Amy looked at the blue steeled blade in front of her. Alabaster took much time and effort to make this ever since Amy failed. The item she is holding is one of the many items of the Blue Holly Lock Set; a set of multiple weapons of various types made specifically for her. The metal for all of these are non-magnetic and created to be an excellent conductor and amplifier of her purification powers. That is how she is able to kill those vampires easily even without the adrenaline in her body. A tiny cut from one of these blades is enough to disintegrate anything.
"By the way... that adrenaline you injected, it fed into my anger and now I felt nothing. This felt familiar."
Boris had an apprehensive look before answering, "The adrenaline boosts your energy but your anger and motivation for the vampires are from you. You felt vengeful and everything you've been going through just burst out all at once. It was risky but I added in a bit of suggestion potion."
Her memory of what has happened is now vague but Temporal Disease made her remember the feeling; the thrill. A suggestion potion into her bloodstream would help her conquer the effects of the Disease albeit temporarily. It is a difficult potion to make even for her.
"You studied quite a lot." She commented. Boris smiled warmly at this.
*
After a week, she finally got out of bed and is ready for travel. The ride was uneventful and per her request, she and Boris share the same carriage. Anna went back home to the capital while on paid leave. Boris had a difficult time trying to hide her vampire bite scar and had to resort to creating a new one over it so it has grown but at least it got rid of the stigma of being a vampire spawn. Her memories may be tampered with but the shock and trauma of the incident remained. On the way to Fiore, someone passed her a letter from her sister.
Viola wrote to her that she lost, and that an unknown fifth year won first, Rufus won second place and a third year won third place. The upperclassmen were in both disbelief that they have lost to a second year but at least this meant that the older kids are not weak. What surprised Amy though was that Leon didn't win at all. The reason is because he broke the tournament rules and was disqualified. He didn't even make it past the preliminary round. The tournament is an entertainment to those watching it so she could imagine the public scrutiny of the low stakes in the tournament.
In the Story of Aron, the risks are higher, not resulting in death but serious injury. It seems that the tournament in the past is far tamer than it is in the story. Also, Leon's reaction to his loss is not surprising. He was both depressed, angry and close to throwing a tantrum. Melissa is the only one who didn't participate in the tournament and the only one capable of calming him down.
"I remember when I began learning magic." Alabaster said which broke Amy out of her thoughts. He appeared in the carriage with her. The curtains are drawn so that no one notices him.
"Where did you study at?"
"I was homeschooled then I became a wizard's apprentice in my teenaged years up until my early adulthood. I learned everything I can including dark magic under his tutelage. My peers were not happy with my achievements so after I found out the ultimate power of time travel as well as the demon that promised me, I made a cult, and the rest was history."
Amy smirked at the irony now that all his efforts leaves him with no magic and his defeat by someone who wasn't even born yet. "Do you have any family?"
He shook his head. "I don't have any family. You know my personality well enough."
Of course.
"Come to think about it, do you hear any news on Getel? How did they take it when their plans failed?" Boris asked.
"They didn't say anything but the fact that one of their powerful warriors died must be quite shocking to them. Getel isn't doing great since it is already on its last legs. King Fergus is the last competent ruler in Getel but he's old and senile now. There is an internal struggle between the nobles now supporting the two princess factions." Alabaster said.
"One of them must be the future Queen Cendrillon but who's the other?" Amy asked.
"Princess Arkadina," Alabaster replied, "But there is smaller faction supporting another princess, you might be more familiar with this one. She is the daughter of the deceased crown prince; Duchess Iphigenia."
Amy paused to think that the name is familiar but shook it off.
"So what do we do now?" she asked. "I will try to train my construction ability and train in the new magic from Alabaster."
"I will watch over you until you fully recovered then I'll be studying the vampire's corpse." Boris answered.
"I will be putting more effort into Bowen's gizmos when I stop worrying about you." Alabaster answered before remembering something. "Ah, I guess I should warn you about the upcoming school year. Solin is going to face some problems and it concerns you." He says towards Amy.
"Me?"
"What happens?"
"This is knowledge from the future and there was no mention in the story about it."
*
Upon reaching the gates to the Fiore Mansion, she saw her great-grandfather approach her and she hugged him tightly.
"My dear Amaryllis, are you alright?" he said worriedly.
"I'm alright, grandpa. I feel perfectly fine." Amy gave a reassuring smile.
"You must be famished. I made sure that all of your favorites are served today." He said as he led her inside.
Oleander Anthos is a slightly senile old man who retains his love for reading and gardening. He has an extensive collection of books and Amy had spend more time in his library than any other place during her early childhood. According to her parents, when he passed on the Count title to her grandfather, he was extremely happy to rid himself of the burden and let himself go for a bit as he wanted to retire for some time now. Despite that, her great-grandfather is her closest relative, her godfather and the most powerful, influential and respected man in the Anthos House.
She had her things moved to the guest room and her grandfather joins her in almost every occasion. He is an extremely doting man, and she finds him endearing yet overwhelming, even more so now that he knows she is suffering from a mental illness and the knowledge that she went through a traumatic situation involving a bandit ambush on her way to Fiore. He would've come to check on her himself if he already wasn't in poor health.
"Grandpa, do you mind if I train a little? I feel out of practice."
"Of course, my dear. Do whatever you wish."
She quickly left to get her things. Even before her journey, she was left bedridden and was unable to do any physical activity so before her entire body suffers from atrophy, she decides to train again. Running a mile, drawing arrows and doing other sorts of physical activities.
She looked around while jogging to see guards at every corner. No one could break in but that also means she can't break out. None of her wooden spy birds would be able to leave or come back. Next to her, Violet is running with her side by side, smiling gently now. Why did she suddenly look so friendly? It's unnerving after all these taunts.
It is all a part of my mind. She is not real just like I don't belong here. she said in her mind, constantly repeating it like a chant or mantra.