It wasn't long after the first light of dawn peaked through the leaves of the trees, casting a soft, golden hue on the quiet street below. The rhythmic chirping of birds filled the morning air, creating a soothing melody that harmonized with the peaceful atmosphere. Only a few early risers wandered the cobblestone path, their footsteps barely audible in the stillness of the hour.
The wooden door of a small cafe located in a quiet alleyway opened slowly with a creaking sound. A young girl entered inside. She was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and a sword was securely fastened to her waist. Her head and face were wrapped in a scarf, obscuring her features from view.
Inside, the café was almost empty, save for the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air. The girl approached the counter, her steps deliberate and calm. Without a word, she slipped a token onto the polished surface—a delicate piece adorned with a rose pattern, intricately crafted.
"Come this way," the person behind the counter said, pointing towards a door in the far corner of the room.
The girl nodded and followed him silently. They passed through the door, entering a narrow passageway lined with several doors on either side. The dimly lit corridor seemed to stretch on endlessly, each step echoing slightly in the confined space. After navigating the passage, they finally arrived at a small, unassuming room that resembled a staff quarters.
The man approached a wall adorned with a painting of tree branches. His hand hovered over a specific leaf pattern, pressing it gently. With a soft click, the wall smoothly rotated all together like a door and a hidden room behind it came into view. The two of them stepped inside, where the soft glow of a chandelier illuminated the space.
In that room, seated on a plush couch was another young lady, around 18 or 19 years old, sipping tea with an air of grace. Her poised posture and refined demeanor spoke of her noble lineage, an elegance that seemed to flow effortlessly from her.
The man who had guided the girl into the room bowed respectfully before exiting, the seemingly door-like wall once again closing behind him.
"Welcome, Reese," the young lady greeted warmly, her face lighting up with a bright smile. She gestured to the couch opposite her, inviting Reese to sit. The girl complied, removing her scarf to reveal a cascade of pitch-black hair that fell over her shoulders. Her sharp features and fair skin were complemented by a pair of striking silver eyes that gleamed with quiet confidence.
"Hello, Lady Valentine. It's a pleasure to meet you again," Reese said, her voice steady and respectful.
"'Lady'? Haven't I already told you to call me 'sister'?" Valentine teased, raising an eyebrow in mock offense.
"And I thought we were going to be 'official'? Was I mistaken?" Reese asked as her lips curved in a slight smile.
"Which law states that when discussing official matters with your big sister, you're required to address her formally, huh?" Valentine continued, her tone playful as she poured a cup of tea for Reese.
"Don't know… Maybe it's hidden in some ancient aristocratic law. Who can tell? You might find it in a book in an old library in the capital if you search long enough." Reese quipped lightly, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Nonsense. And even if such a law exists, who cares?" Valentine rolled her eyes, handing the freshly poured cup to Reese.
"That's not a very elegant, noble lady-like thing to say, you know…" Reese laughed, lifting the cup to her lips.
"I may appear as the ideal noble lady to others, but deep inside, I'm not really like that at all. You know that very well." Valentine's tone turned mischievous.
"Yes, yes."
Valentine Rosedale, the eldest daughter of Duke Rosedale, was renowned as the epitome of elegance and dignity in high society. Her beauty was matched by her impeccable sense of fashion, her eloquent speech, and the graceful composure she maintained in every situation.She was an idol to many young noble ladies who aspired to emulate her.
Yet, beneath this flawless exterior was a side of Valentine that few knew—a side that neither acknowledged nor adhered to the rigid expectations of aristocratic culture. Only those truly close to her, were privy to this hidden aspect of her personality. Reese Lysander was one of them.
"So… Dame Natasha has probably given you an idea about why we're meeting here like this, right?" Valentine asked, setting her cup down gently.
"Yes, Teacher briefly mentioned what's going on and told me to get the details from you," Reese replied, leaning back into the couch, her posture relaxed.
"I see." Valentine nodded thoughtfully, her expression becoming more serious as the conversation shifted towards the matter at hand.
"It's been a long time. How have you been? You don't know how happy I am to see you again. After I got into Aetherium, things became so hectic that I hardly had any time to visit you in Cedarville." Valentine smiled warmly as she greeted Reese. Her voice held a trace of nostalgia, and the warm afternoon sun filtering through the window seemed to reflect the subtle joy of their reunion.
"I missed you too."
Reese sat across from Valentine, casually leaning back in her chair.
Valentine continued, "To be honest, I was pretty surprised when Dame Natasha suggested sending on of her apprentices to help me with my investigation. She promised her apprentice will be more than capable, so I trusted her, knowing Dame Natasha doesn't make promises lightly. But I had no idea she was talking about 'you'." A light laugh escaped her lips. "Seeing you here now, I feel a lot more reassured. It's comforting to know my little sister will be by my side in this." Valentine paused, her expression softening. "Aetherium can be a rough place, you know? You might make a lot of friends, but true trust is hard to find. I'm afraid that I might not be able to take you in a place completely safe to be. "
Reese's grin widened. " You need not to concern yourself with that. When I put my mind to something, I always see it through, no matter what."
"Of course. That's exactly what I admire about you," Valentine said with a chuckle. She took a long sip of tea, the clink of the cup as she placed it back on the table echoing in the quiet room.
.
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⟨ A few days earlier ⟩
'Knock-Knock.'
"I'm here," Reese called, softly tapping twice on the door.
"Come in," Natasha's voice responded from within.
Reese pushed open the door to her mentor's bedroom then closing it gently behind her. Natasha lay on her bed, absorbed in a book. The soft golden light of the bedside lamp bathed the room in a warm light, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Natasha was reclining on her bed, a book resting casually in her hand, her expression calm and serene.
"Is everything all right, Teacher?" Reese asked, her forehead creased with concern. "You suddenly asked me to come here at this late hour..."
Earlier, at the dining table, the head maid had relayed Natasha's request for Reese's presence. The sudden urgency had made Reese uneasy, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
Natasha looked up from her book, her face breaking into a reassuring smile. "Oh, look at your serious face! There's nothing to worry about. Come, sit here." she said, patting the space beside her.
Reese moved to the edge of the bed and settled beside Natasha, who placed her book down with a soft thud. The air in the room was tinged with the scent of old paper and faint traces of lavender, lending an air of quiet introspection.
"Reese," Natasha began, her voice gentle but steady, "I've been pushing you hard for all these years with rigorous training and lessons. Have you ever wondered why I'm so demanding?"
"Yes," Reese nodded slightly. "Sometimes."
"Then why haven't you asked me about it?" Natasha's tone was gentle, yet it carried an undercurrent of curiosity.
Reese shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips.. "I figured you'd tell me when the time was right. Besides, I believe becoming strong doesn't always need a special reason. It's just what I want to do."
Natasha's smile widened, her eyes reflecting pride. "I guessed you might say something like that... And yes, you're right." She straightened, her demeanor growing more serious. "I've called you here tonight to offer you a special mission. How does that sound?"
Reese's heart skipped a beat. "A special mission?"
Natasha nodded, her expression firm. "Yes.
"I'll do it." Without hesitation, Reese responded in a confident voice, her resolve clear.
Natasha chuckled softly. "You didn't even ask what the mission is."
"If you believe I'm suited for it, then I'm ready for anything. After all, my teacher know my abilities better than anyone."
"Very well, then." Natasha's smile deepened, her eyes shining with approval.
Natasha Valoris, former commander of the Imperial Knight Order, had trained many apprentices over the years. Many of her students had risen to prominence in society. Reese Lysander, however, was her youngest student and perhaps, her most favored one.
From a young age, Reese had demonstrated exceptional talent in combat and other lessons, enduring countless trials and gruelling training sessions under Natasha's guidance without complaint.
"I need you to attend Aetherium Academy as a student," Natasha said.
Reese's eyes widened in surprise.
'Aetherium Academy'— located in the heart of the capital of Astralis Empire, was the empire's most prestigious institution. Known for nurturing the elite youth, the academy was a beacon of knowledge and excellence. Candidates who pass the admission exam and have traces of holy essence in their core, allowing them to ignite the holy candle with their essence, are eligible to enroll as students here.
The academy offered a comprehensive education, preparing students for prominent roles in society and service to the kingdom. It emphasized discipline, dedication, and ethical responsibility, valuing merit and hard work over social status. Students received training in a variety of fields, from combat and magic to diplomacy, technology,science and various other subjects.
Countess Natasha Valoris, a highly skilled swordmaster, was an esteemed alumna of the academy.
"You know Valentine Rosedale from the Rosedale family. Today, I received a letter from Valentine." Natasha continued. " Ten years ago, Isla Whitelock, one of my closest friends and a former professor at the academy, died under mysterious circumstances. Recently, her daughter Valentine, now a student at Aetherium, found new leads in her mother's old diary. It seems Isla's death was not natural. There are signs that a group of people was engaging in illicit activities, most likely using forbidden black magic, secretly within the academy. Isla found out about them. She had been secretly investigating this matter, intending to expose these people after gathering solid evidence against them, but before she could complete her mission, she died—most probably murdered." Natasha paused, her expression growing grave.
Reese was already familiar with Valentine Rosedale, as the young noble lady had visited Natasha's estate a few times before. They got along quite well. Valentine saw Reese as her younger sister, though she often liked to tease her. They had spent long hours chatting about various topics before Valentine returned to the capital. Reese knew that Valentine's mother was Dame Natasha's dear old friend, and that was why she visited often. But whenever the topic of her mother's death came up, Valentine would fall silent, her eyes clouded with sadness. Out of respect, Reese had never pried further.
"Valentine now wants to continue Isla's investigation and complete what her mother started. She reached out to me for help. Given my deteriorating health, I cannot assist her personally, so I've decided to send a capable student in my place… and I believe you're perfect for this task."
"So, I'm to assist Sister Val with this investigation?" Reese asked, her voice steady despite the weight of the responsibility.
"Yes," Natasha confirmed.
"I'm honored that you chose me," Reese said, her eyes glistening with determination.
"I had a feeling you'd embrace this mission wholeheartedly, especially since you're close to Valentine. And attending the academy may also allow you to uncover more about 'his' disappearance, something you've been wanting to do for a long time," Natasha added, her gaze filled with understanding.
Reese lowered her gaze, her thoughts momentarily drifting. The room fell into a contemplative silence.
Although Reese had never voiced it, she had always wanted to attend Aetherium Academy. She had hoped to uncover the truth about the sudden disappearance of someone dear to her, who had vanished while going there five years ago.
After a moment, Natasha finally broke the silence.
"Before you join the academy, you should meet with Valentine to discuss more about the details. I will inform her that I'm sending you. I believe she will feel reassured with you by her side."
"As you wish, Teacher. I promise to dedicate myself fully to this mission and help Val with all my might," Reese said as she stood up and bowed respectfully.
Natasha reached out, holding Reese's hands tightly, her expression filled with warmth. "I know you will. You've always been the one I could rely on."
"Then I will take my leave now. Have a good night." As Reese left the room, Natasha watched her with a faint smile lingering on her lips.
"Go, Reese. It's time for Aetherium to see new changes, and I believe you can bring them there."
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