Chapter 5 - A New Beginning
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Waking up in the morning, Mom was sleeping peacefully at my side. Seeing her face closely calmed my nerves a lot, letting me have a place of belonging in this chaotic and miserable world.
Kissing her cheek, I sneaked out of the bed and went near my packed luggage. Since Brother Nick's servants would help us carry them from the Magical City, the size of it wasn't an issue and Mom was able to pack nearly every essential item into it.
After doing an inventory check on it, I left for the backyard of the Orphanage, to practice my sword skills secretly.
Since no one was awake at the time, it wouldn't be an issue to have a quick warm up.
Moving the stabbing sword, the rapier as instructed by Leena, I felt my body getting back in shape, ready to deflect all attacks.
From today onward, I have to be cautious and careful all the time. Enemies can strike from any direction.
Being done with that, I returned inside, only to find Mom already awake as she handed me a cup of warm milk to drink.
Slowly, all the kids in the orphanage got up, including Sister Rei, who looked very excited for today.
Mom had a sad look in her eyes, but she did her best to smile for my sake.
After breakfast, Brother Nick came into the orphanage as he greeted Mom and looked at us two, who were ready with our luggage.
"So you two are ready as well? Perfect, Edward is ready too. Let's go right now. Um, Miss Margaret... would you like to come as well?"
Mom shook her head in refusal as she held her tears back and kissed me on the forehead while giving me a tight hug.
"Take care, Lily. Don't forget about your old Mom. Remember to drop by when you can."
I could only nod quietly in response. She probably was seeing me off here to avoid crying out in public.
With one last good look at my previous place of stay, Sister Rei and I left with Brother Nick, while some villagers helped carry our luggage bags to the Teleportation Stone.
It was owned by the Church, but only important people could use it to ravel as it consumed precious resources. Brother Nick, being the 99th Magus of the Tower, was totally qualified to do that, while bringing his wife Leena and us in company.
Sister Leena had a big smile on her face while having a hopeful look for her future. Unlike when she had arrived, now things were getting better for her. Even in the Magical City, she would be running her own Dojo, to teach the way of the sword.
I would be sure to drop by there sometimes... for many reasons.
After Sister Rei, Edward and I got into the circle, along with Brother Nick and Leena, the Teleportation stone got activated, as a bright light engulfed our vision, before we felt our bodies feeling effects of gravity distortion. By the time it all ended, we were already standing at the Teleportation circle of the Magical City.
How convenient, this tool is. But, it's restricted and not as good as my Space Time Magic, so I could do without it.
Ah, on the side note... I heard that Edward had to get engaged with all those fifteen girls. They would be marrying him together in the future.
Sister Rei was looking at him with dead fish eyes, understandably due to the reality being so different from her dreams.
Maybe Edward would learn some self-control that way? He certainly won't stop having sex, that's what I know for sure.
Although this place was in the Magical City territory... it was still out in the woods. Luckily, Brother Nick had some servants pick up our luggage as they guided us to his place of residence.
Apparently, his seniors gifted him one of his many empty mansions as his gift for his marriage. Quite a generous senior, I must say.
Brother Nick turned towards us three and said,
"Come along with us for now. There is a carriage prepared to take you three to the Capital City from there. You could also visit us if you know the location of our house."
"Yes~! Brother Nick, let's go~!"
As the closest one to him, I had to accept his offer in place of us three, while Leena was already sticking close to Brother Nick as if she couldn't wait to get intimate with him at their new home.
Good grief. Newly married couples are always like this. Well, it's fine for now.
Following Brother Nick, we boarded a carriage together, which took almost half an hour to get us to the mansion.
It wasn't in the City center, but was closer to the Mage Tower, which was fine for the couple, I guess.
After being taken around for a short tour, we three boarded the already prepared carriage as began our journey to the Royal Capital City.
...
Two hours... It took another two hours for us to reach the outer perimeter of the Capital City.
After some stops for inspection of our identities, we were led towards the Adventurer Training Academy.
As we had to get registered before anything else, we went straight to the reception and showed them our token.
The staff seemed surprised upon seeing the token and quickly helped us settle the formalities.
The Priest from the Capital didn't lie when he said that the tokens would be very helpful for our stay here.
Essentially, we were given privileges way above what other trainees got. Even our Dorm rooms were very luxurious and spacious when compared to the average rooms of the Dorm.
I guess those having two or more enhanced traits are rare in this world. Thankfully, I didn't to show them my true capabilities yet.
Reina and Edward looked positively overwhelmed by the superior treatment they received and kept looking at different things for a while.
Essentially, all three of us were countryside bumpkins, from the boonies no less.
Of course, I had to act as surprised as them, otherwise my cover would get blown already.
As a prim and proper, pure and cheerful Healer, I just had to sit back and look pretty while my teammates fought to death with scary beings. Lucky me~.
The classes would begin after a few days. Before that, we had to get our uniform, get assigned to our new trainers and experience our first team battle before the theoretical studies. Better than being a total bookworm, I guess.
As I began to make plans for the rest of the day, Sister Rei rushed inside my room with great excitement.
Ah, right. Forgot to mention. Girls and Boys dorm are seperate. Also, Sister Rei's room is pretty close to mine.
"Lily~! Come, come. Your Sister Rei is going to buy something for you~! Let's visit the market already!"
Huh? She wants to go there already??
Oh, right. Unlike when we were in the Orphanage, we actually had money to spend. For the rest of the month, our extra expenses have to be made through it.
Sister Rei... we haven't even bought proper equipment, weapons or armor. Not to mention the travel costs to visit the Dungeons.
Haaah. Let's go with her anyways. I would be able to stop her from buying anything too costly.
"Okay, Sister Rei~!"
Holding my hand within hers, Sister Rei excitedly led me through the Dorm corridors.
Ohhh... so there is a curfew time as well? It's way too late at night, so it didn't matter. Also, boys weren't allowed in our Dorm. Basic rules, I guess.
As we were walking on the road towards the outside, both of us heard some high pitch squealing noises.
Turning towards that direction, some girls were making a fuss over someone.
What kids these are... haven't they grown up yet??
However, Sister Rei looked completely interested as she looked towards me with conflicted emotions.
Sighing to myself, I decided to follow her lead to that place.
When Sister Rei discovered the true cause of the commotion, her excited eyes became dazed and lost. Her blank look was in stark contrast to how it was just before.
And... this is why I didn't wish to get here.
Surrounded by a bunch of noisy girls, Edward was busy showcasing his physical qualities while boasting about his Fire element affinity and his enhanced abilities.
Talk about being unable to resist the temptation. As soon as he is out, he's already looking for a hook-up.
Poor Sister Rei, she couldn't believe that she liked someone like that for many years.
I tried to lead Sister Rei away, but some infuriated men standing outside the girls' circle couldn't take it anymore and approached Edward as he said,
"Ohhh? So you are the one we had heard so much about? The great flame swordsman. You are truly... exemplary, huh?"
Sorry, man. That Edward has no sense for sarcasm. He would genuinely believe that you were praising him.
Look! He even became all shy and embarrassed! Is he a closet bisexual as well??
I have to investigate this properly. Somehow... things became interesting, huh?
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A/N: Thanks for dropping by!