and Gisela each take one."
"And this is for you to keep safe for little Gisela."
“This is…” Rita looked at the rusty broadsword in front of her.
“That’s right, this is the magical relic in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Sword of St. Stephen, also known as the Heart of Vienna. The last user of this weapon was Prinz Eugen (1663-1736), the most famous marshal in the history of the Empire. With this weapon and her outstanding leadership skills, she led her army to defeat the Ottoman Empire’s invasion of Central Europe three times. She also shone brightly in the War of the Grand Alliance (1687-1697) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714), repeatedly defeating France, the strongest land power in Europe.” Selena seemed to be explaining to Rita, but her gaze intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Gisela beside her.
PS1: Ra!
Chapter 10 Princess Starting from Zero: Louise Enters Captain 9 (Vote Requested)
"Prince Eugen never married, so she had no children. No one among the Magus after the Empire was able to use this weapon. So this weapon has been kept in this academy as a sacred artifact for future generations to admire."
It is worth mentioning that each magical artifact contains powerful energy, but the conditions for its use are extremely demanding. First, the user must be a magical user, and second, the user must be able to resonate with the weapon. However, in the hands of a non-user, it is no different from an ordinary antique. Therefore, for most countries, these things can be considered extremely useless. Thus, it seems not difficult for Principal Selena, who is a magical user, to mobilize such an antique.
"Why would you entrust something so valuable to me?" This was a question Gisela couldn't help but ask. She was already incredibly curious about the magical energy of this world, and now the words of her mother's "friend" made her even more concerned about the considerations behind this matter. Did they think that she was entitled to use this magical artifact?
"That's something little Gisela will have to figure out for herself." With that, Selena turned her head to the side, looking at the clock on the wall, and said no more.
Thoughts return to the present moment—
Gisela stood there lost in thought until Rita spoke up, pulling her back to reality.
“Your Highness, we should go report for duty…” Rita’s tone was soft and calm.
"Rita, Mother is so confident in entrusting me with such an important and dangerous mission. Do you think I can succeed?" Gisela asked knowingly, since she could see that she had a deep bond with the maid, who could be considered another layer of insurance for her.
"Her Majesty the Queen believes in your abilities, and Rita believes in your strength as well. No matter what happens, as long as Your Majesty needs me, Rita will always be your most reliable spear and shield." Placing her right hand on her rather ample chest, the woman called Rita was always impeccable, no matter when or where.
In action—
"Rita! Find out where my classroom is," Gisela ordered her maid.
"Miss Louise, please come this way." Rita adapted quickly to her new role and now calls Gisela by the alias Louise.
The two quickly passed through the greenery between the office and teaching buildings. The history of this magical academy, located in the heart of the empire, is so ancient that it is difficult to verify. These newer buildings are products of the Napoleonic era, while the history of the lush, green corridor in the middle can be traced back to the early Middle Ages. Although the school was founded in 1273, the courtyard and the site can be pushed back to the time before Otto I, King of East Frankish, was crowned Holy Roman Emperor.
Although Gisela had no way of knowing the stories hidden behind these historically significant school buildings, it didn't stop her from appreciating the scenery along the corridor. Towering ancient trees stretched out their branches, greedily absorbing the slivers of sunlight, leaving only the earth beneath their feet to receive the glimmer. Spring is the season of rebirth, a time brimming with vitality, and Gisela, whose mood was initially heavy due to her inexplicable time travel, was able to relax briefly.
Perhaps it was the change in her mood that brought about a sense of relaxation, for Gisela's steps in her high heels became more cheerful, like a fairy dancing to the beat of a drum in the Wizard of Oz. Of course, the school bell rang at this inopportune moment.
The tragic dividing line of being late —
"As you can see, my name is Louise Vanessa Hurence." Gisela introduced herself calmly as she stood on the podium. Her lecturer first confirmed that the new student's family was not noble before speaking in a similarly indifferent tone:
"Let's all welcome Hurence." The teacher led the applause, though it seemed perfunctory. After all, this country placed extraordinary importance on social status, and this was a typical bad habit. Sparse applause followed.
"Hullens? I've never heard of that surname before. He must be a commoner. If he's a commoner, then we don't need to pay too much attention to him." At this moment, an untimely voice quietly rang out from below the stage. A student who considered himself an aristocrat spoke up.
Although they spoke very softly, this was no problem for Gisela, after all, she had studied cold reading and lip reading.
"Wow, what a beautiful girl! She should be able to be our friend." The other speaker was a student from a commoner background, whose clothes and attire revealed them to be different from the arrogant and conceited nobles.
"Alright, Hurrens, you can find a seat you like." The lecturer stopped paying attention to Gisela and opened his textbook.
"Let's continue with the lesson we discussed last time and turn to page 314 of the History of Magical Arts—The End of the Old Magical Arts Era." As a true transfer student, Gisela didn't have any textbooks to open at this time. Her new book had been given to Rita to collect, so she could only do what everyone often does in their student days: daydreaming.
“They are not gods; they are human beings just like us. Great Prometheus! Tell me, can mortals seize the authority of gods?” The lecturer read the first sentence with great emotion.
"This is a famous quote from Frankenstein, the fire-stealer. His discovery marked the end of the old magical era, saving humanity from the shackles of theocracy and religion. The spark of science and reason has brought unexpected prosperity to Europe today."
"Magic power is an innate life force, a natural affinity. People who can skillfully use magic power are called magic power users. Of course, they have different names in different historical eras: 'heroes, saints, great men, prophets...' But people after the end of the old magic power era prefer to call them magic power users."
They are a group of people blessed by heaven. From their birth, human history has developed around them. But strangely, the true gods seem to favor beautiful women even more. Throughout human history, without exception, all those who have awakened their bloodline and become demon wielders are women.
In ancient times, the birth of a powerful sorcerer could often alter the fate of a nation. For example, the birth of Alexander the Great of Macedon enabled the small Macedonian kingdom to contend with the entire Persian Empire. The Roman Empire, too, amassed its power, encompassing the entire Mediterranean, thanks to countless sorcerers born on its lands. Similarly, in the fertile lands of the distant East, sorcerers have passed down their torch, protecting the land known as Shenzhou and bringing millennia of prosperity and strength to the ancient Chinese empire.
"In ancient times, Magus were messengers of the gods, great beings not to be profaned, until the appearance of a fire-stealer named Frankenstein. Through sweet talk and a specially made anesthetic, he dissected a noble Magus lady alive, obtaining data that would change the world. Although he was eventually torn to pieces by a raging, crazed mob, his manuscripts survived." The lecturer continued his eloquent explanation of history, and although there was no textbook, Gisela was unexpectedly captivated by the lecturer's content.
PS1: Going back to work tomorrow QAQ
Chapter 11 Princess Starting from Zero: Capter 10 A World Shaped by Magic (Vote Requested)
"Everyone is born with magical power, only to varying degrees, so magical power is not the exclusive domain of the gods." Such statements fundamentally shake the religious theocracy established by the Roman Catholic Church based on magical power to perform so-called miracles.
"The whole of Europe began to bask in the brilliance of so-called humanism, and the rulers of the country also saw the special power contained therein. From then on, the prosperity of a country no longer depended on whether a qualified magic user was born. The training of an army composed of ordinary magic users became their concern. If the birth of a magic user was an uncontrollable factor, then magic users became a stable factor, because both men and women could become qualified magic users."
The term "Magician" thus entered human history. Advanced research led to the formation of a modern army with Magicians at its core, enabling European nations to seize the opportunity to dominate the world during the colonial era and establish vast overseas colonial empires. Although Magicians still differ qualitatively from Magic Users, European nations have never ceased cultivating and developing Magicians to gain a greater advantage against them.
"The new magical age was not only marked by the emergence of magical warriors, but another great invention was the creation of the world's first magical armor by Sir Isaac Newton, then President of the Royal Society, in 1699, based on blueprints left by Leonardo da Vinci. In the decades that followed, even Britain's technological embargo could not prevent the widespread adoption of this magically powered armor throughout Europe."
"This type of armor, powered by magical energy, is widely used in the military. It maximizes the user's magical energy utilization, allowing them to play a greater role on the battlefield. Of course, the ability to use armor is also the reason we classify magical energy users. Although everyone possesses magical energy, only by reaching a critical point, that is, awakening, can one become a true magical energy user..."
“Teacher, I have a question!” Gisela raised her hand.