Chapter Two

Chapter Two.

 

Nina's POV.

 

Time is short when you are happy, time is long when you are sad, and time is too slow for those who wait.

 

But in my case, time is swift when you're in the zone.

 

Two weeks had passed since I woke up as Lady Marina. Now, I am in the library, trying to research all information about this world, the world that I would probably live in for a while.

 According to Rita, my maidservant (which I'm correct). This is Lady Marina's private library; the whole Red Rose Manor has four libraries. One for me, one for my mother, one for my father, and lastly, the Edwards' Central Library.

 

With that two weeks' time. I've learned many things.

 

Lady Marina is an only daughter and she's seventeen. I am currently living at the Red Rose Manor, which is the Edwards family estate in the nobles' district in the royal capital. The Edwards' real territory is in the eastern region of the Avalor Kingdom, and Lady Marina is currently studying at Avalon Academy of Magic.

 

Avalon Academy of Magic is a prestigious magical school that only nobles, tycoons, and large merchants can afford, but there are also quite rare cases of scholars by recommendation. A breeding ground of acclaimed noble scholars, guild members, leaders, royal guards, military powerhouses, and powerful mages.

 

Illuminating Darkness has a quite peculiar setting. It has a Victorian Era vibe, with a touch of medieval setting.

 

The world lacks steam and machinery. It's quite underdeveloped but the lacking are made up by magic.

 

Remember this is a fantasy-romance book.

 

And I've also learned that Lady Marina uses Dark Magic.

 

Grabe! Even in terms of magic attributes, she's the real deal! It spells evil and gives a villainy vibe! But I also found out that Lady Marina was not allowed to use magic in public, having rare magic is dangerous because there are a lot of greedy people here. Like in the modern world, there seems to be a black-market trade here, not to mention Lady Marina is a daughter of a wealthy noble.

 

To my knowledge, there are six elemental magic, water, earth, fire, air, light, and dark.

In the Avalor Kingdom, water-type magic is the most common attribute because it is known for the holy land of waves, believer of the Storm.

 

Mostly, the nobles have the highest population of magic users. There are also ordinary people but it's just a small scale, they can't even properly use their magic because of lack of education. It was a sad truth as there is no such thing as public school here that teaches magic. Public schools are mostly run by churches, and they just teach basic stuff such as reading and writing.

 

School break had already started, so I'm here at the mansion. I was supposed to be in our territory, but I decided to stay at the Red Rose Manor. I'm much safer here, coupled with long-distance travel, there are many more mountain bandits on the eastern side of Avalor Kingdom.

 All students are given one month of vacation, to all levels, according to Rita. Sadly, the vacation is only one month, and I'm still learning. I'm trying to adopt Lady Marina's life, attitude, personality, and manners. I'm also memorizing certain places around the capital, but I haven't gone out. I want to explore, experience, and see the lives of the common people.

 

That would help me adapt to this world.

 

In the two weeks, I've been here, I've just been in the library. Either, in my private or the Red Rose's Central Library. In my private library, I do my research about Lady Marina and practice my manners and etiquette.

 

And about my magic capabilities, it's still in question. I don't know if Lady Marina is good at controlling her magic. I have no one to ask because very few know. Only Lady Marina's parents know it, and maybe the school officials.

 

At the Central Library, I do my reading of history, from academics to socializing, that's where I do studies at history. And to my surprise, in this world, cars are already made but not the fancy ones but the vintage cars as we call them in the modern world. Well is not really vintage because according to the description it only an upgraded version of a carriage with a horse.

This really surprises me because the book setting was centered at the Victorian Era with a medieval setting. The cars are powered by mana, and only the nobles and businessmen can afford them. Way back in the world I live, rare ones are expensive. The strange thing is, it isn't popular in Avalor Kingdom, I only found out about it because of Rita.

 

The author of Illuminating Darkness has a weird taste.

 

Going back to the original timeline of the story, this coming school year is the start of the novel. According to Mary and Janna, the novel started when Gina, a seventeen-year-old gal, a commoner enters the Academy. Janna told me that Gina was a special girl because she uses light magic, which is uncommon in the Kingdom. Not only that, but she also has an abundant amount of mana, so she was recommended.

Lucky her, I guess?

 It's already a rare case for commoners to have magic. That's why Gina is special, from her magic alone, she's obviously the star. She was very charming, sweet, and kind, so it was no wonder Lord Ethan and the rest were captivated by her.

 

In conclusion, my plan is not to disturb her and avoid her at all costs. I don't get involved in their mess. I don't have to be the third wheel in their love story, and I don't want to gather hate from these characters. My life won't be peaceful, that kind of situation would make my survival difficult, if this was a game it would be in hard mode.

I plan to go back.

Geez! This is information overload! It's making me dizzy. I need to rest my mind; I've been in the library since yesterday for my preparation for the upcoming school year. I just finished my etiquette and dance lesson.

 

Being a noble is hard.

 

Now, I'm getting nervous about the art lesson later, I'm not good at painting at all.

Decided whether to go out and go to the garden. I want peace and quiet so I could relax. I walk together with Rita, she always accompanies me so that she can take care of my needs in every possible way, even in the bathroom, it's surprising because I'm not used on having someone with me in the bathroom, helping me bath and scrub my body, but I couldn't protest because that's what she always does. It's her duty to aid all my needs, she always helps me getting a bath and dressed up.

 

I'm a modern girl! Strong independent woman!

 

It's just weird because I'm not used to having a bath with someone, what more, helping you get a bath? It's weird even though we're both women.

 

Dresses in here are typically in Victorian style, I even need to wear corsets, and heavy layers of dress even if I'm just at home. There are too many taboos and rules to follow. Being a noble is no joke, it was exhausting. So many manners and etiquette lessons.

 

I thought it was all fun and games.

 

At first, it was nerve wracking! But eventually I seemed to get used to it. And I already meet Lady Marina's parents, all I can say is that they are strict but kind. When I was informed that I'm about to meet them, I almost fainted with extreme nervousness.  What if they noticed something was wrong with their child? I would be doomed but thankfully it didn't happen. They are strict because they are nobles, but I can say that Lady Marina is being spoiled by her parents to much.

 I'm also an only child but my parents are not like that.

 

They spoiled me so much with dresses, make-ups, and jewelries that I don't need and like. But if they give me money, that would be another issue. But now they are not here, they are in Gofio, a neighboring country to do business but they will return before I go back to the academy. They will send me off.

 

When we arrived at the rose garden, I immediately sat down in what looked like a mini house. It's an open house though, if you watch movies this is the type of house where you have will your tea. And you can also see the rose maze here, the manor was incredibly big. If i didn't knew better I would have probably believe that I'm a princess.

 I heave a sigh when I saw the garden, it's quite relaxing, it made me miss our province.

 

"Milady, I will get you a tea and snack, please wait for me." Rita announced before gently bowing and left.

 

Staring at this garden made me feel nostalgic. I missed our province where I grew up with my Grandpa and Grandma. Being an only child is hard, you get what you want but you would lack sense of companions.

 

When I was a kid, I used to climb trees, talk to fishes, talk to plants and animals. Thinking about that makes me laugh, I used to think if I did that I would be a disney princess. My Lola was a baker, so I grew up always eating sweets. And  because of her I've learned how to bake.

 

While my grandfather was a mechanic. He repairs cars and motorcycles, and at a very young age I've learned how to drive a car with grandpa's supervision. Whenever we go to the plaza and downtown, we always use Old Berkens, Lolo's old beetle car.

 

And thinking about that felt great and sad. I realize how lonely I was when I was a kid. I don't have a playmate, I can only play with myself. All I could talk about are the plants and animals in the barn. I play with chickens, climb the trees when being chased Lola.

 

Maybe that's the reason why I've become a loner, I don't know how to socialize with people every time they have a visitor Lola. I always prefer playing outside.

 

When I turned thirteen, we moved out and transferred to the city. it was sad to leave leave my grandparents behind but it was necessary. Life in the city did change, I can't do the things I've love to do before, except for baking. My attention was set on reading books, study, watch some shojo-animes, play video games and eat.

 

So, when I started attending school, I was quite shocked and nervous with a little excitement thinking I might have a new life. I tried to mingle with others but it turned out I still left all alone. That's when people started calling me a nerd even though I don't even wear glass.

They don't bully me but blatantly they ignore my existence. I was so lucky to meet Mary and Janna, who become my best friends.

 

And thinking about them makes me sad, I really miss them.

 

I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes. Maybe it's not bad to take a nap here, is it?

I was about to lay down when I heard Rita's voice.

"Milady!"

Because of that cry, I quickly sat up straight and look at Rita, who looked confused and panicking. I can see the nervousness and haste on her face, she's even running towards me.

"I wasn't about to lay down! I swear." I raised my hands in the air and quickly defended myself even though she haven't come close.

"Rita, I was not laying down okay. I swear, I did not lay down right in this bench." I defend while patting the concrete chair, even though she hasn't say anything yet.

Oh gosh! I swear I didn't lay down. I was planning to, but I didn't. I look at her face and saw there are still traces of nervousness, fear and shock.

"Milady, it's not that," Rita said politely.

Thank goodness!

I breathed a sigh of relief. I really thought I committed something serious, it's a good thing I didn't.

Whew. That was a close call. I almost raised my hand to wiped the invisible sweats in my forehead.

"If that's not the reason, why are you panicking? You look worried and scared. Is there something wrong? You scared me," I worriedly asked.

"I'm very sorry, Milady." She apologized sincerely then bowed and looked up again. "I only did this as there's an important visitor coming."

"A distinguished guest?" I replied in confusion, I was wondering who would it be. As far as I remember, Lady Marina has no friends because her behavior is so rough.

Rita nodded. "Yes, Milady. You have a very special guest," she answered with a big smile.

"Who?" I asked in confusion. Who's my special guest this day?

"Your fiancé is here Lady Marina," she answered politely with a melodious smile in her voice.

My eyes went wide open when I heard her, my body froze in place. I think I was going deaf for a second because of what she said.

F-fiancé?

Even though I didn't drink any water, I felt like I'm gonna choke! I almost fell because of Rita's news.

I have a freaking fiancé!? I'm too young for that!

What in the world of Illuminating Darkness is happening!?