"Wait !! Aria . .. I got .. something to tell you !!"
Ella shouted from her window, calling down to Aria who was at the front gate.
" What ?! "
She shouted back, looking up.
"Last night, … when I was sorting my bookshelf … I found a diary … "
Ella began.
"Ah .. what ?… I can't really hear you … let's talk later, I'm going to be late !!"
Aria called back, waving goodbye to her older sister as she hurried away.
"It's from … big brother"
Ella muttered softly, clutching the diary to her chest as she watched Aira rush off.
===
"Phew … I made it in time !"
Aria felt relieved when she reached the campus just in time.
Today was the day that Henry and the girls began their journey to the neighboring country, The Mighty of Cartloom. When Aria arrived at the academy, everyone was already gathered in front of the gate.
What immediately caught Aria's attention was Claire, who looked stunning in her saint attire, like an angel. Aira was astonished by Claire's beauty, but she felt a sudden annoyance when she noticed Claire seemed happily at ease standing and talking to Henry, unconcerned about her missing brother.
Aria, careful not to show her tension in front of the princess. She quickly approached her to offer a greeting.
"Good morning, Princess Fiora. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Aria, Aria Harrington. I am here to escort you and the hero for this journey."
Aria introduced herself, bowing respectfully.
"My , my. Please, there's no need for such formality. "
Princess Fiora responded with a warm smile, gesturing for Aria to rise.
"I already know about you and your family. Chloe has always spoken highly of you all"
Princess Fiora continued, revealing a girl who stood quietly behind her.
"Chloe !!"
Aria muttered, her smile widened at the name.
"CHLOE, it's been so long ! How have you been !"
Aria exclaimed, rushing forward and hugging Chloe tightly.
".. .Umm … Lady Aria … the princess is here"
Chloe whispered, reminding Aria of their surroundings.
"Oh My, dont worry about it. Let's all get along, shall we? We're mostly the same age, after all."
Princess Fiora spoke out, encouraging everyone to act casually.
"My apologies."
Aria and Chloe apologize at the same time.
[Growling]
Everyone's eyes turned toward the source of the sound.
"Did you have breakfast this morning, lady Claire ?"
Chloe asked.
"...Ahh .. I woke up late today ! So .."
Aria replied, her face reddening and embarrassing.
"If you're okay with this, you can have these sandwiches,"
Claire Grey, the soothing voice admired by all and a close friend of Princess Fiora, offered Aria sandwiches she had made.
"They were so delightful that I could not stop eating them."
Henry exclaimed, enjoying the sandwiches.
"I'm glad I made them this morning. Just in case Lord Henry got hungry."
Claire responded with a smile.
"Tsk … sorry I'm not hungry ! Thanks"
Aria replied, turning her face away from Claire.
".. Ah .. no worries."
Claire replied awkwardly.
After the meetup, two carriages were waiting for them; one for the princess and another for the hero's group.
"Please, let me sit with Chloe !"
Aria begged the princess.
"Aria, you can't do that. You must sit with the hero in the other carriage,"
Chloe comforted Aria gently.
"But I want to sit with Chloe—"
"It's alright, Aria can sit with us,"
The princess interjected.
"Really?!"
Aria's face lit up.
"Are you sure, Princess?"
Chloe asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yep," the princess replied confidently.
With the confirmation, the journey began. Aria and Chloe were sitting with the princess on the first carriage, while Henry and Claire were together on another carriage. The trip to the City of Frontier took about 10 hours, with the first 5 hours bringing them to the border.
As the carriage rolled forward, Chloe pulled out rice balls she had made and offered it to Aria.
"Can I really eat them ??"
Aria exclaimed, her eyes widening like a cat.
"Yes, help yourself, lady Aria"
Chloe replied with a smile.
"You know, I've told you many times just to call me by my name"
Aria responded, enjoying the rice ball.