THE PALACE is busy this time of year as the festival is soon to commence, as well as the celebration for the empire's 150th founding ceremony wherein many people will come from different parts of the continent to participate. That is why the empire is lively and full of life, their cheers and pre-celebration emotions scattered in the air as everyone enjoyed the atmosphere. In contrast, not everyone was in a festive mood as a certain individual having a small meeting in his office was frowning, his eyes were dead cold. "Is this from a legitimate source?" Tristan asked as his eyes tore away from the paper in his hands. Peane, who has been away for quite a while, stared at him blankly and nodded. He has been sent to other places after Bastian returned to the palace, never leaving after the whole incident with Alesteria seven years ago when she disappeared in Xerxes' presence. Bastian swore he would never leave the palace again and made Peane, who was sent to the entrance and exits o
"THE CROWDS are quite cheery, don't ya think?" A blonde-haired girl with a cloak covering her head turned her gaze to her little companion who spoke, as they stroll down the bustling crowds’ side by side, a cotton candy on one hand and a book on the other. "Parie, it is festival season." She said as she deadpanned at Parie. "Wow, I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks, Alesteria." Alesteria chuckled at Parie's monotone and sarcastic response. Not letting the little pixie ruin such a happy atmosphere, she replied playfully to her. "No problem, Parie." Parie rolled her eyes at Alesteria and picked on her hood, which allowed a strand of her hair to escape but she quickly pulled it over her face. "Hey! That's not funny!" "It isn't, but many people would easily do that if you don't change your appearance." Alesteria clicked her tongue and waved her hand over her head, her hair instantly changing into a brown color as her eyes turned purple. She then turned to Parie and raises an
"WHAT WAS that?!" Was the first thing that came out of Parie's mouth as her disheveled appearance from holding tightly to Alesteria's hood made her a little bit dazed and angry. Alesteria, on the other hand, was panting heavily as to hurriedly get away from the young man, who seem to have called them, but she wasn't sure at that time as she was busy trying to flee. They went to an alley, one that no one would ever think that they are there as the concealed themselves with mana; the sun is still hitting this alley but not as much so it was kind of dim. "So, what was that, huh? Did you see a bad guy and wanted to run away?" Parie asked as she slowly gasped, her eyes widening. "Did someone recognized you?!" Alesteria shook her head, her breath catching up, to her, as she finally spoke. "No, but we encountered someone we shouldn't have." Parie raised an eyebrow. "Who?!" "The young man earlier." Parie was confused as to why Alesteria would say that, not realizing that the man they
ALDRICH WALKED through the corridor as the staff and officials alike parted like the red sea, making way for him as be stride faster, his eyes sparkling as he brushed by them. "Is the gift ready?" He asked as he walked fast. His aide from before, Ozul, walked by his side in a similar pace and shown him a box with pink and purple wrapping with a silver bow; the box wasn't that heavy nor was it light. "Yes, as you ordered weeks prior." Ozul calmly said as he emphasizes the last part. Aldrich clicked his tongue. "I was just making sure." "No need to be so anxious, Deus." The sudden voice coming from behind them made them halt in their tracks as they turned their heads to see who it was. As they did so, their eyes landed on Aimilios, who is calmly walking towards them as Cethin, his aide, was beside him holding a box of the same wrapping as Aldrich's, only his bow was gold. "Aren't you a little bit too nervous today?" He asked as he caught up to them, stopping beside Aldrich as Ce
A TWELVE years old girl with dark magenta hair and jade-colored eyes stared at the large hall anxiously as she fiddled with her gloves, her pale rose dress complimenting her hair as she stood at the corner of the ballroom, not wanting to gain any attention from anyone. Although she wanted that, she failed to actually accomplish it since she was beautiful. She almost looks like a doll standing at the corner, looking so pretty that some young men couldn't help but second glance at her whenever their eyes caught her. However, they couldn't dare to make a move because of the three powerful people with her who are all amazingly beautiful, but downright terrifying. Especially the daughter of Duchess Loreant who has an extremely annoyed aura around her. "Oh, shut it you simp!" Gabrielle, who is Duchess Minerva Loreant's daughter, is prominent in the high society known for her information about rumors, affairs, illegal trades, and many more. No one dares to cross her or else they'll be
THE MOMENT the door opened; everyone was staring at the royal family as they show themselves to the nobility; many are at awe while looking at them from above the stairs. The banquet hall was quiet and even if they were staring at the Vlatka Royalty, their eyes naturally searched for the star of the day and the talk of the town; though they couldn't see her since she is hidden behind the three men. Morgaine entered the other way as the rest of the nobility since she is no longer the empress, meaning she can't use the same entrance her sons did. The announcer of the royal family cleared his throat after the first introduction then spoke in a very loud and audible voice. "Their Royal Highness, the Second Prince and heir to the Lidloch Duchy, Young Duke Aimilios Theodore Alaric." Aimilios walked down the stairs in an elegant way and many of the noble ladies his age swooned at the sight of him. His auburn hair to the side in an effortless manner as his lapiz lazuli eyes shone dangero
'I HAVE a feeling that my idiotic brothers and father are thinking something bad about Nicholae.' Alesteria thought as she shook her head, knowing deep down that might be the case. 'I just hope it's nothing dangerous. I don't want to pick sides.' Throughout her exclusion, Alesteria bonded with her brothers and father most of the time while she trained to control her mana; she decided this by her own volition. She knew she have to master this mana or else it will be the end of her. It was strong and unbelievably complicated, even for her who has years of mastery and experience. Never in her whole life has she ever handled so much mana that it basically becomes a lethal weapon, but that is without care. And she, Alesteria, would never use this to harm someone else...unless it is needed. She has only done that one time in her previous life and that didn't end up in a good note. "I haven't seen you in a while..." Nicholae started as he slowly moved closer to Alesteria, staring down
ALESTERIA STARED at Nicholae's back as he went to the nobles who are expecting him, seeing as how they never left their gaze at him and were delighted when they finally saw that he is walking towards them. She wasn't blind of course. Over the years when she met him, she knew that Nicholae is not really honest with himself, or better yet, doesn’t know how to understand his emotions and could only think logically. Even though she has tried to make him understand, it is still a long process. 'Is he okay?' She asked herself, confused as to why she suddenly saw his eyes changed. Alesteria, even back then, can read Nicholae like an open book. Although, it became hard as the years passed, she can still somewhat read what his facial expression meant... Even if some of it are getting harder to decipher. "Your royal highness! How did you meet the young duke of Versormer?!" Gabrielle whispered to her as she broke out of her train of thought. She has met Gabrielle when she was five years old
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