"I wish to enter the Writainah Institution."
My dad pauses. He places his fork on his china plate, leaning back and crossing his arms sternly. With a sigh, he says, "So you wish to study magic?"
On instinct, I shut my lips, exhaling through my nose.
"That is impossible." the Duchess immediately butts in, dropping her glass on the table. The water in it wobbles and runs slightly over the gold rim, "Vivanti are unable to wield-"
"Not impossible. Just difficult." I say, "Additionally, I wish to contribute towards the protection of the Empire."
"We're not fools, girl." Penelope grits her straight teeth, "What sort of child begins to sprout such nonsense at this age?"
"I want to contribute towards the protection of the Empire." I repeat - passively so. My parents say nothing. I don't speak either.
"I believe it's best for us to, ahem..." the Duke almost awkwardly trails off, "Discuss the matter further. With your mother, of course."
"I understand."
I waste no time in excusing myself and exiting the dining hall. Penelope was right - no child begins to talk so maturely at such my current age. If anything, my demeanor was rather suspicious. I'd have to shift my behaviour slightly - just to be more... befitting of a child, I suppose.
I wander up two sets of glass stairs and reach my room, shutting the door softly behind me. I collapse onto a chair situated in the corner by my mirror, hitting my head against the plain wall in the process.
"Damn it..." I curse mildly, rubbing my face with my hands. Everything was going south in the span of just a couple weeks.
I glance at my bedside table, briefly leaving my seat to retrieve the first spellbook I touch. Once settled, I flick through it.
"Oh, of course..." I mumble, flicking through the endless, yellowed pages of Vivanti language. Just what am I to do now? I've hit a dead end.
As horrible as it sounds, waiting out the result is the best thing to do. For now, I should utilize the time I have here wisely - perhaps I'll attend the market square tomorrow - if I'm permitted, of course.
_________
As I wander aimlessly through the manor's halls, I find that there isn't much to distract myself with. The house was filled with intricately decorated studies, libraries and drawing rooms. Despite this, I found the manor very boring - just as I had all those years ago.
How on earth did I survive back then?!
With nothing better to do with myself, I return to my chambers, perching myself on the edge of my bed and leaning against the wooden headboard. I glance at the window, which I had pathetically tumbled out of the night before.
I hope I'm not being too paranoid. Naturally, by altering the past I'd also be altering the future. Me meeting Siar is simply due to the changes I made back in the countryside - I have to stay focused.
And I have to go to Writainah