-Lily's PoV-

I woke up from my sleep with a yawn.

A dreamless sleep. I had stopped dreaming for... How much time had passed? I think, six years have passed now.

Looking to the left, I saw another bed across from mine, the figure of my roommate rose and fell within the embrace of her blanket. To the right, light pierced through the gap between curtains, illuminating the dorm room with warm glow of sunlight.

I smiled as I greeted the day.

"Ah, Lily! Over here!!"

Once I changed into my uniform, woke up my roommate and departed to fetch my breakfast, I met my friends in the dining hall. I greeted the older girl with maroon pink hair and nodded to her blue-haired friend.

"Good morning..." I said, taking a seat after placing my tray on the table, but then I noticed. "News...? Has any... arrived...?"

I was speaking as awkward ever. I hoped that my voice reached the two. I didn't want to act so timid but my throat always hurt when I raised my voice. I hated pain, thus I always kept everything to myself unless it was necessary.

Anyhow, Miss Anise, the one who waved a greeting to me answered first.

"Yeah... Everything is so boring without Charl and Leon here."

So she said. As she slumped her chin onto the table, she grumbled while rocking her body. She even swung her legs below the table.

"Nothing can be done," Miss Anise's friend replied while closing the book she was reading. "Charlotte is doing an important mission on behalf of the Royalty. But then again, a fool chased after his sibling because a prince was by her side."

What a bothersome thing, Miss Alia complained. Her furrowed eyebrows and pursed lips emphasized her current mood, but I tilted my head.

"It's The fourteenth time now."

"Mph!?"

"Oh... Yeah. You've been brooding that often, huh?" Miss Anise snickered. "You told Leon that the mission stuff feels suspicious...! Alia, are you-"

Faster than blinking, gushing water burst forth and sent Miss Anise flying across the dining hall, her shocked scream traveled fast but fading away in the air. Until she crashed, I gaped just like everyone else who's in the vicinity.

"Say that again." Alia hissed, "I dare you, Anise! Say that again!!"

Eeeeeh!? Wh-why is she the one who's shouting!? This is one-sided! What Miss Alia did was an aggression without justification!!

"Please stop...!" I shouted from the top of my lungs.

But—

"Mwahahahahahaaaaa! I got it right! You must have fallen in lo—mgyaaaaaaaaaah!?"

Ah...! Miss Anise...! She got sent flying out of the dining hall through the ceiling! A-a spring suddenly emerged from below her! What was that spell!?

A spell that powerful couldn't have been done without at least a four-words chant! Is Miss Alia capable of using chantless magic up to Intermediate-class Elemental Spell now!?

But... But that's impossible! History book and my mentor told me that only a dozen human Mages could do that! Am I witnessing the birth of a legend, right at this place and at this very moment!?

"Hey! Stop making a mess in this place, you brats!!"

Oh... The cafeteria lady is mad now...

Still, once the storm has passed, morning went on without anything odd happening. Well, I heard the distant sound of something exploding from the school building, some tremors and students flying to the air from the direction to the fields, and squabbling nobles resorting to duels only to get caught by the disciplinary committee...

In all, nothing unusual. After I went on my own direction, separating myself from my friends, I began to sprint forward-

"Oof!?" My face struck something hard before me.

My body was small and weak so it was I who was knocked back. With a thud I fell on my butt, and I whined in pain; my books and notes scattered everywhere.

"Ah?! A-are you alright?" A feminine voice reached my ears.

A shadow fell upon me. I looked up, only to find out that the person I bumped in to was a girl older than me, but not older than Miss Charlotte.

But that red hair... and that face...! N-not good. It's her...! It's... The person... From the Volhausen family...!

"Huh? Aren't you..."

Oh no! She noticed! I have to go!!

"Ah... Ah, yes. I'm... I'm fine!" I quickly recovered my belongings, stood up, dusted my skirts from the dirt and bowed down deeply. "I-I apologize for my terrible conduct, Lady Volkhausen! P-please excuse me-"

"Wait!"

My heart almost stopped beating. My steps were halted, and I froze in place as the command from the noble entered my mind. It was unfair. Why did this have to happen to me...?

"Ah... Umm..."

...I didn't want anything to do with this... I passed the exam with all of my efforts, and I befriended people that didn't find my appearance as strange at all. So why? What did I do wrong for me to encounter a part of the Royal Knights who were only two lines away from the throne...?

'Don't you dare look down and shame yourself like that. You're not normal, but do you think that kind of thing dictates your life?'

...

Uuu... Why? Why is that cruel person's words echoing inside my mind...? Now I can't escape. But... Even if I did, I wouldave committed bigger mistakes too. To disobey a noble's calling would destroy my peaceful school life, so...

I took a deep breath in, and I turned around. "Y-yes...? Can I h-help you, Lady Volkhausen...?"

I have to... be strong. I don't want to be insulted by him again. I hated being looked down like that. This is... the only path left for me.

"Ah... Well," the older girl with red hair encasing her slender figure stilled, her eyes swimming away. "You are... One of the people acquainted with that Augmund girl, aren't you?"

......Huh? It wasn't me that she had business with? I almost breathed in relief but then I realized. The second daughter of the Volkhausen family, she possessed... unhealthy rivalry with Miss Charlotte.

They were roommates, and they argued a lot every night. It was a blessing that Lady Volkhausen was a senior so they never studied in the same class. Even then, they never stopped displaying hostility whenever they encountered each other. It was a truly unhealthy relationship.

But that all lasted until the Spring Incident and Miss Charlotte was relocated to a room closer to the infirmary due to her poor health condition. I wonder why she wanted to talk about her? Especially after his Highness the Seventh Prince accepted Miss Charlotte's confession...

Ah, but they have never announced it in front of the public, and they didn't want to do that so soon. I think it was because unnecessary publicity would cause drastic change in the kingdom's political strives...

"Say, are you listening?"

Uh! O-oh no! Have I just committed a grave mistake?! I immediately answered that I was listening and waited for Lady Volkhausen's response while fidgeting. A grand sigh was expelled; I flinched.

"...There is no need for you to be so tense. I am simply curious so if I am bothering you, please do say so." The noble placed a hand on her hip.

"I... I cannot be so impudent...! A commoner without honorable background such as I could never...!"

Just listen, with force that overwhelmed me, the older girl silenced me. But I could tell that this would go nowhere if I continued panicking. I... have to calm down...!

"Under...stood..." I whispered, sucking in my lips while recovering my breaths. "What would... you like to know...?"

The member of the Student Council nodded. There was a different air drifting around when she crossed her arms under her chest. I knew that nobles cared for their appearances and reputation to a certain extent, but the only noble I was close to had never displayed such aura of regality...

"Is it true that the girl is accompanying his Highness the Prince for a very important mission...?"

...Eh?

"Um...?" I muttered. "I do not understand..."

"Please do not play dumb. I am certain that you have been told as well."

...Uh? It was true that Miss Charlotte explained that she was going to be out of the Academy for a while again, but...

"I... It is true that I was told about it, but... I do not know... of the specific." I expanded on my previous words, "I was told that the content of the mission is... Classified. So I don't... Know the details of it."

I tried to look up at her, wishing to know that I could at least prove my sincerity. But I... Didn't expect the noble before me to bite her nail while knitting her eyebrows together.

What is that, she mumbled. What does this mean, she added. Why her and not me, she murmured irritatedly.

It was... The situation was getting dangerous, so I immediately raised my voice.

"Um...!" I exclaimed, "I'm sorry, but classes will start soon...! Please excuse me!!"

"Huh - ah, yes-"

Not even hearing her words any longer, I bowed down and sprinted away. I didn't even give myself the chance to think of anything since a slip up might spell my end. But once I arrived in the school building, I passed by one of the faculty member.

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

It was the teacher who will give lesson in regards of my specialized class this afternoon. She called out to me. What could it be, now--

"Miss Lily, I advise you to change your equipment for my class," the teacher said. "You have exceeded your classmates by two years' worth of credits, so I will tutor you personally."

H-huuuuuuh!?

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"Uuu... I can't believe it."

While looking up at the blue sky, I saw the outer wall of the Lower Layer. Realizing that the carriage could only brought me so far, I knocked on the ceiling made of wood. There was a set of signals to instruct the driver when one is riding on a horse carriage, and I've learned them so much it will be second nature for me.

Hard work can truly pay off, just like what my guardian said. With such thought crossing my mind, the carriage halted and I left

"Please watch your step, young lady," the carriage driver said, a tinge of concern apparent in his friendly voice. "It will be a great loss should you be hurt."

E-eh...? What do you mean by that?

It was obvious that heat already reached my cheeks when I strutted and stumbled. I turned around, somewhat glaring at the person who I had befriended with after months of encounters and conversations. The man tipped his hat and laughed heartily. Uuu...! He's making fun of me again!

"Now now," the man said. "I believe you have an urgent business in the lower layer. Dilly-dallying will do you no good, Lady Lily."

"Th-that is...!" I paused, took a deep breath in, then exhaled. "Why are you adults always so unfair...?"

Again, the man laughed, his cheeks loose and his gaze was full of mischiefs. I couldn't believe that this person is actually a retired knight who once taught the members of Royalty arts of combat...

"Well, it is time for this old bone to leave." The hat tipped aside. "As scheduled, I shall be here in three hours. Make sure you are here before then, young lady."

He motioned a nudge. For some reasons, his gaze wandered so I followed his direction. It turned out that behind me, there were two knights in light armors with spears in hands. Huh... Those similar faces... I recognized those two.

"Adler, Arnold. Make sure you do your job."

"Yes sir!"

"We will ensure Lady Lily is safe and sound during her visit!"

H-huh?! Why are you two so spirited!? I am merely a commoner, not a noble! There's no need to go that far, right?!

But ignoring me, the three men nodded together as if they were in agreement about something. Then, the man who brought me here returned to the Academy.

"Well," the auburn-haired knight, Sir Adler muttered. "Shall we go, Milady?"

"Our destination is the magic item shop, right? Or would you like to go somewhere else after it?" His comrade and brother, Arnold added, turning his broad back to me.

I looked at them for a bit. They were the knights in charge of guarding the gate which lead to the Lower Layer of the kingdom. However, their duty included a rotation patrol, and they must escort any scholarship student should one were to leave the Middle Layer. Especially those of the general class.

It reminded me that despite my standing and background, I was actually treated better than in the past. With a small smile, I inclined my head and lowered it down.

"I... I would like to buy a few things first. Can I?"

The two knights -- older than me and my seniors, replied in kind. Their gazes were warm, so much that it made me nervous when they steadied their selves and led the way, their armors making a clinking of melody.

"Of course you can. Now, which store will you go to first?" Sir Adler asked back.

...I think, this outing will be enjoyable.

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And it was proven true.

My words, that is. I... First we went to the shop situated near the gate. It was on an elevated ground, small in size yet possessing a relaxing atmosphere. I had been there every month, but I couldn't get enough of seeing various trinkets on display.

"Here you go, Lily," the owner of the shop said, pushing a thin leather bag of items on the counter. "Writing utensils and a couple of C-Class magic scrolls."

I checked over the items. The quill, ink, and parchments were there. I took up classes such as scribing and geopolitics so it's no wonder that I always ran out of materials. Not to mention that this year, I've taken up magic theory class which focused in the application of contracts written with magic. I think it's also known as Geis...

"Mm. 120 silver coins, is it?" I handed the storekeeper a dozen of silver coins, just the right amount for the items I bought.

She counted the coins valued at ten silver for each coin, scooped them up in one hand and smiled. Though past her prime, she was always energetic. And her laughter... It was lovely.

"Thank... You." I said, doing my best to make sure my voice didn't come out weak.

The storekeeper stared at me, raised her hand, and then rubbed my head. I yelped, but there was no strength in her touch. In fact, it felt nice, had I not noticed the silver strands above my eyebrows. I recalled, flashes of fire, the scorched earth... and echoing wails.

"I have ordered some exclusive items so when they arrived, be sure to check them out, okay?"

I didn't know what to say. At this moment, my focus was split in two, and I couldn't even pay attention to what the woman said.

But I faintly reacted. I think, no matter what happens, it is best to do something rather than doing nothing at all. I had sworn a long time ago.

And so I nodded, leaving the store in a hurry but only to be stopped by the sight of the gatekeepers.

"Have you finished, Lady Lily?" Sir Adler asked, his voice silvery as always.

"Adler, you should quit while you are far ahead," seeming to have noticed my discomfort, the brother of the man exasperated. "The lady is off your courtship. As if we lowly knights have the right to even talk in such a manner to her."

"Hey hey! Even I know that!"

"No, you don't."

"I do!"

"You don't!"

"I do!!"

Ah... Uh... Now they started to banter. Fighting isn't good. I have to prevent it...

"Umm... Please don't mind me. And I would like to... Hurry."

The knights shrugged. But they smiled a content smile and accepted my suggestion. Somehow, the silent recognition embarrassed me even more.

After all... I... Am a commoner. It doesn't feel right, somehow, to have nobles to bow down to my whims... Even though I was told that it is my privilege from now onwards... I just don't get it... I couldn't get used to it.

Why does it even matter, in the first place...? Isn't respect... Earned, not obtained?

Just as my train of thought halted due to the increasing amount't respect... Earned, not obtained?

Just as my train of thought halted due to the increasing amount of confusion, the clanking of armors stopped. I looked up, finding myself before a three story building made of brown woods. It had a wide entrance, and people entered and exited the building, most wearing various kind of armors and weapons.

The most prominent feature of them, however, are the thin plate of iron hung around their necks. Some had theirs made from cheap iron, other from silver, and a few from gold. They were familiar... to me.

"Here we are," Sir Arnold stated. "The Adventurer Guild. Shall we hold on to your belongings and wait outside, my lady?"

Uuu... He addressed me like that again...

"Yo, bro! Who was it that said I should learn my lesson already, huh?" Sir Adler rang a question, smiling a manic one.

"Excuse me, but this is the most appropriate basic courtesy," his dark-haired sibling replied. "We have been ordered to treat scholars at Lady Lily's caliber with the utmost respect. It will not do if our loyalty strayed away like the other fools did."

Loyal...ty...? I tilted my head, but unexpectedly, the two knights stared back at me. I barely held back a shrill gasp. Did... did I just let the word slip out from my mouth? Again...?

"Excuse me," Sir Arnold bowed. "But please make no mistake. No matter what, we knights only serve those worthy of our causes. And you, Lady Lily, has proven that you are worthy to lord over us."

Wh-what!? H-how is that possible!? I am not a noble! How come I suddenly have knights serving under me...!?

"Oy, you idiot. The little mistress is confused now. Knock it off." Adler sighed.

In contrast, his brother muttered a 'huh' with a blank face. It was as if he didn't understand anything at all, making him to heave once again.

Meanwhile, I could do nothing but to watch as events unfolded before my eyes.

"Now listen here, bro. Things might not be good 'up there' but changing the rhythm the way you do isn't going to cut it," Sir Adler shook his head. "Doesn't matter how, making people uncomfortable is not how we do our job!"

...Up there...? Making people uncomfortable...? I was about to wonder what did that mean until the lessons I've been taught with resurfaced. Before I knew it, my mind had already linked everything the dots and I muttered out of reflex.

"Has something happened... In the ranks of the nobility...?"

I wasn't sure if I did the right or wrong thing. I simply noticed, since the people in the Intermediate Layer were busy talking to each other in hushed voices lately. At the Academy, many students hailing from influential lineage discussed about something related to the Court, and it extended to my classmates who were gifted commoners.

But that didn't make sense. The Royal Court was composed of the nobles born in this land and have been serving the Royalty ever since the dawn of this kingdom. While they rarely appeared in front of the public, their decisions were always given to everyone and the inner mechanism of the Court was made as clear as possible, all thanked to the current reigning Queen.

I was quite certain that the Court has made no more order excepting the mobilization of an expedition army to slay a rampaging Dragon... But isn't that a normal thing to do? The knights are meant to protect the kingdom's interests and the people, after all...

"...Well, now she's curious." Sir Adler scratched the back of his head.

"Yes. And it's all because of you." Sir Arnold retorted with a press of emphasis.

"Nope. Both of us screwed up, so we have no choice but to answer."

"...Hm, I guess that too is within the rulebook for us."

The two men sighed, making me concerned. But one of them finally locked his gaze with mine. I nearly forgot to breathe because I didn't like being stared at all of a sudden, but...

"Actually, Lady Lily. Have you noticed something strange happening in the school grounds?" Sir Adler asked.

I blinked, not knowing the meaning behind it. Why would that... Oh.

"So something truly happened...?" I muttered in reply, my tone of voice lowered by a few degree.

"Not exactly, but everyone up there has been... Well, restless." The knight looked up at the castle atop of the hill. "There have been various rumors flying around. Most of them aren't pleasing to hear either."

"...For example...?"

To my question, Sir Arnold chose to answer it. His gaze was... hard. Why?

"Due to the unclear circumstance not even we are allowed to pry in, I believe that it is best to take not what others said seriously, my lady."

Ah... Is, is that so? I wasn't one to treat someone or something based on rumors only. It would be rude and I hated it whenever people gossipped as if the subject of their conversation couldn't possibly have heard of it.

That malice... I couldn't accept nor acknowledge it. Ever.

"Alright..." I raised and sunk my head. "Th-then, I will not... ask again too..."

"Eh, if it's Lady Lily who's asking, then it is our pleasure." Sir Adler grinned.

"As you command, my lady." Sir Arnold placed a hand on the left of his chest.

Once there was nothing left to be said, I requested the two knights to take care of my belongings. Only after that was done that I entered the building commonly known as the Guild.

Inside it, people's voices boomed. High and low. Rough and serene. Friendly and intimidating... All sorts of voices from all sorts of people filled the air.

I glanced to the side, seeing a red-skinned man from the north marching down the stairs. At another side, an elven woman conversed with her team nearby, while others from various places went about their business without a shred of care.

Ahead of me, at the end of the room was a square cubicle; the Guild counter meant for the staffs to manage registration of Adventurers, acceptance, clearance and refusal of quests, and information. Next to it, however, was a large wooden board with pieces of papers—the Quest Board. As always, it was crowded.

But I didn't come here to register myself as an Adventurer, or putting up a Quest. I made a beeline to the counter and talked with the information staff.

"Umm... Can I ask if Franze Ardent... is here?" I asked.

"Oh?" The staff tilted her head. "Ah, welcome again, Lily. Same as always?"

I nodded my head twice in a row. I didn't need to express myself further than this. After all, I have visited this place once every month. Though I rarely talked with others, and that I was never here for business the Guild dealt with.... My presence is still welcomed, and accepted.

That's why I liked this place. Even more so than my home... And even more so than the Academy. I felt at home only in this place where nobody paid special attention to their identities or past.

Here—everyone is equal. And equality is a good thing to have. It always is.

After waiting for a while, the staff lady returned and told me that the person I was looking for was upstairs. The second floor was mostly meant as a bar, so he might be entertaining everyone with his tales and music.

It's a perfect timing. I missed uncle's song...

"Thank you... Again." I gave my gratitude.

"En. Well, then..." The lady waved her hand, smiling.

I went to the second floor, the wooden stairs creaking as I almost skipped my way through them. I couldn't stop a wide smile from growing on my face as my heart pounded in excitement and longing.

I had been busy. So terribly busy that I almost never thought of going outside for trivial matters. Of course, I still hung out with my classmates and upperclassmen but it had a different feeling with meeting and bonding with my surrogate parent.

I, who was saved from the jaws of death, and picked up by someone who I could earnestly consider as a family member to me... My life had been filled with so many colors and my world expanded beyond recognition; so much that I lost track of where I should go.

...I have gone through many things, now. Perhaps I should retell uncle from when we first met Miss Anise and Miss Alia, and our reunion with Miss Charlotte to the present days...

There were so many things to say, and so many things to know. That was why... That was why I was surprised.

"Heeh... You sure have a way with words, Missy."

Surrounding a round table, occupying a chair was a man with light viridian hair. His clothing was colored green and it was tailored to suit his role as a minstrel. A musical instrument was slung over his shoulder, having several strings with a hole meant to echo the produced melodies.

"Oh no, this is nothing at all."

A laughter ensued. It was beautiful, but I felt my skin shuddering. Despite the rowdiness the other Adventurers were emitting, I wondered why and how did I pick up the soft laughter.

In a few seconds, I realized that the smile I had died on my face. I blinked, almost wondering if I was dreaming or not. After all, nobody was making a ruckus, and not even the minstrel made a fuss about it.

But that was impossible. That's not possible. How can this be happening?

As my breath hitched, the girl seated across my ward turned—meeting my gaze.

I saw the color of dull grey. I saw black, lustrous hair flowing down. I identified the extravagant dress befitting only those with wealth could ever afford... But that face reminded me of a painting hung on the wall at the Academy's main school building.

It was familiar but not. I have seen it but I have never seen her in the flesh. This shouldn't have been possible! How is this happening!? The person before me...

It was... It was...!

"Your Majesty... The Queen...?!"