Tatiana's Perspective
Part 1 Evening (Manor's Drawing Room)
Within the exquisite embrace of the manor's drawing room, I found myself in the company of a student hailing from the distant western lands, a scholar of Verdantia's prestigious Academy. Lily and I received her with open arms, orchestrating a welcome that befit her stature. The evening's tendrils had barely begun to darken the sky, casting a soft, amber glow through the room's latticed windows. This intimate meeting held a sense of purpose as it was my responsibility as the leader to ensure her comfort in these foreign surroundings.
A subtle fragrance of chamomile tea enveloped the air, courtesy of Lily's thoughtful touch. The porcelain cup, cradled delicately in my hand, seemed to resonate with the warmth of genuine hospitality. In the backdrop of this serene setting, I began the discourse.
"Welcome, Miss Media. Pray, how fared your journey to our abode?" I initiated, my words a delicate blend of polite formality and unwavering confidence, the hallmarks of my station.
Our words danced like the flicker of candle flames, as we exchanged pleasantries. My intrigue was palpable, a testament to my genuine interest in the student before me.
"Your kind invitation, Princess Tatiana, honors me greatly. While I am but a humble student, the prospect of collaboration with your esteemed self brings me much joy," she replied, her cheeks flushed with a hint of bashfulness. Behind her round glasses lay a persona of quiet intellectualism, much like a character sprung from the pages of a well-worn tome.
I mirrored her sentiment with honesty. "I am not just a princess, you see. I, too, am captivated by the artistry of alchemy. And so, your arrival has kindled within me a desire to delve deeper into this enigmatic field. Every provision for your comfort and needs has been arranged in anticipation of your presence."
Her eyes widened, surprised by my forthrightness. "Honestly, it's a bit surreal. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be having a conversation with someone as esteemed as you. It's... a tad nerve-wracking."
Ah, but her admission only served to heighten my respect for her. Her authenticity was a refreshing gust amidst the palace's perfumed corridors. This encounter flowed seamlessly, a testament to her affability and our shared passion for knowledge.
As the conversation evolved, I was discreetly alerted by Lily's soft whisper—a reminder of the hour's progression, urging a gentle conclusion to our exchange.
With a courteous smile, I relinquished my hold on the teacup, signaling a pause. "Miss Media, it has been a delight engaging in this discourse. The hour has grown late, and I would not wish to overextend your weariness. Should you require aught, my trusted companion Lily shall be at your service."
My hand gestured to Lily, who in return acknowledged the unspoken cue with a graceful bow of understanding.
Miss Media bowed gracefully, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, once again, for your hospitality."
As she departed, her farewell bow was punctuated by an earnest smile and a graceful wave. The room, now devoid of her presence, seemed to exhale a contented sigh—a testament to the ease of our interaction.
The night wrapped its velvety shroud around the manor, inviting tranquility to descend upon its chambers. I relinquished the bustle of the day, finding solace in the embrace of a warm bath drawn within the haven of my personal bathroom. As the water's gentle ripples mirrored the dance of candlelight, Lily's attentive presence brought a subtle comfort.
Amidst this soothing ambiance, I turned to Lily with a thoughtful inquiry. "Lily, might you offer a brief insight into Miss Media's background?"
Lily, a paragon of efficiency, promptly responded, "With pleasure, Miss Media is a first-year scholar at Verdantia's Magic Academy. Her prowess in the realm of Alchemy is impressive, as she secures the honorable tenth position in the school's ranks."
Her statement was akin to a key that unlocked the door to my curiosity. "Tenth place, you say? Might Blanc possess a rationale for selecting her?"
Lily's reply unfolded with meticulous detail. "Indeed, Lady Blanc's discerning eye delved into Miss Media's history. She hailed from humbler origins, a commoner amidst a sea of nobility. This unfortunate distinction led to her being shunned by those of loftier birth, thereby impacting her ranking."
Understanding swept over me, accompanied by a hint of pride. "Lady Blanc's choices are never without reason. Her astute perception peers beyond the surface, unearthing hidden potential."
With the bath's embrace fulfilled, I retreated to the refuge of my chambers, surrendering myself to the embrace of slumber.
Part 2 Morning (Manor's Lab)
The manor's laboratory, a space I had prepared in anticipation of Miss Media's arrival, lay before me. Filled with an assortment of items borrowed from Verdantia's distinguished academy, the room exuded an air of potential and purpose. An intricate dance of alchemical tools and ingredients awaited its conductor, a masterpiece in the making.
Blanc's involvement lingered as a subtle undercurrent. Through her web of connections, she had established a link with Verdantia's Alchemy Meister, a mentor and guide to none other than Miss Media herself. The master-student relationship between them spoke of pride and dedication, a bond that transcended the ordinary confines of academia. Blanc's hand in this arrangement was evident, and while I appreciated her intentions, there remained a sense of veiled secrecy.
Media's presence within the laboratory was a pleasant surprise. As she meticulously assembled the components of her workstation, my arrival seemed to momentarily interrupt her focus. The clinking of tools and the gentle rustle of parchment were an accompaniment to our conversation.
"Princess Tatiana wishes to monitor me?" Media inquired, a hint of surprise woven into her words. Her hands deftly arranged the tools before her, and Lily's assistance brought an air of quiet efficiency to the room. Just as we began our exchange, Sakuya's entrance added a touch of astonishment—her effortless lift of the sizable cauldron was a sight to behold.
"Oversee? Oh no, Miss Media," I began with a gentle laugh. "My presence here is driven by sheer curiosity. I'm captivated by alchemy. In my world, it's a forgotten art, a relic of bygone eras, and here I find an opportunity to learn and appreciate its marvels."
Media's explanation of alchemy felt like being walked through a magical realm. "At its core," she began, adjusting her glasses for emphasis, "alchemy is the intricate dance of blending and transmuting materials. It's the alchemist's vision and understanding that guides raw elements into a new form."
"Look at these Bright Flowers, they seem so fresh, as if they were just plucked," Media marveled, her gaze sweeping across the vibrant ingredients spread before us. In a display of Blanc's touch, their vitality seemed to defy time, continuing to dazzle in their full splendor. Media's admiration was infectious, and despite my lack of discernment regarding ingredient quality, her wonder was enough to bring a smile to my lips.
I couldn't resist joining in on the moment, a touch of playful humor in my tone. "Ah, credit goes to Lady Blanc, whose finesse is known to even keep the flowers themselves charmed. It warms my heart to see you so pleased with these ingredients," I admitted, my pride genuine even if my expertise wasn't.
Unbeknownst to Media, a secret lay hidden behind my smile. I could hardly tell one ingredient from the next, let alone distinguish their quality. But I was aware of Blanc's special touch, a touch that perhaps involved a hint of psychic assistance in preserving the ingredients' freshness—information I kept to myself, a humorous secret between Blanc and me.
Media's excitement was palpable, a reflection of her dedication to her craft. "With such ingredients, we are bound to create a truly exceptional medicine," she declared, the gleam in her eyes shining brighter than any flower. And even if I couldn't fully grasp the nuances of alchemical ingredients, her enthusiasm was enough to cast a spell over the room.As the morning sun cast a gentle glow across the laboratory, a sense of tranquility settled upon us. Tea and cookies provided a brief intermission—a chance for Miss Media and I to connect on a more personal level.
Curiosity led me to ask about her experiences at the academy. "Might I inquire about life within the academy?" I ventured, my genuine interest prompting me to bridge the gap between our roles.
Media's eyebrows shot up in mild surprise at the question. "Well, it's a blend," she began tentatively, "a mix of noble extravagance and commoner simplicity. It often feels like walking a tightrope, trying to balance the two worlds."
Empathy welled within me as I listened. "Regardless of backgrounds, I hope we can be friends, Miss Media. Class and lineage shouldn't dictate relationships."
A genuine smile spread across her face, the barriers momentarily dissolving. "Princess..." she began, but was interrupted by Lily's discreet whisper.
I straightened up, "It seems Lady Blanc wishes to see me. Miss Media, best of luck with your endeavors," I said, taking my leave, my heart lightened by our shared moments and the promise of future camaraderies.
-Chapter 41 End-