In a room flooded with sunbeams that danced across every corner, a young woman sat before a mirror, her beauty magnified by the brilliance around her. Donned in an exquisite white dress, her silver locks flowed gracefully, partially concealed by an eye patch that added an air of mystery. A holy pendant hung elegantly from her neck, radiating a sense of sacredness.
A team of maids bustled about, diligently attending to her every whim. While some worked to perfect her hair, others stood by, their smiles a testament to their loyalty and camaraderie.
Yet, the central question loomed: Who was this captivating figure?
"Your Holiness," a voice declared with reverence, "Cardinal Augustus has arrived, seeking an audience with you"
The young woman in question was none other than the twentieth Holy Saintness, Isabella Winthrope, hailing from the sacred dominion of Vestoria. She held the distinction of being the youngest recorded Saintness in Vestoria's chronicles, a marvel among marvels. Blessed by the radiant divinity of God Luminous at a tender age of six, she was bestowed with an inscrutable divine power by that same deity at the cusp of her twelfth year. The price of this ethereal gift was her right eye, now marked as the sigil of the Divine.
And On this day, this very SAINTNESS was poised to embark upon her journey to the Vestoria Magic Knight Academy, a nexus of learning and an avenue to fathom the world beyond her cloistered existence.
"Ah, indeed. Kindly convey to him that I shall presently make my way," she responded with serene equanimity.
The maids, attuned to her words, completed their tasks and gracefully exited the chamber, positioning themselves outside.
Left alone, Isabella delicately removed the ebony blindfold concealing her right eye and, with nary a motion, directed her gaze upon the mirror that confronted her.
Unpredictably, the looking glass began to emit radiant luminescence.
For Isabella, this was far from an extraordinary occurrence; it had transpired countless times prior.
The resplendence waned, giving way to an ethereal visage—a woman draped in a robe of crystalline layers. Yet, a curious enigma cloaked her features, obscured by an ethereal mist.
"Milady, I, Isabella Winthrope, stand before you as your humble servant and the vessel that harbours your divine potency. I am at your service and extend my earnest salutations," Isabella intoned with profound humility, clasping her hand's together.
The one who stood before Isabella was none other than the goddess Luminous herself.
"Be at ease, my child," a voice filled with affection emanated from the mirror as Isabella relaxed her stiff shoulders.
"I hear you are attending the magic Knight Academy today?" The goddess inquired curiously.
"Yes, Milady," Isabella replied succinctly and without superfluous words.
"Why so formal, my child? Do you not remember that you are a part of me? You need not be so stiff when speaking with me," The goddess spoke with a hint of sadness as Isabella's expression turned to one of guilt.
"I am deeply sorry if my behavior has caused you pain—"
A gentle touch caressed her cheek; it was none other than the goddess Luminous herself who smiled down at her.
"Don't fret. As I've mentioned, you're a part of me. Your ability to ruffle my feathers surpasses anyone in the universe."
"Isabella, my child," the goddess continued.
"Remember, your existence is of utmost value to me. I'd sacrifice legions to safeguard you. You're the sole bearer of my Divine power within your vessel, the one I can unequivocally claim as mine."
As the conversation flowed, a flicker of light around the mirror interrupted their exchange."Ah, time draws near. Cherish our dialogue, Isabella. Take care of yourself, and remember, should danger loom, my blessings and power are yours to harness. Enjoy your life to the fullest, for significant responsibilities await in the future, when that abhorrent entity rears its head again."
The speech concluded as the light flickered to a halt, the goddess's image vanished, leaving Isabella in contemplation, her gaze expressionless upon the now-restored mirror.
"My life, huh... Do I possess a life to savor in the first place?" She departed the room, bitterness tainting her expression.
_________
After a three-day journey by carriage, Eleanor and I reached the capital of the holy kingdom of Vestoria. There we were welcomed by my father's old friend, who resided in the city.
His name was Jonathan Ashborne, a prominent merchant of properties and inns in the region of Vestoria. He escorted us to our mansion, which my father had purchased for our convenience when we visited the capital. It was situated in the centre of the city, quite near to the Holy Castle of Saintness.
The Saintness was a significant figure in the novel, though not the main character. Many of the major events were instigated by her actions.
"Young Master, Lady Eleanor is waiting downstairs. She says, 'Tell him that if he does not come down in two minutes, I shall set him on fire with my magic.'" Stella said with an expressionless face, but I detected a hint of amusement in her voice at my sister's threat.
Today was the day of the opening ceremony of the Vestoria Magic Knight Academy, which would be attended by an estimated three thousand students from various regions.
Eleanor and I were among them.
I emerged from my room and saw Stella struggling to hold my luggage in both hands..
I chuckled and attempted to take them from her, but she resisted.
"Young Master, please, I can manage–" She began to protest, but I pinched her nose and silenced her. Then I took the bags from her as she followed me meekly.
Downstairs, I found my sister looking at me with annoyance.
"Charles, for heaven's sake, it is the opening ceremony today. How can you be so tardy? Do you–"
"I apologise. Come on, let us go. We shall be late if we do not hurry."
"Ugh, Charles, you never change. H-hey, stop pushing me. You will ruin my hair."
I placed both hands on her shoulders and pushed her towards the door, where our carriage awaited us.
.....
The Vestoria Magic Knight Academy was bustling with activity, as this was the day of the opening ceremony.
Carriages arrived one after another, carrying students from different backgrounds and ranks.
Amidst the grandeur of the opening ceremony at the Vestoria Magic Knight Academy, a flurry of activity unfolded. Countless journalists, representing diverse nations, converged on the scene, wielding "Aslar" devices that projected live footage through the manipulation of mana. Millions across the world tuned in, their collective gaze fixed upon the event, drawn to the promise of witnessing the emergence of future heroes destined to combat malevolent forces. This collective curiosity was amplified by the unprecedented presence of a Saintness at the academy, an opportunity that allowed the masses a rare glimpse of the revered figure.
Amongst the sea of journalists, Lisha, a determined young woman employed by a modest newspaper, stood amidst the throng. Undeterred by the lack of enthusiasm she encountered, she resolved to extract at least one meaningful interview from the student body, driven by a sense of urgency to secure her position in the media world.
Lisha's thoughts swirled with self-doubt and apprehension. The specter of potential failure haunted her, threatening her livelihood and igniting anxiety within her. Rallying her spirits, she offered herself a silent pep talk, urging herself to seize the moment and face her fears head-on.
As Lisha scoured the surroundings, her gaze alighted on a figure that seemed to radiate an inexplicable allure. This girl, bedecked in a crimson dress and crowned with a large hat, held an air of intrigue that Lisha found impossible to ignore. Notably, it wasn't only Lisha who succumbed to the girl's charm; every student present appeared entranced by her presence, their stunned expressions testifying to her mesmerizing aura.
The enigmatic beauty glanced around her surroundings, and in that fleeting moment, Lisha's view of her crystallized. Rosy cheeks adorned with glistening lips framed her deep, obsidian eyes. A faint blush graced her cheeks, accentuating the allure of a small mole beside her left eye. Strands of lustrous black hair cascaded elegantly down her back, completing a picture of ethereal magnificence.
The collective sentiment in the air echoed Lisha's thoughts – this was no mere mortal; this was an angelic vision incarnate, evoking awe and admiration from everyone present.
Yet, Lisha's reverie was interrupted as she noticed a tide of journalists converging upon the enigmatic girl. Undeterred, Lisha acted swiftly, her determination propelling her towards the girl's path as they both made their way towards the academy's Auditorium Hall, the epicenter of the opening ceremony.
Summoning her courage, Lisha stepped forward, intercepting the girl's progress. "Excuse me, could you spare a moment for a short interview?" she asked, her voice carrying a blend of hope and urgency.
The girl, her gaze initially focused elsewhere, lifted her head to meet Lisha's imploring eyes. A potent mixture of beauty and curiosity emanated from her stare, igniting a moment of silent understanding.
"I apologize, I'm rather occupied at the moment," the girl responded politely, her tone betraying a hint of weariness.
Lisha's desperation welled up within her, prompting her to entreat further. "It'll just take three brief questions, I promise. It won't consume more than two minutes of your time."
Caught between the sway of Lisha's earnest appeal and her own hesitations, the girl ultimately relented. With a resigned sigh, she agreed to partake in the brief interview, opening the door for an unexpected exchange that had the potential to unveil hidden stories beneath the enchanting surface.
"Could you tell me where you've journeyed from to study here and the driving force behind your decision?" she inquired, her curiosity evident.
Amusement danced in the girl's eyes, and a faint chuckle escaped her lips before she answered, "I hail from the East, and as for my reasons, well, I'm here to unravel them." A hint of enigma laced her words.
"May I kindly know your name?" Lisha persisted.
"Vanessa," came the succinct reply.
"And your family name?" Lisha pressed on.
A pause, and then, "I don't possess one."
"Miss Vanessa, if you had–" Lisha's words were interrupted by a sudden commotion from behind.
Turning, she witnessed a striking young man with blonde hair and a captivating presence, accompanied by an enchanting girl, making their way towards the auditorium.Whispers rippled through the crowd, "Isn't that the Prince of Vanaliza, Prince Edmund Lancaster?"
"And the prodigy who's mastered the Thunder Sword technique?"
"Oh, my word! The Prince himself is here!"
Many Students, were amazed and stunned to see him.
A sense of awe and surprise filled the air, yet Lisha remained oblivious to the unfolding spectacle, as her attention was drawn to prince, she didn't notice that that red-clad girl was staring at the prince with a mixture of intensity and hatred before departing silently.
As the moment slipped away, Lisha's realization hit her like a blow, "How could I be so foolish? I had my chance, and I squandered it."
Suddenly, a male voice broke through her remorse, "Hey, are you conducting interviews?"
Looking up, Lisha encountered a young man with black hair and attractive features.
"Are you lost in thought?" he asked, a playful grin adorning his lips.
Shaking herself from her reverie, Lisha stammered, "Yes, I'm taking interviews. Would you be willing to spare some time?"
Meanwhile, Eleanor, from a distance, called out impatiently to the absent Charles, "What are you doing there? We're running late!"
Charles, chuckling, remarked to Lisha, "Better hurry, or she'll claim me before you get a word."
Quickly regaining her composure, Lisha pressed on, "Could you explain why you've chosen to attend the Vestoria Magic Knight Academy?"
Charles responded with an air of excitement, "It's simple. I'm here to witness the main characters. I've already encountered one, and it's been nothing short of amazing!"Lisha's confusion deepened, but before she could respond, Eleanor's voice carried over, growing more impatient by the moment.
"Charles, are you coming, or shall I retrieve you myself?"
With a sigh, Charles advised Lisha, "No time to waste, ask your final question swiftly. It'll save you from losing your job."
Caught off guard, Lisha murmured, "How did you know?"
Charles offered a quick reply, "No time for explanations. Last question, please."
Gathering herself, Lisha inquired, "Your name?"
"It's Charles Vam Asteria, the 'Nobody'," Charles began before a sudden cry of pain escaped him, "Ouch! Eleanor, what on earth are you doing in front of everyone?"
Amidst the chaotic scene, Eleanor was dragging Charles away, and as he was pulled along, he managed to wave a farewell to Lisha, who stood bewildered by the sudden turn of events.
However, Lisha's interest was not unique, for Princess Sophia Lancaster, accompanying Prince Edmund, had her own query.
"Brother, do you recognize that young man?"
The prince responded thoughtfully, "I can't be certain, but I do recall meeting the girl, Eleanor van Asteria, at a banquet in the Starlight Kingdom. If I were to hazard a guess, the boy bears a striking resemblance to her, possibly her brother."
Sophia's curiosity was piqued, and with a whisper, she inquired, "Is that so?"
Edmund's curiosity matched Sophia's, and he asked, "What's bothering you, Sophia?"
The princess replied with a radiant smile, "Oh, nothing serious, brother." And as their steps carried them forward, her thoughts remained fixed on the intriguing "Nobody" she had encountered.