The sun soars high above the sky, completely baking the ground below it. The lush green fields turn golden brown as the grass shrivels and dries. Despite the heat, two individuals can be seen standing in a large courtyard, overseen by an extravagant mansion.
It may seem unfair to think of an adult fighting a child with swords. However, the child with the silver hair is holding her own. Her footwork is light, her swings are swift.
She steps forward, ducks under and slashes her opponent's sword out of their hand. They step away from each other and exchange bows.
"Lady Svetlana you have exceeded all of my expectations. In a mere 3 years you have learned everything and even surpassed me."
He held a satisfied expression.
"Thank you for being kind enough to teach me, Grand Marshall Rummel."
The two of them, exhausted from spending so long out in the intense rays of the sun, head back into the mansion.
The two temporarily part ways in the large corridors.
"You worked up a sweat out there."
Mikhail, greets the man fairly casually, as he entered his office.
"Your daughter is amazing! I say this every time but it is completely true!"
"The Grand Marshall of the Imperial army, Eberwin Rummel, is once again amazed by my daughter's talent."
"She has now exceeded my own skill. I was defeated today"
Mikhail dropped his fountain pen in surprise, some ink came flying out and onto the document he was writing.
"Mikhail, you have a very diligent daughter. It appears that in her spare time she developed her own technique, a very beautiful one."
Grand Marshall Rummel continued on and on. Much to the delight of a very proud father.
After getting changed into a casual dress, Kathy sat in the gazebo that overlooked the pond in the garden. The gentle breeze added a refreshing coolness. Carp can occasionally be seen rising to the surface of the pond and producing soft ripples across the surface.
Eventually the breeze stopped and the temperature inside the gazebo began to rise. Not wanting to pass out from heat stroke, Kathy retreated to the kitchen to collect a glass of ice tea.
(The magic of this world can be very convenient, I'm glad one of the maids has ice magic. Everyone in this world will know what their magic element is on their ninth birthday.)
"Anya, when do my magic training lessons start."
"Next month, miss."
(I already know I have dark magic from the novel, when I'm ten I will meet Katyusha. She has light magic, befitting the protagonist of the novel. Father has suggested learning the basics beforehand in preparation for next year.)
Eventually, Kathy's father comes.
"Kathy, tomorrow we will be visiting the church. The priest says something spectacular has appeared recently and would like us to take a look for him."
(Tomorrow will be my meeting with fate.)
"What time will we be going?"
(I already know when but I need to keep the conversation going)
"It won't be until the afternoon, I have a meeting with the Prime minister early in the morning and then visit the Royal Academy of Arts and Magic."
The two of them head back indoors, spending the rest of the day talking about tomorrow. The night soon passes and the sky illuminates in a deep orange as the sun rises up from the horizon.
Outside the doors of the extravagant mansion is an idle carriage. It was a simple carriage and stood outside was Kathy's Father.
"You didn't have to wake early just to see me off Kathy."
He had a gentle smile and his voice sounded as if he woke up not too long ago.
"I just wanted to say bye before you left, I also don't feel that tired."
"It's not as if I'm going to war, haha."
They finish their small exchange and Kathy returns to the mansion. Anya follows closely. Kathy heads to the library and starts to sort through the books, looking for one she hasn't read yet. She is interrupted by the head butler, who hesitantly called for her,
"Excuse me for the intrusion. There is a lady and her daughter requesting to see the lord, however as you know…"
Katherine pulls her hand away from the book she was about to take from the shelf.
"Your father has stated that he trusts you to stand in place of him in the event he is not present."
"I understand, let them in."
(I just want to read)
A few moments go by before the door opens once again. A woman enters. Her dress exposed very little skin but her face let out an angelic radiance. Behind her stood a girl who looked similar to Kathy, with her hair being a metallic black rather than silver. She had a fine smile, this however was betrayed by her actions.
"Mother, I want you to get out."
"But-"
"I said get out."
The woman timidly shuffled to the door, she looked back at Kathy. Her eyes showed how much she wanted to apologise. Kathy simply nodded.
"What is your purpose for this visit, there was no arrangements to meet anyone in the morning."
(It seems suspicious that they- no she came here unannounced. It is also quite rude.)
Suddenly the atmosphere became tense as the girl sat down. A black, translucent mist started to engulf the library.
(Black magic. I don't remember this from my previous life's memories. This shouldn't occur, this is definitely strange.)
"Tch, Seems like she can't see it. She should be cowering on the floor like a buffoon."
The girl whispered to herself.
Kathy was fortunate to have a naturally straight face that never smiled. Her true emotions couldn't be shown to the person in front of her, who was truly dangerous. In truth, Kathy was shocked, frightened and confused.
"If she is here then I must be in-"
(What?)
As soon as it was engulfed, the library cleared and the black mist was gone. The girl in front of Kathy now seemed like a completely different person. She apologised profusely and seemed not to remember the past few minutes that had just gone by.
(does she have a split personality syndrome? She is harmless now, but it seems her other self is dangerous. I need to keep an eye on her.)
"My name is Sou."
"Sou? Are you perhaps from one of the eastern countries?"
(I need to know why she is here.)
"Ah, no. My great grandparents came to this country. I was born here, in the south capital, my parents named me after my great grandmother."
Sou started to look around. she then became very timid and looked embarrassed.
"Umm, sorry but- where am I?"
(You walked in here though. Oh well, I should make her leave somehow before her other self comes out again.)
"You are in the Svetlana household, I am Katherine Alia Svetlana."
Sou suddenly went into shock, her face froze as she had a monumental mental block.
Katherine got up and curtsied.
Sou came back to her senses and once again proceeded to apologise, interestingly saying sorry twice before bowing and then repeating.
"I'm very sorry for disturbing you!"
Sou the then blasted out of the doors.
(I need to keep an eye on her)