Wales sat in one of the salons of the Buckingham Palace. Opposite of him sat four year old France. Wales smiled. Francis looked cute as a child. He couldn't wait to see England, but he or she had not awoken as a nation yet. It usually happened between five to seven years. There were some early examples like France here, and of course late bloomers like Greece who had awoke at the age of nine, with Italy brothers close behind at eight years.
"So, how are you?" Francis asked in heavy French accent. It was only few weeks since her remembered his past and the English words still didn't roll from his tongue as smoothly as before. It was a bit annoying that it happened every reincarnation, but he didn't complain. After all French was his mother tongue.
"Everything is fine," Wales grinned, "As you can see, after two times as a girl, I am finally a man. Next year I will go to the World Academy. Northern Ireland and Scotland are already there. Scotland complains a bit, but you know him. He tends to exaggerate and grumble about everything…"
World Academy was an international academy founded as to make the diplomatic ties between countries unifying Europe better. At first there were only members of the newly united Europe attending, but as the time went on, more and more countries were interested in this project and nowadays the whole world could send children to study there.
Of course not everyone could get in. Every year were held exams and only one girl and one boy from every nation passed. The nations weren't accounted in this, as it was mandatory for them to attend. This way they learned about everything that changed in the world.
The studies started when the children were 10 and they were there for 8 years, studying various subjects, which included diplomacy, multiple languages and in the higher years gun shooting or piloting.
To graduate from the World Academy meant that they had open paths in diplomacy, politics or high-ranking military. The nations put a lot of care into the school, making it the most prestigious school in the world. Once the kids got in, all their need were paid by the government.
Francis was listening and nodding. He was glad that the Kirklands were fine and he was amused at Scotland's antics, but there was still someone that Wales didn't mention.
"And what about… Alice?" he asked anxiously.
Wales blinked, "Nobody told you?"
"Told me what?" Francis frowned.
Wales looked guiltily away. He didn't want to be the one, that tells Francis that he couldn't see England yet. But it seemed, that he had to do it.
"Alice killed herself shortly after your death," Wales said carefully.
"WHAT?!" Francis yelled. Never before he heard something about nation committing suicide. Usually they died of sickness, accident or of old age. But nobody killed themselves. It seemed weird and useless, as people killed themselves because they couldn't take their lives anymore. But nation reincarnated and remembered everything. So the problem would rise anew.
"Yeah. So England is reincarnating right now," Wales said, and once seeing the look on Francis' face quickly added, "But as soon as we find her, we will let you know, okay?"
Francis pouted cutely, but nodded anyway.
Father Patrick was working on some documents when someone knocked on his door.
"Come in," he called without looking up.
Inside came Brother Dominic.
"Father Patrick, I brought the list of children, that are going to start attending school this year," Brother Dominic said.
Father Patrick nodded and looked at it. It was only short, because they were taking care of children of various ages.
"Aah, that reminds me…" he started, "How is Arthur? He is going to be in second year, right?"
Brother Dominic nodded, "Yes. You know, last year I was worried about sending him to school a year early, but he seems to be standing his ground. He is really smart and good behaved. All I hear about him are compliments."
"That's good," Father Patrick said, "I am sure he has bright future in front of him."
Brother Dominic smiled and with that he left Father Patrick's office.