SAXON LEFT not soon after he gave the gift, leaving Morgaine alone with Alesteria.
It is now her turn to give her a gift.
"It is not as grand as what Duke Versomer gave you so I don't know if you'll like this." Morgaine said as she presents her gift.
By the tone of her voice, Alesteria knew that it was a personal gift and unlike the gift that she has received from other people, this one is sincere.
And she likes sincerity the most.
Alesteria smiled widely at Morgaine and made grabby hands towards her, excited to open the gift which made Morgaine smile in relief.
She gave Alesteria the box and helped her open it, revealing a locket with a picture of Alana from when she was young.
This was the first time Alesteria saw Alana because every portrait of hers was kept somewhere by Xerxes order, probably in a special room only he knows.
She knew Alana by name, but not her face. So, when she saw the small picture in the
"MY! YOU are beginning to walk on your own now, princess!" Alesteria huffed proudly at Bella's words as she balanced herself without holding onto a chair, multiple maids all have their arms stretched out as they wait for her in case, she loses her balance. 'Hmph! I skipped the whole crawling part and it is a good thing none of them seem to question it.' She thought as she smiled smugly. 'At this rate, I could walk by myself without wobbling by the next month or so.’ 'Still, I have been improving.' Three months ago, Bella witnessed Alesteria's first time standing up, which at first made her panic as she called for the emperor, and she has been very attentive to her more than ever. Of course, the emperor, Xerxes, was delighted by this that he even postponed all his work that day just so he could watch Alesteria. She can even recall what happened that day. And let's just say…
'AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! WHY DID I BITE MY TONGUE AT ALL TIMES?! I WAS TRYING TO LOOK COOL BUT I MESSED UP!' Alesteria closed her mouth instantly and put two hands in front of her lips, cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she stared at Xerxes wide-eyed. Xerxes, too, looked at her wide-eyed as his mouth slowly agape. 'Don't look at me like that! It makes me even more embarrassed!!' Alesteria was still embarrassed and was hiding it behind her hands but Xerxes was too shocked to even notice her embarrassment. The long silence seemed to make her even shyer. 'Huhuhu. My dignity, my pride…' While Alesteria is being gloomy mentally upon being reminded of her mistake, Xerxes snapped out of it as he turned his head to his two sons, who were both just as shocked as him. "She said… father, right?" Aldrich slowly nodded. "She did… Our Alesteria is a genius!" He state
"ALESTERIA~! OUR baby sister!!""!"Aldrich loudly opened the door and ran towards the crib where he saw a blonde girl sitting as she held a book in her hands, her doe blue eyes staring at him with annoyance and confusion.Annoyance because he startled her and confusion due to his shouting voice breaking her serene concentration.It has been a month since Alesteria first called the emperor 'Dada' and the mark of many firsts that she had done, which was almost made into a national holiday if it wasn't thanks to Tristan stopping it every time.Now the 9-month-old baby can sit properly, read, and speak; even though her pronunciation and words are not whole.'Bella isn't here today so Aldrich could barge into the room without knocking since no one will scold him.'Alesteria knew that today is Bella's day off and even if she doesn't want to leave her for even a second, Tristan persuaded Bella to take her day off f
"I FEEL like I'm dying. I'm on my last breath." "It would've been better if it was." Aldrich glared at Aimilios because of his comment but the latter was just ignoring him, writing something down on a piece of paper like that day was normal. They both knew that it was not. "Father just hogged Ales to himself!" Aldrich complained as he kicked the table, causing it to shake. Aimilios angrily glared at Aldrich for causing the table to shake, which made his handwriting crooked. He picked the pen up and threw it in Aldrich's direction. "Quit it!" Aldrich effortlessly dodged it but he glared back. "Aren't you supposed to be dying inside because you can't see Ales? Why do you act like you don't? Is that how shallow your love for our little sister is?" Aimilios stopped writing as he looked Aldrich dead in the eye before showing him the paper that he had been writing on. It was full of Aleste
THE WORLD is filled with powers and mysteries that are waiting to be uncovered. May it be the scenery, a structure, lore, or its roots; all of it is a source of mystery that one can be defined through their worth in one's perception. Of course, many mysteries are yet to be unveiled in the eyes of the people; mysteries that are eye-catching and thrilling, some may even feel a sense of rush. However, one of the greatest mysteries in the world occurred in an eastern land far from the Vlatka empire. It is where the fields are green, the crops luscious, and the air was clear. The trees were full of life and the soil was fertile, while the fruits they bore were treated as a sacred offering to the Gods. The Gods, who were pleased with everything, lived in peace amongst the citizens and granted their every heed. Everything was once a bountiful and prosperous land, that was until a change happened that eventually turned into a mystery.
TENSION SURROUNDS the room as Xerxes looked at his children coldly; his eyes narrowing at Aldrich, who is carrying Alesteria, and Aimilios, who is glaring at him in the same manner."I will ask again, where are you planning to take your sister?"Aldrich and Aimilios avoided their gazes at him as Xerxes still waited for their answer, but a few minutes passed by and they still kept their mouths shut.Alesteria sighed at the stubbornness between them and just decided to take matters into her own hands.'If this stretches out any longer, brothers will be punished again.' She thought as her eyes traveled to the two boys.'Although, they could've just said that we are going to the lake.'What Alesteria fails to understand in Aldrich and Aimilios' part is that they want to have her all for themselves; no Xerxes, Nicholae, or anyone else but her alone.It seems that Morgaine's past lecture about 'monopolizin
"YUM! WHO knew that blueberries can taste like this!?" Alesteria sighed at her friend's remarks, who kept filling her face with the pie she'd concealed in case Bella decided she'd had enough sweets for the day, which happened all the time. 'There goes my last piece.' She mused as Parie ate another slice before moving on to the next. Parie was blissfully unconscious of Alesteria's thoughts as she ate the slice, the sweetness and sourness well-matched, as was the pastry, which was baked to perfection. "This is so good! Do you have many more? I haven't eaten in days!" Parie filled her face even more before pausing for a little minute to cast a longing glimpse towards Alesteria, who was staring at her with a jaded expression on her face. "W-Witch… Can I eat all of these?" When Alesteria saw Parie's expression, she knew she was hungry, as in near famished. She hasn't eaten properly in months, accord
"YOUR HIGHNESS, is there something wrong with the food?" Bella's troubled voice jolted Alesteria out of her reverie as she looked up from her untouched dish to her, quietly shaking her head as she returned her gaze to the plate. 'Ah, I didn't notice that the food is here.' She thought as she reached for her spoon. 'But I don't have any appetite either.' "Do you perhaps not like the food prepared today? Are you craving for something else?" When Bella asks that, the kitchen worker in the corner flinches and begins to sweat. 'T-The princess dislikes the food?!' I-Is our food lacking? D-Does she no longer enjoy the way we cook?' Then, the kitchen staff glances at the food they prepared and pales. 'Maybe, the princess doesn't like mushrooms in her soup?!' Alesteria, on the other hand, shook her head as she took a mouthful following Bella's worrisome comments.
AS ALESTERIA packed her bags, she couldn't help but reminisce the two years she stayed in the academy. She remembered having fun around the campus, Kallista and her enjoying lunch by the oak tree behind the building, and the times Parie stole from the dessert aisle at the cafeteria.It was quite a ride for her and leaving feels surreal. It felt bittersweet as the breeze blew coldly, autumn might just be a week away as she closed her window.She closed her eyes and sighed, turning to look at the room she resided for the past two years, an unfamiliarity strings along as she looked at the half-barren room."This feels oddly...sad." She muttered to herself as she looked down at the bag on her bed, yet to be filled with clothes.‘I never expected to be so nostalgic about this.’Alesteria smiled to herself, feeling that the quiet halls and main grounds that are usually filled with people are what
LOUD CHEERS and chants can be heard throughout the stadium as a woman with a high ponytail and blonde hair stepped into the stage, her outfit is similar to those who will go horse-riding except there is a slight modification.She is wearing a half cape, one that is on her right shoulder alone, as well as a badge that glistened when the sunlight shined on it.It was a badge of the magic department and as soon as she stopped in the middle of the stage, a large screen projecting her was shown to the rest who can't see her clearly as the stage is farther from the audience seats.One girl bounced excitedly, her dark magenta hair and jade-colored eyes waved at the person while a certain lapiz-lazuli eyed prince kept her at bay, putting hand on her waist."Alesteria!"The blonde-girl, Alesteria, turned to who called her name so familiarly and as she did, everyone screamed louder as Alesteria smiled beautifully while waving back gracefully.The girl who called her is Eve, and beside her is Ai
"CLASS DISMISSED."The sound of the studengs chattering as they left the room made Alesteria breathe out a sigh of relief. It has been a month since she started teaching and her classes are well-made, as one of the professors said when they passed by one time when she was teaching.'Not sure whether to take that as an insult or compliment.' Alesteria thought as she shakes her head.She gather up her things and the moment she stepped out of the room, she saw Kallista waiting for her with a huge smile on her face, her eyes sparkling."Ales!" Kallista happily called as she walked towards Alesteria.Alesteria thought it was a puppy waiting for her, seeing how Kallista is in a good mood."Kallista, you're here early." Alesteria commented with a smile on her face as well.Kallista giggled and blushed, "Well, it is near lunch time and you know... We are eating at the cafeteria, right?"Alesteria almost laughed at how Kallista suddenly blushed, hearing that lunch break is in about five minute
IF ALESTERIA hadn't had such a lengthy patience span, she would have lost her cool right then and there. Thankfully, with years and centuries of being with Parie, that patience paid off quite well. Speaking of Parie, the same pixie is annoying Alesteria after she returned to her side and Alesteria has returned to her dorm after teaching. It was still a little early, so Alesteria decided to read a book in peace, but Pari seemed to have other plans for them. "C'mon! Just tell me a little bit! We are friends, right? Comrades! Please Alesteria!" Parie pestered her as she keeps flying around Alesteria's head like a pesky bug. Alesteria sighed, irritated, as she waves her hand and send a gust of wind to Parie's direction which made her flew back as she tumbled with a soft thud on the bed. "Hey! That wasn't very nice!" She said angrily with a pout as she sat up, crossing her arms. Alesteria closes her book and stared at Parie before finally giving in. "Fine. What is it that you wanted
"HELLO, EVERYONE. I am Alesteria Elsi Alaric, your new assistant professor for this semester. It's nice to meet you all." Alesteria's honey-blonde hair, which was normally not tied or braided, is now in a ponytail as she wore glasses. It was not her idea to wear something like that, but Laroi convinced her to make her look more 'professor-like' in Laroi's term. After Alesteria introduced herself, Laroi standing next to her, the students from the academic’s department whispered to themselves as they stare at Alesteria. They are confused as to why she is there as their curiosity and confusion began to create a buzz, not because Alesteria is an assistant professor, but because she is standing in front of everyone in her uniform. Not just in her uniform, which is the same as the rest of the students in the academic department, she is still wearing her magic department badge as it is proudly pinned on her right chest. Usually, an assistant professor instructing the first-year students
ALESTERIA WAS still calm, but she was annoyed at how Kallista is acting. Both of them are sixteen and they are in the same grade, same class. However, many can see the stark difference between the two. And yet, no one dared to pick sides. Kallista didn't utter a word after Alesteria spoke and they just stared at each other, wanting to be the victor in this staring contest as the air got colder. It is not just their gazes, but Kallista is unknowingly releasing her mana that made the temperature go low. If Alesteria is capable of controlling the pressure and air, Kallista can influence the temperature depending on her mood. Alesteria notices this and took note of it, but as of the moment, she did nothing. Alesteria is unaffected by it, but the other students are not, so it is no surprise when the cold atmosphere was cut short by a familiar voice, breaking the staring contest. "Kallista!" Alesteria and Kallista turned their head simultaneously. From the door, they saw Levi panting
"THERE YOU are!" Parie greeted Alesteria with a huge smile as Alesteria sat down, Klaus is in front of her and there are two sets of food waiting to be eaten. Parie is holding a macaron, which is bigger than her, as she waves at Alesteria. "So, how did it go with Laroi?" Parie asked, taking a bite out of her macaron. "Eventful, I would say." Alesteria responded as she took the cup of drink, guessing it is iced tea, as she drank it. She sets it down after taking half of the drink before turning to Klaus. "We only have five semesters left. Laroi, I mean the principal, gave us an incentive." Alesteria announced as she leaned on her seat and cross her arms, sighing. "We might get home early than intended." Originally, the academy has two semesters per year. There is a summer and winter vacation, for normal students, but since Alesteria agreed to stay for at least two years only, she has taken three semesters in just one year. That left her no time to go home for both the summer and
TWO DAYS passed and Alesteria's name is still creating a huge buzz in the academy. In a manner of a day, what happened in the training ground was spread far and wide within the academy as other departments also heard about it. In the academy, there is three department in total. The first one is the Magic department, where nobles and commoners alike who have innate mana in them belong to this department. There is a lot of nobles than the commoners, but nonetheless, they are enrolled in this department if they show the slightest amount of mana. There is also the Knight department, where those who want to be a knight/escort belong to this department. It can also vary to people who have a talent for the sword to nobles who are mandated to learn the sword, may it be their family tradition or their own will to do so. Lastly, there is the Academics department. The students that belong in this department are geniuses, or just plain smart. They do not have the mana like those in the magic d
"THIS IS... room 203-A? Ah, right." Alesteria look up from her schedule, the one Laroi gave her, as she looks up to the little sign by the door while any students are looking at her, who is wearing the academy's uniform. It looks so foreign on Alesteria, they noted. It was just a simple black uniform, with a plaid skirt and white long sleeve, a black tie, and black coat with the academy's patch sewed on the right side, pockets on each side of the coat and skirt. Still, no matter how plain it actually looks like, Alesteria's honey-blonde hair and ocean blue eyes stands out from the uniform, making her more beautiful than ever. "Why is your schedule at eight in the morning? You should start by ten!" Parie complained as she yawned, her eyes a bit swollen from just waking up as she sat on Alesteria's shoulder. She was forced to wake up as Klaus is on his class, and she did promise that she will take Klaus' place as Alesteria's companion while he studies. Parie is not one to break her