"Oh! There's my mother over there!" Ella pointed out.
Whilst having the interesting conversation and trying to know more about Wulff [but only just embarrassed Ella], they reached the crowd of eager parents.
"Are your parents in the crowd?" Ella asked innocently. [Okay, let me see if I can tell Wulff's identity. Is he the hidden character with a tragic backstory or is he some rich kid? Or both?]
"Yes. My pickup is just over there." He pointed to the right of Ella where a tall, pale man with a monocle stood.
"Oh. I guess we have to part ways...I'll see you at the orientation then?" Ella hesitantly said. [God, why do I sound shy all of a sudden?! Just act smooth, girl!]
"Unfortunately, our time is up. Indeed, I look forward to talking with you more, Ella Deon." Wulff then took Ella's right hand and gave a brief kiss.
"Until then, goodbye."
"Uhh, oh yes. See you soon." Ella said, nodding her head and trying to act smoothly. . But inside, Ella was having another breakdown.
[AKSJSKLFDSKFDNKSDLLDLGJFDZLGLFD DID THIS KID JUST KISS MY BLOODY HAND AJSKDKDDLD!!!!!!].
Giving each other a wave, Ella turned to talk towards her mother. Ignoring the stares from other children and parents due to the revelation of her OP gift, she rushed to give her mother a big hug.
"Oh, my baby! You did well! Why don't you tell me all about your test back at the Inn?" Her mother said, realising the number of strange stares directed at her daughter.
Meanwhile on Wulff's end...
"Congratulations, young Master. I assume it went as planned?" The pale, tall man asked, whilst walking together.
"Mmmm...yes."
"And the young lady? Is she the one?"
"Yes, Alfred. She's the one."
"Then you must protect her. You must not let them get to her." The butler, Alfred stressed.
"Be at ease. I will protect her at all costs. She's mine, after all." Wulff said, smirking.
*
Back at the Inn, Ella finally told her mother of what happened during the Mana test, minus the strange lady prediction. She wasn't sure how her mother would react to the news. [Would she be happy or scared? I don't want her to worry]. Instead, her mother was understanding.
"Oh, sweetie. Congratulations. Goddess Maria has blessed you with her gift. If I can remember, I don't think we had a Light user in a thousand years or so?"
"Wait- FOR REAL?" Ella gasped in shock. [Although I read the novel, some things still feels unreal].
"Yes, my daughter. The last Light user was a thousand years ago and was vital in the war against the Krakens Army and the formation of our Kingdom."
"But don't worry! You don't have to worry about all that. We have been in peace for a long time, and it's going to stay that way, okay?" Her mother gave her a warm hug.
"Oh! But that means you'll be in the special Leon Academy. Since it's far from home, you'll have to dorm there for two years. If only your father was still here, he'd be able to tell you more about the academy since he went there...Oh! My baby's going away!" Her mother teared up, hugging her tightly.
"Mother...", Ella teared up as well, hugging her mother back. Even if it had only been a week, seeing her mother cry for her was too much. [Gosh, I've always been an emotional wreck].
"Mother, you don't have to worry! I won't leave you forever! I can visit you during our breaks...but I don't wanna leave you too." Ella sobbed.
"Look at us, both crying. I'm sorry Ella, I should be happy but I'm going to miss you. It won't be the same without you, sweetheart." Her mother sniffled.
"Now Ella, why don't we wash up and have dinner at that cute cafe you said you wanted to go earlier?"
*
After enjoying a delicious meal, Ella waited til her Mother was asleep before getting out her secret folder filled with notes of the novel.
[Today's Mana test went to plan and didn't at the same time. There was never a character named Wulff Fern in the novel at all. Is this the butterfly effect? Or maybe he did have interaction with Ella but she didn't realise? Even so, I think I'll need to stick around him some more to see what his true motives are.]
[But then there's the strange woman warning me about my future. She definitely knew I was reincarnated...and now there are repercussions since I'm not following the original storyline. Was she perhaps a God? Or maybe even Goddess Maria?]
"Ugh...my head hurts thinking about this," Ella muttered.
[But on the flip side at least I know what the main characters all look like and who to avoid. Plus Merula was soooo cute~! How could the Prince kill her? Ugh, he doesn't deserve her anyway, she's too perfect for him!].
Slowly placing her new notes in the folder, Ella crept into bed with her mother, falling fast asleep.
*
For the next two days, Ella and her mother enjoyed the sights of the bustling Capitol. The city was so large, Ella thought she would need at least a week or two to explore the entire area. To Ella's surprise, the Capitol reminded her of the city back on Earth. It was filled with museums, hospitals, shopping districts and plenty of markets and food stalls. The only exception was the use of horse carriages and of course, magic. Her new life was constantly surrounded by magic, either through a person using their gift to water their plants, or to start a fire, it still was hard to get used to, and always amazed her.
After taking some photos with her mother to commemorate the trip, [I can't believe they have photos! Although the camera is a magic tool though], it was time to say goodbye.
"Ella, have you gotten everything? Your clothes, books, pens? Oh gosh, you forgot your-"
"Mother! It's fine. I've got everything okay? My clothing and things are all in the suitcase, my pocket money is in my bag including the emergency funds. Everything is accounted for."
"If something is missing, I can always go buy it, so don't worry Mother. If anything, I'm more worried about you."
"Oh, Ella!" Her mother gave her a bone-crushing hug.
"Mother, I can't breathe!"
"Sorry baby. It's just...you're all grown up and...next thing you know, you're going to find a boyfriend, get married and leave home!" Her mother balled out.
"Trust me, mother. Boys suck. I'll be with you for a long time." Ella said, deadpanned. [I was single in my previous life, and I'm definitely gonna be single in this one].
"You know, you've matured so much lately. I know you'll be in good hands at the Academy."
[I've matured because I'm not your "real" daughter, but that's okay, I'll take that as a compliment].
"Here, baby." Her mother handed her a golden locket with a red gem.
"Your father and I were supposed to give this to you when you left for the Academy. It's a special locket we had made when you were born. The red stone in the middle is a Ruby that was given to your father after he saved the Emperor's life."
"I have a similar one too!" Her mother reached under her shirt to reveal a gold locket.
"If you ever feel lost or lonely, just hold this locket and you'll be safe, no matter what happens."
"Mother...thank you. I love it." Holding the locket tightly in her hands, she looked at her mother before giving her a tight hug.
"I miss you so much, Mother."
"My baby, I haven't even left yet, but I miss you too. Everything will be okay. I trust the professors at the Academy will take good care of you now you have special abilities. But you must be careful who you trust. There will be people who will try to use you now with your gift."
"Yes, mother. I promise to only trust those who are worthy." Ella nodded her head.
"Write to me every week, my daughter. I love you, my baby. Your father loves you too."
With a tearful goodbye, Ella waved her mother off, outside the carriage window. Once her mother was out of sight, she boarded a ticket on the Class carriage to the Academy (essentially a bus, powered by magic).
Sitting down on a window seat, she observed the vast city and its many wonders. Unlike her home in the countryside, the city design was like that of the Industrial Revolution, with tall brick buildings, all in shades of beige, red and brown. While the buildings were a marvel, Ella preferred the vibrant colours back home. As she got further from the city the passengers become younger and Ella realised that these kids were students just like her. Some even recognised her, pointing and whispering much to Ella's displeasure.
[Well can't blame these kids. I am technically 'special'].
Turning back to the window, the landscape changed from a populated city to a vivid, green forest. The class carriage then stopped in front of large golden gates. Realising this was Leon Academy, Ella grabbed her luggage along with everyone else.
Standing outside the bus was a short, plump lady with freckles and curly, honey-coloured hair.
"Welcome to Leon Academy!"
-----------------------------------------------------------
* I had to change a couple things about the characters for the plot but some facts.
Celine Deon - Light --> God status
Wulff Fern - Air ---> Master
Merula Noir - Darkness --> God
Blaiz Leon - Fire --> Master
Cedric Hartgone - Water --> Master
Damien Lulkery - Earth --> Master