Juvia accepted Kina's offered hand and got off the carriage. Holding her hat in place, she looked up at the colossal stone arch at the entrance of the school.

Crocus Academy of Magic... huh. She had never visited this place after she had graduated, so it felt nostalgic to be back. How many years had it been? 5 years... no, almost 7 years. To think the only reason for her to come to this place again was because she returned to being her 12-years old self. How far-fetched.

"Such a good weather." Kina, her personal maid, commented, as she basked in the afternoon sun. Her reaction was of no surprise since it was raining endlessly back in their territory.

Thinking about it now, Juvia had been equally as excited as her when she had first arrived in the capital. She had even bought an estate, but ended up not occupying it since the school rules did not allow any of the students to stay anywhere but the dormitory. She did make a good use of it when the social season started right after she finished her schooling.

Juvia entered the academy, but instead of touring around like in her past life, she went straight to the dormitory area. Normally, maids were not allowed in the school premises but since her luggages needed to be organized, Kina had to come along. Albeit, she would need to leave once she finished the task.

"Are you unwell, my lady?" Kina asked as they reached her room.

Juvia removed her hat and passed it to Kina before sitting on the familiar, luxurious sofa. "Why do you ask?" she replied as she caressed the rare material used in creating the expensive seat. She had loved sitting there as she read books in her past life. It had been one of the things she missed when she left the academy.

Kina walked to her side and bended her knees in front of her. Juvia was about to reproach her when Kina touched her hand. "I have been observing you for the past few weeks, my lady. I feel like you have suddenly changed. You were always so excited when talking about capital and the sun. But as soon as Count Porla announced your enrollment to Crocus Academy, you have lost that gleam in your eyes. What happened, my lady? Do you not like this academy?" Kina asked with such worry.

Juvia felt like something was stuck in her throat. She had tried her best to act like her current age but since she was truly already an adult, it could not be avoided that she would act like one. Kina, her ever trusted maid who had been by her side since she was a kid, would naturally notice it.

She wanted to tell Kina everything but afraid she would not believe her. Besides, it would only distress Kina had she find out about it. It was enough that Juvia was the only one feeling this way. There are things one must not tell others in order not to hurt them. So if a lie would save her trusted aide from it, Juvia would gladly do so.

She clutched Kina's hand and gave her a reassuring smile. "Do not worry, Kina! I am fine. I do not want to embarass myself by being too excited so I behaved just like Uncle told me. After all, I am a Count's daughter. I need to appear presentable." she said in a child-like manner.

Kina appeared to be doubtful but knowing it was best not to pursue it, she sighed and let her go. "My lady, please remember I will always be on you side no matter what."

Juvia nodded and watched Kina started organizing her things in the cabinet. After a while, she got up and went out of the room.

Sigh, it is difficult to act like a 12-year old child. Juvia did not even remember how she conducted herself before. Good thing, Kina would not be staying with her in the academy.

Her feet brought her to the Bridge of Promise. It was named like that because legend says there was a princess from centuries ago who made a promise with her commoner lover on that bridge. They were supposed to meet up on the night of her engagement to run away but the Princess never came. The commoner then became a Royal Scholar after years of hardwork and for whatever reason, could be out of love or spite, he built a school around the bridge.

Juvia could not help but smile as she stepped foot on it. This was one of the places she was looking forward to see in her past life. She remembered how silly she was, going on and on about meeting her prince charming and confessing her love on this bridge. She told herself she would alter history and would have a happy ever after with her destined one.

Her smile faded as a bittersweet memory flashed in her mind. Right, she did confess her love on this bridge... it did not turn out well in the end.

She shook her head and resumed her walking. The bridge leads to the garden, a place she often hang out before because of its calming atmosphere and breathtaking view of flowers. It has winding paths, multiple pavillions and gazebos, man-made lakes - a beauty to everyone who loves nature like herself. Students are welcome to hold tea parties, picnics or study group in there.

There were already other students in the garden who were admiring the scenery when Juvia arrived. She breathed a sigh of relief when she did not see anyone familiar. Still, she lost the interest to stroll and decided to just do it tomorrow morning. Nature is best enjoyed when alone.

Juvia was about to turn back when she saw someone that made her freeze on the spot. She had almost forgotten, he also frequented the garden because it was near his chamber and he always had to pass by it to reach the study rooms.

He was wearing a crimson uniform reserved only for the royal family. His raven hair, which despite its spiky look, was fluidly dancing along the wind. On his neck was a silver necklace that resembles a sword with a gem on it, signifying his position as the crown prince of Fiore Kingdom.

He calmly walked towards the direction of the school building, ignoring the amazed and reverent gazes from other people as if he was accustomed to it. Well, of course he was. He is Crown Prince Gray, the future King of Fiore, he was born to be used to it.

Although his presence stirred Juvia's emotions, with her experience, she was able to curtsy when he passed by her. "Your Royal Highness." she uttered, her tone tranquil.

He did not spare her a glance nor acknowledged her respect. He departed just as fast as he arrived.

Juvia straightened her posture and forced herself not to look back. Her hands that were gripping her skirts slowly loosened. Her breath that she unconsciously held was released. She raised her head to look at the clear sky and blinked her tears back.

It seemed like she needed to lessen her visits to the garden. For she and him must not be involved with each other in this life.