"Ah~ finally done, if I have to put up with another one of those etiquette classes I swear I'm going to murder someone, preferably the tutor" Engjell exclaimed with hands spread akimbo as if to announce to the world of her joy, while her friends chuckled with amuseme nt at their friend's shenanigans.
Aeliana with a roll of her eyes and a shit eating grin on her face decided to be the one to happily put a damper on her friend's soon to be short lived joy. "you do know what's next right."
"Please don't" Engjell burst out in mock horror.
Candida grinned as she regarded her friends with indulgence, deciding to join in on the conversation she cut in. "As if pretending it doesn't exist will banish it out of existence, the con- "
"Nooo! Please don't" Engjell interrupted quite rudely while pretending to swoon.
"Convergence! Convergence!! Convergence!!! Convergence!!!!!" Atarah spouted out the dreaded words, purposely repeating it in a bid to annoy her ever dramatic friend.
"Just when I find a little bit of joy in my life, the real world intrudes and destroys it. ' Engjell sighed in resignation." speaking of the convergence, I heard that because of low population of the Heirs, not everyone gets chosen." she said while rubbing her hands with a creepy smile on her face.
"I don't know why you are so against the convergence, I need to open your brain and take a look at it, I feel like there's something seriously wrong with you." Aeliana gave her an assessing look, like she wanted to do just that.
"it's not that I'm against it per se, I don't just like the idea of what it entails, it just feels a bit impersonal, don't you all feel a bit trapped, like you're in a never ending loop." Engjell asked looking a bit at a loss.
"No, not really, you read too much of the mortal's romance novels, there's nothing like love, only power, emotions are useless and can only result in chaos, that was what caused the Great War in the first place." Atarah gave a pragmatic speech. She was right, Engjell knew she was, but she couldn't help but think what if.
The others nodded in agreement. "I don't know why you're so against the convergence, we can only awaken our abilities at the convergence, only then are we official members of Aurean society. We all know what it means to be unawakened." Candida said in a haunting tone. "That means you are no longer part of the Austrean society, now a reject, belonging neither here nor there. We all know the shame that'll bring to our family name if it were to be one of us." She said the obvious.
"Candida is right you know, since the history of Aurora the convergence has been organized as a meeting place and as a coming of power ceremony to celebrate the unlocking of the gifts of us Aureans, it's an honor and we're lucky to be part of this year's convergence."Aeliana said, "and besides we get to meet the smoking hot Heirs, I know you Jelly in particular will not want to miss it, considering the fact that you're a closet pervert, you can go ogle some sexy men" Aeliana skillfully dodged Engjell's or jelly's (as she was called by close friends) outstretched hands, as Engjell tried to cover her mouth. Laughing, Aeliana ran around in a bid to avoid Engjell's hands "I will not be silenced, let it be known that Engjell Minerva Decimus is a perv-"
"Cut it out! Aeliana, stop it! We're still at the academy, and you guys are making a spectacle of yourselves!" Atarah's voice was laced with urgency as she glanced around, her expression a mix of concern and embarrassment. True to her words, curious passerby cast fleeting glances in their direction. Some individuals even leaned in closer, ostensibly sharing hushed whispers with their companions and gesturing their way.
Feeling the weight of the attention, they dropped their heads, hastening their steps through the bustling streets with a shared hope that recognition would not befall them. Every hurried footstep echoed their worry, each shadow seeming to watch them with questioning eyes.
Finally, they reached their respective modes of transport. Engjell's ride loomed ahead—an opulent, state-of-the-art energy-operated flying ship that sparkled in the afternoon sun. It was an architectural marvel, designed to look sleek and streamlined on the outside, yet deceptively spacious within. The interior resembled a luxurious mini-mansion, complete with plush furnishings and every imaginable amenity. Her friends couldn't help but feel a pang of envy; they could only dream of piloting such a majestic vessel one day.
As Engjell approached, a small army of her pilot, and other crew members stood in formation before the magnificent ship, bowing deeply in respectful greeting. She acknowledged them with a nod, dismissing them to their posts with a gracious wave of her hand. As the ship powered up and began to lift gracefully into the air, she took a leisurely stroll around the finely appointed deck. A myriad of soft fabrics and elegant décor surrounded her, momentarily distracting her thoughts.
She considered indulging in a soothing bath during the journey home, the idea of warm water and fragrant oils tempting her. However, she quickly dismissed it—there was no point when she would soon be enveloped in the comforts of home. Instead, she settled into a plush sofa in the lounge area, its cushions molding to her form as her muscles began to unwind. Delilah, one of the attending onboard servants, approached with a perfectly made drink, a delicate blend of fresh fruits and herbs. Engjell accepted it absentmindedly, her mind elsewhere.
As the gentle hum of the engines filled the air, Engjell allowed her eyelids to droop, seeking a moment's respite. The carefree laughter that had previously danced upon her lips faded, replaced by a muted, lady-like smile that masked the tension brewing within her thoughts. Memories of their close brush with being recognized lingered obstinately in her mind. In the World of Aurora, where silence reigned supreme, any breach of decorum was met with ridicule, and she dreaded the potential humiliation that awaited her should anyone recognize her as the gentle young lady of the Viscount's household.
Lost in this contemplation, the ship eventually descended gracefully towards the grandeur of the Decimus mansion. As they touched down, the familiar surroundings jolted her back to reality. With a composed grace, she disembarked, her heart steadying at the sight of the large entourage made up of the viscount household -with the exception of her family- that awaited her arrival. It was a grand welcome she had grown accustomed to, but today, she felt the weight of each gaze upon her, their expectations mingling with her own turbulent thoughts.
She moved gently past the gathered individuals, graciously accepting their greetings with a poised smile befitting her status. Accompanied by a considerable retinue of maids and guards, she exhibited an air of elegance.
With a hint of exasperation, she addressed her attendants, stating, "There is no need for you to follow me; you may attend to your duties without concern for my well-being." Her words were met with shy nods from the servants, who found her demeanor endearing. The maids exchanged lighthearted glances, charmed by their lady's enchanting presence as they departed.
Once alone—save for the diligent butler, Alexander, who discreetly followed behind—she sighed with a sense of resignation. Alexander, an astute and formidable gentleman, possessed a loyalty to the Decimus mansion that was unwavering. In an alternate circumstance, his capabilities could rival even those of her father's who was held in high esteem in Aurean society.
Turning to him with a hint of curiosity, she inquired, "Might I ask what has prompted this unexpected attention on such a splendid evening?" A small smile graced her lips.
In response, the seasoned butler smiled with amusement and offered a slight bow. "My lady," he replied playfully, "what if I were to say that I am merely escorting you to your room?"
Her brows raised in disbelief, but at that moment, she preferred not to engage further, longing instead for a soothing bath and restful sleep. "While I find that highly doubtful, I shall take you at your word for the time being," she responded, her fatigue evident in her voice.
Concern crossed Alexander's features as he addressed her with gravity. "My lady, I urge you to rest. I will instruct the maids to prepare a rejuvenating and calming potion for your bath. It is imperative that you take the time to recuperate, as you appear to be in great need of rest."
"Please do," she replied appreciatively. "Additionally, could you arrange for a delightful meal, my favorite? I would be most grateful." Hesitant to impose upon the butler's abilities, she added, "And if it is not too much trouble, could you transport me to my room? While I enjoy a leisurely walk, today I find my energy lacking, and the journey feels rather daunting."
A gentle chuckle escaped the old man at her request, and without further ado, he inscribed glowing symbols in the air. With that, she gracefully disappeared from view amidst a spectacle of radiant light, expressing her gratitude for the assistance.