-Rooms of novices-

After winding my way through the confusing halls of the Citadel, I finally made it back to the dorms, where kids my age were settling in. Most of them, like me, were novices just starting their journey at the Citadel.

My friends from the orphanage—Gendrey, Hotpie, Smallfoot, Breaden, and Brandon—gathered around me. I couldn't help but notice the peculiar names common among smallfolk in Westeros, each sounding a bit ridiculous.

Smallfoot rushed over and jumped into my arms for a hug, asking, "Kiriti, what are you doing up so late?"

I smiled at Smallfoot, who despite being the same age, was notably smaller, a classic case of low birth weight. "Just exploring the Citadel halls," I replied.

Brandon, the 9-year-old, snorted and said, "I can't believe you navigate this maze."

Raising an eyebrow, I confidently responded, "I'm just that good."

I noticed Brandon turning his face, but Smallfoot's eyes sparkled with admiration. Remembering a tip from psychology books—emphasize your advantages—I subtly basked in the moment. If you could do it without being a jerk, then you're a leader.

Soon, I spotted new faces—Aegon, Walder, Brenden, and another Brandon. Dressed a bit better than us, it didn't take long to figure out they were sent here from minor noble houses and landed Knights. I learned that Walder was a Frey bastard who grew up in the Twins.

The mix of backgrounds in our little group made me realize how diverse the Citadel truly was.

-Courtyard of citadel-

Even though Hotpie didn't like the idea, I convinced our group to run around the Citadel's courtyard and garden. I told them it's good for our health.

The orphanage group, used to following me since we were babies, did what I said without much fuss. For me, it was a bit challenging because I didn't like physical activity in the past, but now I knew it was necessary. I pushed myself because I noticed how easy it was to run as a child—I had so much energy.

While we ran, I saw that the Bastard group, including Aegon, Walder, Brenden, and the other Brandon, were keeping up effortlessly.

Curious, I asked Brenden how they stayed in good shape. He told me they were trained by their master-at-arms but weren't considered talented.

This got me thinking about the idea of talent. Aegon, sounding angry and envious, shared that "My trueborn brother, who is the same age, had already started sword training in Dragonstone."

It was a benefit of being a scion of landed knight.

I couldn't help but ask, "Are you not allowed to train in sword?"

Walder was the who answered bitterly, "We were but it is not as good as the other bastards and not as lucky as trueborn. So were sent here. Less mouths to feed it seems."

I stopped in track and faced him with confidence and said, "Talent only makes a better result. With enough effort and you will surpass them easily."

I guilty thought from logical side of mind said that it is good chance emphasize the loyalty from him but it's fine considering.

Both my heart and mind agree on helping the 8-year-old.

Though Walder got angry at that and retorted, "Says the most talented one here. Do you think we are blind? I say you going through reading through Bookshelf, while I struggle on a single book."

I just hugged him tightly, His dripping with tears wetting my cloths as he murmured, "He told me I wasn't worth the food fed."

While I was lucky, and the fellow orphans faced no outright discrimination, but the Bastard group faced limitations based on their birth. The inequalities they faced from their families is more so.

We stood they're in the corner consoling him.

I asked Walder, "So, do you like to be a knight?"

"It's impossible, I am not talented in it."

"Do you like to be a Knight?"
"We can't afford someone to teach us."

"Do you like to be a knight?"

"YES"

"Good, then study well."

The gang looked at me like I was a dumb idiot, while Walder bluntly expressed- "That's stupid."

I viciously pinched his cheeks while saying to me, "Only Acolytes can go outside the Citadel into Oldtown. As for instruction for sword, leave that to me. So, what do you want to forge a link in? I will help you with that."

"Gold."

Economics- interesting choice, perhaps he was affected by the Frey's taxing the traders for crossing of Twins.

"I will help you with that."

I soon saw others envious at Walder because I am apparently a genius known to most of them. Then it is a matter time before the Maester know. I will see about that in the future but now I need to take care of the pre-pubertal kids.

"If you guys want any help, just ask me."

The cacophony of noises from them reminded me of the days in medical school where I tutored my classmates.

-Maester office wing-

You know when I was thinking about the Maesters noticing me, I wasn't expecting this guy to be one.

In a way this guy is the most famous of the citadel now, though no ones know him outside these dusty walls.

Maester Holster bracken, a 38-year-old who is renowned for attaining maester status at age of 26. Just know that Acolyte Brandon only managed his single link at 22 to know how much of a genius this guy is too other.

He is a researcher in Healing thinking of curing Shivers due to the loss of his family.

He could be considered a Visionary and the worst person that could have approached me.

The reason is that he is a visionary. He clashes with the Archmaester council every other moon about removing the oaths and freely teaching everyone including women. Saying that more educated can leap the world forward.

Unfortunately, that means -Citadel losing most of its power. He made an enemy of most of the old Fogey's whose power comes from Citadel and its tradition.

In Maester Hoster Bracken's room, I found myself surrounded by towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, research parchments scattered on a large wooden table, and a faint scent of aged leather and ink lingering in the air. Broken quills lay strewn across the table, evidence of countless hours spent in diligent study and research.

Maester Bracken, a man of 38 with a keen intellect and a reputation for breaking Tradition, sat peacefully. The flickering candlelight danced upon his weathered face as he gestured for me to take a seat.

Amidst the organized chaos of his study, he spoke to me about his observations. "Kiriti, the first time I saw you was in the Behaviour section, surrounded by Book pile bigger than you across the table. What do you think I thought about you then?"

I just sat silently as he continued, "Stupid Brat."

My brows twitches at his blunt answer.

"It is not easy to understand the Man's behaviour when one's view on world is not yet formed."

As he spoke, his eyes, sharp and perceptive, seemed to dissect the very essence of my being.

"But you aroused my curiosity when I saw this parchment."

I took the parchment and saw it is the name list written by me about all the novices residing in the dorms. It was a chore where everyone refused but I took as it would give me an excuse to roam around the corridors to explore.

One look at it and another parchment written by novice shows where I messed up, the writing is smooth and understandable. Though not as a neat as an adult but it can see that the writing has no mistake.

He nodded and continued his observations on me, "It aroused my curiosity and I soon followed your progress."

The casual admission of him spying on me made me feel vexed and as he said, "I saw you as a leader among the novices and most importantly saw you following the tips in the behaviour studies, calling the acolytes Brothers to increase familiarity and always showing confidence."

He stood up and walked towards the window, seeing the courtyard from the first floor as he said, "The thing that made me give this letter is a simple reason. You had drive in your footsteps which seemed to inspire your friends."

Though the inspiring part is deliberate by me, but I saw him look towards me regarding my decision on his unspoken offer for apprenticeship.

I considered the advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantage is obvious that I will be pressured by the Traditional faction, which is most of the citadel.

But realizing that backing down from this opportunity means refusing any relationship with the only guy I found close to the modern thinking.

I had ridiculous ambitions like to be a king. Whether it is Westeros or conquering another part of world is a question of future.

So, I gave a nod and declared, "I accept your offer. "

Under Maester Hoster Bracken's guidance, my days became a whirlwind of learning. I delved into various subjects, each aimed at mastery, with a significant focus on Healing. Diseases, herbs, and procedures filled my days, demanding my attention and dedication like every other person.

However, despite the opportunity to grasp the intricacies of Healing in, a feeling of suffocation crept in. The Citadel, with its ancient walls and established traditions, contrasted starkly with my past life's experiences—a life where monthly trips and the bustling metropolis were the norm.

As I grew more familiar with Maester Bracken, I decided to broach the topic of becoming an acolyte.

I yearned for a bit of freedom, a chance to explore beyond the Citadel's confined spaces. I couldn't ignore the pangs of jealousy from my friends who, unlike me, hadn't experienced the vibrancy of the world beyond these walls.

Approaching Maester Bracken, I asked about the possibility of becoming an acolyte. In response, he unfolded the intricate politics involved, particularly when it came to a child of my age.

He explained, "Becoming an acolyte involves navigating a web of politics within the Citadel. It's not merely about knowledge and skills but about influence and alliances. The maesters, especially the old guard, can be resistant to change. Convincing them to accept a young acolyte of 7 years old like you is hard."

"But not impossible right."

He sighed and explained, "Yes, there are precedents in the past. Of talents like you who never forget something. There were one who attained maester by 10 years old, during the Andal invasions. So, acolyte is simpler in nature. Though, I advise against it. You better proceed steadily".

I can understand his logic, he is well meaning as any genius is looked with wariness and fear by medieval societies, much less in Westeros where living examples of magic fly over the sky.

"I am sorry teacher, but I would like to do it. I understand your meaning, but I want to leave my name in history, so it would the first achievement in the history book about me, An acolyte in history."

He wearily laughed at mystery and said, "I hope you won't regret it in the future."

Even if I knew he might be right, I can't help it. It's in my nature as I tend to be arrogant.

"Teacher, will it help is if I dedicate something to citadel.

He gave a hum and replied, "As much as they against breaking tradition, if it profits them, they will do it more religiously than me. So, you are telling me you have something like that?"

His question though is dripped in sceptic tone.

"What do you think of auto filled Quill?"

Summary: After navigating the confusing Citadel halls, I hang out with my friends from the orphanage and some newcomers from noble houses. Trying to balance childhood antics with the serious Citadel vibe, I convince the gang to run around for our health, sparking conversations about talent and societal limitations.

Then, out of the blue, Maester Hoster Bracken, a visionary who clashes with Citadel traditions, offers me an apprenticeship. Despite warnings about political challenges, I jump into a whirlwind of learning, focusing on Healing but feeling a bit suffocated by Citadel traditions. When I express the desire to become an acolyte for more freedom, Bracken cautions me about the hurdles involved. Undeterred, I decide to forge my path, aiming to leave my mark on history while proposing an invention, the auto-filled quill, as my dedication to the Citadel. The chapter blends friendship, mentorship, and my pursuit of freedom, setting the stage for clashes with tradition and my ambitious goals.