Before the first rays of sunlight touched the window, Elaina awoke from the chair in which she had fallen asleep. Her back and neck ached, a testament to the physical and mental toll of the past two weeks. Dealing with her Lady's love-struck antics had been exhausting enough, but this felt even more draining. Elaina stretched to shake off the weariness and prepare for a new day.
However, when she glanced at the bed, horror washed over her. Her master was nowhere to be found. Panic surged through her. With a sudden dash, she flung the door open, seized the nearest servant, and shook them while shouting.
"Her lady, her lady is gone!" Elaina stammered.
The bewildered servant looked awkwardly at her and then pointed down the long corridor.
"Her lady woke up just a moment ago. She mentioned wanting to visit the garden and watch the morning sunrise."
"WHAT!"
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Originally, Maria had planned to sleep until sunrise, but her stomach growled, as if reminding her not to forget what Tir had said a few moments ago. Not wanting to wake Elaina, who was still asleep, Maria decided to venture out alone. However, she soon regretted that decision because wherever she went, the servants looked at her in shock. One of the servants asked, "Excuse me, my lady, why are you alone? Where is Elaina?"
Due to the embarrassment caused by all the stares, Maria snapped at the poor servant, "Silence! I wish to visit the garden. Don't obstruct my path with trivial questions." Her sudden outburst scared the servant into submission. Realizing that she might have gone too far in displaying her authority, Maria quickly turned her attention to another servant. "You, prepare some food and bring it to the garden, and do not keep me waiting."
Maria's ability to act and give commands to strangers so convincingly was thanks to Elisa's memories. However, the primary reason for her aura was the pounding headache she had developed, worsening her mood by the second. The servants quickly sensed their mistress's icy aura and made way for her.
Navigating the mansion with the help of Elisa's memories, Maria soon found herself in the garden. Though it was still somewhat dark, she could make out the outlines of objects with the faint light from the sun just below the horizon. The atmosphere was quite pleasant, with a gentle breeze carrying the fragrant scents of numerous exotic flowers in the garden. Maria's mood improved as she strolled through the garden.
Once the servants brought out a sun lounger and a table with some food, Maria could relax comfortably and gather her thoughts in the pleasant early morning ambiance. To her surprise, she realized that her headache was related to Elisa's memories. There were some hidden memories that had been concealed beneath a thick layer of more sensible ones. "Perhaps I can access them now because of the effects of the pill," Maria thought. "However, this is quite an interesting situation."
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As Maria contemplated the possibilities presented by Elisa's memories, she saw numerous opportunities to turn this situation to her advantage. Before she knew it, the sun had risen high in the sky, and standing beside her was Elaina, looking down at her.
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Elaina managed to locate her master with the assistance of the other servants. However, once she arrived at Maria's side, she wasn't sure what to do next. Her master appeared to be in good health despite the long coma, and there was no pressing reason to disturb her peaceful slumber in this pleasant atmosphere. It was then that Maria woke up from her nap, and Elaina helped her sit up.
"How are you feeling, my lady?" Elaina inquired.
"I am fine, Elaina," Maria replied, gazing at the beautiful morning sky. Then, as if remembering something important, she asked, "Have there been any updates from my father regarding the prince's announcement?"
Elaina sighed heavily before delivering the news, "Yes, although it's not official yet, our lord has agreed to accept a substantial sum of money from His Majesty to dissolve the engagement with his son."
A heavy silence fell over the garden. Finally, Maria spoke, breaking the stillness, "I need to go to the Academy..."
"My lady, you've just awakened from a coma. I cannot permit you to do that," Elaina protested.
"I'm perfectly fine, Elaina. Besides, my reasons for attending school aren't what you might think. Trust me," Maria reassured her.
Elaina regarded her master’s words skeptically "Very well, but I insist on accompanying you. Our lord has instructed me to restrain you if the need arises. Please keep that in mind."
"Understood," Maria said, settling back to watch the sun-drenched garden.
After making some preparations, Maria and Elaina boarded a carriage and set off for the Academy. Although Maria had seen it in Elisa's memories, witnessing the Academy in person excited her. Unlike the Palace of Knowledge, the Academy was a vast training ground where students gained real combat experience through various scenarios created by their instructors or by engaging in mock combat with fellow students.
Occasionally, students could apply to become direct disciples and receive unique training designed by their teachers. Leila, Elisa's former rival, had received special training from the Academy's principal herself. From an outsider's perspective, challenging her is deemed unwise. In fact, Leila hadn't needed the protection of those "white knights" against Elisa; they had likely intervened to get in Leila’s eyes. It doesn’t seem to work though. Leila was extremely popular, being not only one of the continent's most beautiful women but also highly intelligent and talented. She was considered the primary candidate to become the Church's saintess, destined for significant influence in the future.
Maria had no interest in clashing with people like that. While it had been a matter of love and honor for Elisa, Maria had different priorities. She was more interested in how to exploit the situation Elisa had inadvertently created in her pursuit of love. It might not unfold exactly as she hoped, but there was no harm in trying. Contemplating her plan filled Maria with a sense of happiness. It had been rather dull not being able to engage in mischief, and now that she had the opportunity, she didn't intend to miss it. Regardless of the outcome, she was determined to make the best out of this opportunity.