"I sincerely apologize, Dina. I deeply regret to inform you that I am unable to accompany you indoors at this moment. Unfortunately, an unforeseen and pressing matter has arisen, demanding my immediate attention and preventing me from escorting you properly"
"It's okay, Count Visterio. I'm already grateful for everything you've done to help me." I smiled, looking into the Count's sinful eyes.
He sighed and then put a smile on his face, "You've grown into a very strong woman..." he muttered.
I inclined my head slightly, expressing my confusion, and asked for clarification.
"There is nothing. I say goodbye... I wish you good luck." His last words before he closed the carriage door in front of me. I watched in amazement as the carriage drove away.
I was almost certain that I noticed a slight hint of moisture in his eyes. He quickly averted his gaze, preventing me from getting a clear view, but I didn't dwell on it too much.
I am uncertain about the nature of the bond between these two, but I have an inclination that it resembles a connection between a daughter and a father, albeit not exactly.
It has been a full seven days since I first arrived in this mystical realm, and it was on that very same day that fate brought me face to face with the enigmatic Count Visterio. Remarkably, I found myself adjusting seamlessly to the customs and peculiarities of this new world, as if I had already been well-versed in its intricacies. Perhaps my extensive exposure to countless tales of similar nature in the past had effectively prepared me for the unexpected encounters and fantastical adventures that lay ahead
As I pivoted, inhaling deeply, I found myself utterly captivated by the astounding scene that unfolded before my eyes.
As I approach the towering gate, its grandeur and imposing presence hold me transfixed, engulfing me in a wave of immense pressure. In my mind, I had envisioned myself confidently conquering this challenge, but alas, it seems that the reality of my abilities falls short of perfection.
I suddenly found myself gasping for air, my throat constricting and leaving me struggling to breathe. The force of my coughs was so intense that I momentarily forgot the basic act of inhaling and exhaling. Gradually, as the coughing subsided, I took a deep gulp of air, relieved to finally regain control over my breathing.
I increased the pressure of my grasp on the handle of my suitcase, containing all my clothing and essential items, as I directed my gaze up and down the colossal gate that stood before me. Completely immobilized, I found myself unable to take a single step forward.
As I narrowed my eyes, I concentrated my vision and caught a fleeting glimpse beyond the gate. Stretching out before me was a lengthy path that meandered towards the prestigious academy, enveloped by majestic, towering trees.
I'm having difficulty spotting the academy from my current location. I'm curious about the considerable distance I need to cover to reach it.
As my gaze swiftly shifted towards the walls adjoining the colossal gate, a glimmer caught my attention, although it remained imperceptible to the naked eye. It dawned upon me in a sudden revelation that this ethereal radiance manifested itself as an impenetrable barrier encompassing the entirety of the academy grounds, an obstacle no soul had ever triumphed over.
Many individuals made efforts but were unable to achieve their goals.
The academy's entrance and exit are restricted solely to the gate, which has been intricately designed to prevent individuals without mana or abilities from gaining access. Naturally, this precaution is also extended to those who have not received invitations to the academy.
If you lack the necessary qualifications, the gate will remain closed and you will be unable to enter.
I let out a deep, heavy sigh, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.
I'm about to attempt something with uncertain outcomes.
As I prepared to move forward, an unexpected sound caught my attention. It wasn't the familiar sound of human footsteps, but rather the rhythmic clatter of hooves. Intrigued, I swiveled my head without shifting my body, trying to locate the source of the noise. To my surprise, my gaze settled upon an extraordinary sight - an exquisite carriage exuding an air of regality and grandeur. The sheer magnificence of it left me utterly astonished.
I was completely captivated by it, unable to tear my gaze away. As my realization dawned upon me that it was actually approaching my current position, I swiftly leaped to the opposite side, ensuring that I would not impede its path or hinder its progress in any way.
As my gaze fixated on the passing carriage, I found myself unable to resist pondering about the mysterious individual concealed within its elegant confines. Intriguingly, the carriage abruptly came to a halt right before me, precisely in front of the grand gate that stood as an entrance to Abilirish Academy. As if fate had orchestrated this peculiar encounter, the door of the carriage, which typically remained concealed from view, was now positioned in such a way that it directly faced me, beckoning with an air of enigmatic allure.
I feel a sense of embarrassment as I find myself standing in this spot, awaiting their presence to pass me by.
I brought my head down and lifted my hand, positioning it just below my chest. I mimicked the act of gripping a cellphone, a gesture that struck a chord with me as a remnant from a previous existence. The sudden realization of this habit sent a shiver down my spine, causing me to involuntarily jerk.
What in the world?... What on earth was I doing?
I gazed intently at my hand, which was now held high in the air. With determination, I tightly balled up my fist, allowing a rush of nostalgic memories to flood my mind. In an effort to ground myself in the present moment, I sank my teeth into my lower lip, welcoming the physical discomfort as a means to reconnect with my unwavering commitment.
I gradually brought down my arm that was previously raised, and then I directed my gaze towards the carriage with a sense of bravery. However, I couldn't help but constantly shift my eyes elsewhere, avoiding any contact with the carriage.
I let out a long breath, feeling my body slump in exhaustion.
The current situation is not yielding the desired results.
I am astonished by the incredibly low level of my self-esteem! How could I possibly have reached such depths of self-doubt and lack of confidence in myself? It is truly baffling and disheartening to witness the state of my self-worth, as it greatly impacts my overall well-being and how I perceive myself in the world.
As I stood there, a faint sound caught my attention - the unmistakable creak of a door. Immediately, my mind dismissed the possibility of it being the gate; it simply didn't match the sound I was hearing. No, my intuition told me that the source of this noise was the carriage nearby.
As I gradually raised my head, my eyes fell upon a woman whose hair was a soft, mousy shade of blonde, flowing gracefully down her back. Her captivating deep blue eyes and rosy cheeks illuminated her face as she gracefully stepped onto the ground. Clad in a dress that perfectly complemented her moody yet serene aura, she exuded an air of elegance and beauty. However, there was an undeniable sense of aloofness about her, as if she were not one to easily warm up to others. Nevertheless, her charm and allure were undeniable, capable of captivating the hearts of any man fortunate enough to cross her path.
A soft gasp escaped my lips.
I gazed for an extended period of time, unable to tear my eyes away. Eventually, feeling overwhelmed, I bowed my head and tightly shut my eyes.
However, I couldn't help but notice the intense gazes directed towards me by the lady. This caused a surge of discomfort and unease to wash over me, intensifying my already existing sense of anxiety. The presence of her penetrating stares only served to heighten my uneasiness, as I could catch glimpses of the flowing fabric of her dress out of the corner of my eyes.
I pale in comparison to her; my simplicity is overshadowed by her extravagance and allure.
I swiftly ran my tongue across my dry lip, expending all the speed I could muster, and with a hint of trepidation, slowly raised my head, locking eyes with the woman.
I have completely fogotten. Being a distant descendant of the Count, I have assumed the responsibility of embodying his persona, and thus must carry myself accordingly.
I have managed to hold my head up high, filled with a sense of accomplishment. However, the piercing intensity of her gaze is slowly chipping away at my confidence. It feels as though she is scrutinizing me, as if she is desperately seeking something specific within me.
Attempting to mask my discomfort, I made an effort to conjure a smile that would appear genuine and respectful. However, my attempts proved futile as the unease within me was too overwhelming. To exacerbate matters, her unwavering gaze fixated on me, intensifying my discomfort even further.
She then released a delightful chuckle, exuding elegance and grace in her mannerism. The sound that escaped her lips resembled a melodious song, leaving me amazed and questioning the possibility of such a delightful harmony emanating from a mere human being.
"I must offer my sincerest apologies, but I can't help but find it amusing to tease you."
The sight of her radiant smile filled me with awe and admiration. Oh, the sheer magnificence of her beauty! Her voice possessed an ethereal quality, akin to that of an angel, and listening to it was like receiving a gentle caress for the soul.
I returned the smile and reassured them, "there was no need to worry. In fact, I express my gratitude for being able to be the source of your amusement."
Her facial expression turned serious and she blinked in surprise at my answer.
Did I just utter something peculiar?
I felt a subtle twitch in my eyes as I observed the sudden transformation in her demeanor, which completely caught me off guard. There was a newfound twinkle in her eyes, emanating a sense of amusement and a glimmer that was directed towards me. In some circles, her actions might be misconstrued as unladylike, but in the context of our modern era, it is simply a reflection of her individuality and free-spirited nature, which is surprisingly relatable to my own disposition.
"Uh...Are you alri-..?"
"I find myself quite drawn to you. Would it be appropriate for me to inquire about your name?"
The woman inquired, her voice filled with curiosity and anticipation.
"Astoria... Astoria LeCoultre. May I ask for yours?" I replied, then asked her a question. I tried to make it sound the same way I had practiced with Count Visterio. The etiquette I learned must not go to waste. The week I took those lessons was a nightmare.
Count Visterio allowed me to select my first name, and I decided to opt for the name I had in my previous life. As for his surname, it is LeCoultre.
With a bright and energetic tone, "Lena Reuven." she cheerfully responded to my question, causing a contagious smile to instantly spread across my face.
"..That is a beautiful name." I faked a giggle.
The creaking sound of the gate immediately captured our attention, as it separated the area where we were standing from the prestigious academy. The gate slowly swung open, requiring a significant amount of time to fully extend its structure, and we both stood there, mesmerized by the sight.
As the gate swung open, a resounding noise reverberated through the air, causing a surge of emotions to well up within me. It was a sensation I had long forgotten, one that had become a distant memory since I reached the age of fourteen. However, in that fleeting moment, a fragment of recollection came rushing back to me, reminding me of the very reason why I found myself standing in that place.
The primary goal of mine is to...
"Do you have a ride?"
She asked.
"I...uh...yes...?"
With a mischievous glint in her eye, she curved her lip into a playful half smile. "Oh, I was just pondering how long it would take for you to reach the academy," she remarked, her tone laced with a hint of amusement. "Have you considered that traveling by carriage would allow you to arrive at your destination in a mere hour?" she teased, clearly enjoying the banter.
I couldn't believe my eyes and let out a gasp of astonishment, as if I had been completely unaware of this fact until now. Honestly, I had never known, or even fathomed, the sheer magnitude of the distance before me. It stretched out for miles upon miles, seemingly endless in its expanse. The grandeur of it all was simply breathtaking, leaving me in a state of awe and wonder.
"..So, would you like to ride with me? We can have a little chat along the way."
She smiled.
I can't shake off this uneasy sensation that's been creeping up on me... Nevertheless, I am left with no alternative but to embrace it...!
"I would love to..."
"Great! - Come in!"
She excitedly invited me in. But it was hard for me to keep up with her energy. She raised her arms and pointed toward the carriage, with her palms flat and the other on her chest, her body slightly bent.
The specific intention behind her actions was for me to enter the carriage y before anything else.
However, in order to avoid appearing impolite, I made a conscious decision to plaster a smile on my face and gracefully entered the carriage, abiding by the principles instilled in me through my rigorous etiquette lessons.
I eased myself into the plush seat, carefully observing my surroundings and coming to the realization that I had indeed landed myself in a truly opulent first-class carriage. With a sense of awe, I allowed my gaze to wander, meticulously taking in every detail, ensuring that not a single corner of this lavishly appointed carriage escaped my notice. It was impossible not to be captivated by the sheer grandeur and spaciousness that enveloped me in this luxurious haven.
While I was engrossed in inspecting the carriage, I failed to realize that Lena had already settled herself comfortably in the chair directly across from me and promptly shut the door, completely escaping my attention.
My return to reality occurred as the carriage began its motion.
"Convenient, right? - And you can rest assured, I don't bite."
She said. I definitely saw something sparkling around her...
I responded by nodding my head, wearing a smile on my face.
I find myself unable to understand the reason behind it, but there is a lingering feeling within me that suggests she might harbor some level of affection towards me.
Upon closer examination, I realized that I hadn't taken a thorough look at her face before. However, upon observing her closely now, it became evident that she had a matured appearance. As an individual with an Asian background, or rather, someone who used to identify as Asian, it is common for us to possess a youthful appearance even as we transition into adolescence and beyond. This phenomenon is often observed among many individuals of Asian descent.
Based on my estimation, I would say that she falls within the age range of approximately 15 to 17 years old.
I shifted my gaze towards the window, peering outside. As I looked, I noticed that we effortlessly glided past the colossal gate, without encountering any obstacles along the way. Gradually, the wide gap between us and the imposing entrance narrowed, and with a familiar sound echoing in our ears, the gate began to shut at a leisurely pace.
A deep exhale of relief escaped my lips as I let go of the tension that had been building up inside me.
Lena's voice pierced through the heavy silence that had enveloped us for what seemed like an eternity. Her inquiry hung in the air, begging for a response. My eyes shifted towards her, my body instinctively turning towards her as well. Without hesitation, I rested my hands on the apex of my hips, a gesture that conveyed both curiosity and readiness.
I inclined my head to the side, curiously observing the scene before me.
She smiled, "...I heard that there is a group of elites in the academy. Rumors say that the academy has been looking for talented children all over the world like that group of elites."
I furrowed my brows, squinted my eyes, and tilted my head to the side, consumed by curiosity.
"Since when?"
I asked with a hint of uncertainty. Being a spy, I would willingly seize this chance.
"I'm afraid I don't know. I recently heard this rumor when I visited the city. It seems to have been spreading recently."
"What might be the reason behind their search?"
"Well..."
She took a moment to collect her thoughts before turning her gaze towards me, her eyes filled with curiosity. A mischievous smile formed on her face as she squinted her eyes in a playful manner, placing her fingers near her lips to conceal a hint of a smirk. It was evident that she found my presence intriguing, as she acknowledged my evident interest with a mixture of amusement and fascination.
"My, my. You look interested."
I experienced a sudden involuntary muscle contraction, causing my entire body to become rigid with anxiety. In response to the question posed, I mustered a composed demeanor and replied, "..Who wouldn't be captivated by a whisper circulating about the highly prestigious Abilirish Academy?" However, unbeknownst to me at the time, my attempt at maintaining a sense of calmness was far from successful.
"That's true," she agreed in a fruity voice. "I don't know the purpose of the search, but it seems that the child prodigies found something interesting."
"...Anything interesting?"
"Yes—but a rumor is just a rumor."
She shrugged.
I find it quite intriguing and thought-provoking to consider the concept of seeing as a means of validating or confirming our beliefs. It is often said that seeing something with our own eyes serves as undeniable evidence or proof of its existence or truth. These words, "to see is to believe," instantly brought to mind a particular individual or situation that left a lasting impression on me.
A pleasant expression formed on my face as a result of experiencing joy or happiness.
In the event that the academy was indeed in the business of gathering child prodigies, it is conceivable that my fellow classmates could also be pursuing their studies within its hallowed halls. Moreover, this academy caters exclusively to individuals who possess remarkable talents and extraordinary abilities, particularly in the realm of mana manipulation.
After some time had passed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness developing between Lena and myself. It dawned on me that she possessed a distinctive quality that set her apart from others - she didn't conform to the expected norms of etiquette and mannerisms. Instead, she embraced her individuality and it was this very aspect of her personality that made her such an enjoyable companion.
During our conversation, she delved into the depths of her personal life, sharing her experiences and challenges as a young woman. One of the poignant issues she raised was her vehement dislike towards individuals attempting to exert control over her life solely based on her gender. It was evident that she yearned for liberation from the figurative shackles that hindered her from becoming the person she aspired to be.
As she delved into conversation, she began sharing intimate details about her personal life, specifically addressing the challenges she faced growing up as a girl. One significant issue that weighed heavily on her heart was her profound distaste for individuals who sought to exert control over her life solely based on her gender. It was a constant source of frustration for her, as she yearned to break free from the figurative shackles that confined her and fully embrace the individual she aspired to become.
I was captivated by the way she freely shared her thoughts with me, and I truly cherished the trust and companionship she offered. However, a part of me couldn't help but wish that she wouldn't turn out to be the person we were ultimately pursuing as our adversary. Despite this concern, I couldn't deny feeling a twinge of guilt knowing that she confided in me about her private affairs when no one else did.
I found it challenging to extend the text any further due to my background as a spy and the multitude of reasons associated with it. However, I shall attempt to elaborate on the matter.
The carriage abruptly came to a halt and the sound of horses neighing jolted me out of my reverie. Startled, I quickly shifted my attention to the outside world.
I was taken aback, my eyes widening in a mixture of surprise and awe. Before me stood the renowned Abilirish Academy, known for attracting students from noble, aristocratic, and royal backgrounds hailing from various corners of the globe.
Picture yourself in a breathtaking and expansive mansion that stretches across the vast expanse of space. Every inch of this magnificent structure exudes an aura of freshness and timelessness, as if it will forever remain untouched by the passage of time. The brilliance of its appearance is simply awe-inspiring. As you explore the surrounding area, whether it be a campus or an academy, you are greeted by a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues that are so intense they almost threaten to overwhelm your vision.
I am pleasantly surprised by how much better this is compared to my initial expectations. The amount of space in here is absolutely incredible!
I couldn't believe what I was seeing as I asked in astonishment, "What on earth did they do to construct this magnificent school?" My disbelief was evident through the peculiar smile that formed on my face.
With a chuckle, she expressed her satisfaction, stating "It had surpassed all my expectations... Shall we go?" prompting me to turn my head in her direction and engage in a deep gaze, our eyes connecting in a moment of profound connection.
I responded with a smile, "Yes."
As Lena extended her hand towards the door knob, I swiftly outpaced her, leaving her with a bewildered expression on her face.
"Let me." I smiled. A smile that says "no" is acceptable for an answer.
She smiled forcefully and said, "No, please let me."
"No."
"Come on..."
After that, we decided to engage in a friendly eye contest, where we would try to maintain eye contact for as long as possible. Surprisingly, it took quite some time for her to eventually concede defeat, but deep down, I had a strong feeling that I would emerge victorious from the start. Throughout my life, I have always possessed a natural talent for excelling at such games involving eye contact.
I left the carriage, feeling the gentle embrace of the wind as it lovingly caressed my flowing locks of jet-black hair.
Lena was the first to exit the carriage, and as she did, she cast her eyes upon the academy before us, visibly taken aback by its grandeur and magnificence.
"I express my deep gratitude for the pleasant journey I had just experienced. Without Lady Lena who had provided the ride, I would not have arrived in a timely manner."
Her laughter filled the air, expressing her joy and contentment. Once again, a smile effortlessly graced my lips, a testament to the joy that emanated from within me. With a renewed sense of determination, I raised my head ever so slightly, fixing my gaze upon the grand facade of the esteemed academy that stood before me. It felt as if the universe itself had issued me a challenge, and I was ready to face it head-on.
Shall we begin?