~From Aurelia's perspective~
I confront the reflection in the mirror.
A petite frame, delicate build, the familiar me.
Only my silver hair, inherited from my mother, stands as proof of being a Caroneia child. In every other aspect, I don't resemble them.
My father, often likened to a bear, is known for his massive stature fitting of a hero. Beside him stands my mother, slender yet muscular, and tall. I despise that I've inherited neither of their defining traits.
I'm aware of the whispers questioning if I'm truly their blood. Even though those rumors reached my parents and were dealt with severely, the murmurs never ceased.
I love becoming stronger.
Training empties my mind. Demonstrating my strength silences the surrounding chatter.
Yet, the reality that I can't use enhancement magic torments me.
My father is a knight-type, my mother an all-rounder. Even if I substitute with wind magic, I can't match their prowess. The future where I break through this wall remains unseen.
I yearned for enhancement magic.
The theory of inheriting magic based on bloodline hasn't been proven. So, my acquisition of wind magic is fate. But being their child, I sometimes wonder why.
I hate that I often think so negatively.
But...
Your movements were like the fluttering wings of a bird, truly beautiful.
Those words won't leave my mind.
I knew people spoke of me fighting like the wind. They praised my speed. But when did that turn into such poetic expressions? With my limited knowledge of the world beyond our territory and the capital, I can't fathom.
The girl who heard such song-like rumors praised the way I fought.
I shouldn't take it to heart.
She probably just said those words to get close to the Warlord Count, my pessimistic side suggests.
But... my heart, racing since yesterday, won't listen.
After all, she's the only marquess's daughter of our generation. The only one who doesn't need to flatter me.
I want to believe in the sparkle I saw in her eyes when she took my hand.
Today, I have a promise with Lady Scarlett.
I casually mentioned showing her around the capital, claiming I'm familiar with the city due to routine inspections.
Once the academy starts, many will seek connections with her house. While not to the extent of Lady Scarlett, I'll likely be in a similar situation. Surely, she'll be surrounded by many. Approaching her in such a setting would be challenging for me.
Thinking this way, I impulsively invited her.
The places I know, like the rooftop of a merchant's house with a slight view of the city, or my favorite modest-looking candy store, or the house with three adorable puppies, aren't suitable for a marquess's daughter. What should I do?
"Miss, breakfast is ready. The master can join as well."
The maid's voice brings me back.
Lost in thought, I'm still half-dressed. I need to hurry.
In the Caroneia household, we don't have the custom of walking with attendants.
In dire situations, even with our training, there's a high chance we can't protect them. We've always believed we shouldn't risk our precious servants. But today, I envy the close bond between Lady Scarlett and her attendants.
This is the Caroneia's residence in the capital.
I returned after my morning jog to spend time with my busy father. I had informed them yesterday, but my sudden return after just moving to the dorms must've burdened the servants.
But I'm in a hurry too.
The topic is Lady Scarlett.
Being a noble's daughter, I can't befriend just anyone.
Currently, in the royal succession dispute, Caroneia remains neutral. My father, who controls most of the military, including the knights, distances himself from the power struggle.
As the one in charge of the military, he declared he can't side with just one faction.
On the other hand, maintaining neutrality in a different manner is Marquess Northmark.
Without declaring support for any prince, he maintains relationships with all factions, walking a delicate balance.
Many lower nobles distance themselves from the royal dispute, fearing more disadvantages than benefits. But the marquess seems to have connections with most of them. If needed, he could quickly rally these nobles into a new faction. His influence rivals my father's.
In fact, any marquess house that opposed Northmark soon lost its status.
Being his daughter, Lady Scarlett's actions are closely watched. Through her, there's a possibility of influencing the marquess. Rumors of her engagement to the third prince might be part of this shadow war.
However, she's rarely seen in public, leading some to call her a "reclusive young lady." Even our house's investigations only found that she's beautiful like her mother.
Indeed, she was very beautiful.
If Caroneia wishes for a connection with the marquess's house, my interactions with Lady Scarlett are crucial. Our meeting yesterday is a significant advantage.
That's why I want to confirm our future course with my father.
As soon as I sat down, I broached the topic.
"Father, you might already know from the Royal Guards' report, but I met Lady Scarlett of the Northmark house yesterday. How do you view our relationship with the marquess's house? May I continue my interactions with Lady Scarlett?"
"Hmm, how did the young lady appear to you, Aurelia?"
"She seemed well-educated and refined. The rumors of her being pampered and confined will soon fade. She's as beautiful as the rumors suggest."
"And?"
"We didn't talk long, but she's sharp and observant. She recognized I used wind magic, not enhancement, just by watching me fight."
"Did she feel the wind up close?"
My mother, seemingly intrigued, joined the conversation.
"No, Lady Scarlett was inside her carriage."
"That's interesting. Maybe she has a strong aptitude for magic?"
"Possibly. She invited me to practice enhancement magic together."
"Hmm?"
My father looked puzzled. It's rare for someone to master a magic they initially couldn't.
That's why I thought this would catch my father's attention. I want permission to interact with Lady Scarlett before our meeting today.
"Lady Scarlett has experience teaching enhancement magic."
"To her siblings?"
"No, to her younger brother who initially couldn't, and to the knights of the marquess's house."
"..."
"..."
"Any special skills? Or groundbreaking information?"
"If there were, wouldn't it be kept secret in their territory?"
My parents began pondering, but of course, no answers emerged.
So, please tell me to gather more information.
This isn't just my whim; it's for our house.
"By the way, the Royal Guards' report mentioned the marquess's carriage was unscathed after the accident. Is that true, Aurelia?"
"Yes, if it weren't for the crushed viscount's carriage, one wouldn't even know there was an accident."
"So, the marquess's house possesses multiple technologies. Did they hint at new tech coinciding with their daughter's arrival in the capital?"
"...We can't ignore this. Aurelia, it's uncertain how much information you can get from the young lady, but interact closely with her. It's a good opportunity."
"Understood."
I'm relieved.
I can meet Lady Scarlett without reservations.
"However, don't be careless. The marquess's house is known for its cunning. They might use you to get to me."
"I'll be cautious."
"Good. Now, eat up. You need strength to deal with the marquess's daughter."
I smiled at my father's words.
Today, I'll show Lady Scarlett around the capital.
I'm looking forward to it.