Prologue

D ear Miss Baltimore,

Thank you for your interest in Academie Nu Exista (ANEX).

For your reference, we would like to share with you the highlights of what would be your curriculum and the type of student life you would enjoy if you were to decide on pursuing a mid-year transfer to our school.

Personal adviser

Every student of ANEX is provided a personal adviser, who they are to meet once a week on a one-on-one basis. The school uses an extensive and thorough selection process to determine the ideal match. Generally speaking, however, we aim to provide students with personal advisers who are most skilled in nurturing their diverse talents and helping them harness their skills to reach their full potential.

Bespoke curriculum

Individuality is a characteristic we appreciate here in ANEX. As such, we make sure that courses are tailor-made to fit the needs of the student and/or the requirements of the student’s sponsor.

Student life

ANEX prides itself in providing the most luxurious accommodations for its students. To ensure students’ privacy, residential quarters are strictly awarded at a one-person-per- room basis. However, each dormitory is equipped with common areas to encourage a healthy social life. Recreational facilities in each dormitory include an infinity pool, a fitness center, a 50-seater cinema with its own popcorn and soda dispenser, a game area, and its own private ballroom for functions organized by any of the dormitory’s residents.

Self-governing and non-hierarchical

Last but not the least, ANEX is a self-governing unit as prescribed in Statute 34 1 . As such, pre-existing non-filial relationships founded on legal agreements are temporarily put on hold once a student is enrolled in our school. This is to promote free thinking among our students and ensure that their learning and growth is not hampered by any concerns from their outside life.

We hope that this brief summary of what we offer meets your approval. If you are interested, guided tours for admission candidates are also offered on an appointment basis.

Be guided by your blood,

Academie Nu Exista

DEAR LADY ZARI,

I trust this letter finds you well. On behalf of my pet, I would again like to express my sincerest thanks for your assistance in clearing her of all charges.

ANEX has already received my recommendation for your transfer and they only await your decision. Please note, however, that you are in no way obliged to take any action. I only wish you to take comfort from the fact that you are not without options.

Lastly, I give you my assurance that if you do choose to take advantage of this offer, I will take care of all the necessary arrangements, including your temporary or permanent release from your contract as pet to Lord Alexandru. As he is one of my subjects, he is blood-bound to bow to my command. As he is also my brother, I will endeavor to make him see that your decision, whatever it may be, must be respected.

Sincerely,

Lord Mihail Gheorghiu

Marquis di Sangre