[Mary's POV.]
I hurriedly moved about my room, meticulously double-checking that I had packed every essential item for my upcoming journey to the prestigious Imperial Academy in the Hestia Empire. My mother was a flurry of concern, incessantly reminding me not to forget anything crucial.
Despite my reassurances that I had everything covered, she reappeared with a forgotten robe in her hand and a playful scolding on her lips. I couldn't help but playfully bite my tongue, a mixture of amusement and exasperation in my eyes.
"All done!" I said. The next leg of my journey would take me to the capital, where I would access the transportation portal to reach the port.
Although I was confident in my abilities to navigate the bustling city on my own, my mother insisted on accompanying me, her protective nature shining through.
