Chapter 2: Nobles, Studies & Magic

The next morning, all the servants in Jackson's mansion were gossiping among themselves and casting uncertain glances at the study. It was nothing big, just this man-hating girl strange behaviour! Usually, she would already be out wasting on her own time doing mundane things, at either the theatre or some gatherings for rich girls. But today, she actually went to the study! When the head of the family was not working inside, he would usually let his children inside his study. Although Rosalyn fell off the horse yesterday, the doctor said she would be fine. But based on the this girl's wild personality, she would never enter the study she despised!

In a large study with shining windows, a few huge bookshelves lined against the walls. Neatly classified books of all genres lined the bookshelves. A pretty blonde girl leaned on a windowsill scanned through a thick book, which contained the history of this continent.

Flipping through the book, the young girl's expression became complex. She had already reached the section on the history of the country, Amagi. The most credited people for the establishment of the country was her own family, a family whose coat of arms was a rose. The young girl lifted her head to gaze thoughtfully upon the rose regalia hanging above the desk. It seems the family was not simply wealthy as she have thought.

Outside, light footsteps sounded but stopped abruptly at the door. Even though it was extremely light, Aphrodite noticed instantly.

From the door came a low and cold voice,"Miss Rosalyn, the Head has returned."

"Alright, you can let him in." Aphrodite answered enthusiastically, closing the book. From her combined memory she already knew the person outside the door was her bodyguard, Luke, who was supposed to protect her. Aphrodite was surprised to see that he have the same face as the Luke Castellan, son of Hermes. The same Luke that sided with Kronos on the 2nd Titan war!

Aphrodite got up and just when she was about to set the book back on the bookshelf, she heard a series of footsteps outside the door.

The door was pushed open and an austere, old man with luxurious clothes appeared. He looked to be more than fifty years old and still very energetic. His brows and Rosalyn's were similar, letting her know that he was someone related to her, Rosalyn's uncle. Currently, the Head of the Jacksons held a great amount of power in Amagi as a politician and was also the most powerful man in his family.

"Uncle," Aphrodite greeted indifferently, hoping that was the correct way to say.

Her uncle, Gilford Jackson, looked at the young girl in front of him and frowned, a strange emotion flickering in his eyes. He could not believe at first that his headstrong niece would be willingly reading in the study when he heard about it, but now his own eyes convinced him. And how differently she dressed! Usually she would wear elaborate dresses like a butterfly to show her wealth, but today she donned the plainest white dress, her curly golden hair in the simplest style. Did she hit her head too hard when she fell off the horse yesterday?

"Rose, you fell off a horse yesterday?" Gilford walked in, asking casually.

So this old man called me by the nickname too, Aphrodite thought.

The servants following him stopped outside and Luke lightly closed the door to the study.

"I'm fine now."

"Then, that's good."

Recognising the book in Aphrodite's hand, Gilford was a little surprised.

Aphrodite was reading on the history of this continent? He knew this niece of his inside out: capricious, unruly, and abnormally hate the opposite sex… She, who hated studying and learning more than anything else, was actually reading the most dull and boring history?

"So, what do you think after reading?" Gilford Jackson asked offhandedly, walking to his study desk.

"It's quite interesting," Aphrodite replied quietly with a hint of a smile.

This was the moment Aphrodite wanted. In reality, she hated reading. After all, who needs reading if you were a goddess? And all she cared are just staying perfectly beautiful and ensuring love went well all the way. But the goddess of love was not an idiot. She knew that making impressions counts a lot and this was something important she wanted to build upon. And where else to start by gaining favors from the head of the family?

"Ehh… Can you say that again?" the old man asked.

"It's quite interesting. Let's say on this part…"

Aphrodite went on to describe what she read. When she started reading she realised that she did retained some parts of her godly powers. In this case, she simply able to flip through the whole book once to know the entire content by heart. She wondered what other things she could do.

Gilford's expression became more lit up and amazed with astonishment as her niece went on to tell the details he also knew well. If it was the old Rosalyn, Gilford would dismissed it without a thought even for his family members who did the same. But coming from this girl who never ever study, it was something entirely different.

After Aphrodite finished talking about the book, she paused, "Uncle, I have been acting out of line insensibly and it has been going on for too long. From now on, I will take my studies seriously and definitely not let the Jackson family down anymore."

The old man looked blankly at this sincere young girl, unable to speak for a long time. Aphrodite kept quiet, too, silently staring at her uncle.

"That's great! That is what I say a true child of the Jacksons!" Gilford laughed, still having that sense of amazement at this niece of hers.

"I shall not disappoint you," Aphrodite said with confidence.

But in the goddess mind, all Aphrodite wanted was to puke elsewhere. She would not stoop low to such a mortal. An old man at that too.

The day ended with chaos and gossips that have never ever happened before in the history of the Jacksons.

The following day, Gilford wasted no time to hire a tutor for her niece. He hired the first disciple of the most prominent scholar in the capital for Rosalyn, the legendary young scholar that exceeded even his master – Caldwell. A handsome young gentleman with with shiny blonde hair and soft blue eyes.

"Rose, he will be your tutor from now on. He will teach you literature, geography, and everything else you want to know every morning." The old man led Caldwell in person into the study, and after introducing him to her niece, turned to the scholar, "Caldwell, sorry to trouble you from now on."

"No need to be so serious, sir. It's nothing." Caldwell smiled warmly and nodded at the girl, "Miss Rosalyn, it's nice to meet you."

Aphrodite had been standing for a while, and she also greeted, smiling, "Sir, please teach me."

"Please just call me by my first name, It's fine."

"Ok, Mr Caldwell."

The scholar shrugged, close enough.

"Don't hesitate to call in the servant if you need anything. I have some business to do," Gilford said.

"Alright, sir. I'll take note." Caldwell smiled warmly, ever so gently and gracefully.

The head of the family left the room.

Only the two of them were left in the spacious study. Caldwell looked uneasily at the young girl in front of him, a plain white dress with only a simple lace at the hem, her beautiful golden hair pulled up in a simple bun without any decorative accessories, but a deep, cold gaze within her green irises as cold as the night sky.

This girl is the one that always rejected all men and boys? And she despised all of them?

"Let's start Mr Caldwell," Aphrodite smiled, gesturing to his seat.

I knew that yesterday events was too good to be true, Aphrodite thought with irritation. Now I have to stay with this guy and study everyday. Darn it.

If she had the choice, she would rolled her eyes right there and then.

Caldwell was surprised at this girl's smile. He have heard of what was being said of her, thus he had mentally prepare for it. But this young girl, that smile of hers… he could definitely tell how fake it was. As if there was some hidden intent. This made him confused.

Shaking his head slightly to disregard his confusion, he put on a professional smile. "Alright Miss Rosalyn, let's start today's learning."

Aphrodite realised that he was not going to let this man dictate his lessons. However, she also need to know more about this country. The more information she know, the more she can take advantage off. In any case, it would cure her boredom.

"Mr Caldwell, I would like to inquire about this." Aphrodite help up a random book she took.

Caldwell glanced, and was a little surprised at the girl's enthusiasm.

Aphrodite could simply read through the book quickly with her powers but there would always be answers that would not be written. So she have to resort to doing such a low method not befitting of a goddess.

The morning passed peacefully and in between Aphrodite's never ending questions, Caldwell was astounded. The young girl seemed like a sponge, absorbing every single piece of information. All her questions were right to the point, some were so complex that even his own tutor, would not know the answers to. Moreover, the imagined harassment and despising feeling that he was expecting did not came to pass by this girl.

The studied the whole morning. Caldwell left in the afternoon, confused and astonished.

Aphrodite glanced at his bodyguard who have been staying faithfully by the entrance. She was sure he was more confused than Caldwell by her act knowing how much the old Rosalyn would most likely to harass this scholar. She smirked lightly.

Aphrodite took her own time to read the books from the studies, scanning each of them quickly. She sat by the table where she have tea served by the servants. When they stood away, the goddess could hear the servants gossiping among themselves. Did this girl do this just to please Gilford?

Aphrodite did not care about that. Now she have was a splitting headache with the stuff she was trying to process. She just not used to reading things given how much she hated at the first place. And still she have to keep going to simply act as if it was nothing.

Yet, putting down the current book she was holding, the goddess of love managed to learn a lot of things. This world seemed to be back in the ancient times, where the existence of emperors and kings are prominent. There was said to be monsters and some mythical creatures, and there was also some indications that supernatural powers existed in this world.

Aphrodite also learned more about herself. It was accurate to say the previous owner of this body did not care for anything or liked anyone at all. Her mouth turned bitter. Why did she came to such a girl? This would be an obstacle for her to make things exciting.

At this moment, a servant came in, bowed, "Lady Rosalyn, his highness the 2nd prince wants to see you. He is waiting at the grand hall."

Aphrodite frowned slightly. The prince? Oh right, this girl was running away from that guy. He is so handsome for a mere mortal and yet she didn't feel any attraction towards him.

"Alright, I shall see him," Aphrodite said indifferently.

The servant just stared for a while, not moving. Is this some kind of hidden plan to get back at the prince for causing her injury?

"What are you staring at? Let's go," Aphrodite stated impatiently.

"Y-yes Lady Rosalyn," the servant hesitated and decided to lead the girl.

Useless servants. Aphrodite imagined her own annoyed face. And this prince decided to just come at the worst time possible. What does he wants anyway?

In the grand hall, the prince sat, almost indifferent but feeling a bit guilty. He was supposed to talk to Rosalyn for some important matters but the girl simply disregard him and did not bother to have a proper discussion. Even then, he have to give chase or his father would get angry. But as much as Rosalyn would hate to see him, he have to talk to her as his father have told him; she was the daughter of the well-known and prominent Jackson. He partially have to take the blame for the incident.

The prince sighed and forced himself to settle down. When the prince looked up, he saw the servant with a weird expression. Behind her was the girl she was looking for.

The girl's expression told the young boy that this may go quite bad. She seemed mildly annoyed in his visit.

The prince let out a small gulp and prayed silently that he could make this out alive today.

In Aphrodite's mind, she was extremely annoyed. If she were the prince, he would not need to bother to come back since the prince would have assumed it was not worth pursuing her anymore.

Appearance, Aphrodite kept reminding herself. I must be perfect about appearances. About every aspect in life. That is my motto.

As Aphrodite entered the great hall and got closer to the prince, she stopped for a while.

The prince was also staring at her, mouth slightly opened as if he cannot believe what he was seeing. He realised his mistake and quickly closed his mouth as he moved forward.

The prince… he looked exactly… exactly like…

"Greetings Rosalyn, I am Prince Ares. The person who you met yesterday," the prince smiled elegantly and fiercely.

A-a-Ares? Aphrodite cursed silently. I mean I know he is my boyfriend in my world and now… I have to act all normal around this guy? And he just looked too much like him except for his hair.

"Rosalyn?" there was a hint of nervousness in the prince.

"Umm… Greeting to you your highness."

Oh Gods of Olympus I'm going to fail. Wait, why did I say that? I am a goddess! Remember, I am the most perfect actress.

Ares seemed lost. The girl before him, her eyes! No longer dark as the night sky and cold as the icy winters. She seemed a bit affectionate? Maybe a sense of longing too? Is his eyes seeing correctly?

"Oh... " the prince, coming back to his senses. "Are you feeling better right now?"

"I am good, your highness," Aphrodite replied quietly.

Then it was a few seconds of silence. Focus, Aphrodite, you can do this.

"Um.. have a seat," the goddess was able to manage.

Both of them seated and they have some small talk. However as Ares have some other matters to attend to, it was a short one.

Aphrodite decided it was best to see him off personally.

The two walked towards the exit of the mansion, the girl in front of the boy. Not far behind, Luke quietly followed. As Rosalyn's bodyguard, he had to stick to her at all times.

The trip was not long, but they did not converse at all. Ares squinted, looking at the girl in front of him while endlessly contemplating over her unusual attitude. Not only that but her appearance too. It was really too abnormal. Meanwhile, Aphrodite's mind was too distracted on the current situation.

"Your Royal Highness, this way," Aphrodite turned her head to say lightly, and ended there. There was no indication of wanting to hurry the prince to leave.

Ares nodded, stupefied and walked towards the awaiting carriage at the exit.

Aphrodite turned but took several glances at the prince. Her mind was preoccupied with the Ares she knew from her previous world.

To the servants present, this was shocking. The girl who hated men trying to glance at the handsome prince? This was going to be another gossip for the night.

With that the prince left while the girl headed back to the study.

"What do you think?" A person appeared out of nowhere in Ares's carriage.

"Very strange." Ares frowned as he replied.

"I don't understand." The cool voice had a hint of uncertainty.

"Did she seem any different to you? Not only in terms of the way she acts but her figure. It's as if… as if…"

The prince paused before saying, "As if she have the perfect figure of a women. Like an embodiment of a true goddess."

The cool voice did not say anything.

For the prince earlier, his hormonal instinct almost took over when he saw the young girl at the grand hall. She definitely appeared much prettier and beautiful than any girl he ever met. And she was perfect. Too perfect.

"Alright, let's talk about something else. How's the situation?" Ares asked, returning to normal.

"There's been a little incident. They seemed to have receive some goddess's decree and are busy working on it. But it won't delay our plan." The cool, clear voice was full of confidence.

"Then we're good. You should return quickly, otherwise people will start feeling suspicious." Ares's expression was completely serious.

"Yes, you highness." After the cool voice replied, the figure disappeared from the carriage. The carriage accelerated and sped back towards the imperial palace.

Meanwhile Aphrodite decided to forget about what just happened and focus on the task at hand. She went to the study and saw Gilford already there.

The goddess found a book and it appears to teach about some basic magic. So there were supernatural powers.

"Are you interested in this?" Gilford suddenly appeared behind her niece and asked in a bright voice.

"Uncle." Aphrodite turned around and smiled while nodding, not hiding anything. "Yes, I'm interested." Throughout the whole continent, magicians were very rare precious to every country. Powerful magicians were not just powerful; they were exceptionally formidable. They could blow up a whole army, or even a city. But magicians like that were extremely rare. A magician was a symbol of power, prominence, and wealth. That was something the Jacksons have in common.

This triggered some memories that Rosalyn had. Turns out that her older sister was a child prodigy. And she was being taught by the principal himself! Now she understand of her sister's position. No wonder she was so pampered.

Rosalyn never bothered to study magic so the goddess have to learn magic in some way if she want to survive well in this world. This would also teach that youthful goddess look-alike some manners! She disliked both versions of Hebe anyway.

"Well, you had your nature tested when you were younger and it came out as Fire. Although your power is a little weak, I still have ways to help you learn magic." Gilford Jackson smiled as he thought back to the younger Rosalyn.

His niece spiritual power was not good, not half as powerful as Hebe's, but it was not too bad either. The only problem was that this child of his had no interest whatsoever in magic, refusing to learn no matter how hard they tried. It was great that she was willing to study now.

"Really?" Aphrodite smiled joyfully. Only by making herself stronger could she truly become powerful in this world.

"From tomorrow on, you will study with Caldwell in the mornings and magic in the afternoons. As for entering Innova Institute, you have to pass a basic test. I can get you in without testing, but if you don't have what it takes to be a magician, it's no use even if you are accepted." Clifford patted Aphrodite's head and smiled. "But I know that a daughter of a Jackson will definitely pass the exam."

"I definitely won't disappoint you, Uncle," Aphrodite replied solemnly with a serious expression.

The old man nodded with approval.

At night, Aphrodite sat silently on her bed, going over in her head how the book taught her how to make use of the magic she have. To anyone who knew her, having this kind of effort was unlike her. But no matter, it was all to make her get her goal. To cure her boredom. This was exciting to her.

When Aphrodite closed her eyes, she sensed a small spark object inside her. She imagines it as mostly red with some other colour added in. Her uncle have mentioned she was Fire-attributed so that red was fire while the other colours was other elements which she would probably cannot do. The goddess tried to "see" this light and try to make it bigger, harnessing the energy deep within the body inside her. To any godly being, doing something like this was very basic. It was something she was familiar with even if the method was different.

Such an amazing concept, Aphrodite noted. No matter how terrible humans are, they still have some things that can achieve and surprises me.

If any magician knew that Aphrodite mastered sensing and harnessing the energy of her magic in such a short amount of time, they would be astonished to death. It was something no ordinary human could do.

After some small training, Aphrodite felt tired and decided it was time to rest for the night.

Tomorrow was the evaluation day of her magic. The goddess decided maybe she should surprised these interesting humans more as Rosalyn.

The goddess smirked at that happy thought as she quickly drifted off to sleep.