A New Friend?

"Please give me time to think about it," said Leena, who stood up. "As for your arrival here, I won't tell anyone and will tell Pierre to keep his mouth shut about it."

Adriana watched the saddened back disappear from her sight. Then she sighed heavily and rested her head on the table.

As much as she wanted to tell Leena everything, she couldn't. It would be too suspicious if they just revealed everything at once.

Adriana looked at her palm and told herself everything will be alright. The rest will be their problem to fix. Though it would be better if it would come sooner. Time is running out for Adriana.

"It seemed like you pushed yourself too much. Despite saying those harsh words, your like you don't care. Your face says something else," Astell dropped his coat around her shoulder. "Keep yourself warm."

"My face? I don't think I'm showing anything right now," Adriana answered back.

"It's your eyes," said Astell. "I can see it."

"If you were in her position, what would you do? I know the pressure is something not everyone can handle with ease. But then, you should make a decision when the time comes."

"I would hesitate. Yet, if it is for those who I love. I would stand tall and accept it," answered Astell, who slipped his fingers in her hand and held it. "Now, I don't think dinner will be served. Should we make our way back home?"

Adriana griped their hands tighter and nodded her head. "Yes, we should make our way back home."

After three days, Adriana received a letter from Leena saying she had successfully manifested the powers from the Great Tree.

It was no surprise, and Adriana had anticipated it. The answer was simple Leena is a kind person. There was no way she would allow the end of Neuville Groove.

At the same time, she might have discovered Pierre's true identity. Well, as long as everything works, but then Leena had a requirement. It was simple, but she had never had one before.

"Under one condition. Lady Adriana must become good friends with me. Sincerely, Leena Bryfiel," read Astell, who laughed after. "As expected from her. What will you do, Ana?"

Adriana looked like a child who seemed extremely confused about which road to take. It was a yes or no, but obviously, she had to say yes.

"I don't have a choice. Also, I feel like I can trust Lady Leena since you've known her before," responded Adriana as she got the letter back from Astell.

"Leena is a nice woman," compliments Astell while Adriana looks at them with a nonchalant face.

"Hmm…I see," pondered Adriana, who seem not to like it. But then again, if it was from the past. Those two would have gotten married because of her.

Astell chuckled and got up from his seat. He went behind her and slipped his arms around her neck. He poked her forehead and asked.

"What's wrong? Are you jealous?"

Adriana pinched his arm, which he let go of and groaned, but he smiled, liking that Adriana got jealous.

"Nonsense," answered Adriana. "Lady Leena wants to meet up again. But in a different place. It would be dangerous for us to meet in Neuville Groove."

"Hm… wouldn't the Helene Mansion be an excellent choice to meet up?" Astell asked Adriana, who did not look like she agreed.

"Are you alright with it?"

"I should be asking you that," insisted Astell. "I don't care about the rumors, but I don't like others talking bad about you."

"I don't care about it. The nobles can talk bad about me. And once light cones, it will be entertaining to watch their faces twitch."

Astell couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. Right, the woman he married doesn't get offended by rumors and others. Rumors to her are like her playmate.

To tell the truth, there were times Astell pitted those nobles who were being played by her. Just thinking about it made his hair rise.

"Ana, are you perhaps a?" Paused Astell, who changed his mind last minute.

"Hm?"

"Nothing."

The letter was sent immediately, and in time they met once again. And how those two acted seemed like their problems had been solved. However, the next problem arose.

"To be honest with you. I do not know how to help you," Leena scratches her cheek while Pierre glares at Adriana. "Pierre, I told you to stop treating the lady that way."

Pierre made a 'tch' sound and crossed his arms. If he continues to act this way, Adriana will give him a new nickname.

With the help of Astell, bringing their chair closer. Adriana asked for Leena's hand. They stared at each other. Which intimidated Leena a bit. It was her first time being this close to Adriana. And the only thing she could say was. Adriana looked like a goddess.

Her red eyes looked like rubies. And her long wavy black hair that waved like silk. Leena compared herself with Adriana and thought she would stand no chance against her.

"I want you to focus and gather your mana into your core," instructed Adriana, and Leena followed. To keep herself more focused, she shut her eyes. "Feel and imagine the mana flowing into your core."

"Core, do you mean the heart?" Questioned Leena.

"Yes."

Leena imagines the color of her mana. It was gold with a mix of light green. She inhaled and exhaled as she stabilized her breathing.

As she continued to feel the mana flowing around her body. She could feel her body feeling lighter.

It was her first time feeling her mana this way, and it was incredible. Her body felt lighter, and her mind seemed to be clearer.

When Leena opened, her eyes sparkled, impressed with herself. So this is how it feels to be able to use magic.

"I don't think you can help me. Your mana is still weak. It'll take months to fully master it unless, if you are a genius, a month would be sufficient," said Adriana.

"Then I'll practice every day," Leena spoke with enthusiasm.

"If you wish to practice your magic, that is fine with me. However, do not go over 5o times. Have a proper sleep and eat. And if you feel like your mana has improved, then you are free to practice all you want. But do not overwork yourself," said Adriana, which sounded like she was nagging like a mother.

"Why does it feel like my mother is scolding me?" Questioned Astell.

"I understand! Sister!" Smiled Leena.

"S-sister?" Stuttered Adriana, who at the same time felt embarrassed. "Please don't call me that."

"No! It's a must. You are teaching and worrying too much since I'm new to this! And I've always wanted to have a sister."

The more Adriana tries to stop Leena it feels like it is not going to end. This left her no choice but to threaten her.

"Then does the lady not want to be friends with me?" Questioned Adriana, who sighed, which was an act. "I was excited to call you Leena."

This made Leena jump from her seat. She pulled Adriana's hand with force and nodded her head.

"No, I want you to call me Leena! In exchange, I'll call you Adriana!" Exclaimed Leena.

Was the character of Leena this energetic? Wonder Adriana since this isn't like her at all. But then again, the future does change.