Forbidden Desires: Conquering Kingdoms And Women In a Fantasy World!

The acceptance letter had arrived three days after the examination, bearing the distinctive golden seal of Erestia Magic Academy pressed into pristine wax. As expected, both Alicia and I had been welcomed into the most prestigious magical institution in the kingdom. Not that I harbored even the slightest doubt about my capabilities—after all, excellence had always been my standard, in this life as much as my previous one.

A week had crawled by since that pivotal exam, each day stretching with anticipation until finally, mercifully, the first day of term arrived. I stood now in what had become my personal quarters within the Creon estate—a spacious chamber befitting a guest of honor rather than a former village commoner.

Before the ornate mirror that dominated one wall, I examined my reflection with the critical eye of someone who understood the power of presentation. The Erestia Academy uniform was a masterpiece of tailoring—pristine white fabric interwoven with threads of actual gold, creating subtle patterns that caught and reflected light with every movement. The blazer fit my shoulders perfectly, the white shirt beneath crisp as fresh parchment, and the matching white trousers fell in clean lines to polished leather shoes.

"Truly the colors of the elite," I murmured, running my fingers along the golden embroidery that traced the collar and cuffs. The quality was extraordinary—I could feel it in the weight of the fabric, the precision of each stitch, the way the material seemed to breathe with me rather than restrict my movements.

When the academy had summoned me for measurements the previous week, three different tailors had fussed over every detail for nearly two hours. They'd treated me with the deference usually reserved for nobility, their practiced hands ensuring every aspect of the uniform would complement my frame perfectly. The investment in my appearance was strategic, I knew—first impressions at an institution like Erestia could determine one's entire social trajectory.

Now, studying my reflection, I had to admit the transformation was remarkable. With my naturally sharp features and the way the uniform's colors seemed to enhance the unusual depth of my eyes, I looked every inch the young noble. Anyone glimpsing me now would never suspect my humble origins in a remote village where magic was more myth than reality.

Satisfied with my appearance, I straightened my shoulders and made my way from the room. The marble floors of the Creon mansion gleamed beneath my feet as I descended the grand staircase, the soft murmur of voices drawing me toward the main living room.

I paused at the entrance, observing a tender scene unfolding before me. Viscount Creon stood with his arms wrapped around Alicia, his weathered face soft with paternal pride. Despite his sometimes stern demeanor in matters of politics and business, moments like these revealed the depth of his devotion to his daughter.

"You've grown into such a remarkable young woman," he was saying, his voice thick with emotion. "Your mother would be so proud to see you now, about to begin your magical education. I know you'll represent our family with the grace and wisdom she always possessed."

Alicia's cheeks flushed pink with happiness as she returned her father's embrace. "Thank you, father. I promise I won't disappoint you. I'll work harder than anyone to prove myself worthy of you and mother."

"You already have, my dear. Simply by being yourself."

The touching exchange continued for another moment before the Viscount noticed my approach. His expression brightened as he took in my appearance, and he released Alicia to gesture toward me with obvious approval.

"Harold! Magnificent! You look as though that uniform was woven specifically for you by the gods themselves!" He chuckled, genuine warmth in his voice. "I daresay you'll have half the academy wondering which noble house you represent."

I became aware of the household staff—maids and servants who had grown familiar with my presence over the past dats—watching from the periphery with barely concealed amazement. Their wide-eyed stares and whispered conversations echoing, a lot of maids were blushing once more.

"Thank you," I replied.

My attention shifted to Alicia, and I felt my breath catch slightly. She wore the female version of the academy uniform—the same white and gold blazer, but paired with a pleated skirt that fell to just below her knees and white stockings that emphasized the elegant line of her legs. Her green hair had been styled in an elaborate arrangement, with delicate braids woven through soft curls that framed her face. She looked... radiant.

"You look absolutely stunning in that uniform, Alicia," I said, perhaps a bit too quickly as I noticed her staring at me with something approaching awe.

Her cheeks deepened to a charming shade of rose. "Oh... th…thank you, Harold," she stammered, her hands fidgeting with the pleats of her skirt. "You look quite... distinguished yourself."

Though she said that she was barely able to look at my face.

Viscount Creon cleared his throat, though his eyes twinkled with amusement at our awkward exchange. "Now then, you mustn't dawdle any longer! This is your first day at the most prestigious academy in the kingdom—punctuality is essential for making the right impression!"

We both nodded dutifully, though I noticed Alicia's hands trembling slightly as she smoothed her skirt one final time. Together, we made our way through the mansion's grand foyer and out into the crisp morning air, where an elegant carriage waited.

Alicia climbed into the carriage first, gathering her skirts gracefully, and I followed, settling across from her on the plush velvet seating. The interior smelled of expensive leather and the faint trace of Alicia's perfume—something floral that suited her perfectly.

"Remember," Viscount Creon said, leaning into the carriage doorway, his expression growing serious. "Both of you—conduct yourselves with honor, study diligently, and avoid unnecessary conflicts. The academy can be... politically complex."

"Yes, sir," I replied though I doubted I will be able to do that. I could feel it instinctively.

The carriage door closed with a soft click, and the coachman urged the horses into motion. As we began the journey toward Erestia Academy, I observed Alicia across from me. She sat rigidly upright, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her breathing shallow and quick.

"I'm…nervous," she said, when she felt my gaze.

Unlike most noble children who attended specialized schools to prepare for Erestia, Alicia had been educated at home. The prospect of suddenly being thrust into a competitive environment filled with accomplished young nobles was clearly overwhelming.

"You'll be fine," I assured her, leaning forward slightly. "You won't be completely alone. You know me, at least."

She looked up, meeting my eyes for the first time since we'd entered the carriage. "Aren't you nervous at all, Harold? This is your first time in any academy too, isn't it? And you're... well, you're not from their world originally."

I considered her question.

In truth, anxiety was a foreign concept to me in situations like this. In my previous life, I'd navigated corporate boardrooms, high-society gatherings, and political functions with the same ease most people reserved for casual conversation. Age might have reset my body, but my mind retained a decade of experience dealing with complex social dynamics and powerful personalities.

"I suppose I should be nervous," I acknowledged. "But I spent years in my village interacting with all sorts of people—merchants, common folk of every description. Social situations have never particularly intimidated me."

"You're... you're truly amazing, Harold." Alicia said softly;

I was indeed remarkable—perhaps more so than she could possibly fathom at this stage—but her quick assessment showed a perceptive nature I found intriguing.

"Don't worry too much about making connections," I said, settling back into the plush carriage seat as the academy grew larger in our view. "I may know a few people there already, and I suspect you'll get along wonderfully with them."

My thoughts drifted to Rumia thinking how she literally chased after me since four years old.

She was an outgoing girl, a very outgoing girl in fact…

Then there was Princess Eleanora. While I couldn't claim to be particularly close to her our brief encounter three years ago, Eleanora had shown surprising kindness during our limited interactions. Of course, three years was a considerable time in the life of a young noble—enough for idealism to sour into cynicism, for kindness to calcify into cold calculation. I could only hope the court hadn't corrupted her better natures in my absence.

"You... you already have friends at the academy?" Alicia asked, her eyes widening with surprise. "But I thought this was your first time attending any formal institution?"

"Well, there is a childhoodfriend of mine, it's complicated," I said. "We'll see how things develop."

The remainder of our journey passed in comfortable silence, both of us lost in our own thoughts as the carriage wheels clattered rhythmically against the cobblestones. Through the window, I watched the landscape transform from rolling countryside to the manicured gardens and imposing architecture that surrounded Erestia Academy.

Finally, our carriage drew to a halt before the academy's main gates—massive structures of white stone and gleaming metal that stood open like welcoming arms.

Students were already gathering in clusters throughout the courtyard, their white and gold uniforms creating a sea of pristine elegance against the academy's backdrop.

"For new students, they mentioned it would be Building One," Alicia said, consulting a small parchment she'd retrieved from her belongings.

Indeed, I could see the massive structure she referred to—a four-story building of the same white stone as the gates, with "BUILDING ONE" carved into an ornate panel above its entrance. It seemed the academy organized its students by year, with each cohort assigned its own dedicated facility. Efficient, if somewhat impersonal.

"Then that's our destination," I said.

We hadn't taken more than a few steps before I noticed the attention we were drawing. Conversations died mid-sentence as we passed, replaced by hushed whispers and appraising stares. I felt dozens of eyes tracking our movement across the courtyard, and beside me, Alicia grew increasingly tense.

"Harold," she murmured, her hand on my arm, "we're attracting quite a lot of attention."

"With a face as beautiful as yours, that's hardly surprising," I replied with a reassuring smile, noting how the compliment brought a flush of pink to her cheeks. "You'll have no trouble making friends here."

"Beautiful... but that's not..." she stammered, her blush deepening. "Besides, I think most of them are looking at you..."

She wasn't wrong. As we continued our approach to Building One, the whispered commentary became impossible to ignore:

"Sweet goddess, who is that? He's absolutely stunning..."

"I've never seen him before—which house do you think he represents?"

"Those eyes... and that hair... he looks like something out of a fairy tale..."

"I'm completely smitten, but also desperately jealous of that girl beside him..."

"Do you think he's available? Maybe I should introduce myself..."

The attention was predominantly female, though I noticed several young men shooting glares in my direction—the kind of hostile looks that spoke of wounded pride and territorial instinct. Clearly, my appearance had disrupted whatever social equilibrium these teenagers had established among themselves.

This was the inevitable consequence of possessing what could generously be described as exceptional physical attributes. Tall stature, unusual white hair that caught light like spun silver, and those distinctive pink eyes that seemed to fascinate everyone who glimpsed them—it was a combination that drew attention whether I wanted it or not.

The jealousy from my male peers was predictable but ultimately irrelevant. History had taught me that while physical attractiveness might open doors, it was wealth, power, and intelligence that ultimately determined one's success in life. These boys glaring at me would learn that lesson eventually, preferably before they wasted too much time nursing petty resentments.

Dismissing the various stares and whispers, I guided Alicia through the academy's entrance and into Building One. The interior was even more impressive than the exterior—soaring ceilings decorated with intricate magical murals.

We followed the flow of students down a wide corridor until we reached our destination: a massive lecture hall that defied the normal definition of "classroom." The space was arranged like an ancient amphitheater, with tiered seating that rose in concentric circles around a central platform where I assumed our instructors would hold court. It was grand, imposing, and more than a little intimidating for students experiencing it for the first time.

Already, roughly half of our new classmates had claimed their seats, and I took a moment to survey the familiar faces scattered throughout the hall. Near the front, surrounded by a carefully curated circle of noble daughters, sat Princess Eleanora. In three years, she had grown into the kind of ethereal beauty that made poets weep and caused wars between kingdoms. Her golden hair caught the magical lighting like a halo, and her posture spoke of years of deportment training and royal confidence.

She might not remember me after three years, I thought for a moment. Our interactions had been brief, and royalty met so many people that individual encounters tended to blur together unless they held particular significance.

In stark contrast to Eleanora's social prominence, I spotted Neliel tucked away in a corner by herself. The girl appeared as reserved as I remembered, her light brown hair creating a partial curtain between herself and the rest of the room.

"Where should we sit?" Alicia asked nervously, her eyes darting around the intimidating space as she tried to identify the least threatening location.

"Let's see what options—"

My words were cut off abruptly as a blur of motion crashed into me from the side, sending both of us tumbling to the polished floor in a tangle of limbs and academic robes.

I found myself flat on my back, staring up into a pair of brilliant blue eyes framed by cascading honey-blonde hair. The face above me was flushed with excitement and joy, lips curved in the kind of radiant smile that could light up entire kingdoms.

"Harold... finally," Rumia whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she gazed down at me. "I've been waiting for this moment for so long."