In my excitement, I hastily snatched my suitcase and embarked on a hurried half-run, desperately trying to catch up to Lena who had already made her way inside. My anticipation had gotten the best of me, causing me to completely forget that I was still lugging my suitcase along.
"Sorry..." I snorted.
She made a comment "You could've taken your time."
I shook my head gently and with an air of elegance, expressing my reluctance to keep them waiting, for I would deeply regret causing them any inconvenience.
"You're strange... A lady shouldn't run away and act like that." She raised her free arm and caressed my cheeks with her soft fingers. I twitched at the strange feeling I felt at her touch, then she took her hand back and then gave me a relieved smile.
After turning her body around, she began walking in front of me, prompting me to follow suit as I tried to catch my breath.
As I took in the surroundings, it became evident that this establishment was unlike anything I had ever encountered before, surpassing even the most extravagant places I had encountered in my previous existence. It possessed an indescribable allure, and the ambiance was undeniably pleasing. However, what struck me the most was the astonishing level of silence that permeated the academy, so profound that the only audible sounds were the gentle whispers of our own breaths and the faint echoes of our footsteps resonating through the halls.
In case I failed to bring it up earlier, our voices have a tendency to reverberate.
I notice that there are no students present in this area either. Could it be possible that they are currently attending their classes?
"Lady Astria, can I ask you a favor?"
As soon as I heard my name being repeated over and over again, my thoughts were abruptly disrupted and rendered speechless.
Lady Astria, huh? It feels rather peculiar to be addressed as a lady... To hear someone refer to me as Lady Astria is an unusual experience that I cannot help but find somewhat peculiar...
I raised my eyebrows: "What is it?"
Her voice trembled as she uttered the words, struggling to articulate her request, "Can...you be...my friend?" There was a hint of uncertainty in her tone, as if she had never mustered the courage to ask such a favor before. Avoiding eye contact, it was impossible to discern the expression on her face, but her hesitancy spoke volumes about her longing for companionship.
I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of sympathy and pity towards this young girl. It would be dishonest of me to deny that her true nature caught me off guard; I was genuinely surprised. While she exuded an aura of composure and serenity, there was also an undeniable undercurrent of moodiness. Yet, little did I expect her to possess such a hidden side within her.
I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, my amusement bubbling up from within. "Are we not friends?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.
She came to an abrupt halt upon hearing my response, causing me to also pause in confusion. Puzzled by her sudden change in demeanor, I couldn't help but wonder what had transpired in her mind that led to this unexpected reaction. However, the answer to my pondering remained elusive as she remained silent, leaving me in a state of curiosity and uncertainty.
With a swift motion, she rotated her heels a full 180 degrees, causing her to directly face me. The sight that greeted me was absolutely astonishing, an expression so unimaginable that I never in my wildest dreams believed I would witness it.
The woman's countenance displayed an evident attempt to contain her overwhelming joy. Her lips curved into a subtle grin, her eyes shimmered with an undeniable radiance, and a blush gradually ascended on her cheeks.
Without hesitation, she swiftly reached out and seized my hand, the very one that held onto a suitcase. With a firm grip, she proceeded to grasp my other hand using her remaining hand, ensuring that both of our hands were united in the space between us. And then, with a resolute squeeze, she held onto them tightly.
I found myself wide-eyed, unable to comprehend the current situation. The level of surprise I was experiencing was overwhelming. Physical interaction had never been a prominent part of my past experiences, so this sudden influx of it had caught me off guard. It wasn't that I despised it, but rather I couldn't shake the unease it brought upon me.
"Then from now on, please call me Lena, just Lena. --Can I call you Astria, too?" she began.
I hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words to express my thoughts. They began speaking slowly, their voice filled with uncertainty as they searched for the appropriate response.
"Please?"
I kept nodding anxiously until I finally managed to finish my response, repeatedly affirming with a sense of urgency, "Yes, yes." My mind was filled with panic and worry, as I grappled with the situation at hand.
In a surprising twist of fate, she suddenly transformed into a clingy individual, catching me off guard. It was never in my wildest imagination that I would end up forming a friendship in this unlikely place.
Since there were no individuals in the area, we found ourselves in a perplexing situation where we lacked any guidance or direction, ultimately leading us to lose our path collectively.
"You know, I'm getting impatient...I'm going to crash into one of these rooms."
She roared. Her glare was deadly!
"...I don't think that's a good idea, but let's find some people. We don't know our schedules or classes yet,"
I persuaded her. If you do what she says, you'll be in trouble. She nodded loudly, as if against her own will.
I let out a deep sigh as I weighed my options. "Perhaps we should consider heading over to the Teacher's Office? Alternatively, the Principal's Office might offer a more suitable solution,"
I proposed, hoping to find a resolution to the current predicament.
"Yeah, let's do that before I lose patience."
She said thickly.
She was sobbing as she exclaimed that this location was more like a labyrinth than an educational institution.
I reached out with my left hand, swiftly landing it on her back, while simultaneously placing my other hand on her right shoulder. Tenderly, I exerted a gentle force with my left hand, as I sensitively caressed her shoulder with my other hand, ensuring to provide utmost care and comfort.
"Calm down, we'll get through this..."
I sneered.
"Are you teasing me?"
"There is absolutely no way that I would ever..."
We continued our stroll side by side, and throughout our entire journey, she persistently vented her frustrations about the academy's absurdity. Among her many rants, she adamantly argued that a sign indicating the destination of this path should have been placed, as well as one pointing to other directions. Captivated by her passionate discourse, I remained fully engaged, carefully observing every door we encountered along the way.
I was truly astounded by the impeccable soundproofing in each room. Not a single ounce of noise from the neighboring classrooms managed to penetrate my ears. However, this also meant that I was deprived of any visual cues regarding the occupants and activities taking place inside. In spite of this, I could unmistakably sense the presence of numerous individuals within, each emanating their own unique energy or aura. It was a remarkable display of absolute silence, creating an atmosphere of complete tranquility.
How are they able to accomplish such a mind-blowing feat? It seems almost too incredible to believe!
I am completely clueless about how I could perceive mana. It feels as if it has always been a part of me, ingrained in my subconscious mind, much like the way I instinctively remember to breathe.
After what felt like an eternity of searching, we finally arrived at our destination - the hallowed grounds of the Principal's Office. Adorning the wall above the door was a meticulously crafted sign that proudly proclaimed the importance of this room - 'Principal's Office'.
Both Lena and I let out a simultaneous sigh of relief, mixed with a tinge of frustration that seemed to linger in the air.
Lena let out a disdainful click of her tongue, emphasizing her dissatisfaction. "Words cannot adequately convey the overwhelming joy that I am currently experiencing," she cynically declared, her face betraying an entirely contradictory emotion.
I giggled, "Maybe we have a future with this." I was joking.
"Of course we do." She muttered.
I was in disbelief as I extended my hand towards the doorknob. However, before I could even make contact with it, the door unexpectedly swung open with a loud creak. The suddenness of the door's movement startled me, causing me to jump in astonishment.
The door stood ajar, revealing a mysterious figure emerging stealthily from the shadows beyond. Our gazes locked, and in that instant, his eyes widened in a sudden realization.
"Oh, I was just going to pick up Lady Lena and Lady Astria. I'm surprised you're here already."
He burst out laughing. His laugh reminded me of Santa Claus, a bit like an old man you see on TV.
As I stood there, my arm motionless, I couldn't help but shoot the guy a bewildered expression, failing to find any humor in his remark. Even out of the corner of my eye, I could see that Lena shared the same unamused reaction.
His laughter transformed into a gentle chuckle, filled with warmth and amusement. With a welcoming gesture, he urged us to come closer and step inside. Effortlessly, he smoothly slid the door to his right, revealing the inviting space beyond. Positioning himself by the edge of the door, he patiently awaited our arrival, his anticipation palpable in the air.
I slowly brought down my uplifted arm, signifying our shared determination. Without any hesitation, we stepped into the room, fully aware of the countless obstacles we had overcome to reach this point.
Despite feeling a bit upset, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the Principal's Office, my eyes wandering towards it. The moment I laid eyes on it, I couldn't help but notice how different it appeared from its exterior. It exuded an air of serenity and charm, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. It was a true reflection of the Principal's personality and taste. Adding to its allure, a cozy fire crackled in the chimney, casting a warm and comforting glow throughout the room. However, the natural light struggled to permeate the space, as a thick curtain behind the office desk veiled the sole window, restricting the sunlight's passage.
The room was filled with bookshelves encompassing every wall, and the floor had been meticulously adorned with dark red floor mats. However, it was the chair that immediately captured my attention.
I found myself completely fixated on a plush armchair, a yearning to sink into its softness and comfort that surpassed any expectations I had.
I find it challenging to control or restrain this feeling...
I jolted in surprise. The noise of the door slamming abruptly disrupted my train of thought.
I nodded in disagreement before bowing my head down.
Astria, always remember your purpose here. Why am I so relaxed within the confines of the enemy's domain? The acquisition of knowledge to harness my ability was merely an added requirement during my stay, neither significant nor insignificant. Nevertheless, my primary goal remains paramount and takes precedence over everything else.
I released a deep breath in order to compose myself.
The Principal murmured contemplatively, his eyes scanning us from head to toe. Intrigued, I arched an eyebrow in response.
"Lady Astraia, your letter says that you haven't awakened your ability yet, right?"
Asked. Then he raised his arms and stroked his beard while looking at me in confusion.
"Yes."
I answered.
"Based on my observation, it seems that you have already triggered its awakening."
Oh? Have I?
"It would be strange if a person did not awaken his ability at the age of twelve." he added.
"However, I couldn't detect any sensation - you know, the innate power that resides within me. The Count assured me that I would experience a fiery but bearable sensation deep within my being. Yet, to my dismay, I am devoid of any feeling whatsoever." I gestured, expressing my disappointment.
I observed as he made his way towards his table, my gaze fixed on his every move. He gracefully settled into his chair, shifting his weight ever so slightly. With a gentle motion, he lowered his elbow onto the table's surface and delicately rested his chin upon the back of his hand.
He tilted her eyes, which were looking at me, and said, "I understand that. But there's something wrong with your mana flow--it's thick, and..." He stopped. I saw him swallow something. "Your magical power and that of a child prodigy are similar..."
I couldn't help but flinch, a reflex that coincided with my eyes growing wider. In that moment, a realization struck me like a bolt of lightning - those child prodigies could very well be my fellow classmates.
I must confess that I am quite susceptible to believing rumours, but only if they come with a rational and convincing explanation. Therefore, when I first heard the rumour from Lena, it invoked a myriad of emotions within me, leaving me with a sense of ambivalence.
It is truly remarkable how he is able to perceive and comprehend the movement and energy of my mana.
I forced a smile, attempting to conceal my disbelief. "This is utter nonsense. How could I possibly be considered a child prodigy when I can't even comprehend the complexities surrounding my own existence? Although, I must admit, there are moments when I wish I possessed such exceptional abilities."
My self-ridicule echoed through my thoughts, and I nonchalantly shrugged off the absurdity of it all.
However, if my suspicions are correct and the situation is indeed what I believe it to be, then it is highly possible that I am actually part of that group or category. If I were to confess this truth to him, what repercussions would follow? Could it potentially work in my favor, providing me with some sort of benefit or advantage? Or conversely, could it prove to be my downfall, resulting in a disadvantageous outcome for me?
It appears that their current focus is directed towards child prodigies. Although I am uncertain about the specific tasks and objectives of spies, I believe it would be wise for me to discreetly assert my own preferences in this situation. Perhaps it would be beneficial for me to refrain from showcasing my true potential or attracting their scrutiny.
In the event that circumstances call for it, there may come a time when I find myself compelled to act. However, this is contingent upon the existence of a promising opportunity or the potential for success.
He flashed a wide grin, expressing his confidence, "Well, let me tell you, achieving that is not completely out of the question."
He made sure to accentuate the word 'impossible' as he concluded his statement. Instantly, a wave of irritation washed over me upon hearing his words.
The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense as the Principal and I found ourselves at odds with each other. However, this tension was abruptly shattered like a fragile smoke when Lena let out a conspicuous cough, catching both the Principal's and my attention. In that moment, it was evident that Lena had something important to communicate.
"I'm sorry if I'm being rude, but I'd like to know my schedule and class. That's what we're here for." Lena forced out a chuckle that came out sincere, but did I hear a little irritation in her voice?
With a joyful chuckle, he admitted, "You have a valid point! It completely slipped my mind." Pausing for a moment, he shook his head in mild amusement at his temporary lapse of memory.
In a swift and fluid motion, he instinctively reached out to the two cards resting on his table, their size being somewhere between small and large. He smoothly glided his hand across the surface of the table, delicately maneuvering the cards closer to himself. Following this graceful gesture, he proceeded to separate the cards between his two hands, displaying a remarkable display of dexterity and finesse.
"Please take it. The information regarding your schedule, classroom number, and floor is all written inside. Additionally, your dorm number is also included."
I hesitantly reached out and retrieved the card that he extended towards me, my mind filled with uncertainty. In a similar fashion, Lena also took her card, mirroring my actions.
I held the card in my hand, its texture feeling soft against my skin. Without shifting my gaze, I glanced down and absorbed the neatly written information displayed on it. The card contained crucial details about my daily schedule, including the specific classroom I was assigned to, the floor on which it was located, and even the number of my dormitory.
"We're in a different class..." I immediately looked to my right. Lena's face was nearby, her eyes on my card, so I tilted my head back slightly so our heads wouldn't bump into each other.
She wore a look of disappointment, evident in her facial expression.
I forced a smile and said, "It doesn't matter, we can still meet anyway."
Lena took a step back, her body now fully turned towards me. A pout formed on her face as she hesitated to speak.
Just as I was about to speak up, my senses detected the unmistakable presence of a multitude of individuals who possessed the power of mana. It was as if they had suddenly sprung into action, their numbers seemingly endless and scattered all around.
"I think class is over for today," he blurted out.
Lena's voice carried a hint of surprise as she questioned, "Wait, what? I'm confused. What will happen to our class now?" Although her tone had a slightly elevated pitch, it was far from being irritating or unpleasant.
He laughed, "Don't worry, you two just recently transferred, so you both are only expected to start classes tomorrow."
Lena sighed with relief. "Then what are we doing today?"
The Principal's sentence was abruptly interrupted when the sound of three gentle knocks resonated through the room, momentarily halting his train of thought. Simultaneously, an inexplicable feeling washed over me, as if I could sense the presence of someone lurking just beyond the door before it was even touched. Startled, the three of us occupying the room instinctively shifted our gaze towards the door, curiosity and intrigue etched onto our faces.
"Great timing – well, come in!" The Principal shouted slightly to hear the person behind that door.
As the door creaked open, a figure emerged, revealing a strikingly handsome man adorned with a vibrant mop of red hair, which may have seemed disheveled to some, but somehow managed to enhance his overall appeal. His piercing eyes exuded a fiery intensity, captivating my attention and drawing me further into his presence. With a formidable build, characterized by broad shoulders and an impressive height, he commanded the room effortlessly. Intrigued, I continued to scrutinize him, my eyes eventually catching sight of a fabric band encircling his right bicep, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to his already captivating persona.
As his gaze intersected with ours, there was no trace of surprise in his expression. Without wasting a moment, he swiftly shifted his gaze towards the Principal, his intentions unclear.
"You've just come at the right time! Lord Eugene, show them around the academy."
With a smirk playing on his lips, I glanced back at the Principal. He reclined in his chair, extending his arms onto the arms of the chair.
The man's mouth released a thick voice in an irreverent tone as he began to speak, but before he could finish conveying his message, the Principal abruptly interrupted him.
"I'll listen later. It's not important, right?" the principal blurted. There was also a mean tone in his voice. His eyes looked at the man as if to say, "Do as I say."
There is definitely an issue or problem present in this situation.
A brief moment of silence enveloped the room, lasting for several seconds. I shifted my gaze towards the man seated next to me, noticing the subtle movement of his nose wrinkling and his lips visibly tightening, as if he were attempting to suppress or control a strong emotion or reaction.
Once the Principal determined that the person present comprehended the information shared, he found himself at a loss for words. After a brief period of silence, he proceeded to move the conversation forward. Shifting gears, he directed his attention towards us, "I introduce Eugene Carson, a prominent figure within the academy as the President of the esteemed Student Council of Abilirish Academy. In an effort to acclimate you, newcomers to your surroundings, he would graciously serve as your guide, offering youa comprehensive tour of the campus. Furthermore, if you have any inquiries or uncertainties that may arise along the way, I encourgae the ladies to approach Eugene with your questions."
I let out a deep breath, my frustration evident in the sigh that escaped my lips. Confusion shrouded my mind, leaving me utterly clueless about the events unfolding before me. A part of me yearned to escape this perplexing situation, to walk away and leave it all behind. Yet, an insatiable curiosity gnawed at my insides, compelling me to stay and unravel the mysteries that lay ahead. As I studied Sir Eugene's countenance, it became apparent that this unexpected turn of events had become an unwelcome burden on him, etching lines of annoyance and inconvenience upon his face.
"Thank you, but we actually walked around the academy before we came here. To be honest, we probably toured by chance." I answered. "We don't want to be a stumbling block for Sir Eugene. He must have important things to discuss with you." I looked at the principal and looked at him indifferently.
The Principal flashed us a charming smile, urging, "Allow Eugene to accompany you to your dormitories, at the very least." It was clear that he was trying to convince us, almost as if he had a hidden agenda to remove Sir Eugene from the premises.
I observed Sir Eugene, who had managed to regain his composure after a bout of agitation. He let out a sigh tinged with exasperation.
The feeling of frustration is undoubtedly present.
After his request, he extended his hand towards us, leaving his palm open and pointing in our direction, as though eagerly awaiting our reaction. However, I couldn't help but notice a subtle change in his demeanor compared to when he initially arrived. Although there was still a hint of frustration lingering in his expression, it seemed slightly subdued.
"Thank you." Lena thanked. She started to walk towards Sir Eugene and Sir Eugene stepped out of the room so Lena could get out. I also started to move, but before leaving, I had the door closed while having an intense eye contest with the Principal.
As I found myself in that confined room, a realization dawned upon me - a strong aversion towards the principal began to stir within me. There was an unsettling aura surrounding the Principal, an intangible quality that irked me to my very core.
I find it intriguing to come across the mention of Child Prodigies, the Principal, and the Abilirish Academy. These seem like important elements that I should make a mental note of. However, it is essential for me to remind myself to proceed with caution and not rush into any decisions. Although there appears to be ample time to delve deeper into these matters, I cannot deny the sense of urgency that compels me to act swiftly.