"Oh, I can see it, Milady."
Hmm...? As I immersed myself in reading a historical book, I inclined my head to see beyond the windows.
The orange sky faintly dyed with violet could be seen veiling walls made from thick stones.
Beyond the fortified walls, standing tall and firm for centuries was a kingdom built on a hill. There were many residences with glaring differences and smaller fort walls were built to create three layers of level.
As the carriage passed through the last inner gate and entered the bottom layer, I realized that the hectic life seemed to go on as always. Hn... I think it's getting rowdier though.
"Where shall we go to?" Mr. Rudolph asked.
"To the Academy of course." I answered.
Mr. Rudolph chuckled and he drove the carriage straight to the intermediate layer. When the guards tried to question us, I popped my head out of the window and waved a hand at them.
"Ah, if it's not the ones who called me 'kid' from before."
They all froze up. Before the butler could react, the two guards' faces paled and they let us pass right there and then.
Heh he. Now that my proof of nobility and my school uniform were seen, these rude guys would not want to have their heads be chopped off. Well, they also watched how I sent Fei flying so they must have realized they picked on the wrong person.
But Mr. Rudolph for some reasons patted their shoulders and muttered something with a smile. Oh, wow. The two guards' faces turned ashen. I wonder why?
In no time at all, the carriage stopped in front of a gate guarded by two stone familiars.
"Hn. This should be enough." I jumped off the carriage with my belonging stored in a case.
Mr. Rudolph also took out a long wooden case, passing it to me with utmost care.
"Indeed, it has been a while. Perhaps nearly half a year."
"Yes. Thank you for your service all this time, Mr. Rudolph."
"As a mere coach, your praise is wasted for me."
No no no... It should be me that is grateful. If I went by myself, the horse would probably run away along with my luggage. I'm actually not good with domesticated animals.
"Then... I bid you farewell, young lady."
"Un! Please convey my message to my parents."
With a humble bow, the butler then left along with the carriage. I waved my hand until the carriage vanished from my sight and when it did, I turned around to see two gargoyles flying toward me.
"Hi, Inferno. Also Shelka." I greeted with a wave of hand.
"I see that you've returned with a promising result, young maiden." The Phoenix lowered her eyes and seemed to smile.
"Indeed. Even your Aura has increased tremendously." The Dragon nodded down.
These two are the guardians of Leimburg Academy. Both were said to be high-ranked spirits possessing physical vessels known as Gargoyles and they were the principal's contracted spirits. Commonly known as Familiars.
"Well, I happened to get a looser restriction to convert my Internal Mana into Aura. It's also become twice faster than before." I shrugged. "Still not enough for me to reach a certain someone's level though."
Both Gargoyles looked at each other and sighed.
"Child, you set your goal too high. Perhaps you should aim at a lower height so as not to rush things."
"Truly, competing with That Monster is no shorter than madness. I recommend you to take a steadier path if you do not wish to die."
Uh... from the way they talked, I guess Fei has gotten even stronger huh? If these two high-class Familiars even said that, then he might already be able to fight on par with Demon Generals.
I exhaled as I realized a headache had struck me. Rubbing my temple with a finger, I cleaned off any pessimistic thought so as not to fall in depression.
"It doesn't matter. Since I decided to be his equal, I will not stop even if it costs me a limb or two."
"...aren't you being stubborn? Child, your life has a long way to go, no?"
"Well, unfortunately, I might actually not have much time left."
The phoenix tilted her head hearing my faint mumble, but the dragon narrowed his eyes and flapped his wings.
"I will report your return to the Wizard. It is safe to assume that you have cleared his job, right?"
...Wow. He understood what I meant just by that alone? This Dragon unexpectedly has a gentlemanly attitude despite him kidnapping me once using a wheat sack. Ah, but... that was the principal's doing so...
"If you can, please burn him a bit. I met another Demon General and nearly died again."
The earth dragon grunted with a thrilled gaze while the phoenix widened her eyes in surprises.
"Indeed, I shall roast him thoroughly then. No matter what, meeting a powerful demon on top of clearing S-Rank Quest is beyond the line of tolerance."
Yep! You sure knew me well, Inferno!! I smiled at the gargoyle and he took a flight straight to the main school building.
"...honestly. Not only that boy, you had quite an adventure as well, child." Shelka sighed in resignation.
"Is that a compliment?" I gave a questioning gaze.
"No. I realized that Age has begun to change now." Shelka answered.
Age? It's true that another year has passed, but is it even worth to feel dejected about?
*boom!* A distant sound of explosion could be heard. Oho, there's even agonized scream.
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"Ooohhh...! My beloved student, you have ret - begyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!?"
Using a punch filled with aura, I blasted the accursed Kinnikuman (muscled man) away upon reaching the principal office.
He flew out of the window and fell with desperate cries. I sighed in relief hearing the crashing sound effects but no sooner than a minute, the macho bastard entered by flying through another window.
Hey, stop destroying school properties! And what's with that Rider Kick!? If it's you doing that, children's hope and dream will be destroyed!!
"Ha ha haaaaa! You sure have grown more and more like your mother!! Even that was exactly like what she did before her wedding!!" He laughed.
Geeehhh... he appeared in my parents' wedding? Even though he's a scum who wanted to laze around and push his responsibilities to others...
"At any rate! You returning means you have good news right? Miss Charlotte."
"You made it as if should I die then the Quest is a failure."
"Well, it can't be helped, no? After all, our Academy is more trusted when it come to favors from nobles."
I see... no wonder why I have my suspicions. I guess this kind of antic is more or less typical of those gold diggers. Still...
"It's actually related to me right? Because I have to know the truth sooner than later."
I put hand on my chest. The principal smiled wryly at me and clapped his hands.
"Very sharp of you, Charlotte. Does this mean you have met Little Iris?"
"She gave her everything to me. Thanks to her, I could live at least for a decade more."
"A decade... Looks like you didn't gain much."
Haa. Blame the Astral Serpent as he could never be killed unless his soul is damaged. By clashing Iris' Soul Essence against his, he could never hope to win using a dead vessel where soul protection is impossible.
From her remaining Essence... or rather, wisdom, I could tell at least that much. From Iris' memories, I learned that the body naturally formed mana to shield the soul and also to bound it with the vessel as long as both of them are 'alive.'
Although, while the body could die, the soul does not necessarily die as it simply became inactive. In the mean time, if the Gods do not take the souls away then with passing time, the soul would be infected by corrupt mana and turned them into evil spirits. In this way, ghouls, banshees and wraiths are born.
Other than that, my case is special because my soul is a Pure Soul, one which does not suit with mortal vessels and it seemed that a Seal was put to forcibly 'bound' my soul with my current body. But since the Seals are trying to keep down my Soul Essence from leaking beyond a certain level, I couldn't access Iris' fully.
Not to mention my past memories of Akamaru Toribe have grown hazier. Given enough time, I probably will lose my former mindset.
"...I guess that's why they suddenly appeared for once in front of me." I mumbled in deep thoughts. "Does this mean I can now live as 'Charlotte Augmund' and nobody else...?"
I do wonder. To be suddenly freed from my past life and another life... I really don't get it. Guess I shouldn't think about it too deeply. I'm me after all.
"So... what now? To be honest, I wanted to rest."
"Ah, yes. The rewards will be given later. There happened to be a hot spring dug out recently behind the dormitory so you can recover from your fatigues."
Seriously!? My mood brightened at once and I was about to turn 180 degrees when I heard an "Ah" from behind.
"Before I forgot... Your younger brother is out with your friends." Principal said.
"Huh... Is he on a Quest?" I tilted my head, surprised that Leon even took the initiative to go outside.
"Something like that." The man with tight fitting robe shrugged.
...haa... Well, to each of their own, right...? If he's with Alia and Anise, he must be on a date. I wanted to peek... I mean, I want to check their progress after half a year.
It would be unbecoming if I, Leon's elder sister, does not know how he behaved when I wasn't around. If he did something inappropriate, it is my duty to discipline him.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
"Well, since there's a hot spring, I can finally loosen my shoulders~"
I hummed and skipped along the way to the dormitory. Of course, my luggage was carried to my room... By the old geezer. I'm pretty sure with Inferno around, he won't act like a rabid dog.
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And so... Here I am! After paying a visit to Yukine-san and putting down my luggage... I was standing in front of bath house!
Now, a hallway connected the dining hall and cafeteria to this place. Before, there was an open space with a tall hedge to separate the female and male behind the dorms but now... There's an oriental-styled bath house made from woods here!!
"It's Japanese-style! to think that there's a bath house in medieval fantasy world...!" I commented excitedly.
But suddenly I heard a laughter. I looked behind me and... there's a man with yukata (summer ver. kimono) grinning proudly.
"Ah, Ikki-sensei! It has been a while!!"
"Same goes to you too, my disciple."
The man rubbed his chin and chuckled. Aaah... this person unexpectedly have some elderly manner. As expected of the Swordsmanship Class' instructor. I wonder what will happen if I said I'm older than him? Ikki-sensei is around late twenties right?
We began to chat and I heard a few interesting things from him.
So the hot spring emerged when a battle occurred. It seemed there were some precocious assassins on the move but they happened to encounter formidable students in the way. They battled and resulted in the assassins' death, plus a crater was formed.
Coincidentally, it was the most fragile point surrounding an underground water channel connected with volcanic ring. So when abnormal shockwave shook the earth...
"So it started off as a geyser and Ikki-sensei widened it?" I stared at my teacher in daze.
"It took me a while though. I had to be careful so as not to dug the volcanic vein." Ikki-sensei answered. "And I had to ask for Galahad-dono's assistance too."
But it's still amazing! Making a bath house and opening up a hot spring is definitely the best for me! My Japanese spirit is flaring up you know!? How long do you think I lived without savoring a relaxing bath in a hot spring?
"C-can I use it? The hot spring..." I pointed with glittering gaze.
It looks like I couldn't stop my excitement as Ikki-sensei raised his eyebrows before rubbing my head.
"Of course you can! Take your time, my disciple!!"
"Uwah...!? S-stoooop iiit! My hair will turn messy!!"
"Hah ha haaaa! You'll end up diving into the hot spring anyway!."
Gyah! To think that this man could be so childish...! Give me back my respect!!
"Besides, at this hour, nobody would use it anyway so you can use the whole place for yourself!"
Seriously!? Then I won't hold back!! I'll swim even if I were glared at by others!!
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"Wow... This place is huge..." I commented after I opened the sliding door and entered the vicinity of the hot spring.
A rectangular fence made from wooden planks stood tall to ensure privacy, the humid steams rising from a spring surrounded by polished river rocks brought a waft of sulfur and my bare body tingled upon the familiar sight. Of course, I'm wearing a towel to cover myself in case somebody is around but as expected, no one would bathe once it's past the curfew.
"...and the water temperature is just right." I nodded down after I dipped my fingers into the hot spring.
My reflection could be seen clearly and I couldn't help myself from smiling widely.
"Alright. First is cleaning my body!"
As the first step to enter a hot spring, it's a must to clean myself with clear water! I took a wooden basin from the corner and filled it with water through magic.
Although there is an external source coming from a well but it's easier to use magic to draw out the water. After filling the basin almost completely, I raised it above my head with both hands... and poured it down.
"Unh... It's cold...!"
The water poured down on my naked body, wetting my hair, my face, my limbs, my chest, my back and everything else. Once done, I shook my head to wring out the remaining drops of water on my bangs and face.
"Next... is this!" I grabbed the towel, revealing myself while wrapping the item neatly.
Putting the towel on my head, I paced toward the hot spring and slowly dipped my body starting from my legs. Then my lower body and...
I submerged into the steamy spring up to my shoulders.
"Nnnhh....." I exhaled deeply. " Haaaaa... This is paradise......"
Ignoring my comment which sounded like what an old man would say, I feel... soooo relieved! It's to the point of loosening my stiff shoulders!!
"Uhu hu...! This is onsen, alright...! It can't compare with steamed bath!!" I giggled as I stretched my legs underwater.
Honestly. I can't believe I would experience this sensation again in Magnis. Although the Continent has the 'Super' tag attached to it, where the hell can I find a hot spring other than in volcanic regions often inhabited by dragonskin?
It's even more dangerous when knowing that mountains are places with strong density of corrupted mana. Lots of monsters are fond of them like in Fenrir Mountain Range.
"Maybe that's why people rarely tried to make settlements near mountains here." I muttered. "It's not like mountains are the only places to live in, anyway."
The only kingdom daring enough to do that is probably Raumia alone. Knowing how tough its magical barriers, numerous fort walls and soldiers, I don't believe it could be conquered so easily by hordes of monsters.
Even more, although corrupted mana is more or less pollution, the only reason why it existed would be because of the aftereffects from the Dark Age. Apparently, higher places were where many powerful beings fought by executing earth-shattering techniques.
And if a technique that drained mana from the surrounding in large quantity and in short moments was used, the environment will lose vitality as well as resistance against Evil God's influences at once.
"As a result, life in that region distorted while accumulating mana tainted by the Evil God's power."
"'Diversity of Mana and Its Influence to Nature' by Mulberry A. Teilua. I never thought Milady would read a book suitable only for scholars."
"But the content is relatively easy... At least easier than the boring history textbook..."
"I see. So Milady hates history..."
"Un... Too many terms to remember - are?"
I turned my head to the source of voice. It was way too familiar that I didn't hesitate to confirm who was there and...
"...what is it?"
A young man was there. Standing in front of the hot spring, he was exposing his nude body and showed off his well-built muscles.
While there were no excesses, they weren't too thin. Just the right balance to make the impression of 'healthy and fit' apparent but this guy added his first-class looks to quadruple the favorable impression!!
My jaw dropped as the steam began to dissipate. I could recognize the black hair wet with water, the pair of obsidian grey eyes reflecting my figure, and...
"What is it? Is something wrong, Charl?" He questioned with a terribly familiar petname! And it even carried a hint of mischievous tone!!
I instantly leaped backward, the disturbed water surface made waves and I yelled.
"F-F-F-Fe... Fei...!? Why are you here!!?"
I pointed out yet the Seventh Prince of Raumia sighed.
"Keep it down. It's already late at night and..."
And...? My heart thumped wildly and my mind began to short circuit. While the steam was blown away by the wind bits by bits...
"You know, I can see it clearly."
The moment he said that, the steam vanished, erasing the wall between us completely and I...
Inevitably saw Fei in full glory while he saw me in the same way.
"...."
"...."
Blood rushed to my head. My body heated to the brink of melting, and as if a spark was lit up inside my mind, my lips trembled before moving to...
"K-kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh?!!!"
I once again screamed like an adolescent girl(?) as I am. Perfectly like one without any missing beat nor tone too.
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A/N: it's an Event CG! It's a cliched scene!! And who cares!?
Since I obtained some free time, I have the right to release a chapter! Well, to be honest, during exams, I was constantly struck with nightmares that my stories are effing bad and I should quit~
Seriously, the nightmare just continued to appear every night and I lacked sleep... And the ceiling cracked so my bed is like a salvaged good from the deep sea (it's wet season now.)
Other than that... well, I guess. I'm sorry I have no courage to read the reviews. My tension is a bit unstable every time Exam Period happened. I know, I'm a coward, a wimp and whatever thing you may label me as but God, I hate how I have to use the formal and correct vocabulary else I will get subtraction in the exam.