7 Part 7 : Chrona

I sat in my carriage, leisurely observing the lush scenery passing by. Square shaped, white interior, luxurious cushions, even a horse pulling it. This carriage was what one would expect of a fantasy setting.

Seeing it all, I felt refreshed and calm. This place was the complete opposite of a big city, and I prefer it this way. Shutting my eyes, I hummed to the music I was fond of listening to in my past life, il Vento d'Oro. 

From the window opposite to mine, Grey curiously viewed the passing scenery as well. Poking his head out the window, his silvery hair fluttered with the wind while his mismatched eyes sparkled, like a curious newborn cat.

Grey turned back and met my gaze, seemingly embarrassed. He proceeded to obediently sit back down to his seat and asked,

"Master, where are we going?"

He looked curiously as he tilted his head sideways. Seeing him like this, I couldn't help but squeal, in my heart of course. Adorning a red cardigan and long black pants, I couldn't help but feel that it fitted his so well. Though the outfit was far grander with ornaments on it, I forcibly removed it all under the displeased eyes of the maids merely leaving it with a white shirt and a tie. 

"We are going to meet the Grand Mage with my friends," I answered.

But Grey looked at me with a confused expression, while placing his right hand on his chin. "...What's a grand mage?"

With this, I guess my speculations regarding mythical beasts being known it alls are debunked.

Looking at him ruffling his hair, a wide grin appeared on my face. and I gently answered his question.

"A grand mage is the highest-ranking mage there is. As of now, there are 6 six Grand Mage with each of them being specialized in one type of magic, though in actuality, they've mastered it all. A Grand Mage's task is to help maintain peace within the country."

"So, a Grand Mage is an amazing being?"

"I guess so."

"Even more so than me?"

...What's with that reply? I do not have much knowledge regarding these things since it hasn't been long since I came into this world. And the info from the otome game isn't much of a help either. But according to legends, a Grand Mage may be able to be on par with a full-grown mythical beast.

Then doesn't that mean that Grey will be stronger?

Suddenly, I felt very fortunate. Thank you, God, Jesus, Buddha, or whatever for giving me the luck to be able to form a contract with him!

"Master! Are you alright-"

Grey paused as I abruptly embraced him, causing him to feel flustered. He stuttered and fidgeted around, not knowing what to say. But I soon pulled from it and pat his head.

"Master..."

Grey tucked on my sleeve, as if not wanting me to let go of him.

I simply chuckled at the sight of his unwillingness and squeezed him one last time before going back to my original position.

At the corner of my eyes, though he was facing away, his beet-red ears could be seen.

I guess age and physical appearance doesn't matter to a beast, to them, we humans might all look the same. And I guess that means that as long as they like us, our physique doesn't matter at all.

The awkward silence was then interrupted by the coachman's announcement.

"Miss, we have arrived."

He briefly stated and proceeded to open the doors for us, where we both swiftly jumped out.

....

As soon as I got out, the figures for Andrew and Clayden could be seen as insight.

"Airene! What took you so long?" Andrew waved his hand and exclaimed.

With Grey in hand, I walked towards their direction.

"Sorry, I'm late." I briefly apologized.

Clayden gestured his hand and patted my shoulder.

"It's fine."

He lazily said.

I focused my gaze towards Clayden's direction and saw behind him, the figure of a small girl.

"Before we begin, I would like to introduce you to my sister, Chrona. She will be joining us to meet the Grand Mage. I do apologize for not informing you about it before this, though."

Chrona then proceeded to introduce herself.

"I heard you lost your memories... I'm sorry about that. A-anyways, I guess it's our first time meeting again. Then, h-hello, Miss Airene... my name is Chrona Clyré Chrome. I'm 4 years old... it's nice to see you again..."

"Likewise."

I replied to her while smiling gently.

True to her looks as a shy character, she only pursed her lips and nodded slightly.

Seeing how unnaturally tense she was, I couldn't help but think, Is she really shy or is she wary of the old Airene?

Her hair was as black as a raven's similar to Clayden's but her eyes were pure white. Strangely, she does not seem to be blind. Upon closer inspection, even that delicate face of hers seemed familiar.

......

Wait a sec... I do know her!

She is one of the main rivals in the game for Klyde's route! She helped the poor Klyde after he got ostracized by his step-sister Airene and became his only friend.

She was hostile to Airene and had a proud upbringing. So the young version of her was full of insecurities, huh? No wonder she turned out like that.

Everyone did change!

Or is it because as of now, nothing major happened and everyone is still kinda okay...

Not bearing the awkward silence, I spoke.

"Well, what are we all waiting for? Let 's go."

As my words fell, I faced the direction of the forest, preparing to enter.

"But before we go, who is that boy with you, Airene?"

Andrew stopped me in my tracks and questioned me. I froze on the spot, think of what alias to use. But in the end, I didn't want to think about it, so I simply spoke the truth.

"He is my contracted spirit. His name is Grey." I honestly answered.

Grey then stepped forward and curtly introduced himself.

In his introduction, he emphasized the part of him being a mythical beast with a sharp glare, aimed more specifically to Andrew and Clayden.

Everyone became dumbfounded upon his introduction. Their eyes went wide open as he mentioned that he is a mythical beast. But contrary to their expectations, he is still just a cub so he isn't as powerful as they think he is, but there's no need for them to know that.

Clayden and Andrew walked over to me and each patted my shoulders and sighed.

With your luck, you can easily ascend the heavens. They both thought in unison.

"Okay, since introductions are over, let us depart."

Everyone nodded and started to walk whilst Chrona walked closely behind her brother's back, like a little duckling following its mother.

Confused about why a shy and reserved girl like that wanted to join us, I took the initiative to ask.

"Clayden, may I ask you a question regarding your sister?"

Clayden didn't reply but instead gazed worriedly to his little sister.

For a moment, silence enveloped the entire area.

Clayden then opened his mouth to refuse, but Chrona tightly held his hand and shook her head.

"Brother, it's fine. I-I will tell her myself."

For the first time, Chrona got out of hiding behind her brother's back and stood close to me.

"It's because I... I am called the disgrace of the Chrome family."

As I heard of something that was out of the plot, widely opening my eyes, I asked,

"Why is that?"

"It's because I can't use magic."

Ah! I remember now! In the game, Chrona was powerful but, she was ridiculed when she was younger. If I remember correctly, it was because of a maid poisoning her that resulted in her restricted flow of mana.

I think she was once at the brink of death, but miraculously, someone gave her the antidote in time, and then she was saved. Later on, it was discovered that she had the immense raw capability in... what element was it again?

Since in my eyes, she wasn't much of an important character. Hence, not paying much attention to her. I only remembered that she was... strong.

About the maid... I think I remember her name, there was a Knox in it. Well, should we improve our relationship, I would gladly warn her. Sadly, if I did so now, she would undoubtedly be suspicious of me suspecting her closest aide.

I grasped her hand and reassuringly spoke to her,

"Don't worry," I said smiling brightly.

"I am sure that you are not a disgrace."

As I said the last sentence, tears started to flow from her two white eyes.

Maybe it's because people had given up any hope on her since magic played a large part in the lives of everyone in this world.

If magic was this important here, why did the stupid old Airene refuse to learn it?

What was circulating in her mind,

I wonder?

_______________

After the confrontation, Chrona picked a new target to stick to, me.

I felt awkward and honored looking at the adorable child that stood directly behind me. Her cheeks flushed and her gaze lowered, exactly like a baby chick that awakened my motherly instincts. Redirecting my gaze to the front, my body trembled and my lips curved to a sweet smile.

The following moments were spent as we continued down the path and followed the trail of mana that lead towards the Grand Mage's residence.

But in the middle of our journey, Grey abruptly looked alarmed, looked back, and suddenly shrieked, catching all of us but for me off guard.

"Master! MONSTERS!"

A large horde of monsters appeared from the distance, charging in from behind us, destroying all the greenery in sight.

Seeing as the horde was gradually coming closer, Grey immediately revealed his wolf-like features and fiercely clawed the monsters at the forefront. The monsters limped around lifelessly, similar to the fictional zombies and ravaged beasts in my old world. No, or to be more precise, like that purple guy in FNAF 4, Michael Afton. That cutscene of the ultimate custom night though... disturbing, to say the least.

Glaring at the monsters fiercely, I stood alert in a fighting stance alongside Andrew and Clayden, who urged Chrona to stay behind him. I may be a girl, but at least I had some knowledge regarding martial arts in my past life plus the fact that I am a 'prodigy' here.

Readying a fireball in the palm of my hands, I squinted my eyes to the rapidly approaching monsters.

Steadying my breathing, I exclaimed in my heart.

Bring it on!