The rumbling of the carriage awakens me from slumber.
It is a continuous shaking that feels almost like a rocking motion.
The continuous noise of the carriage moving on the barren ground is like a familiar background sound that comforts by mind, and hearing the many hoofs of horses surrounding the carriage, makes me more at peace, knowing at least some protection is in order.
My head is propped up against my seat, so I prop it up, feeling some slight tension at my neck. I guess I didn't sleep in a good enough position.
My legs feel numb from being seated for so long, so I try to stretch them a bit. It doesn't help much, but the renewed feeling in them is welcome.
"…" My head is still hazy; I've just been following through with whatever seemed most convenient for my body, but I guess I should pay more attention to my actions and surroundings.
From a small window by the side, the faint morning sunlight peers inside and brings me vision.
Sitting just across from me is my new maid, Ancelina.
She is looking at me with her usual expressionless eyes, not a hint of anything but the single-minded desire to complete her duty.
This is bad; I don't know for how long, but she has been staring at me for a while now.
I should've felt, realized this sort of stare and woken up; but even now, there's nothing. I can't possibly be this rusty already, surely I just let myself get relaxed.
… or rather, there's no real way I could've felt her staring at me, that kind of ability is beyond me.
Still, it's still bad, I she has been staring at me for a while now; I have no way of maintaining a noble behavior while sleeping, so she must've ended up seeing something uncouth.
I sigh, there's no meaning in crying over a cup of spilled milk, not when you're a noble.
"Good morning, Ancelina." Making sure my voice and position are correct, I greet her.
"A most graceful morning to you, My Lady." Bowing with her head, she returns my greeting.
Making sure my body still faces her, I avert my eyes to the window outside, and see the half-a-dozen guards galloping on that side of the carriage.
But, beyond their moving forms, I see the background, the landscape of the place we are currently at.
I am by no means a specialist in geography, but from the scenery surrounding us, I'd say we are just a few hours away from the Academy.
"Has My Lady slept well?" Continuing what I suppose is a morning ritual, she asks me.
"Most gracefully." I answer without much fanfare. "Although, this is hardly a place for proper sleep. Surely, you've felt so yourself."
She shakes her head. "Unfortunately, My Lady, matters such as how or where I sleep are hardly a concern for me. I cannot claim to have felt especially comfortable or uncomfortable in here."
I sigh inaudibly; of course she would say that.
"I take you've been awake for a while now, then?"
She nods. "Indeed, My Lady, it has been almost two hours, now."
A good servant always wakes up before her master, huh? There isn't exactly anything she could do, right now, that warrants following that rule, but her determination is appreciated nonetheless.
"Is My Lady hungry? I will arrange for breakfast if such is the case."
"Ah, yes, that would be appreciated. I take you've already eaten?"
She hangs her head in either shame or apology, I can't tell very well. "Apologies if it was offensive, My Lady, but for a servant to ever eat with or in front of her master would be ever more unthinkable."
"I see, you did not do wrong. Very well, serve me breakfast."
Without hesitation or fanfare, she grabs a stored amount of food from a closed compartment in the carriage and serves me in the small table between the two of us.
Compared to the food in Vallière manor, or even the Academy, this is a pitiful amount without much color or variety.
Still, I grab the food and slowly nib on it.
I'm hungry enough to swallow it whole, but I am a noble, I am meant to be more graceful than that, so I can't even afford to eat this as fast as I can.
Eventually, I finish this tasteless food and am left with nothing to do.
I glance at the books by my side; the journals from Éléonore that Cattleya gave me. Making a quick count with my head, I ascertain that they are all here.
I could probably begin reading one, but with the surrounding is hardly ideal for a complex study, I should probably keep them for when I reach the academy again.
…thinking about it.
"Once we reach the Academy, we'll have to make sure your living arrangements are all in order." I tell the one in front of me. "Making sure the staff is aware of your position, making sure you have the proper accommodations and means to serve me."
"I will do as My Lady desires." She bows her head in acceptance of whatever arrangements are made when I deal with those topics.
I nod back. "That will be our first line of action. We can see to anything else once it is dealt with."
It is needless to say, but she did not raise any objections to my orders.
Soon, we'll be at the academy gates… this thought fills me with both anxiety and exhaustion.
The very validation of my existence as a noble approaches.
I tighten my fists… I mustn't fail.
In this silent carriage of Master and Servant, my journey towards fate continues.
I step out of the carriage.
We've finally arrived at Tristain's magical academy.
In the end, getting here took less time than I thought it would.
While doing my best to maintain a noble and elegant appearance, I do some light stretches with my legs and back. I feel refreshed, finally having feeling return in those areas.
The sun is high on the sky and bearing down on me, although it isn't particularly hot, it is a bother not having a parasol with me.
I hear the carriage creaking behind me as Ancelina steps out of it, holding her ridiculously heavy trunk.
It's probably even heavier than before, since I made her store Éléonore's journals in there, for safer carrying.
"Would you mind a guard carrying that for you?"
"Please do not worry with one such as me, My Lady. I am not worthy of occupying one of your guard." With a bow, she politely denies my offer.
I sigh.
It's fine if she wants to be as fitting to her role as possible, but if she answers like that I'm put in a tough spot. To force a guard onto her now would be the same as stating she was someone above her current status, and I can't do that.
Well, whatever, if she wants to carry it, then so be it.
I turn to the guards still surrounding the carriage, and the rider sitting atop it.
"You may all go rest before returning. Your services towards me are complete."
""Yes, Lady Vallière."" With a coordinated chant, they all begin to move towards the stables in unison.
At least in front of their master, their behavior is impeccable; as expected of the Vallière servants.
I turn back to Ancelina. "Come, the headmaster's office is atop the tower in the center."
It is sad, but as consequence of her own actions, she will have to carry that trunk all the way to the top.
I look above towards the pentagram-shaped walls, the sun bearing down on them.
A year ago, I walked in here for the first time… I can't say that I enjoyed the resulting path, but it can't be helped. Whether I like or not the results of my inability, I must face and surpass it.
I enter the academy and am greeted by its halls.
Unlike the pristine white and lavishly decorated Vallière manor, this place is darker, much darker.
But I don't dwell on it, reaching the headmaster and making him aware of my current living station is more important.
After all, Ancelina needs a room.
It's fine for those guards, the Academy is a noble place, they have accommodations for entourages that will leave in a day or two; but such places are hardly fitting for my maid, and there's no way I would leave such a fair maiden surrounded by all those men.
The halls are not as filled as they are when classes are actively ongoing, but that is expected, nobles are still arriving.
As a result, I only walk past a noble or two, and they all wear brown capes over their uniforms. In other words, first year students.
I'm somewhat relieved. Since they are still new, and most likely not active in the social circles, they probably haven't heard of my reputation just yet. As a result, the only looks I received were those of acknowledgement.
I walk forward without the intent of stopping, through the corridors, through the stairs.
But… despite that apparent confidence… I am faced with a problem.
If I was having difficulties finding my way around Vallière Manor, I am completely lost in here; like a first year who never visited before.
This really is ridiculous!
Up until now, it was reasonable not to be well located in Vallière manor, I hadn't been around it for a whole year, but the Academy? Barely a week went by, and I'm already unable to tell right from left.
I tighten my fists; how could this even be possible? Am I really that sloppy as a noble?
I shake my head, no, this couldn't possibly be it.
For now… yes, I do know where Osmond's office is, all I have to do is find the way there.
I look outside the window by my side and take my position relative to the central tower.
I make a mental pathway to reach there; all I have to do now is find the corridors and stairs that fit that map the best.
With a new resolution, I hasten my steps.
I must also be careful not to err, any failure on my part will mean Ancelina will spend even more time carrying that trunk.
With the faux confidence required to take leadership, I walk forwards.
Taking turns where I believe I should, and following straight where I believe I should, I eventually manage to reach the central tower.
Unfortunately, I can't say I've followed the most optimal path.
It is shameful, but I've truly forgotten all about this place's layout.
I discreetly shake my head.
Worrying and feeling sad about all this now is meaningless.
Right now, all I must focus on is ascending the stairs to reach the headmaster's office. After it is all solved I'll worry about correcting this mistake.
I walk towards the nearest stair and climb it.
There's no really failing this one. All I have to do is climb all the way to the top.
Eventually, we reach the top, and are faced with a single corridor, the very end fitted with two great wooden doors.
I cross the distance with hasty steps and rasp my knuckles on the door.
After a few moments of silence…
"Enter." A cold and female voice answers.
That's probably Longueville, Osmond's secretary.
Pushing the handle, the door opens without a single creak.
And I'm greeted with Osmond's office.
The headmaster himself was sitting in his chair, his great beard sprawling down his body. His desk was filled with documents and magical artifacts.
By his side, is Longueville, the green haired secretary. She has an innocent face, but she can be harsh enough when pushed.
I open one of the two double doors further and enter.
"Excuse my intrusion." With those words, I walk further into the office.
Ancelina walks behind me, and I don't need to look to know that she silently bowed. The lack of any heavy sound also tells me she hasn't dropped the trunk.
"Ah, Miss Vallière, welcome back." Looking at me from his position at the table, the headmaster greets me. "I hope the journey here did not present any troubles."
I'm not surprised he remembers me by face. I'm not only an important noble, but also… I have quite frequently come here.
"It is also my pleasure to be back, headmaster." I answer as neutrally and objectively as I can. "Thankfully, the path here was most tranquil."
For a moment, he gazes at me as if expecting something more. Then that expectation turns to confusion, one he quickly works on dispelling covering.
… I wonder what's the meaning of this, I am sure I did nothing wrong, but still… much like mother, he's acting as if something is amiss…
I steel my features and act as if nothing bothers me.
I walk to the table, and on the path, I see a mouse. It is skittering about in the corner.
The instant it crosses looks with me, like a cornered and desperate animal, it runs away and hides away.
I was about to raise a complaint about its existence, but I remember, headmaster Osmond did have a mouse familiar, did he not?
In that case, it can't be helped.
I sit in the chair in front of his desk and make sure my pose is as perfect as it could be.
"I came to inform the faculty that I've brought a personal maid with me." I slightly turn my head, and with a soft swing of my arm, present the maid staying just short of the wall. "Ancelina is to be serving me from now on, and I hope to avoid any conflicts with the existing staff."
With a simple bow of her head, she acknowledges my claim.
The headmaster blinks once, maybe twice, before following through with a breif cough. "I see. I thank you for informing us before any complications could arise. We'll see that they are all aware."
I nod. "I am aware that the academy provides accommodations and proper nourishment to personal servants. Make sure she is shown to her quarters and is taken well care of."
"Ah, yes, of course. For that…" He turns to his secretary. "Miss Longueville, if you would be so kind as to show the young maid around."
She sighs. "Of course, headmaster."
I suppose she dislikes being relegated to such roles, but she will find no sympathy in me. It is her duty to aid the headmaster, and as a commoner, she should be more than thankful for such a duty.
At least Ancelina obeys without complaining, even if it can be troublesome to her.
"Before that," I call out to her. "I want her well educated in at least a basic layout of the academy. It would not be acceptable, were she to be impeded of completing her role because of something such as being lost."
Closing her eyes, in what I only suppose is resignation, Longueville nods. "Of course." She turns back to my maid. "The academy is divided into different sections…" hastily, she gives her a run down of the academy's layout.
Although I requested this saying it was for Ancelina's benefit, this is something done out of selfishness. I also need to re-learn the layout I should already know, because in the first place, I am probably unable to reach my own room right now.
"Is that sufficient?" She asks my maid.
"Yes, I should be able to serve my lady most adequately, now." With a bow, she agrees.
I nod. "Very well, the two of you may be off, now."
"Very well, if you would come with me…" With that, Longueville leaves the room, followed by my maid, who made sure to bow and say her departures to me properly before leaving.
I turn back to Osmond.
"Very well, headmaster, that was all I had to say. Is there anything you'd like to add yourself?"
As if suddenly remembering something, his eyes widen. "Ah, yes." He brings his hand to his long beard and begins caressing it. "I am aware you were all called here sooner to commence the summoning ritual in the earliest. However, the amount of tasks to perform due to this year's early beginning forces us to postpone the ritual by another week. However, classes will still begin in a few days."
I sigh internally. But in the end, it can't be helped.
It isn't only the teachers that need to be prepared for the ritual, but the entire staff, the Academy itself.
When all second years receive an add on in the form of a magical creature that could potentially be giant, they need to have the infrastructure to properly house and feed all of them.
"Very well, then. I will await the required time for the ritual to be performed." I nod. "Is that all, headmaster?"
Once again, he blinks at me, a surprised expression in his face.
"Yes, that is all, Miss Vallière." He nods.
"Very well, I'll be taking my leave, then."
With as much elegance as I can, I raise from my seat and leave the office, giving him a slight bow with my head.
Finally out in the corridors once again, I should focus on reaching my room.
I've already instructed Ancelina to return to my room with Éléonore's journals as soon as possible, and the guards are to instruct servants to bring my belongings to my room, where I can organize them with my maid.
I should also write Cattleya and Father letters, with luck my entourage will be able to carry them to the manor on the way back. I also need to instruct her on paying attention to the mail that arrives and leaves the Academy.
"Now, let's see, student dorms were…" Muttering to myself, I try to remember what Longueville said.
After thinking for a while, I reach the answer of how to reach it.
"Alright, then." With that, I set out to my own room.
Shamefully, much like the path to reach the headmaster's office, it takes me much too long to reach the dormitory area, and finding the correct pathway is a struggle.
Eventually, however, I reach my objective.
The hall filled with doors that led to each student's dormitories.
"…"
Of course, I am now presented with yet another issue, that being recognizing my own room, in this sea of similar doors.
Seeking deep within my memory, I look for the correct indication of where it must be.
Even if it is just knowledge and not proper memory, it will do.
"…" I eventually arrive at something.
Following the knowledge of what should be my room, I reach the door.
Gingerly pushing it open, I'm faced—
With a completely unfamiliar room.
I can recognize it as a room of the academy, but it feels impersonal, as if this was the first time I even walk in here.
Entering the room completely, I sigh.
I knew I wouldn't have any homesickness concerning this place, but I would never expect it to be this bad.
Still, I should set about doing what I have to before the servants arrive with my things.
Although there are a lot of things to do, I suppose it will be a fairly uneventful day.
"Is there anything of notice in your schedule today, my lady?" Ancelina asks while disrobing me.
Yesterday went by in the blink of an eye.
Letters were written, orders were given, and luggage organized.
Today is a new day, so I should focus on going about it as well as I can.
"Nothing in particular. I will be focusing in my studies before the beginning of classes."
I didn't have the time to begin on Éléonore's journals yesterday, so I have to compensate by giving it my whole day, today.
"Very well, then, My Lady." With that simple acknowledgement, she continues to dress me in silence.
She dresses the thigh-high over my legs, and covers me in the small skirt and white shirt, and, finally, drapes by body in a black cloak.
Now that I am in the Academy, wearing its uniform is mandatory. No longer can I wear the expensive dresses found in Vallière manor.
Looking myself in the mirror, I'm forced to confront the image in front of myself as reality. This cloak signifies my status as a second year, and also, reminds me of what is needed to keep this status.
"…"
I shouldn't dwell over this too much.
Right now, I should focus on moving forward with my day.
"Come, now, I will be eating breakfast at the dining hall."
With that simple order, the two of us leave my room.
If I remember correctly, the dining hall is…
"Has everything been arranged for you to eat with the other servants?" I ask the maid walking behind me.
"Yes, everything is in order, my lady."
I nod, satisfied.
Although I am still as lost as I was yesterday, today I don't have the pressure of Ancelina carrying that heavy trunk in her hands, and I can merely claim to be taking a stroll, should anyone question me.
Still, I should try to keep mistakes in my pathing to a minimum; as a noble, I have a higher standard to reach.
Finally, after many turns in the halls of the Academy, I reach the Dining hall.
With its many tables and students walking to-and-fro, it is filled to the brim, to the point where it becomes uncomfortable to walk around.
Still, I march forwards.
But… the academy is not the same as it was yesterday. Throughout yesterday, many other students arrived.
Now, the distinguishable colors of the student's capes tell me it is loitered with nobles of the second year and beyond.
And, as an obvious consequence—
"…"
Annoyed glances, mocking whispers, silent complaints. Those things fly through the dining hall.
My fame has spread far through the student body that frequented the school last year. Zero, the failure of the Vallière, the one who has cast exactly zero correct spells.
I tighten my fists, all their eyes bearing down on me. Now even my maid will know how much of a failure I am.
But… the instant my indignation begins to swell, the instant I begin to tell myself I will prove them all wrong, I am overcome by a wave of tiredness.
"…uh?" I murmur.
I just feel… so tired.
Not on the sense that I could lay down and sleep, rather… I feel exhausted at the thought of everything.
It will keep on like this, and I am just about done with it. Act like a proper noble and follow through.
Everything else is just a bother.
—I am just… so exhausted.
— —Dealing with all of this… is really not worth it.
I should feel angrier, these are lower nobles.
Even if they are right in the sense that I am unable to achieve what is expected of me, indignation on hearing such things from those lower than you should prevail.
I should be moved by it, and yet—
I keep on walking as the most proper noble to ever be educated. I must act as is expected of someone of my birth.
I take a seat and Ancelina keeps waiting behind me.
The looks continue.
— — —The stress of it all that bore down on me.
— — — —The weight of everything that happened.
— — — — —Nowadays, thinking about it all, I just want to get everything done with.
After a simple command, Ancelina moves to serve me the food being prepared in the kitchen.
Going there and returning with the plate of food, she presents me today's meal.
It is superbly prepared, but when compared to the one served at Vallière manor, it simply can't compare.
Maintaining the perfect etiquette, from the silverware I use to the way I hold it, I eat breakfast.
The whispers continue.
I finish it before long.
Turning around, I tell Ancelina to await with the other servants. As soon as the noble's breakfast is over, the servants will be allowed to eat. She can rendezvous with me, on my room, after that.
Honestly, it is about time she ate. She followed my orders and kept watch on all the mail, which was handled in the morning, while the students were still asleep. And then took the trouble of waking me up and caring for me.
With a nod, she accepts her orders.
I stand up and leave.
The annoyed glances continue.
I trace back the path to my room on my mind.
It won't take long to get there. Once I do, I can begin working on Éléonore's journals.
I walk through the hallways…
The path isn't long, and I quickly arrive at the section for the students' dorms.
I quickly walk the distance to my room… or at least, that's what I planned.
As I move to cross the hallway, on the edge of my vision, a great lock of red hair turns a corner.
Ba-dump
For an instant that becomes eternity, my heart stops.
My insides churn, and my lungs deny all air.
The light that enters my eyes is saturated, and my mind is buzzing.
I try to breathe, but it's no use— I've already forgotten how to.
My legs turn around.
The corridor I'm in seems to extend to eternity. And, throughout its length there are many, many doors.
Out of one of them, behind me, just now.
Overflowing red hair that fills my entire vision.
The world becomes a blur.
My legs are burning, and I've gone so long without blinking that my eyes have withered.
I get right behind her.
My lungs beg for air, but I give them no heed.
She must've realized someone was behind her. She turns around, and—
"Ah, it's just Zero! I know it's been just a week, but I've missed that annoyed mug of yours. So, how is it, ready for a big explosion when the ritual comes around…?" I am rid of my daze.
Like a tide, air rushes inside my lungs, and I'm left scrambling to maintain a somewhat decent posture.
"Oi, what's that face, did you walk in on anyone having sex, or something?" Her annoying voice fills my ears.
Sweat sticks to my entire body, and emotions bubble inside me. Such a powerful maelstrom that the feelings what to burst out of me; my head feels like it will explode from their attempts to leak out.
Compared to my previous exhaustion, this time I feel so annoyed, so bothered by her face in front of me.
But… I'm not angry about her existence or anything like that.
I do hate her, but… this time… it's something else that bothers me… it's…
What was it again?
I can't remember. All I recall is seeing her and thinking that I had to come and give her a piece of my mind.
"What do you want, germanian?" I try to keep my voice neutral, but it's no use, my clear aggression comes out mixed in.
How shameful, only a commoner is incapable of controlling their emotions properly.
"What do I want…? I want to know what happened to you, you're clearly not well!"
Her face is a blur, her words are muddled and I can't hear properly. But I don't need to, my body already knows all the motions.
"Tch. I am perfectly fine, now disappear from my sight, if anything your face is making me sick." I can feel the disgusted expression I am making.
"You say that even though I could hear you running all the way up to me? How mean. But, I can't just let you go when you show me such an ugly mug." She moves towards me.
But I don't have the time to listen to a single thing she says right now.
I turn around, and march towards my room.
"I don't have the time to waste with you. Go mess with your own life, germanian."
"I'm telling you I'm not letting go while there's something so blatantly off with you, Louise!" She grabs my shoulder.
"— — —!"
Before I even realize what it is I am doing, I've already slapped her hand away.
"I said I do not want to remain in your presence, now disappear, germanian."
I can't even comprehend what face she is making, nor do I know which face or tone I used, but I don't care.
This time, she doesn't come after me.
I march to my room and begin my studies.
It is a new day.
Thankfully, without inconveniences, I managed to study Éléonore's journals quite a bit.
Since the time I have left is hardly ideal, I need to read through them faster than I would like, but still, it is better than just skimming through the pages.
I hasten my step a little.
Right now, I have to take a break from my studies and eat lunch.
Ancelina follows closely just behind me. Her steps are silent and her presence is barely noticeable.
The perfect servant for the tasks I have her to perform.
On that subject, although we haven't looked for a long time, there's been no unusual signs in the letters coming and going.
I turn a corner and almost arrive at the hall.
As the days progress, so does my sense of direction in this place. The path to and from the dinning hall beginning to be familiar, now.
I move past any nobles coming and going, and any servants performing their tasks and go directly to the hall—
"Ah, it's you, Zero." I stop, an annoyed voice reaching my ears.
I would much prefer to just keep going. However, this wasn't a side commentary, someone actively directed the word towards me.
I stop my stride, Ancelina quietly ceasing her walk behind me as well.
Turning to the direction where that voice came, I'm faced with—
"Lady Montmorency, is there anything you wish from me?" I keep the image of propriety as clean as possible, after all, as far as anyone is concerned, we are two representants of our houses meeting and exchanging words.
She huffs. "Did you see Guiche, Zero? I've been looking for him everywhere, but I can't find my beloved."
Her voice is a mix of what I can only call aggressive and annoyed, and I don't need to be a genius to figure out she doesn't like me.
"No, your fiancé has yet to cross my eyes." Making sure my head keeps turned to her general direction, I turn around. "If that was all, then good day, Lady Montmorency."
I focus my gaze back to the path in front of me, and with Ancelina, once again begin walking towards the dining hall.
It is as I once again take my leave that I hear her voice echoing from behind with a final comment.
"Tch, about as useful as ever."
With that remark, she leaves my presence.
But… much like yesterday, I can't feel burning anger and indignation. All that's inside is a tired feeling over this continuing routine.
It can't be helped, not right now, so I keep on my way to the dining hall.
Just like yesterday, it is filled with students, servants, and tables alike.
Walking inside, I once again seat alone, Ancelina standing just behind me.
On the corner of my eye, I see an annoying germanian, she is sitting in another table, surrounded by whichever men she chose to allow on her bed this week, and Tabitha. Discreetly, she smiles and gives me a little wave.
"…" It disgusts me.
I turn my gaze back ahead and pretend I never saw anything.
With a quick command, Ancelina brings me lunch.
Although the menu changed, it still isn't able to compare to the food of Vallière manor.
Still, I eat it all without too much hurry. I managed to study a decent amount yesterday, so I'm not much bothered about going about my studies as fast as possible.
Indeed, I may even take the time to sip some tea by the sunset, today.
"…" Maybe I'll invite Ancelina.
Cattleya said she enjoyed having tea with the maids, and I suppose some rewards are in order for her excellent job.
With my food finished, I turn to my maid ant tell her to go eat her own lunch.
"As you wish, My Lady." With a calm voice, she bows and obeys my command.
Once again being left alone, I take my leave.
The path back to my room isn't a long one, and it won't take long for me to reach it.
I cross the corridors and stairs without much haste.
It is then, that an unpleasant sight comes to view.
"Ah, my dear, did I tell you your eyes shine more beautiful than any jewel?" A blonde boy with a black cape is pinning a girl with brown cape to the wall.
"N-no, my lord, one such as I could never be worthy of your compliments." The girl's face is impossibly red, and her behavior is much too meek.
I resist the urge to sigh, that would be most unsightly.
While it indeed is a bother to see such an open display of affection, it isn't what attracts the eye.
Rather, what really strikes out as noteworthy, is the identity of the boy. Montmorency's fiancé, Guiche Chevalier de Gramont.
… In the end of the day, this isn't my problem.
All that's noteworthy is that they are on the path I must take.
I walk past, pretending I didn't see them. It is a simple behavior, act like they don't exist, and they will ignore you as well.
"Kyaa— —!"
Or at least, I thought it was.
Realizing that someone walked in on them, the girl releases an ear-piercing screech.
I resist the urge to immediately clutch my ears and grimace.
Guiche, on the other hand, is not nearly as gracious.
He immediately jumps back in surprise, his eyes wide and his feet tumbling around, trying to prevent a fall.
The instant he stabilizes himself, and his head realizes I'm the one he's looking at, his gaze seems to become harsher.
"Zero." He regards me without any friendliness, putting his body in front of the young lady, as if to protect her, or rather… prevent her from being identified.
"Lord de Gramont." I answer his greeting with my own. "It seems I caught you on a most intimate moment. Do forgive my interruption."
As if taken back by my words, the girl behind him coils further into herself, her face as red as a cherry.
"Intimate moment? Zero, you misunderstand, I was merely talking to dear Katie."
I look behind him. The girl looks… disappointed? Did she want a declaration of undying and unashamed love?
Not that it matters. At the end of the day, this isn't my problem.
"Is that so?"
"Indeed, nothing ever happened." He tries to smile charmingly, believing his pitiful lie was working.
I want to sigh.
He is a disgusting human and fails his basic duty as a noble to uphold a higher standard. But it is not my place to do anything. I'm not an enforcer or a saint; the consequences for his actions will come eventually, but not from me.
"Unfortunately, lord de Gramont, my eyes seem quite keep on telling me the opposite. It matters not to me, however. Though, do try not to be so promiscuous in public, it is uncouth of a noble to do so." Although I say that as a barb towards him, this is more something personal; the last thing I want is to see more of that.
With that said, I turn around and continue on my path.
As I turn, I see that first year looking at me with some apprehension.
"It is rather ironic to hear you say anything about acting as a proper noble, Zero." As I leave, I hear his annoying voice.
I do not falter in my step, my breath doesn't even hitch. It always comes back to this, doesn't it?
At the end of the day, all this does is make me tired. It all happens again.
Although, at the end of it all, he is not wrong. I am someone who never managed a single spell; when it comes to being a proper noble, that alone makes me a failure of the highest caliber.
"Indeed. Though, do try not to forget your own duty, Lord de Gramont." With that final and sidelong remark, I turn the corner and disappear from the conversation.
From here on, I'll focus on my studies.
It's a new day.
My studies have progressed nicely since yesterday.
Without interruptions or annoyances, I've managed to take in a fair bit of the journals.
The brief pause for tea was also pleasant, as Ancelina proved herself a fine partner, so silent and peaceful.
It is still the beginning of the morning, breakfast having just passed.
Ancelina is patiently waiting for instructions in the corner.
I look at the two letters in my desk, both having arrived during the middle of the night. One was opened before breakfast, as soon as I was aware I received it, the other was left sealed for until after I was in a better mood.
Needless to say, the one opened first was father's. Thankfully, things seem to be progressing nicely. They managed to identify the maid that was taking the leaves, and as soon as she leaves again, they will capture her and the merchant.
I grab the letter opener and unseal the second one.
It's Cattleya's.
Laying down the paper in front of me, I carefully read her each and every word.
As one would expect from my beloved sister, her kind tone and caring nature are noticeable in every phrase.
It is a simple letter, she is expressing her relief over my safe arrival, and wishing me well in the days to come, and then proceeding to talk about many menial subjects.
I smile.
Although I left her behind, she seems to be doing well. That's all that matters.
I grab some clean sheets of paper and some writing material, and begin to write my answer to her missive.
"…"
I crumple the letter.
My words were not expressive enough, they were also long winded and repetitive.
I was taught from a young age how to write proper letters and how to talk to others, so having something of this quality is not only unacceptable, it is a disrespect to Cattleya.
I grab another sheet of paper and begin anew.
"…"
I crumple the letter.
It feels to stiff, it doesn't read like a caring message from her sister.
I managed to correctly write the letter reporting my arrival, so why is this one giving me this much trouble? Is it just because it is more casual?
I grab another sheet of paper and begin anew.
"…"
I crumple the letter.
What can even be said? The words are a mess in my head, and I'm still trying to find the correct thing to tell her.
What should I say? How should I say it?
It is just… after everything, there's so much, and I don't know where to begin. But also, even though there's so much, I don't even know what of it to say.
—Should I tell her how much I miss her?
— —How much I want to hug her?
— —How my heart shattered at all her suffering?
"My Lady, do you wish for me to collect all this paper?" A calm and collected voice calls out from behind.
"Uh…?" And that's when I realize, there's a dozen crumpled letters on the ground.
When did I…?
— —I nod. "Make sure to burn them all, not a single readable remain must be left."
With a bow, she begins to collect the paper balls strewn on the ground.
I guess I ended up letting myself go while writing letters.
Such a waste and indecision are unbefitting. I am better than that, I should just think before I write.
I grab another sheet of paper and begin anew.
This is Cattleya, my beloved sister. I should speak to her kindly in answer to her questions, reassure her about things, and ask her about daily life topics.
I think of the words and organize the sentences in my mind.
With a push of confidence, I let my hand glide over the paper, writing the message in a short amount of time.
It was surprisingly simple.
At my side, Ancelina lights up a candle. Normally, I use it to have light while studying at night, but its function now is slightly darker.
One by one, she holds the letters above the candle, and lets the flames consume them, turning them into little more than ash.
I carefully watch the process.
Once the last of the letters is burnt—
"Wait." I tell her.
Quickly, I reread father's letter and memorize the most important bits.
"This one as well." I hand her the letter.
And with a nod—
"As you wish, my lady." She obliges and burns all evidence away.
Carefully, she scoops the ash and scatters it in the wind outside the window.
I grab another piece of paper, and write out an answer to my father.
This one is simple. A methodical report of my own situation, while telling him I await further news on the situation back home.
As I finish it—
Knock knock
Someone knocks at the door to my room.
"Ummm, excuse me, can I come in?" A young and feminine voice calls out from the other side.
I want to sigh at the annoyance.
"Yes, you may enter." I keep my voice leveled and neutral, as it should be.
Silently, as the door opens, I begin to seal the two letters I just wrote.
"Ah, sorry, I didn't know someone else was already here…" I turn my head to the voice and take a good at her.
It is a black-haired maid.
"Ummm… sorry, but, I'm sure I've never seen you before, do you actually work here?" Eyeing Ancelina, this maid asks something with complete innocence.
My maid, on the other hand, shakes her head and answers like a perfect servant. "No, I am not employed by this institution. My task is to serve my Lady's whims and needs."
"Uh…" She turns to me, but I barely give her acknowledgement with my eyes, she looks back at my maid, and then back at me. "Ah! That's right, there was a noble with a new servant, wasn't there?!"
Her face becomes red as a tomato, and she is clearly unsure of how to even act.
"Um… ah… I'm sorry! It… um… it won't happen again!" Bowing profusely, the maid repeatedly apologizes.
I suppress a sigh.
Honestly, reminding yourself of unusual changes in your work is the least you should do. But I guess I shouldn't expect much more from a commoner.
"I take you have nothing to do here, then?" I ask as neutrally and calmly as possible.
"I guess…" She seemed to blabber to herself.
"Then you may take your leave." With that cold command, I focus back on sealing the letters I am working on.
"Ah… ah, I see." Soon after that, I hear the doors opening and closing.
Once again, me and Ancelina are alone.
As expected of someone chosen by father, she is a dutiful servant that manages to fit my needs perfectly, being even able to read.
I smile.
Finishing to seal my answers to father and Cattleya, I hold the letters up.
"Make sure these are delivered to Vallière manor." Although I don't turn to acknowledge her, or even speak in a particularly commanding tone, she still obeys my command, softly grabbing the letters.
Soon after, she too, leaves.
Left all alone, I continue my studies.
The days pass by, one after the other.
Without interruptions, without special occurrences.
I have slowly fallen into a routine of studies.
Seeking to obtain results in the ritual that is yet to come, I never stop giving it my all.
Right now, however, I stay still and put.
Although the ritual is still to happen, classes have started.
As a dedicated student, as a noble of my birth, I made myself present without a single hint of tardiness.
But, since today is the first day of class, most of it will be introductory lectures and won't cover much, if any, actual theory.
It's not exactly a problem, but I would have liked to study more.
Not because I have a powerful passion for studies, but rather, I just want to get closer to understanding my own problem.
Still, it is meaningless to grumble and complain.
I listen to the lecture at hand, and every word professor Colbert says.
It is boring, but at least his clear passion for teaching make it bearable. In any case, it will become interesting once we get to the actual and proper content.
Eventually, classes come to an end.
Students begin to trickle out of the room, one by one.
I have nothing to do here, so I get up and join them. Ancelina should be waiting for me in the corridor.
"Oi, Zero, seems like you're in a better mood today!"
Or at least, that's what I planned, but an annoying and boisterous voice calls out to me.
I keep my expression leveled and turn to her.
By the side of the vulgar germanian is the silent Tabitha, her face buried in a book, as always.
"What is it that you want Zerbst?" I ask with just the slightest hint of unfriendliness.
But, my unfriendly tackle is met only by a smile.
"Ah, just wanted to check on you! This place wouldn't be the same without someone to cause an explosion every class!" Without a hint of anything but cheerfulness, she proclaims such a spiteful thing. "Isn't that right, Tabitha?"
The silent girl, on the other hand, doesn't even raise her eyes from the book, she merely nods. "She was worried."
With those words, she goes back to her silence.
"If you worry, then you would do your best and stay away. As I said, if anything makes me sick, it's seeing your face." I try to end the conversation as fast as I can, but—
"Yeah, you seem much better now! Really, you looked so sick before I thought you were going to collapse. I even thought to send some nurses to your room, but then I thought that it would get you so mad you would explode the castle, so I didn't!" She keeps on talking as if I didn't just insult her.
I really can't stand this woman.
"What is it that you take me for?" Closing off my voice more and more, I take a harsher stance.
She seems to think for a moment, before arriving in a conclusion with a resolute face.
"The girl with a fetish for explosive and fiery things, obviously!" With no shame, with no propriety, she says such a horrendous thing.
My eyes immediately dart around the room. A Vallière must not be involved in such crude talks, it would be a disgrace for my family.
Thankfully, it seems all other students, and even the teacher, have already left.
I turn my spiteful gaze at her, but she seems completely unabashed by it.
"I mean, that and something else." She begins to mutter aloud. "The girl with a stick way too up her ass. I mean, you always had one, but it seems like you came back from your home with an even larger one thrust in there."
I think of anything to say, anything that would harm her in equal measure.
… There is something.
Truly, I suppose it was destiny that such a thing eventually became a topic of contention. A Zerbst and a Vallière, the feud is wont to continue, no matter the place or age.
I open my mouth to answer—
"Apologies, but My Lady has expressed her desire in ceasing dialogue with the two of you. Please do not try to interact her."
But a complete outsider invades our conversation.
A maid with average features, a maid with no emotion… my maid.
"Eh…?" Taken by just as much surprise as me, Zerbst begins looking with confusion between me and my maid.
Tabitha, on the other hand, looks like she couldn't care less about anyone currently existing in this room.
"Ah!" Suddenly figuring out something, the germanian slaps her fist in her hand. "So the student with a new servant was you, Zero!" She nods to herself, as if finally figuring out a puzzle. "Always surrounded by your family's influence, I should have figured."
This woman…!
I move to answer, but someone else beats me to it.
"My Lady has expressed her desire in ceasing dialogue with the two of you. Please do not try to interact her." With a monotone tone, my maid continues her duty.
"And she's even well trained!" Zerbst turns to my maid with a pleased expression. "Yo, name's Kirche. Wanted to ask you not to let pinkie over there cause any explosions or such troubles."
"I will follow my duty to My Lady." A completely neutral tone, no outward emotions being expressed, my maid gives the perfect answer.
Taking the opportunity, I turn around.
"Come, Ancelina, I wish to return to my quarters." Turning around, I command my maid and begin moving.
"Yes, My Lady." With those words, and a rustle of cloth that I gander means a curtsy to the other two nobles, she begins following me.
"Leaving already? Well, whatever, see you tomorrow! And before I forget, show us your greatest in the familiar summoning ritual! It will come with an explosion to be remembered!"
"Good luck." I hear Tabitha's voice quietly accompany Zerbst's insult.
I do not turn around or even acknowledge the two.
I leave the room and begin walking through the corridors with Ancelina.
The sun's yet to set, the perfect time for an afternoon tea approaches.
Once we are far away from that room, and have no other nobles with us in the halls, I speak again.
"You came an interrupted a conversation despite not being asked to." I say with a severe tone.
"My Lady had expressed her desire to cease conversation, it is my duty as a maid to guide the unwanted presences off." Although she interrupted nobles and stood up to two of them, she says that without hesitation.
Although she is behind me and can't see it, I smile.
"Indeed. Although the situation would've allowed you to simply ignore that part of your duties, you still did that. For that, you have my thanks." I do not stop or alter my stride, but I do feel my steps are lighter. "Also, do not fret. As my maid, your word carries the same weight as my own. You are protected from consequences of standing up to nobles, for you are by my side, and your actions are my orders."
Yes, indeed. She is someone that serves the Vallière, that serves me. As long as I am here, anyone who raises issue with her following my orders, even if rude to another noble, will be faced with the weight of my family.
"It is very kind of you to do such, My Lady. I thank you profusely." Although she doesn't seem particularly excited, or even emotional, I completely believe her words.
"Very well, then. Come, now. I wish for tea."
With a smile, I walk forward into my studies.
The world is painted by red and blue.
The stars shine brightly in the night.
I am alone in my room; Ancelina has retired to her own a long time ago.
I light up a candle.
The summoning ritual is the day after tomorrow.
Unfortunately, however, I've only finished two of the three journals.
I made sure to study the first two, the ones that went on how the ritual happened. One studied the workings of the circle, and the other the workings of the mage.
If I can reach a conclusion, is that Éléonore is nothing short of a genius.
Her attention to every minute detail, her experiments, her theories. Everything shows her intellectual capabilities.
It isn't something I, or anyone else I know, can ever achieve.
Still, I am forced to wonder… why did she never publish these journals? Surely, after a revision, they could become most esteemed studies.
Was it by fear of heretic accusations, for studying something so sacred? Or… is there something in the third journal…?
Whatever the case may be, I suppose I'm about to get a step closer.
The third journal, the one meant to study the connection between familiar and mage.
I open the book and am greeted by her many notes and writings.
I don't have a lot of time, so I'll just have to skim through it this night, and make reviews on the most important ones tomorrow.
I leaf through the book, searching for the most eye-catching passage.
… I find one.
Which finally brings us to another topic of importance.
What is it, that defines the connection between a mage and its chosen familiar? In other words, what is it that defines what familiar is chosen for the mage?
On the previous journals, I've gone into detail on how the ritual works.
In itself, it is considered infallible because the circle is the one doing most of the job.
Once a noble stands upright and uses magic, any magic, inside the circle, it provides a connection immediately taken by the circle, which then uses it to collect all the necessary willpower and realize the spell.
After it is completed, the circle gives back the familiar and a rune for the mage. Said rune will be implanted in the familiar at the first use of magic and physical touch, sealing their bond.
However, no part of the circle is dedicated to selecting a familiar.
The closest is a relation of willpower used to realize the summon. Where the circle measures how it will use the given power to realize the summon, so as to avoid any overload, and to work extra when it is too little.
But, it couldn't be something merely chosen at random, could it?
I skim through the pages.
What is the resolution reached, what is the key for getting myself a familiar that proves my prowess?
I realized… the answer, is most simple.
It isn't something only I discovered, rather, it is something others have clearly tested.
Powerful mages, such as mother, all have fearsome familiars, and weak, unremarkable mages all have pitiful familiars. The circle always gives a familiar of equal magnitude to the caster, so why is it that someone as revered as Osmond have a rat?
The answer was staring at my face all along.
After every single summoning, every mage, regardless of their age or power, reported the exact same level of exhaustion.
Whether they have more or less willpower than their peers, they all get the exact same amount of tiredness, as if they all had the same exact effort put into it.
But, a single report I hunted down demonstrated something different.
Headmaster Osmond, on the day of his ritual, after summoning his rat, was completely relaxed, with a big smile despite his pitiful familiar.
The circle always takes a certain percentage of the users willpower to measure its strength, but if one could, for example, force a chosen amount of willpower to be absorbed by the circle, they could pretend to be a weaker or stronger mage, tricking the circle into giving them a familiar it thinks is compatible in power.
This means you could force yourself to obtain a familiar capable of intense combat. Conversely, you could chose a weak familiar to hide your capabilities.
Say, for example, if a young and sick noble had a weak familiar, wouldn't that help to maintain people wanting to use her away? Help keeping nobles with no true love for her away?
That description… is that why… Cattleya's familiar is a cat, despite her prowess in magic?
Because Éléonore told her to do so?
I… if Cattleya had summoned something powerful, surely, she would have been desired, but… would she ever be happy, to be someone's trophy? A breeding sow?
No… that reality… is unacceptable.
It seems I will have to thank my sister next time we meet.
I continue to leaf through and read.
That could also explain the nature of the familiar.
A mage naturally possesses an affinity to certain elements.
Collecting willpower to select the strength could easily allow for the circle to check for the affinity present in the mage.
In other words, the familiar's nature is never a coincidence. It will always match the greatest affinity of the mage.
Yes, that is a rather common belief, still it is rather good to finally have it confirmed.
—It just means the familiar will help me figure my affinity
— —A familiar directly connected to that which churns inside me.
— — —Unleashed on this world, without restraints.
— — — —A monster as disgusting as me.
— — — — —With all its power.
It cannot be allowed.
Alright, that's chapter 4 done.
Next up, we'll have the familiar summoning, but it seems Louise is having a bit of a crisis when she is reminded of a little fact that slipped the mind.
Other discoveries made by Éléonore still remain in the third journal, and the cricle of people actively surrounding Louise begins to grow.
Thank you all who joined up since the last chapter, and I hope you like what's to come!
