"Really? You're that good at kendo? How amazing, that's my sister for you."
His big proud smile made me happy. Brother's supportive personality still haven't change despite the five years we hadn't seen each other.
"You're exaggerating…" I pouted at him. He just ruffled my hair while smiling.
We've been having small catching up chitchats for a while now.
Although our topic didn't drift to heavy ones, we were satisfied with small happy events that happened in our lives for the past few years.
I also didn't want to tell him any of my hardships outside— not even a hint of my regression.
My brother is too soft for that. What would he feel now if I tell him we didn't meet back then for ten years?
He would be in despair for sure. Especially if he found out that I died in front of him. The years of guilt leaving us and escaping here would weighed him down.
"What about you, Killy? You've been asking about me for a while now."
He only pretended to ponder about it and grinned sheepishly.
'Look at that face, he's excited.'
"When we go back to our estate, I'll introduce someone to you." I raised my brow at him. Brother just remained smiling the whole time.
This guy… he looks happy.
I can recognize that expression.
He's a bit too much like my father when he loves someone, a total fool.
However, he knew when to hide that weakness of him and knowing him, that smile must've been directed for someone.
"That says a lot. Is she nice? Pretty? Intelligent? Or strong?"
"…why?"
I crossed my arms, "Well.. if she's all that and got together with you, I'd propose for her to get glasses."
Brother laughed heartily, "I wouldn't refute that. I still think up until now that she's way out of my league."
"Hmm.. your face is good? Attitude as well. That would suffice."
"…you're cruel."
I just burst into laughter at his sulky tone. Linking my arms with his, we both walked side by side inside the manor; towards the office.
"You've grown taller."
I saw how his eyes shifted from examining our height differences to the necklace hanging on my neck.
"Thinking back now.. I guess I understood why he gave that to you knowing the consequences."
Not saying anything at his words, our steps became the only noise heard from the marbled floor.
"Since dad can't give anything in that situation, Uncle Theo gave it on his behalf just like a father."
"…what?"
"I'll tell you a lot of things when we go back home." Brother smiled gently towards me before finally facing the door of Headmaster's office.
Was he talking about what the necklace meant or what was it for? Because if it was the latter, then it's connect to the empire's tradition.
Once a young lady or a child turns thirteen, parents gave out jewelry, heirlooms, or sometimes self-embroidered handkerchief for commoners.
They'll continue to give those out every birthday until they get married.
It's for the child to treasure her childhood and memories from her family.
'Uncle Theo lived up that tradition for me until he died when I was 16.'
I only came to know this too when it was already too late; I'm already at the tower, learning the empire's culture.
"We're here."
We both entered the well-lit up room that was being powered by magic stones.
"It took you two a while. Come, sit." The headmaster gestured to the couch in front of him.
A man dressed in expensive looking clothes was also sitting beside him. Base on his appearance…
It's the Grand Duke of Lavrins. There's no mistaking it.
Aside from his sons and the headmaster, only he can have those purple eyes as they're the only direct descendants of Lavrins.
"Oh? How nostalgic." The man's gaze darted towards me. He scanned my face for a long time until we were seated.
"Don't stare at my sister, you're creepy."
"Why? I just thought I'm seeing Solana's ghost for a moment." The man shrugged. "Though.. that look is certainly like Callice's."
"Hello, too." I smiled at him sweetly, pretending to be an oblivious woman.
"Ah, I haven't introduce myself yet right?" He handed his left hand, "I'm Lucretius Lavrins. I heard you met my sons already?"
"Ah.. yes. Ashercian and Trykiel, they're nice especially Kiel."
He tilted his head as if confuse, "My first son is nice? Really? Wait, Kiel?"
"U-um.. I like shortening people's name so I called him that and aren't your children.. nice?"
"You must've met a doppelganger, Zaria." Brother suddenly spoke. "And Grand Duke, stop asking my sister about your sons." He glared at the Grand Duke, fiercely.
'No.. are you even allowed to do that?'
I feel nervous around the Grand Duke. The rumors about him at the tower were terrifying enough it gave the magicians shiver.
Lucretius Lavrins is the son of the former Grand Duke, a steorra that is also the Headmaster's brother.
Many decades ago, a war broke out with Peronsa Kingdom and the Visceral Empire. Peronsa is the home of magicians that even dark magic isn't forbidden.
It is also where the tower is located.
That formidable kingdom killed Lucretius' parents who were war heroes. The empire was also driven to a corner because of it.
Until Lucretius himself.. came of age, awakened as steorra as well and picked up a sword. He led the empire's army to victory.
And then beheaded every single one of war prisoners without mercy.
A peace treaty was signed after that but of course, the kingdom of Peronsa obviously violated it and caused a war in the future.
"That's enough. The lady must be uncomfortable." Somehow, the Headmaster's voice is strict right. Far from his usual playful tone.
'I knew he found out my second ability. Is he gonna confront me now?'
"You have something to talk to with my sister, Headmaster?" Brother's cool tone was different from how he talked to me earlier.
It was way too casual now and in fact, may seem rude at first.
"A controversial thing, Killian." The Headmaster stood up and brought a pile of papers.
They were reports. I gulped down when he slightly threw it at the table in front of us.
"What.."
"The report I've passed to His Majesty and the council was merely a bunch of fabricated document. Some were probably truth, but I hid an important thing."
'What?! He just did what? That's deceiving the Emperor!'
Even Lucretius who was slightly laid off at the couch rose up and was startled. We all stared at him with rounded eyes.
"Uncle, why did you do that? His Majesty is already wary of you!" The Grand Duke shouted.
However, the Headmaster's eyes fell on me who remained silent, still dazed at the papers in front of me.
The Emperor is already cautious as it is to the nobles gaining more influence at his era.
And now he's doing this? The Emperor will happily reduce the Headmaster's authority if he finds out!
'Is it… because I hastily moved? As expected, am I wrong?'
"Child."
I looked up at the Headmaster who called out for me. I grimaced at his stern expression.
"Headmaster, I-I!" I stammered but my words was also cut off by him.
"From here on out, tell us the truth. If not, His Majesty's wrath will fall upon you alone."
"Stop. What are you talking about?" My brother stood up and place his other arm in front of me as a defense.
"Uncle, explain first."
The Headmaster sighed and sat. He massaged the bridge of his nose before finally looking straight at me again.
"Zaria, answer me. When did you become an elementalist?"