"Huh, w-what is going on?"
My breath caught in my throat as I stared at the tiny girl in the mirror. Her amber eyes were wide open, her face filled with shock and disbelief. Something was wrong, this was not me.
Weakness suddenly overcame me, my legs giving out beneath me as I crumbled to the floor. Crawling closer to the mirror, I reached out with trembling hands, the girl's reflection mirroring my every move.
Our fingertips met on the cold glass, and it hit me.
No... no no no. That can't be me." I whispered, my voice cracking like dry leaves underfoot.
"This has to be a dream."
Just moments ago I'd been in my apartment, ready to leave for work. Desperate, I pinched my cheek as hard as I could.
"Ouch!" The sting was real, but the effect I hoped for, waking up, didn't come. Worse, the girl in the mirror had mimicked me exactly, her small hand clutching her reddened cheek, wide-eyed terror.
Suddenly the door bursts open, "Are you alright, Miss Lucille? I heard you scream." Her light brown hair dishevelled, her tone steady yet tinged with concern as she knelt to inspect me.
"I-I am alright... just a nightmare." I said, my voice trembling, feeling her fingers brushing my cheek.
I was certain I had never met her, yet, her gentle touch, grounding presence and comforting scent felt so strangely familiar, as if I had known her my entire life.
"I am sorry for worrying you."
"There is no need to apologise, Miss. Nightmares can be frightful things. Shall I fetch you some tea to help calm your nerves?"
"That'd be so nice of you." I replied instinctively
She seemed a little flabbergasted at my words, though she quickly recovered and nodded. "I shall return shortly, Miss."
It was not until she left that it hit me, she is a maid. Of course she'd expect me to be formal,
I could only hope she'd dismiss it as child's lapse of decorum. But now that she was gone, the unsettling fear crept back in.
I glanced around the room in a desperate attempt to distract myself from this impossible stroke of fate.
The bed seemed enormous, maybe I was just that small now. I couldn't tell. This perspective, the one of a child, just felt so alien to me.
My hands gently stroke over the sheets, feeling the soft fabric underneath. Hearing the creaks on the cold, wooden floor with every step.
Everything felt impossibly real, leaving no room for denial. My gaze wandering on and off the mirrors reflection.
Still struggling to accept this new reality of mine. Only now did I notice the golden frame decorated with intricate ornaments, one only the rich could possibly afford.
I knew that I was just distracting myself. Clinging on to the hope that this is still just a bad dream.
Why on earth would I end up in another world? In the body of a noble, no less? Having been just a nerdy office worker who spend her free time playing Otome games and reading manga.
My amber eyes stared back at me as I absently twirled a lock of my pink hair. When my gaze drifted onto an ornate crest decorating the wall behind me, my chest tightened as it dawned upon me.
That crest..." My voice faltered, the words tumbling out as the pieces clicked into place. My heart sank.
"It's the Lionheart crest." My heart sank like a stone, realisation hitting me like a slap. I was her. Lucille Lionheart. The most ill-fated video game character I knew.
"Calamity" I murmured in shock. "This world... it's my favourite game."
Beating the game was a Herculean task. But living as Lucille? That was a death sentence. No talent, no allies, no chance. A life defined by failure and misfortune. And now, that life was mine.
I clenched my fists in frustration, weakly hitting the mirror. Worst case, I'd die. Best case, I get forced into marriage. What a future to look forward to.
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The morning light spilled through the windows, painting the red carpets in a warm glow. I yawned, dragging my feet down the stairs, still groggy from another restless night.
Another glimpse of a life that didn't quite feel like mine with every passing day, like a fleeting memory fading into my dreams until it inevitably vanishes.
Yet, it undeniably has been my life up until that fateful morning ten years ago. I shook my head,
"no reason to frown about it now," I whispered, the smell of bacon and eggs luring me towards the kitchen.
"Good morning!" I peeked through the doorway, grinning at the sight of Theresa by the counter, stirring something in a bowl while keeping a watchful eye on the sizzling pan.
Even now, years later, I couldn't believe how young she was when we first met, just as old as I am now, barely fifteen.
"Good morning, Miss Lucille." Her tone was as composed as ever, but I could see a flicker of amusement in her gaze as she glanced at me. She didn't even comment on the fact that I was still in my pyjamas.
I crossed my arms, feigning offense. "Not even a word about my improper attire? Are you feeling alright?"
"I've given up hope a long time ago." she said simply, turning back to her work. Her deadpan delivery combined with the slight grin on her face made me giggle.
"Have a seat." She said, placing a plate with bacon, eggs, tomatoes and freshly baked bread on the table.
Feeling the warmth of the bread in my palm as I took a large bite, through the crust into the pillowy inside. Fresh bread just had this unbeatable, slightly buttery, savory aroma.
In my past life I never got to try bread like this, so simple, yet so good just on it's own. But if you then put bacon and eggs on it, it just gets heavenly.
Something so simple yet so delicious, and by no means all she was capable of. Theresa is a phenomenal chef and baker.
Sitting at the table, I couldn't help but wonder how many mornings like this I had left.
The academy was calling, with it would come an entirely new life, far away from this house I had called home for the past almost ten years by now. A small consolation was that she had taught me so much about baking and cooking.
It came quite naturally to me, as cooking has been one of my few hobbies in my past life, however, my bread never quite turned out like hers. I already knew, I'd miss the taste of hers.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed Theresa watching me. "Is something the matter?" she asked, her gaze curious and gentle.
"You look quite melancholic."
"Ah, it's nothing." I waved it off, "much more importantly, what delicious creation are you preparing today?" I wondered. She grinned, excitedly showing me a new cook book.
"This is straight from the capital, recipes from the kingdom far south of us."
"Tiramisu." I read aloud. "Oh, so it's Italian."
"Italian? she repeated, raising an eyebrow. Her confusion lingered for a moment, a cold shiver ran down my spine before I quickly corrected myself.
"I apologise, I meant: "Iterni!" Her gaze lingered on me briefly, but she nodded and let it slide.
I really needed to be more careful. Even after all this time, I still occasionally slipped up.
"I can't wait to try it." I laughed, eager to change the topic, "Can I help with anything?"
Theresa handed me a whisker, "If you must." pointing at the part of the book where it described to beat the egg whites until soft peaks start to form.In my past life I would've sighed at such an assignment,
but here it was no trouble whatsoever, thanks to my wind magic's physical enhancement.
While I stirred the eggs Theresa slowly added some sugar, and just a few moments later we had perfectly white, foamy sweet egg whites.
"The next step is... " Theresa began, glancing back into the book.
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"We really have to wait until evening before we can try?" I asked quite frustrated.
"There should be some cream left in the bowl." Theresa said with a faint smile, as she carefully wrapped the tiramisu and placed it inside the ice box.
I scooped a bit of the leftover cream with my finger, savouring its sweet almond flavour. Grinning, I offered the whisk to Theresa.
"Want some too?" "Gladly," she said, but as soon as the whisk was in her hand, she hesitated.
"Something wrong?" I asked, she quickly shook her head, scooping the cream off the whisk with a spoon instead, I couldn't help but grin,somehow Theresa would even make eating leftover cream as dignified as she possibly could.
"Oh, it's delicious!"
"Isn't it?" I replied excitedly, sliding my finger across the bowl to scoop the last bit cream into my mouth. Theresa stepped closer to me, wearing a soft but amused expression,
"You've got a little..." wiping some cream of my cheek with her thumb. "Oh what will I do with you?" she said, shaking her head with a playful sigh. "At least your only like this with me and Arthur, anywhere else and I'd have to thoroughly lecture you."
"Lucky me that I'm not anywhere else." I said, mischievously grinning.
"That's why I let it slide." Theresa hummed playfully, laughing softly, licking the cream off her thumb with an air of grace. "Also, don't think your off the hook only because you'll leave to the academy in a few months."
"Oh, I'd never assume that." I replied in a mock serious voice, gazing teasingly at her. "I just thought you liked having me all to yourself."
Theresa raised an eyebrow, but there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Your incorrigible."
"But you love me anyway," I quipped.
"That, I do," she said softly, smiling warm enough to make my cheeks flush before I could think of a clever response.
"Are you sure you haven't forgotten something, my Lady?" The voice came from behind me, deep and steady but laced with amusement.
I froze, realising with a creeping guilt what he was referring to. "If you're finished charming Theresa, we can go train."
"I-I mean... I wasn't..." My cheeks burned as I slowly turned around, finding Arthur casually leaning against the door frame. Of course he'd show up right when I was making a fool out of myself.
His arms crossed, his deep blue eyes glinting sharply. He was clearly amused by my attempts to explain myself, thoroughly enjoying my flustered face.
"I'll wait for you in the training yard."
Theresa chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand, "Go on, Lady Lucille, I am sure Arthur won't go all out on you if you hurry."
"Fine, fine..." I grumbled, slipping past Arthur as he straightened up. Bolting down the hallway towards the staircase, climbing two stairs at a time.
In my room I threw on a plain white tunic, its fabric worn out from the countless training sessions, then tugged on my sturdy leather trousers and boots.
Tying my long hair into a ponytail as I was running down the stairs towards the back entrance, which would lead to the garden, and the training ground.
I could already see Arthur waiting for me, holding two wooden longswords in each of his big hands. His massive frame and fitness were both imposing and impressive, especially for someone in their mid forties.
"After all that running you should be warmed up already, let's start with a sword on sword mock battle, enhancement magic only, sound good?" He wore a wide grin, handing over one of the wooden swords to me.
"Alright." I agreed, grabbing the sword, taking a few steps back and took stance, firmly holding the sword in my right hand, feeling the familiar weight as I point the blade downwards to my side.
Arthur on the other hand took a very traditional stance, the sword in both his hands, his blade pointing at me, his feet firmly grounded, ready to lunge at me any time.
Facing him wasn't nearly as intimidating as it used to be anymore, after years of training and countless mock battles fought, it had become more akin to a routine.
I grinned, exhilarated by the challenge, "Ready whenever you are."
"I won't hold back," his words had barely left his mouth when he already lunged at me, his blade slicing through the air towards my neck.
I pivoted sharply to the left, the air humming as his sword missed me by inches. My grip tightens as I swung my blade upward, aiming for his wrist. Only to watch Arthur retracting the sword quickly, blocking my attack with his hand guard.
Making me immediately lunge back, to create enough distance between him and me that our swords now only connect at the tip, both of us putting slight pressure against each others blade.
His grin widened,
"good, let's see if you can keep that up!"
My grip tightened on the hilt, he wasn't going to give me any openings, but I wasn't about to let him control the fight.
I tilted my blade, forcing his aside as I closed the gap. With a quick step to the left and a sharp twist of my wrist, his sword was driven into the ground, my blade now hovering at his neck.
Just as I thought victory to be mine I saw him ducking beneath, the tip of my sword just narrowly missing his head, his fist slamming into my torso, sending me flying backwards, all just within the blink of an eye.
The world spun as I landed hard on the ground, using the remaining force to quickly roll back on to me feet. Thanks to all the adrenaline pumping through my blood and my rigorous training I was able to ignore the immense pain.
Arthur's grin widened,
"Well done! Now, defensive stance!" He commanded,
his eyes glistening with murderous intent. Before I could steady myself he already leaping at me, his sword raised high above this head, ready to strike.
The air seemed to crack as his blade descends, enough force to cleave straight through any half hearted defence. My instincts kicked in, raising my sword horizontally,
gripping the hilt with one hand, while bracing the flat of the blade's upper third with my other. The impact was bone jarring, a sharp crack rustled through the air as our wooden swords clash, his sword bouncing back,
my arms aching from the strain, the pain in my stomach throbbed right where he landed the punch.
But I wasn't about to back down, shifting my weight forward, using the momentum to bounce him back.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
His grin gave way to an insidious laughter, following up with a barrage of light attacks, each one faster than the last. I deflected the first strike, angling my blade to redirect his blade into thin air.
The second strike was aimed at my hip, forcing me to pivot and block the blade, further cracking the wood. A third swing aimed at my neck had me stepping back, narrowly avoiding the blow.
----------------------------------------
"Enough!" Theresa's voice rang out, her voice sharp, full of concern as she ran into the yard, one hand clenched at her side, the other holding her wand.
"Arthur, stop this at once!" Arthur paused mid swing, he seemed dumbfounded at first, but quickly recovered, his soft grin returned, lowering his blade.
"What's the matter? She is holding her own."
"Have you even bothered looking at her?" Theresa snapped, pointing at me. Her voice trembling in anger. Only now did I glance at myself, spotting scratches across my arms and legs,
feeling the pain creeping in as the adrenaline began to fade. I swept my forehead with my sleeve, using my sword to lean on as I struggled to stay upright.
"She's injured!" Theresa continued, stepping closer. "And you've failed to see that, you're supposed to teach her, not kill her."
Arthur shrugged, his grin softening but not disappearing. "Real combat is tough, but it's the only way for her to keep growing." He turned to me with an approving look.
"A boy her age holding them self against a royal knight for just one minute would be considered an impossible feat, let alone a girl managing five."
I wish I could've replied, but the words were stuck in my throat.
"What if she couldn't?" Theresa's wand trembled in her hand, her voice cracking. "Then I would've stopped."
She didn't seem convinced, I tried to speak again, wanting to interfere, but as soon I opened my mouth I threw up. Theresa rushed over, kneeling beside me, "You need to hold still."
Her embrace supported me, pointing the wand at my skin. A gentle, cool film of water spread across it, soothing the burns, covering the cuts, and easing the pain.
The soft glow from her wand flickered, dimming, as she spoke the ancient incantation.
The tip of her wand emitting a soft glow as the magic flew through it into the water, the pain slowly fading and the wound closing up.
"I am sorry I didn't heal you sooner, How do you feel?" She asked,
"much better, thank you, Theresa. I wouldn't know what I'd do wihtout you." I stood back up, firmly holding the hilt, however the sword wouldn't be able to take anymore hits.
Neither would I, my pain was gone, my stomach felt worlds better than before, but that wouldn't last long if we keep going like this.
"No more fighting today." Theresa commanded, "Else you won't get any tiramisu."
"Wow... now you're just being mean." I pouted, Arthur laughed loudly, clearly amused by our batter, not only earning him a rather sour look from Theresa, but also blast with the water Theresa just had used to heal me.
"Arthur, I count on you." His demeanour changed into a played seriousness,
"Of course Ma'am! No more fighting!" He saluted playfully, earning him another water blast. His laughter returned as I bit back a smile,
"Alright, we’ll stick to practicing techniques today," he said, his grin betraying his anticipation.
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"Urgh." I fell on to the grass, my body dripping in sweat, the familiar sting of blisters on my hands making me wish I'd never have to hold a sword again. My breath came in shallow gasps, as I tried to regain control of my shaking limbs.
"Maybe that five mile sprint at the end was too much." Arthur said, as he said down beside me, his heavy frame sinking into the grass. His gaze drifted to the woods,
where the ever-looming grey fog clung to the treetops like a restless shadow, its edges softly illuminated by the fading orange glow of the sunset. I followed his gaze for a moment before I closed my eyes, enjoying a moment of relaxation.
"You did great today," Arthur said melancholically, "At this rate I can send you off to the academy without having to feel bad."
"Heh, does that mean you'll torture me for the last few months I am here?" I giggled, though my voice wavered from the exhaustion.
"Not that you haven't tried your best."
Arthur chuckled, running his hand through his sweat dampened hair. "Perhaps. We’ll see."
The silence between Arthur and me felt like a truce. After hours of sweat and strain, it was almost enough to forget how much my limbs ached.
Feeling the cool spring breeze on my skin, as it carries the scent of grass and earth, stirring a fleeting moment of peace.
The sound of footsteps crunching on the grass made me tilt my head, watching Theresa approaching us with her usual grace,
somehow making balancing a tray look effortlessly elegant, it beat me how she did that.
To my delight, I spotted cups of tea and neatly plated tiramisu.
"I thought the two of you might want a little snack." She said, kneeling beside us with her ever so beautiful smile.
"Wow, that looks amazing!" I said, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten as I sa up straight, "you've outdone yourself, Theresa."
"Oh, you flatter me." She replied, handing me a plate. "I hope it tastes as good as it looks."
My stomach, despite it's earlier abuse, growled hopefully, as I excitedly cut through the soft layers with my fork, I almost felt sad ruining the piece of art on my plate.
As soon as the forkful hit my tongue, I let out a soft hum of contentment. The sweet almond cream, a little kick of alcohol, and just enough bitterness from the coffee to tie it all together.
It was heaven on a plate.
Arthur took his plate with a quiet nod, his gaze softening as he sampled the dessert. Even he couldn't mask his appreciation for Theresa's cooking.
She glanced between us, clearly very pleased, but staying silent.
"Come on, you’ve got to try this," I said, holding out a forkful with an exaggerated grin. "We’ve made plenty, so no need to be shy!"
Theresa chuckled softly at my instance, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, as she took the offered forkfull with a smile.
"Delicious!"
"Isn't it!" I replied beaming.
Arthur leaned back, holding the empty plate in hand while letting out a satisfied sigh,
"If the academy's cafeteria serves food just half as good as this, you'll be spoiled, Lucille."
His words pulled me back to reality. The academy was just a few months way. I tried to hold on to the feeling of comfort of the moment, but the thought lingered.
"I'll miss this," I murmured, the words slipping out unbidden, this town, it's friendly people and most of the all, Arthur and Theresa.
"You’ll do well. You’ve worked so hard for this." she said, placing her hand on my shoulder with a confident smile.
Arthur nodded, wearing his usual motivating grin, "The academy is just another chapter of your life, you'll write it better than anyone.
Their words encouraged me, though, a small knot of worry remained in my chest. Soon this tranquillity would fade, replaced by the all the challenges the academy would have in store for me.
I shook my head, "Yes, you're right!" forming a smile on my face, no use in worrying right now.
For now, I'll savour every moment, and this tiramisu.
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Feeling the rumble of the engine reverberating in my chest, steam hissing around my feet, as I stepped on to the platform.
"A compartment for you has been prepared, my Lady" Arthur said, handing my luggage to a porter. "Please do not hesitate to ask the train staff for anything you need on your journey."
"I shall keep that in mind, thank you Arthur."
I replied heartily, trying to keep up my composure. Wondering how Arthur and Theresa do it, but just a gaze into their eyes shows their facade crumble.
Theresa stepped forward, gently clutching my hands, as she whispered. "Please take good care of yourself, Lucille."
"I will." I whispered, feeling something soft and warm in my hands as she let go of them. A pastel blue handkerchief, embroidered with the lion crest of my family and the letters 'L.L.' carefully woven in golden thread.
The intricate stitching and delicate craftsmanship were unmistakably her handiwork, before could even thank her Arthur stepped forward, removing the scabbard of his belt, offering it to me, in it his trusty long sword. Exactly how he had offered me the wooden long swords countless times.
"Not you too..." is what I wanted to say, but the words wouldn't leave my mouth, as I tried my hardest not to cry.
"Take it, it'll serve you better than me." He smiled warmly, his deep blue eyes betraying his true feelings.
"But, I can't take this."
"I insist." he replied, "I'd feel much better knowing it in your capable hands."
I nodded, "thank you," as I took the scabbard, wrapping my fingers around the cold hilt, feeling the familiar weight of the sword in my hand. Remembering the countless practice swings he made me do with it.
"For all you two have done for me."
"Now now, this won't be goodbye forever." Theresa barged in, wearing her usual friendly smile.
Suddenly the trains whistle blew, conductors running back and forth, screaming through the ever increasing engine noise. "Please get on board. This train will depart soon."
"It seems our time is running out." I smiled weakly, wiping off tears that had formed. The handkerchief calming me down, as its carrying Theresa's scent.
"It seems that way." Arthur replied,
"Go now, otherwhise the train will leave without you." Theresa chuckled,
Their warm smiles as they waved me farewell almost broke my composure once again. Looking back at them once more, before I hastily made way to my compartment.
Placing the sword on the bench and opening the compartments window, waving back with the handkerchief in my hand. Looking out the window I could see them waving back.
While the conductors boarding the train as well, sealing the doors, as the train slowly started moving.
"Make sure to write us, and that you eat enough, and that you take care of your skin." It suddenly burst out of Theresa. "And train properly, and take care of your new sword." Arthur added, grinning.
"Come on you two... don't make me cry again." I whispered to myself,
"I'll make sure to write you!" I screamed, waving as the train picked up pace, and the mechanical noise of heavy machinery growing ever louder, swallowing all the other noise. Only the whistle overshadowing it, blowing as we leave the station.
Only closing the window after I couldn't see them anymore. Immediately noticing how pleasantly quiet it is in the compartment, considering the noise outside. Leaning back into the comfortable seat.
The ache in my heart lingered, a hollow remnant of the goodbyes I'd said, both, in this life and in my previous. Leaving me to wonder what lay ahead in this unfamiliar chapter of my life.
----------------------------------------
A sudden bump pulled me back into reality, the rhythmic clatter of the train wheels had put me at ease. Blinking as I realised how sleep deprived I was. Truthfully I'd barely managed to get five hours of rest last night.
I was just too restless, my mind had wandered from anticipations to fear.
A quick look at the clock revealed that I had slept through most of the train ride, as it's already 4pm.
I straightened my back before taking a look outside, noticing the vastly different landscape compared to where I grew up.
Where the train once passed through mountains and forests, it now travelled through mostly flatland and fields.
Riding a steam train had always been a dream of mine though I'd imagined it'd be a less foreboding occasion.
Obviously I have tried time and time again to convince my father that I didn't need to go there, but... .
“It is a noble's duty to learn how best to serve their kingdom" he declared, leaving no room for future arguments.
I could anticipate as much. And while I had no definite proof yet, I was certain that some of the events in this world were based on the game.
"This train will arrive shortly at Magnolia main station. We hope you had a pleasant journey and wish you a wonderful day."
The conductor's voice crackled through the speaking tube in my compartment.
His announcement snapped me out of my daydream once again, feeling the train slowing down as it approached the station. Watching the bustling streets full of people as the train passes through the main street was nothing short of incredible.
Even Tokyo's busy streets could just barely compare to this, the town was huge, carriages, street cars, people walking and cycling everywhere. The streets seemed chaotic but everyone somehow got along.
I was immediately struck by the baroque style of the building, all the platforms in a huge hall and the incredibly beautiful columns that supported the monumental glass dome, as we entered under the screeching brakes and trains whistle.
Reminding me of pictures from historical European train stations. Getting to experience Magnolia in person truly reflected the game's blend of 18th- and 19th- technology, society and magic much more vividly than my now distant hometown.
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Shortly after someone knocked at my door, a young servant, 12 at best. He informed me that a carriage was already waiting for me right outside of the station, carrying my luggage.
"Let me help you Mister." Pointing at one of my cases.
"Are you sure my Lady? These are heavy."
"It's fine, really." I insisted, stepping forward, gently grabbing the case from the boy's trembling hands. "Thank you for your help thus far." my tone leaving no room for an argument.
"T-thank you, my L-lady." He stammered, as though he was not sure how to behave in this situation.
"It's no trouble, I am just carrying one case." I added with a warm smile. "You're doing the hard part, really."
While walking through the station I couldn't help but notice how elegant the whole building is, yet, how similar it feels to the stations I remember. So many people hastily walking from one platform to another, running through the halls.
Food stalls, small stores with essential goods to the buildings sides, clocks, information boards and even electric light. This building was so fascinating, a shame we never got to explore the inside of it in the game.
I should also mention that this servants ability to navigate us through the crowd while never losing sight of me was astonishing, no seriously, I had no idea how he did that. Thanks to him we reached the carriage just after a short walk.
"What are you doing boy?" The coachman grumbled, clearly upset. "A noblewoman should never have to carry her own luggage."
"Perhaps." I intervened in a gentle tone. "But I am not any noblewoman, I don't mind carrying my own weight."
He seemed a little surprised at first, or perhaps impressed? Nevertheless he nodded respectfully as I handed over the case I was carrying. However the boy simply stared at me as though I had spoken a foreign tongue.
We started moving just moments after I sat down. The carriage making its way leisurely through the bustling streets towards the academy.
Under normal circumstances I'd watch the people outside, but my thoughts kept lingering around those servants.
It baffled me just how little respect those two were expecting. Was it really that strange for a noble to thank someone? If this keeps up, they may start writing songs about 'The noble who carried one of her own cases.'
Back at home, both Arthur and Theresa were totally different. They'd even scold me regularly whenever I messed up, even though they both are servants to my fathers house. Even after I had become of age, this never changed.
The noises became quieter and quieter until the only sounds left were the trotting of the horses and the occasional cable car passing by. It was already late in the evening when we reached the academy grounds, the carriage stopping in front of the dormitory.
Both, the boy and the coachman helped me carry my luggage to my room, this time neither one would complain about me insisting to carry one of the cases myself.
"Thank you for your hard work." My gentle tone still didn't seem to sit right with them. "And seriously, don't let anyone give you any grief for letting me carry my own weight." I added after a moment with a playful smile.
During the carriage ride I thought of a little something for the two of them. To cheer them up and maybe have them open up just a little.
Hence why I had two large copper coins prepared, both worth about a week's salary worth. Offering each one of them.
"But my Lady. We can't"
"Shh, It's a tip" I interrupted him, putting a finger on my lips. "Just keep it between us."
The boy's eyes opened wide, dumbfounded by the money. Nervously glancing at the coachman for approval.
The coachman on the other hand became surprisingly soft. He nodded to the boy, then taking his copper and giving it to the boy.
"Give this to your sister, okay?" He said, wearing an elderly smile. I wondered if they were related in any way.
Both of them thanked me, seeing their wide smiles as they left made me truly happy.
Now that I have been alone I had the chance to explore my room a little, or rather, three rooms. I couldn't deny that some of the privileges some nobles enjoyed were really handy. Not only did I get a similiar bed to what I had back at home.
I also had my own toilet, running water, kitchen and electric lighting. Most importantly however, my own bathtube. Which I will happily make use of, as I felt worn out after such a long day. Privileges the few commoners at this school would not have. Including Amelia, the games protagonist.
From my knowledge about the game I could tell that this should be around the time she arrives at the academy. Shortly after she'll meet the other three romance options.
Then there’s Edward Lionheart, my doting twin brother. Where my magical ability is embarrassingly bad, his is nothing short of incredible. Of course, he’s the poster child for an easy romance, kind and charming.
On top of that, he's a cutie, because of his slender frame, vibrant green eyes and blonde hair I had talked him into my dresses more than once. Honestly, if he wasn't my brother, I might fall for him too.
Then we have the crown pince, William Ascalon. The troubled prince, on one hand his alluring charm, noble status and extraordinary looks draw in a lot of cloud.
Especially his azur blue eyes and masculine demeanor stick out, even though I have to admit that I personally never have been a huge fan of him.
Mainly because of his troubled betrothal with Elise, as both of them being forced into it by the king. Anyhow, because of this only played through his story once, to collect his achievement.
Next we have Tytus Topala, son of the kings right hand. Having inherited his fathers brilliant mind and amazing looks, featuring jet black hair and dark grey eyes. Being raised with the expectation to follow his father's footsteps also has its downsides.
In the game he is of the gloomy type, perceiving attempts to befriend him as a way to get to his father. Only feeling comfortable around his few friends. Amelia would have a hard time getting through to him.
I retracted into the water, water forming bubbles as I slowly exhaled. Lastly, there would also be me, the walking disaster. Personally I see no way in hell she'd even bother.
To be fair, I also avoided all possible interaction with any of them today. Directly going to the dormitory, as I wanted to enjoy this last day before the academy. Somehow it fe a little like the last day of summer vacation.
If it's any close to the game, I would meet them anyway at the opening ceremony tomorrow. The memory of Lucille's infamous debut sent shivers down my spine, a disaster that set the tone of her entire story.
So far I could successfully compensate her flaws from the game. Would my awareness of the game help me to keep this up? Or am I bound to the games fate, just as I had no choice but to attent the academy.
No use dwelling on it now. I clenched my fists and stood. If fate thought it could trap me, it was in for a fight!