"Young Lady, please wake up."
A yet unfamiliar voice calls out to me.
It is monotonous and calm, a voice that follows through its duty in the same manner as always.
Whether that means a lack of self or a will of steel, I can't tell.
"Hmmm…"
This bed is comfortable, so comfortable I don't want to wake up.
"Young Lady, please wake up."
But… that isn't an option.
I'm not overtly tired from yesterday, neither is there some unknown factor seemingly influencing me.
Putting some strength into my arms, I raise myself in bed, the covers slightly coming down as I raise myself.
I open my eyes, and am greeted by the calm morning sunlight that bathes my room.
"Thank you for waking me, Ancelina."
Throwing a side glance at the maid by my bedside, I reward her for a service well done.
It is good to see she came back to her master once her duties were fulfilled.
She nods in acceptance.
I get up from bed, my body still sore from sleep.
"Well then, dress me up."
With as much elegance and calm as I manage, I order her and walk to the middle of the room.
She does not waste her time when dressing me.
The dress chosen for me today is most similar to yesterday's.
Thinking well about it—
"Ancelina."
"What is it you require, Young Lady?"
"About yesterday's dress, have it packed. I wish to take it with me to the Academy."
"As you wish, Young Lady."
Without an ounce of hesitation or delay, she accepts my request.
She fastens the last of the ropes on the back, and finally, I'm ready to begin with my day.
Leaving the room, I follow through the halls of Vallière Manor until I reach the dining room.
Just like always, it is lavishly decorated with expensive food and tableware; dozens of servants by the wall, ready to come to our aid.
Just like always, Ancelina leaves my side and joins those servants.
But… unlike every other day…
Sitting at the end of the table, are my father and Cattleya, my mother, however, is missing completely.
I do not let my surprise show. I am a noble daughter of the Vallière, I maintain a face of calm and composure no matter the situation.
Walking to the table, I am greeted by Cattleya.
"Ah, Louise, how goes your day?"
And just like always, in a daily interaction of peace and calm, I answer her with a curtsy.
"Good morning, Father, Cattleya. This is a truly calm morning, is it not?"
"It really is." My sister answers.
I take a seat at the table, and the servants are quick to come and serve me food.
An elegant buffet worthy of someone on my standing.
As soon as the food is served and I am correctly seated, I raise my voice.
"I can't help but realize that Mother is missing, has something occurred, Father?"
"Karin had some matters to solve, but nothing that you should worry yourself with." Without a pause to think, he gives me the answer I sought.
"I see." With a neutral response, I accept his answer.
I continue on with my breakfast.
"You will be leaving today, won't you, Louise? Is everything in order?" My sister chimes in.
"I didn't bring much with me, so having the servants pack it all won't be an issue. And I believe I ordered the carriage to be ready for this afternoon."
She nods along, seemingly satisfied with everything.
"That's good. Although, I will be praying for safe travels."
I smile at her kindness.
"Thank you. I will write you once I reach the Academy, so you'll know all went well."
"I will be waiting, then." She says so with an excited smile.
I wonder… has it been so lonely that just this simple interaction is worth that happiness?
"If that's so, once you reach the Academy, make sure you are well aware of the ins and outs of all letters." Hearing the conversation between me and my sister, my father comes with an odd order. "Lest you miss something that is of importance, such as your sister's letter."
… I see.
This is about yesterday, isn't it?
Since I don't have the resources to find a trusty and efficient messenger, I'll have to use the ones the Academy offers us.
He's telling me to pay attention to everything that goes on around there. To pay attention to the letters that I'll receive regarding that merchant matter.
To both be aware of their arrival and making sure no one will tamper or steal it.
More than that… being aware of who's talking to who… that would be a great advantage when dealing with other nobles.
"I will see that it is done." I nod in return.
"It is also needless to say," He continues. "but your success in the familiar summoning, and academic achievements will both favor the Vallière family and heighten your standing."
"I understand, Father."
I can tell… he does not say so to chide me. Rather, these are words of aid.
If I succeed, the Vallière will receive more renown as more achievements pile under the belts of the current generation, more than that, I myself will be seen as an achieved person, possessing both those achievements and the accomplished Vallière blood.
Should I fail, however, all that would support me will instead collapse upon me.
He is merely reminding me of that fact. These are as much words of warning as they are words guiding me in the right direction.
"I will not fail. The results of applying myself will show themselves."
He nods, satisfied with my answer.
"I'm sure you won't fail, Louise!" My sister kindly supports me. "You'll summon a cute familiar and show everyone you're a great mage."
I smile and nod. "Thank you, Cattleya, it gladdens me to hear you say so."
Like that, to the sound of our silverware clinking against the porcelain of the plates, breakfast continues without any noteworthy occurrences.
I cross the hallway with calm, following me just behind is Ancelina, like a proper maid she remains as a silent and constant presence.
Breakfast went by just fine, and I soon set to making sure everything was in order for my departure.
Telling the maids what to do, inspecting their work and making sure everything was going smoothly, it was tiring.
So, I came out into the hallway to take a little breath.
The morning sun is shining down through the many windows.
Lunch is soon approaching and soon I'll be on my way back to the academy.
Soon, I'll be Zero once again.
Soon, the ritual that will decide the validity of that name will happen.
I feel my carefully held hands tighten.
With an inaudible sigh, I walk further down the corridor.
Mother has been absent the entire morning. I wonder what it is she had to attend to.
After all, she would hardly neglect her work to the point she had to skip breakfast to accomplish it. This must be something important.
Whatever it is, however, just like father said, is not something I should worry myself with. Even among nobles, Karin de La Vallière stands at the top, so if she is handling it, I know it will turn out alright.
It is then, that my eyes catch sight of something.
"That is…"
I approach the window across from me and glance out into the courtyard.
And, there, on the yard by the manor's entrance, was a powerful beast that would throw a normal person's heart into disarray.
A manticore that walked around in a brisk pace, lazing under the sun like a retired old person.
"It's mothers…"
It's a form I would recognize anywhere, it's a form I've seen countless times already.
Undoubtedly, it's mother's manticore.
With a scorpion's tail and a bat's wings, a terrible poison in its maw, and claws that could tear you whole. It is a terribly lethal monster.
However, this one hardly seemed worried about hunting or being aggressive. It was comfortable just bathing in the sun.
There is no real need to say why. A familiar of my mother would never behave unsightly.
Which is why, occasionally, she would let her beast wander the yard, to breathe a bit of freedom and stretch her wings.
Looking at it under the right light, there are scars here and there in its body, marks of old battles.
It only makes sense, it's the familiar mother, the Heavy Wind, rode into battle many times.
That's right, it's mother's familiar.
—A powerful beast.
— — —Fighting alongside its rider as one.
— — — — — —Powerful gales surrounding them and tearing their enemies.
All of them, dead on the ground.
The strong gale winds scream loudly in my ears.
Innocents, children.
Without exception, blood poured out of all their orifices.
A dead and pained expression coloring all their faces.
The sky is covered under the dark clouds.
A deadly poison wafts through the powerful gales.
The sound of the heavy wind bellows in my ears.
On the main temple's entrance, I see a familiar face.
On the ground, laying down with an expression that would forever remain a scream.
I don't have the right to fall on my knees and scream in grief.
At the end of it all, did her god hear her cries?
"Louise…?" A familiar and kind voice calls out to me.
"Uh?" With that voice, I'm brought out of my stupor.
Without realizing, it seems I pressed my body against the window. My hand… is clenching the glass as if to break it apart.
I realize that I'm shaking, as if commanded by an anger that defied will and reason.
For an instant, I see my reflection in the mirror, and—
"Uh…?" Whose expression is that?
A deep scowl that belongs to a possessed monster.
There's no way, I'm the one making such a face, right?
In the first place, I have no reason to be mad, none at all.
That's right, I'm just having a peaceful time enjoying the scenery, resting from my time packing to the academy.
Nothing is amiss here.
It is then I realize, someone called out to me. A familiar and kind voice.
I school my features and turn around, intent on greeting my sister.
However—
"Mother, Cattleya, it is a pleasure to see the two of you." I say with a curtsy.
I'm greeted with the sight of my mother accompanying my sister.
It seems she is done with whatever she had been dealing with.
The two of them are in the middle of the corridor. I can only guess they met me here on pure coincidence.
In the background, standing by the wall, was Ancelina. She must have retreated when she saw my family approaching.
My mother looks at me with her usual stern expression, almost as if I'm a personal enemy of hers.
My sister on the other hand—
"Is everything fine, Louise?" She looks at me with a deep seeded worry, a helpless expression in her face.
… What am I doing?
Cattleya is sick, I shouldn't worry go around worrying her.
"Nothing is amiss, sister. I was merely gazing into the scenery." I smile and give her the most calming answer I can.
"…But…" Her expression is still colored by worry, and it was clear she didn't believe in my explanation.
I move to reassure, but I'm cut off before I can even begin.
"Louise." My mother sternly calls out to me.
"Mother." I address her back, giving her the attention she demands.
With unwavering steps, she approaches me. In her face rests a stern gaze that would turn lesser hearts into messed jumbles of fear.
She stops just a few steps away from me.
But her eyes, her scornful eyes… it feels as though they are looking past me.
Discreetly, with the elegance befitting a noble lady such as myself, I glance behind me, to the scenery that had given me an outburst mere moments ago.
Immediately, I glance back at her.
Nothing changed outside, and as far as I know, nothing is amiss there.
"Is there anything you would like from me, Mother?"
"I take preparations for your departure are all in order." She asks with a severe tone.
I bow my head and answer with as much neutrality and objectiveness as I can.
"All is proceeding swiftly. My departure will proceed as scheduled."
But… although I gave her the answer she sought, the one she should've wanted… she does not seem more pleased in any way.
"Good." She nods, as if in approval. "Make sure it continues as such. You're not to be late for even a second."
I nod back. "It will be done, Mother."
Despite complying with her, she does not seem more pleased.
"Is that all, Mother?"
"Soon, when your classes begin anew, you'll realize the familiar summoning." With no mercy, she pierces the topic that currently troubled my life.
"Indeed, Mother."
And, without a single breath of hesitation—
"And you're aware that not a single person capable of wielding magic failed such a ritual."
Instantly, the atmosphere of the corridor freezes.
It becomes difficult to breathe, as if the air is too dense and refuses to go through my airways.
Not a single person moves, not a single person says anything.
Even Cattleya doesn't say anything to help me avoid the topic.
Because mother was the one to breach it.
Her stern behavior, her commanding voice. If she demands to speak of something we find uncomfortable, there is no such thing as denying her.
I control any trembling or discomfort, I don't show any weaknesses.
I am a noble daughter of the Vallière, I will behave accordingly and show no outwards emotions.
"I am, Mother." I answer with as much calm as I am able to muster.
"As someone who has never succeeded in a single spell, do you harbor any hopes of success?"
I bow my head, and give the only acceptable answer.
"As a daughter of the Vallière, the only logical conclusion is success."
Unfortunately, my answer doesn't seem to please her.
And, after a second of contemplation—
"Should you fail, you're to immediately return to Vallière manor. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly so, mother."
Deep inside, I feel my heart ache. It seems mother has no faith in me, after all.
Still, I must control myself.
Seemingly done with her words, my mother turns away from me.
"Then continue with your preparations." She says without a hint of well-wishes. "Come, Cattleya."
With those words, she commands my sister.
The one in question looks at me with a saddened expression. She hesitantly glances between me and mother's departing back.
I shake my head, telling her not to worry about it.
With a despondent nod, she turns around and begins to follow mom.
And, it is then—
"Of course, should you accept failure as inevitable, and refuse to engage in a mummer's farce, you should write a resignation letter and remain in the manor."
Her fading voice reaches my ears across the corridor.
"I understand, mother."
Although I answer with a calm voice, with the collected behavior of someone of my position, I'm anything but.
She is not looking anymore, no one is.
So, she can't see how my body is trembling with rage.
Something that I can feel deep inside, as my chest squirms around itself and threatens to collapse from the pressure.
I realize my fists tightened without any command.
Ah, this anger—
Where does it come from?
It makes it hard to breathe.
This… deep inside… why am I so angry?
I always knew I disappointed mother with my magical inability. I always knew and yet—
Hearing her voice, her blatant disapproval—
It sends shivers down my spine.
This is— just like these other few days.
I'm angry at her disapproval, her actions, her behavior… it all gets on my nerves.
That person…
— —Always like that.
"Ah… ah…"
I try to breathe, but it ends up too shallow.
The emotion keeps bubbling inside.
If I could see myself in the mirror… would I see that haunted expression once again?
That person… mother… I—
I shouldn't be this angry—!
"Ah… ah…. ah…."
I tighten my fists with much more intensity.
She is disappointed because I'm a failure as a daughter. I don't have the right to be angry at her, the fault is mine in the first place.
Yes, these feelings are wrong!
I grit my teeth.
If anything, I'm angrier at them, suddenly bursting out from inside like this!
I try to scold them, I try to use my anger and make them disappear!
I get a headache—
It's like my brain wants to burst.
Convulsing, it's convulsing; beating just like my heartbeats.
"Ah—"
It's like my head is screaming from the inside, but there is no mouth to cry out, and no ears to listen to those pleas.
My vision is filled with red.
I—
"Young Lady?"
On the snap of a finger, everything vanishes.
Like a sudden vacuum was created inside my chest, all those overflowing emotions disappear.
"Ah—"
How disgraceful.
"All's fine, Ancelina." I answer to the voice that just called out to me. "I merely thought too deeply about something."
It seems I forgot I am, indeed, not alone.
I displayed such an outburst in front of someone else… this is… most disgraceful.
I'm a daughter of the Vallière, I was taught better than this.
Especially when compared to my maid. She exemplarily followed her duty and remained silent during my exchange with mother, unnoticeable; only coming out when I was clearly alone and unaware of my surroundings.
In face of such behavior, I should display only the very best of my noble education.
"Come, I have already spent far too long outside. I must make sure the preparations of my departure are in order."
With that order, I begin to walk towards my room.
"… As you wish, Young Lady." And with cold acceptance, she follows behind me.
Lunch was a silent affair.
Mother was once again with us, and almost no words were exchanged between anyone.
Thankfully, I didn't lose control of my emotions in front of my family. Anger did come at my mother's behavior, but I managed to force it down.
Having such a lack of control over my emotions is unacceptable.
Although I hope it will all go back to normal once I'm back at the academy, I'll have to practice to contain it better.
After all, it is one thing to feel mad at other nobles trying to insult you, it is a completely different thing to feel rage at righteous judgment.
I gaze at the maids carrying all the luggage into the carriage. All of them do a proper job, not a single thing falls or is treated too roughly.
But nothing else should be expected from the servants of the Vallière.
"…"
The soldiers chosen to escort me too, are preparing themselves.
The sun is high in the sky, still, the faint remains of winter make the air cold.
Above me, there is a parasol, casting shadows and protecting my skin from having too much of the sun's light.
Needless to say, it is the maid that has been serving me that holds it.
"Soon, I'll depart." I murmur, partially, I'm just telling myself this to accept my predicament.
After all, only fate awaits me at the end of this journey, and it might not be glorious.
"Young Lady?" Ancelina asks me, probably because she didn't fully understand my murmurs.
"It is nothing, I'm merely talking to myself."
"Understood." She nods, accepting my words.
I wonder, in a few days, will I be coming back to this manor?
I tighten my fists.
No. I will not fail.
I'm Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Vallière.
I'm not Zero… I will succeed, no matter what.
That's why I spent even my time here studying magical theory; the proof I am worthy of being myself, it surely exists.
On the corner of my eye, I catch some movement.
My maid, she is looking above, gazing at the sun's position.
"Is anything troubling you, Ancelina?"
She stops for a moment, as if in consideration, and when she turns back to me again—
"Apologies, Young Lady. I've been assigned a task, and to complete it, I must take my leave." With a solemn tone, she informs me of her situation.
I nod. "Very well, I would not wish to prevent you from completing your duties."
Although she was assigned to me, she is first and foremost a servant of this manor. Her duty lies in here; I should neither complain nor hamper someone dutifully following their orders.
"Thank you very much, Young Lady." With those words, she hands me the parasol and bows, before leaving to follow on whatever it is she had to do.
I will probably not be seeing her anymore, before I leave, at least.
A pity, she was a most serviceable maid.
Maybe I'll tell father some praise, that ought to be a good reward.
I hold the parasol upright and with elegance, as I was always told by my tutors.
The shade is comfortable, and it doesn't strain my arms too much.
"Ahhh, the Founder was kind, you're still here!" A hurried, exhausted, and most important of all, familiar voice calls out from behind.
I immediately turn around, setting my gaze on the one behind me.
"Cattleya?! What is it, has something happened?" Hurriedly, I close the distance between us and hold the parasol above her body.
She was exhausted. Her body was covered in sweat and her breathing was labored.
Was she sick? Was that tea really poisoned?
"No, nothing like that, it's just…" She managed to say between gasps of air, but eventually fell once again to the lack of air.
"Cattleya, calm down!" I scream, my voice full of worry. "Please breathe first!"
Apparently heeding to my words, Cattleya stops and begins to breathe in as much air as she could.
Eventually, with a final big gulp of air, she held herself upright.
Still, I look at her with worry; her body is still full of sweat, her chest is still noticeably going up and down.
To make sure she doesn't just fall over, I keep a hand firmly grasping her arm.
"Alright, now tell me, what happened." I guide her on.
And finally, through her labored breaths, she tells me.
"I heard everything you talked about with Father and Mother today, and…" She looks away embarrassed, her words becoming nothing more than murmurs.
I feel a twinge at my heart. Needless to say, being reminded of all that and the fate that awaits me is not pleasant.
But still, this is Cattleya, I know she doesn't mean anything bad by bringing it up.
"And?" I coax her out of her out of those murmurs.
Thinking well on it, this situation feels eerily familiar.
Cattleya looks back to me, her eyes filled with determination.
"Please don't tell her about this." She says, partially begging and partially demanding.
"Who? Mother?"
She shakes her head, and with words that are little more than a whisper—
"Big sis."
Those words stop my thought process.
Only one person fit into that description. Éléonore, my eldest sister.
She was currently away, applying herself in a prestigious magical research facility.
"What does she have to do with this?"
"I heard you talking with Father and Mother, and… I wanted to help! So, I searched through her room, and… I found these!" With those words, she gives me a few journals wrapped up in a bundle.
Now that I think about it, she was holding something this whole time, wasn't she?
"These are…"
She nods. "Yeah, they are big sis' notes, from when she was performing the ritual herself. I thought they could help you."
"Cattleya…"
"Eep!" Before I realize, my body moved suddenly and hugged her with all its strength.
"Thank you. I'll make sure to put these to good use." I say those mumbled words, pressing myself against her.
It is then, that she hugs me back.
I am happy, to have such a kind sister.
— —Looking at us.
That's when I remember, we are not alone.
Displaying such emotions is improper of me.
It's fine if I treat my sister lovingly in private, but I shouldn't let such overbearing feelings show on the outside.
I am a noble daughter, I should behave more properly. To let my feelings control me is… unacceptable.
I part with my sister and scold my features and behavior, straightening the parasol once again.
"I thank you dearly, Cattleya." I give her a smile, warm, but still something allowed.
She smiles back at me. "The pleasure was mine."
I stare at her for a moment longer, soaking in the kind smile of someone that believes in me.
That is, before I nod and turn back to the working maids.
I make sure my scowl lets them know, that they shouldn't even be diverting their attention to me while working, much less remembering something happened at all.
Eventually, all the preparations are completed.
The luggage has all been stored; the guards have all hopped on their horses, armed and ready; the notebooks Cattleya got me are properly plopped inside the carriage, and I've donned the dress I'll be using.
The sun is still far from setting.
If I set out a few minutes after this, I should probably arrive some time tomorrow at lunch.
I've already said my farewell to Father and Mother. Now, only the sister in front of me remains.
"Bye, Louise. I'll miss you." With a teary smile, she says her farewells.
"Don't worry, I promised to send letters, haven't I?" I try my best to keep her cheerful.
The truth is, I'm also sad that we are parting. My sister is the kindest person I know, she is one of the few kind people I know.
Being with her is pleasant, there's warmth and love. But I am a noble, I have a duty, I have to prove my worth.
No matter how much I like her, or how much she likes me, that does not exempt me from the duty I must fulfill.
Maybe once I achieve my worth, when I prove I am a true noble that can serve the realm, I'll be able to be by her side, to give her company through her illness… but that day hasn't come just yet.
"With that said… don't go getting yourself in anything dangerous, alright? I'll never be able to focus or live my life if I discover something like that happened." I tell her those words one final time before leaving, my hope.
She gives me a faint smile.
"Don't worry, I won't." Her chest contracts a bit, and she brings her hand to stifle a few giggles. Needless to say, she fails.
"What is it, Cattleya?"
"You really have become a lot like mother. Big sis would be jealous, she always wanted to be like her, you know?"
I tilt my head to the side. "I apologize… I truly can't see how we act alike."
"Maybe you'll discover, one day." Saying those cryptic words, she gives me a big and bright smile.
I sigh.
"Well then, shouldn't you be going? You'll be late if you continue like this."
"I suppose…" I turn to the carriage, where the rider eyed me from afar.
They had already told me everything was ready, and were just awaiting my orders.
I shouldn't keep them waiting any longer.
"Is everything in order, Young Lady?" The rider, an old man that served the Vallière for a long time now, asked me.
I nod and move to answer, however—
"Please wait, Young Lady!" A voice that is faintly familiar calls out to me from behind.
Cattleya and I turn around and see the culprit.
"Huh…?" Unable to contain my surprise, I utter in disbelief.
From the entrance of the manor, carrying a big trunk on her hand, Ancelina runs up to me. She wears her usual emotionless expression, the only difference to normal is how she is clearly tired from her sprint.
"Ancelina, what is the meaning of this?" I ask as she finally stops in front of me.
"Apologies, Young Lady. But I was under orders not to inform you that I've been commanded to follow and continue serving you in the academy." She bows deeply while carrying the trunk that even I can tell is much too heavy for a single person.
"…" I'm left without words.
Who ordered her? Mother? Father?... Cattleya?
Depending on who it was that did it, her real role can be quite a number of different things.
"I take you are also under orders not to tell me who sent you?"
With a regretful face, she nods. "I apologize, but that is the case, Young Lady."
I sigh.
There's no real meaning in complaining, now. I can't complain or defy my parents, or even Cattleya, the head of her own household; and Ancelina is merely following her orders, I can't be unreasonably mad at such a hard-working commoner.
"Very well, you can put that luggage of yours in the carriage seats. It would be too much of a hassle to open the cargo trunk now." In my voice, I let neither pleasure nor displeasure show, as one would expect from a proper lady.
With a nod, she moves to complete her new orders. "As you say, Young Lady."
Well, at the very least I will have such a pleasant servant by my side… at the academy… witnessing the treatment the other nobles have in store for me, and even my own ineptitudes.
I sigh, keeping my tightening fists hidden.
If that's the case, I'll just have to present her and everyone else a performance worthy of my name.
"I suppose I should get going, then. Farewell, Cattleya."
"Farewell, Louise."
With a final heartfelt smile exchanged, I turned around.
Making sure Ancelina was properly seated and accommodated, and Éléonore's journals all safely held by my side, I command the rider to set course, and leave Vallière manor, exchanging waves with Cattleya through the window all the while.
Slowly, the scenery changed, and the common front of the manor that I could still gaze at from my room became its further down territory.
The galloping of the horses, those belonging to the guards and the carriage alike, all inundated my ears. A repetitive rhythm that edged on being comfortable.
The sun was still in the sky.
The calm breeze of the fading winter was pleasant.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, I turn to the other inhabitant of the carriage.
"So, what are you supposed to be doing as my personal servant in the academy?" I do have a few ideas of what that entails, but I have to know just what it is that whomever sent her wanted.
"I am meant to care for you, my Lady." She bowed her head and said so with her usual neutral tone. "From guaranteeing all your needs are met, to making sure you are as well as you can be, and whatever tasks you may have for me."
As far as personal servants go, that is pretty standard.
Cattleya also seemed quite surprised at seeing her, so I surmise it was Father who sent her.
I smile.
He did give me some instructions during breakfast, didn't he? Was he telling me how to use her properly?
It makes me glad; a feeling of warmth that washes me from my very core. It seems he truly took my input and actions seriously, sending me a servant to aid in political maneuvering. It means he acknowledges I've taken a step in growing up, and will support me through that.
If that is all the case, then I can't let him down, I have to do my best.
To do that, there's only one thing that's left.
"Isn't it a hassle? Being forced out of the manor and being made to follow me, I mean."
I follow the teachings both Father and Mother gave me through the years. No matter what this worthless anger that seems to be sprouting recently is, I respect them most dearly, and their input is a wise guidance that should be followed.
I need to ascertain the relationship between master and servant, employer and employee. After all, it would be insulting to him, and worthless for me, if we had a fractured dynamic that led to nowhere.
"Not particularly, my Lady." She bows her head as she says so. "I have no family or noteworthy friends left, and I don't mind serving my Lady."
"I see."
Someone who has nothing but duty left, huh?
— — — — — — —how familiar.
She seems like an agreeable servant, a worthwhile commoner.
"Well then, I'll trust in your abilities to care for me, Ancelina."
With a final declaration and smile, I seal the contract.
"I will do my best not to disappoint, my Lady."
Hearing her words, I look out into the sunlit sky.
It will be a long journey, and deep inside, the possibilities for the future still grip my heart with fear, but…
Cattleya's kindness, father's aid, Ancelina's disposition.
I will do my best to live up to all of them, and achieve all I am meant to.
Such is my duty as a noble, after all.
Night has risen.
The galloping of the horses and the wheeling of the carriage against the barren earth, they have become constant sounds that barely register.
The outside is a pitch-black darkness.
Ancelina has already fallen into a deep sleep.
I cannot fault her for sleeping before her master, it is already far into the night, and the food chosen for dinner was heavy on the body.
I'll go back to reading that book I've been reading. Maybe if I satisfy my mind more, it will be less prone to outbursts like today's.
. . .
"Let us talk about power."
Is this about how I have yet to complete a ritual successfully?
"Yes, unlike Avance and Ariel, you have yet to succeed a single time, even in simple spells. By a normal metric of judgment, you should be called worthless."
…
"However, unlike Emilia, yours is not a case of sheer incompetence."
What do you mean? Are you saying something else is preventing me from using magic?!
"Yes. I am unsure of the true depth of its nature, but most certainly you possess an inhibiting factor.
Further research would be required for complete understanding; however, it seems to deny magic… no, it is more accurate to say it consumes life itself."
Something that consumes life…?
"Since the goal of all life is consuming other life to survive, it might seem redundant, however it is anything but.
A power that consumes life and acquires strength… even something such as magic, depending on the form and origin, can be consumed as well.
It is only obvious, but allowing a monster's soul to enter your body and fuse with yourself would be impossible like that. The power within you would simply consume it and become stronger."
Wait, wait! What you are saying is ridiculous! Why would I even have such power?!
"That too, is beyond the scope of my knowledge.
However, such a power is not unfeasible. Naturia, the sacred tree from where all life flows, from where something dies and is reborn. Death leading to energy is nothing but a required process of this world.
It might be possible to say there is a connection, but it might be a stretch. Although, were I to dare, I would say that it is simply a different side of the same manifestation. The Void where all life is consumed, and the Tree where life sprouts from; Not that the too are connected, rather, it may be a mere case of both relating from the same source."
… So, you are saying I possess this power, how is that useful? Is it not a case of me being a mere host for something that bothers my life?
"No, quite on the contrary.
It is something that dwells deep within you, something intrinsically connected to your being. You cannot go against your nature, and you shouldn't. This power, whatever it is, and wherever it comes from, wield it. Do not use energy it would consume, rather use its energy; do not try to unleash something else, unleash it to consume everything; do not try to have something else empower you, let it flow through you."
In other words, it is a power I can use?
"I am most certain. Now, it is only a matter of how to utilize it. Right now,, I have other, more important, interests, however, once those are dealt with, I will be taking my sweet time experimenting on you.
Until then, they will prove you a valuable asset in the unleashing of the Steelswarm; someone just as capable as the rest of the Gishki.
You'll gladly help, won't you, my dear daughter?"
…
… …
… … …
… … … …Yes, mother.
I swear, there's a lot of editing won't let me do, and it annoys me. I gave it my best to mantain the original formating, but some of it was lost, and the replacements aren't ideal, but c'est la vie.
Anyway, next chapter we'll finally reach the Academy. I hope I can get it out before long.
And honestly, thank all of you who joined in. I hope you'll enjoy what's to come.
