A vivid memory repeatedly played inside her mind. Orange-yellow dried leaves fluttered among the air and down to the ground, creating a pile. The sun was brightly shining and gave warmth to the surroundings. Artemis was back at the university after class along with her friends who were excitedly celebrating the finished exams. They were all rowdy and cheerful as they continuously made plans left and right. Artemis watched all of this with a small smile and questions filled her heart.
Like the poor wandering ghosts in folktales, Artemis can' find it in herself to relate to them. Her chest was hollow of any necessary thoughts. All she knew was that she wanted to reach the end. But, what was that? What was the end that she subconsciously wanted to achieve? Even she doesn't know. Every day she lived without expectations, a completely empty shell.
Perhaps that man took pity on her and decided to send her to another world and try to find whatever she wanted to have. To let her have the chance of finally living normally.
Perhaps… That's what she wished.
Artemis fluttered her eyes open and saw the familiar ceiling of her canopy bed which was engraved with a profound meaning. Her body was sore in all different parts, faint but itchy. She turned her head and found her left arm bandaged all the way to her fingertips. Everything that happened on the forest flashed through her mind and her face paled from the headache it induced. All the way from how her rapier slashed through the wolve's body with blood following in pursuit, its ferocious eyes that seemed to want her devoured… Her body trembled in fear.
Suddenly, the door to her room entered and Jill entered. Jill saw Artemis awake and was relieved, "Young Lady, you're finally awake! Thank goodness… Are you still hurting somewhere?"
Artemis controlled her expression and shook her head, "No. Rather, how long have I been asleep?"
"Oh. Unfortunately, you were asleep for one week and missed the opening ceremony and orientation along with basic lessons in the academy. But, don't worry, Young Lady! We can find some royal tutors if you want."
Artemis nodded her head, her throat parched. It was really unfortunate that she missed one week's worth of studies as it would definitely help her understand more of the world. In that case, she probably just had to ask someone for their notes.
"No need. Also, what happened to His Highness after we save him?
"After you passed out, the knights immediately sensed something wrong after you were not coming back. They checked the surroundings and caught the two of you passed out along with the wolf. It was a good thing that backups have arrived and His Highness was immediately given emergency treatment."
"I see. Do you think I can attend the academy as soon as possible? I do not want to miss so many lessons."
Hearing this, Jill was hesitant for a bit before speaking, "The physician said that you still need to rest for a few weeks to completely heal your arm. However, I guess it would be okay. As long as you don't strain your arm too much."
"Okay, that's good to hear. Please prepare my luggage as soon as possible and we'll depart after tomorrow."
"Yes, Young Lady," Jill bowed and left the room. Artemis sat up straight in her bed and grimaced at the soreness of her back. She stood up and stretched her aching limbs with surprising flexibility. During this time, she ought to explore more on her blessing and improve her skills. The situation at Rushian Forest became her reminder of weakness and unpreparedness. Next time, she promised herself to never be as weak as before.
Time passed quickly during this one day and as Artemis had promised herself, she had used this last one day at her manor to explore her capabilities. She had trained her horse-riding skills, swordsmanship, and magic manipulation. While things have been rushed due to time constraints, she was now able to confidently execute these skills at a beginner's level. As for her 'talent' blessing, there was not much to note. At first, she had an inkling as to how it worked.
Since being talented was a thing someone was innately born with, everything would just naturally come to her as she dedicates herself to constant practice. An example to this was her embroidery skills. She had called for Elond to try and teach her the basics and as she immersed herself into the knowledge, everything just came instinctively as her body quickly adjusted. It was not a novel feeling. Like the feeling of being able to read your native language and naturally understand, that was how she felt.
Even so, Artemis still felt that it was too convenient for her own use. The words of the man who told her about the pros and cons of this blessing still remained in her mind. For now, she was still exploring and it was not like she was rushing. There was still plenty of time for her to use.
And then the day finally came for Artemis to depart to the magic academy where everything was about to officially start. It was morning and Artemis stood in front of their grandeur manor all alone except for the servants. Both her parents were away for personal businesses from the country and would be back three months later. She was reluctant to part with no way to contact them, she at least wanted to greet them for the first time. However, it was just fate doing its work. Perhaps she would have the chance to meet them someday.
And so, she departed and started her adventure. Their carriage passed through the city with humble houses littering the sides of the road and people interacting with each other. The sun which stood at its peak with the blue sky brought down light to the city, its warmth snaking every corner of the buildings. This was her first time experiencing such a medieval city and she enjoyed the new feeling.
It took a total of two days of constant riding and resting before they finally arrived at the famous Sebrithan Magic Academy located at the heart of the city. Artemis stepped out of the carriage and was amazed at the breathtaking view of the splendid castle-like academy with pristine white walls that glistened. Mini infrastructures along with towers surrounded the large building like straight out of a fairytale. It exuded a majestic and grand feeling that made everyone want to respect it. It was amazing.
"Here we are, Young Lady," The coachman brought out her luggage and respectfully stood behind her waiting for her to finish looking around. Artemis finally snapped out of her thoughts and nodded her head.
"Sebrithan never fails to disappoint me on its architectural buildings." It was known that the Sebrithan Academy not only owned the famous magic academy but also owned other businesses with structural designs that never failed to please one's eye.
After entering the tall gate and passing by the knights on duty, Artemis was greeted by a second-year student to be her guide. They did not spend too much dallying around and Artemis appreciated her concise and quick way of things. They passed by several parts of the academy, giving her a tour while explaining all things that she had missed.
Sebrithan had a large land and every part was wisely used. The place included dorms for the separate genders, buildings for classes, training plots, and other necessary places. It was packed to the fullest to be the most convenient place for aspiring students to live and study in. In the end, Artemis was in front of their dorms when she stumbled upon a scene she had forgotten so carelessly.
On the side of the female's dormitory was a huge cherry blossom tree that was in full bloom, with pink petals romantically fluttering down like a movie. She caught a sliver of the unique silver hair that only belonged to Ian. He was facing his back towards her and was holding someone protectively against his chest. Hair color which perfectly matched with the fluttering petals that reached one's waist; this could only be the main character of the novel, Celethene Elar La Isidien.
Artemis caught her breath in the sudden shock, her heart thumped violently against her chest faced with this situation. This scene was exactly the starting point of the novel where the villainess witnessed her fiancée frivolously playing around with someone while she had been recuperating after saving him. The villainess then broke the two apart and viciously accused the female lead of carelessly touching someone of the royal family without a direct relationship with them.
She did not know how much time she spent staring at them until the shy Celethene who graciously kept thanking Ian noticed her from behind his back and her face paled. She pushed away from Ian's embrace and immediately bowed.
"L-Lady Francia… I-"
Hearing her words, Ian was surprised and turned around to a casually standing Artemis with her hands crossed against her chest staring at them like one would when watching something entertaining. Her lips were raised into a small upturn. Seeing this, Ian can't help but feel as if they had been misunderstood.
"Lady Francia," Ian greeted yet Artemis ignored him. Her whole focus was on Celethene who was still bowing in fear. From her point of view, she could clearly see her facial features which were truly worthy of being called the most beautiful of all that could even cause the downfall of cities. With soft milky skin, her bright golden eyes reminded her of an upright dragon staring. A dainty nose that was slightly pink due to being flustered and petal-like lips that were being bitten. She looked just like a beautiful character from a cartoon. So unreal and so… unsettlingly beautiful.
Artemis raised her eyebrows in amusement. This legendary scene, how should she deal with it? "It seems like Lady Isidien already knows of my name. How flattering."
"Ah, L-Lady Francia is a highly-valued talent in the academy with her name being spread around like a legendary hero. I-I am truly a fan of you…"
A hero? Don't make her laugh. Her current status makes her even unable to be the hero's subordinate! At most she could only become that one soldier who immediately dies in war. Don't make this young lady so afraid of this high expectation!
"I see. Then, may I know what's currently happening for the two of you to be so tightly embraced? Even I, Ian's fiancée, may have suspicions after seeing this. Please be wary of your conduct that may have other people misunderstand."
This line was not only directed at Celethene but to Ian also. He knew how much eyes were watching his every movement and yet he dared to be so careless with the opposite gender. If the words went out, his image could possibly be ruined. Artemis cast a side-eyed glance to his way and Ian immediately noticed it. He also knew that she was indirectly berating him.
"Lady Francia, please don't misunderstand. This lady here was climbing the tree to catch a scared cat that climbed the tree. I was just coincidentally passing when I saw her and assisted her to a safe fall."
Artemis looked at him with an uninterested glance. Obviously, she already knew. She only asked so that the hidden onlookers would not misunderstand. Their reputations were at stake here! She nodded her head in understanding. As if suddenly remembering something, she turned her full attention to him and whispered, "Right, Your Highness. How is your health? That dangerous predicament at the Rushian Forest was not something to take lightly."
Hearing this, Ian's indifferent expression subtly changed and he stared at her with his indecipherable eyes, "Lady Francia, if you would, should we take this talk somewhere much more secluded? Lady Isidien, if you please."
"Ah, yes! I'll immediately be leaving, thanking His Highness for catching me!" Celethene was snapped out of her thoughts and blushed when she realized that someone was talking to her. Her bubbly personality was quite a sight to see, cute and adorable.
"Goodbye, Lady Isidien. If there is a time next time, I'll formally invite you for tea," Artemis waved her hands goodbye and the lady finally left running away. Just like that, the scene had simply changed. She was truly grateful that nothing like 'forced plot' happened where in the end, she still had to act like the villainess. From this, Artemis truly felt as if she was finally living her own life without the dictation of a silly plot. Unknowingly, she let out a sigh of relief and Ian turned to look at her.
"Lady Francia?"
"Ah, yes. Let's go."