This is shit. How could she be so cold-hearted and leave me in the room. Even after seeing me collapse on the couch she remained unbothered. She really ruins the image I had for the spirits.
"Euphhyyy~" Yessenia is now clinging to her sister, even though she is still not awake after the spirit healed her three days ago.
Just like the spirit said, it will at least take a couple of days before she wakes up. I recall she said about a stench is too thick and isn't easily removed.
About Hanubi Plant, I researched it for days and still can't find a single information about it. Jemina and Boaife bought books about plants from different book shops and library, but we can't gather one information.
"When will she wake up?"
Azi's brows raised as he closed the book, "Sister you should stop."
Yessenia pouts and looks at him while laying Euphrasia on the bed gently as she refuted, "Just because you can't do what Im doing you want to stop me," then she stuck out her tongue which made Azi twitch
These two instantly forget the shock they had last time. Just knowing that their sibling has been treated that both of them brighten.
"This is childish," he looks annoyed for some reason and I'm starting to think that what Yessenia said struck him.
*****
Today is another day to suffer at Aunt Patrice's lessons. She's tackling right now about our ancestors.
"The north is once a barren land, filled with cold and harsh climate that covered the entire land in snow and ice. There is one reason why our Ancestors to choose this place,"
she wants an answer from me by the looks she's giving me while whisking her whip.
"Because the first emperor gave it to us,"
Aunt Patrice frowns as she makes an error sign with her arms and shakes her head then says, "Bzzztt... wrong. It's because our family finds this place amusing."
what's amusing with a barren land that is covered in snow and ice?
She looked at me and then grinned, like she knew what I was thinking. I am not surprised with it as Caesar always does it.
"Long ago, this land was the demons and monsters home and some say that their remains are scattered in different places in North,"
no wonder our treasure room has some bones in a glass box or some kind of ashes and totem. I knew my family has a weird hobby.
"Of course, today there have been no demons since the four ducal families defeated the demons and sealed the way between the two realms. Do you still remember the 4 ducal families?"
"Vacarella of North, Aurea of East, Rochette of West, and Armani of South." I answered which she beams happily before continuing her lesson
"those four families were the only ones who had the title of Duke. The four families gave their loyalty to the Imperial family and contributed a lot to the empire. None of the four dukes wished to be crowned even after conquering the land,"
she plastered the map in the board and pointed each regions, "Instead, they divided the land into four and given to them."
Ah, "Is it possible to have another dukedom to appear?" I asked which she was taken aback
It looks like she was thinking of it as she did not answer. It was just a random question though since I remember that some nobles can raise their ranks. Is it not possible?
"Possible, but as of now, I think there is no one who can reach the achievements of those four duchy for them to be rewarded by a title of Duke," Aunt Patrice answered and looks at the map pointing at the North.
The emperor acknowledged the four families based on their performance and thus they were famous; The North, Vacarella has the symbol of Black Panther and is known for being like a ferocious predator who protects the Empire.
South, Armani Ducal is called White Tiger for their immense strength and knowledge for battle.
The East, Aurea symbolises the Rosean Peacock as they were known for being beautiful and majestic while using their magic. They were also the first mages to appear.
The West, Rochette Ducal is the Imear Fox.
"The Imperial Family's symbol is lion," because they have gold hair and gold eyes.
"That ends the lesson today. The book I gave you finished it and wrote 2 pages of reflection." why should I bother going to the academy when this aunt of mine acts like she's my professor?
...
What is this? Why are these people inside my room with a gloomy atmosphere.
"Wren you're back..." Laxus starts to talk first and then he lowered his head, heaving a deep sigh.
I glance at Boaife, she shrugs with such an uncare look on her face. This spirit does seem like she isn't bothered with anything as long as it isn't life threatening.
Lexus followed soon after Laxus, his voice is heavy, "This is bad, mother is serious about throwing us in the academy..."
... ah.
"That is a very nice news," I said and clapped my hands for them which made them even gloomier.
why do they have to be so sad about it when in fact in the academy they have so many people to be their toy.
"Wren..." Lexus called my name, looking in front of the vase. Somehow I sense that this might not be good.
another heavy sigh falls upon when both of them open their mouths and say, "we will come back to the academy after your admission"
uh, what? What is this? just why? I mean, there is nothing weird about it, but why do I feel like they have some plans?
"you see, the princes are also going to the academy." Lexus said.
then what should I do with it?
"Besides Aria and Yessenia will also go to the academy right?"
the acceptance rate for the nobles and aristocrats have 50%, besides the family status, they will prepare a written and mana test. Meanwhile, for commoners, they have 20%. Of course if they have scholarships it will be a huge advantage or if someone recommended them.
Other than that, any age can submit their forms to the academy as long as they passed the tests according to their supposed grade level which ranges from 1-8
My brother is currently in the year 4. Alongside these stupid cousins of mine who have no plans to go back.
"Won't you hold back a year if you go with me?"
"Nah, we passed the requirements," Laxus answered which I did not believe.
I looked at Lexus, he seemed to understand what I meant, "We already passed. If we go back there next year we're Year 5."
Laxus jolts and says, "Ya don't believe me?!?!?"
it stings as his voice resembles a broken vase. Today, too, he did not miss a chance to annoy me when I was supposed to finish wrapping my gift for Astreia.
Her birthday is tomorrow and we will not host a party again. Greeting the others is such a painful task.
"instead of whining, why not the two of you do something useful for once." both of them look at each other before nodding.
"I just remembered that I have to visit the ol'man must have finished my sword."
"right, the laboratory must be in chaos now..."
I feel like I have a sudden head ache. As I massaged my temples, "I hope you did not do anything again for them to quit their jobs,"
Laxus instantly shakes his head, clicks his tongue, swaying his index finger as he proudly says, "Ya are wrong this time. We did not do anything to make 'em quit"
My mouth remained open and my head throbs at the word 'this time'
"you mean someone quit their jobs already without informing the Duke or the Duchess?"
"Yes, because we said so." why are they both like this? Did they lose a screw in their heads some while ago?
"stop making people quit their jobs."
I left them as I started to wrap the gift for Astreia when someone knocked on the door, from behind it, Jemina said, "Young Miss there is a letter for you."
again, this is ominous that I felt shivers on my spine. Boaife opened the door and accepted it. When someone small peek inside the room.
"Joelle!" I excitedly exclaimed as I sprint towards her and gave her sweets I had on the table
"say ah~" I pushed some croissant in her mouth which she happily chewed on.
"My master seems to forget that there is a letter for you," I rolled my eyes at Boaife for ruining a perfect time.
I looked at Jemina and gestured for her to go out, "I will bring her back after an hour."
she bowed before closing the door. Suddenly, Joelle gets out of my lap and sits in front of me. "Do you dislike sitting with me?"
she nods, which obviously hurts than I expected. Meanwhile the cold-hearted fire spirit is laughing with her ass off.
"... Because the space is small." oh my~ it looks like she is considerate that she left the seat for me...!
Boaife shakes her head firmly before giving me the letter, "You are completely wrong."
I ignored her remark and opened it. At first I thought it was from the 1st prince and I am thinking of burning it as soon as I see his name.
However the letter came from Zairon. I received letters from him sometimes but mostly it is short, telling me how his day went.
Baffled, I am, asked him why is he telling me those things. He only answered me with,
"Just felt like it"
I couldn't understand Zairon at all. Anyway his penmanship is really neat.
"Young Lady Wren,
I am unable to express my gratitude to you for helping my mother. If you like anything just send me a word"
See? because of him being like this that I cannot understand—however, I do want something.
"Boaife fetch me paper and ink,"
I requested to visit Lady Agatha then of course, to enter the Imperial Library. However, I am feeling cold and sudden itch on my nose while writing this.
If I had not forgotten about that damn royal library I might be able to save this gratitude and I can ask for anything, maybe I can ask for assurance that he will not kill me.
"master... even if you don't do anything for him, he will be glad to give anything you want."
"huh? why so?"
she looks like she witnessed something terrifying, "I wonder why you are like this..."
I raised a brow and continued writing. I put a stamp on it and gave it to her, "Bring it to Noland and send it to the Imperial Palace." I said, meanwhile Joelle is staring at me while eating the cake on the table.
She somehow looks like a squirrel.
"Big Sister instead of staring at me, Let's eat together." she said between her chewing food.
before I knew it night came, the worst part of it all was the silence of the dining room.
"..." look at that face. For others eyes it must seem unchange, but while cutting the meat, his lips are slightly curved. Obviously enjoying this silence.
I just found out as soon as I observe him for 2 years. His facial expressions change depending on his mood. Other than that...
"Your table etiquette has improved," I flinched and slowly cut the meat. This is another one of his taunts, he seems also having fun mocking me which annoys me all the time.
"..." if I say something to him, he will refute with another nonsense from his mouth.
"..." silence befall once again on the table as our silverware can be heard in the four corners of the room.
---------------------------------------------------
"Imperial Library...?" The emperor repeated the words that came out from the prince as he carefully thought of it.
Clearly, in his mind is thinking that this is how the kids spend their time together. Zairon asked for permission to use the royal library with Wren. Though he expected something else.
"Yes father. The Imperial Library,"
"alright. I wonder what she needs there..." he thought carefully, without noticing the careful steps of Prince Asterion as he plopped down on the couch
"maybe something related to her unique magic?" everyone in the room stared at him sighing. Sir Bright who was beside the emperor suddenly became furious as he said, "Learn to knock, Your Highness!"
Asterion ignored Sir Bright which added his fury.
The emperor suddenly remembers it as he lightly pounds his fist on his other palm.
"right, right. Maybe in the archive we save some books about spirits..." though he can't be sure of it as he rarely go there during his childhood, in fact, he may have not go there for more than twice.
Asterion then looks at his little brother, "You followed my advice~" his voice is rather teasing, making Zairon flushed once again.
"make sure you accompany her." The emperor laughs at his sons while his secretary is rather having a dilemma with how noisy the office is.
"Your highness' when are you going to leave?"
"This guy has the guts to chase out the prince of the empire," Zairon said in his usual tone. It seems that the secretary is losing patience which made Asterion happy as his other plans are to annoy Sir Bright.
"Well then, send a reply for Wren and set a date," the emperor adviced happily to Zairon. It seems it isn't too late.
"A date how nice~"
"A date— time he meant you idiot." despite saying that he can't escape Asterion's teasing until he sent a reply to Wren.
In two days, she will visit the Palace.