Chapter 27 ─ Magic Academy

Princess Cloe was delighted to see Esther. She wanted to hug her. She, her sister, and Esther had been childhood friends due to political reasons, as their families always gathered.

This was due to the current principality seeking peace rather than war with the kingdom, despite sinister individuals on both sides. The king and his wife were murdered. The twins didn't know this, but it was the reason for the conflict.

Someone within the principality wanted to incite chaos against the kingdom, but no one could prove if this was true. For that reason, the princesses wanted to establish peace, even if only temporarily, with the kingdom. Just as she was about to embrace her, she was stopped by Count Upson.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your reunion, Princess. But we didn't come here for games."

"We came for the important task of establishing and strengthening our nation's interests. Please refrain from any embarrassing acts."

Cloe felt sad for not being able to hug her friend, but Esther, on the other hand, smiled in a sinister manner.

"I'm glad to finally meet you, Count, and your escort."

"My father told me how important it was to receive you, so he asked me to give you this when I saw you."

Cecil handed a letter to the count, who took it disrespectfully. After reading it, his attitude changed, and he was very happy.

"Is there any issue?"

"No, of course not! In fact, I'm delighted."

The count whispered to his escort, and he was happy too. Cloe wanted to know what they had read, but Esther stopped her. Suddenly, they went with some knights and bid farewell to Cloe. She did not understand what had happened. Esther took her hand, and they headed to the carriage.

"We have a lot to talk about, Cloe-chan."

She smiled at her, and at that moment, Cloe's restless heart felt peace.

"Yes, as you say, Esther-chan."

◇◇◇

"I see. It seems that troublesome things are happening in the principality."

"That's right. But my onne-chan says she is doing everything she can. She wants to honor our parents' memory."

Esther appeared sad and envious when mentioning her sister.

"I envy you. I also want to have a sister, but I am an only child, so a younger sister would be the most convenient."

They laughed a little, and then Cloe noticed that the carriage stopped at a place she didn't recognize.

"Isn't this a house? Where are we?"

"I know I should take you to the place where you'll be staying while you're here. But let me tell you that there is a special place I want you to see."

"I'm not sure how long you'll be staying, but I'd like you to see it."

The door opened, and Cecil got out first to help his lady down, followed by Cloe. But before getting out, she saw Esther happily spinning around before pointing at the place.

"Ta-da! Welcome to the kingdom's Magic Academy."

"In this place, different types of things are taught."

"From arts to culture, even military tactics and politics."

"It even received praise from the Alzer Empire for being a center of learning capable of surpassing them."

Cloe was amazed.

"It's incredible."

"It is. That's why I asked the director for permission to bring you here. I have a uniform for you, as those without uniforms or special authorization cannot enter."

"Huh~. I didn't know that bringing Princess Cloe here was for that. I thought you were planning to do something else. Without a doubt, you're entering your rebellious phase."

Cecil spat her poison at Esther, who tried to clarify the misunderstanding. The reason for this was to prevent her from going to her father and telling him about what she did behind his back.

"You're mistaken, Cecil! I was just thinking of something that could help her in order to have better relations with us."

"Not because I want to pass the time and not get bored during these vacations."

"You just confessed everything."

"You confessed it unintentionally."

Both girls acknowledged Esther's lie, but the maid, Cecil, didn't care.

"I suppose this is one of those whims of a duke's daughter that I shouldn't report if I don't want to lose her friendship. You win."

Esther was pleased to have gotten her way.

"Let's go. I'll show you a lot of things."

◇◇◇

After changing clothes, Esther showed Cloe the various classrooms where lessons were held. Some of them were simple, while others were extravagant depending on what was taught. Then Esther was surprised to see someone she knew.

"Ah! It's Emmanoella."

"Hey, Emma! Here."

Normally at the academy, Esther was a reserved girl, always impeccable and with a flawless attitude. But now that there was no one else in the academy except the girl who was part of her entourage, she showed her true self.

"Ah, Esther-sama. It's a pleasure to see you."

The girl named Emma, Emmanoella Alba Campbell, was, in fact, none other than the fiancée of the body that Regulus possessed. Esther approached her but noticed something strange happening.

"What's wrong, Emma?"

"Are you feeling unwell?"

Esther asked, and Emma shook her head from side to side. But it wasn't a lie that her facial expression was horrible. Her yellow eyes were red from lack of sleep, her beautiful skin was dry, her long red hair was withered, and her smile seemed forced and heavy. Emma smiled at her, even with that pale and unhealthy face.

"I'm fine. It's just that there's been a problem at home, and I'm just trying to get over it."

"What problem do you have?"

"I can help if you want."

"Thank you. But I don't think it will help."

"What do you mean?"

Esther asked, and Emma told her what had happened.

"Remember that I talked about my fiancé, Luke."

"Yes. I remember well. He was supposed to come to the academy this year since he is a year younger than you."

"That's right. But…"

Tears rolled down her face as she mentioned what she wanted to forget.

"He ran away. We have no idea why. His family also tried to find him along with mine."

"Months passed, and my father said that no one matching his description was found, nor was there any mention of him."

"That's why, with great pain, he canceled the search. His family said they understood and supported him, as they also couldn't find him."

"In the end, the only one who seems to want to do something to find him is me, but everyone tells me to forget him."

Seeing her tears fall to the ground, Esther felt terrible for making her remember something painful.

"Emma, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you!"

"Miss, you're the worst."

"You're really horrible."

"I'm not being helped!"

The girls took Emma to the nearest women's bathroom. At that moment, certain people arrived at the entrance of the door.

◇◇◇

Regulus and the girls arrived at the academy's doors.

"Wow, this place is incredible."

"At least an entire neighborhood occupies this land."

"I'd say it's even bigger than that."

Mary was amazed, but Rose made her surprise grow even more. Mary and Regulus were wearing academy uniforms since they couldn't enter without them. Rose had asked them to come in after speaking with the security officer. They entered and were astonished by the huge garden they saw as soon as they took a step.

"It's incredible both outside and inside."

"I know. You get surprised by everything you see, Ma—"

Rose wanted to mention Mary's name but, remembering that she had to call her "Mary-chan," she refrained. It was too embarrassing for her.

Suddenly, she noticed that Mary had taken Regulus to the end of the hallway. She was about to follow them when a familiar voice called her.

"Oh, if it isn't Rosette. Hey, Rose!"

"Here!"

Turning to see who called her, she was surprised to see their face.

"It's you, Esther-sama."

Esther was coming out of the bathroom with three other girls. Among them was Emma.

"Emma? What happened to her?"

Esther explained what had happened. Rose was surprised because she didn't know.

"I see. It must be horrible what happened."

"We managed to calm her down; she seems to be feeling better."

"Rose. Would you like to join us?"

"We're going to take a walk around the place with a friend and then have tea."

Rose was part of Esther's entourage; she was one of Esther's best friends, as both Emma and she were Esther's right and left hands. She declined kindly.

"I'm very sorry. I came because I brought some acquaintances, but I lost sight of them and must find them. Maybe another day."

"I understand. I hope to see you before you return to classes."

"I'll see you later, Esther-sama."

Rose said goodbye and went in search of Mary and Regulus. Emma was crying for someone who was right there.

◇◇◇

After a while searching for them, she finally found them. They were in one of the rooms that were usually closed, but Regulus had opened it because Mary wanted to enter. Rose gave them a light reprimand for leaving like that and now entering a forbidden place.

"Why did you leave like that without a word and now enter a restricted area?"

Mary, excited, said, "Hey, what is this thing?"

"Don't change the subject."

"I'm not. I was just curious, and then we found this thing. The door was open."

"Really?"

"It was. Someone left it open."

(That's clearly a lie.)

Rose looked at the object Mary was pointing at. It was a large door shaped like a rock with a magic circle in the middle.

"That's a teleportation stone. It's used to go to and from dungeons."

"Dungeons?!"

Both of them looked astonished at that.

Rose continued explaining.

"That's right. Monsters can't enter or leave because they're part of the dungeon, but we can. This stone is collected from inside and then analyzed to find out how to enter and exit the dungeon."

"That's amazing. Isn't it, Regu-chan?"

"It is."

Regulus had an idea.

"Hey, Rose. Can we enter the dungeon?"

"Absolutely not."

She replied immediately.

"A dungeon isn't a game; it's used for training. There are different levels, and they're dangerous."

Mary begged with teary eyes.

"Please, Rose-chan. Just this once, and it will only be for a brief visit."

"I want to see the inside of a dungeon."

"I do too. It's truly fascinating to know that dungeons exist."

Seeing them so enthusiastic, Rose didn't want them to have a bad impression due to what had happened the day before. Sighing as if she had lost, she said.

"Alright. But only the first level and not for long."

"Yes!"

They both cheered while Rose wondered if she had made the right decision.

◇◇◇

"Take this!"

After changing into adventure gear protected by court mages, they entered the magic circle, which teleported them to another location. It was a dark cave, poorly lit and smelling of dampness. Rose explained that the dungeon was a dangerous place if one wasn't careful. They went on a standard tour and encountered various monsters. From small goblins to tree-like monsters that spat venom.

For Regulus, it was easy.

Rose had experience fighting.

"You're not doing badly at all."

"Thanks. I'm a swordsman who aspires to be the Sword God someday, so I need to practice a lot."

She started laughing at his words. But she looked at Mary and seemed to think it was all just talk.

"Take this, you scoundrel! Hey!"

Mary wielded her sword in a mockingly exaggerated manner, showing her lack of experience with weapons. They laughed and went to assist her. It depressed her a bit. She checked a pocket watch and said.

"We can only stay for a maximum of an hour since the portal needs to recharge. It's time to leave."

Regulus picked up his sword from the ground, and as he looked up, he noticed something.

"Huh? Mary?"

"Mary?"

Neither of them could see Mary anywhere.

They started to worry that something had happened or that she had gotten lost. They began searching for her desperately.

◇◇◇

*Sobbing*

"This can't be. I'm lost."

Mary had separated from her group because she saw something strange.

"All because I followed that strange white gleam."

"Regu-chan! Rose-chan!"

"Where are you?"

Mary searched desperately and didn't realize she had entered the second level of the dungeon. This level had stronger and more aggressive monsters. After taking a few steps, a huge centipede appeared in front of her.

"Kyah!"

She ran, but it was futile; the insectoid monster pursued her and could reach her position in seconds. She attacked with everything she had on hand, but it was useless. The centipede began to coil around her, exposing her chest and upper body. It opened its jaws to reveal its fangs. Its saliva dripped onto her body, and Mary, terrified, screamed for help.

"Regu-chan! Rose-chan!"

"Help me, please!"

She thought it would be her end. And it should have been when suddenly a powerful gust came from behind her and sliced off the centipede's head. She was freed, and the centipede writhed. Its severed part began to grow back, and she saw it preparing to attack again.

(On the side.)

She heard a woman's voice in her twenties and then felt a softness on top of her. It was a white rabbit with black eyes. The rabbit jumped, and when the monster released acid, the rabbit used gusts of wind to clear the corrosive attack. After watching the centipede fall gently to the ground, Mary thought about how amazing it was.

The centipede called for help, and more monsters arrived.

"Kyah! They've multiplied."

(Don't worry, young lady. I'll take care of them.)

Mary heard the voice again but knew where it came from.

"The little rabbit… spoke?"

(I'm not a little rabbit.)

The rabbit said in its woman's voice as its paw began to glow.

(Young lady, please close your eyes.)

"Alright."

She closed her eyes, and then with a quick motion, a light covered the area.

(You can open them now.)

She opened her eyes and was astonished to see the monsters had been cut down. The white rabbit turned to look at her, and she thanked it, hugging it.

"Thank you so much for everything. I really appreciate it."

The rabbit seemed thoughtful.

(Young lady, I'm flattered by your thanks, but I need a favor from you.)

"A favor?"

(Yes. Please extend your hand.)

"Okay."

She extended her hand, and the rabbit placed its front paw on it.

(Contract made it.)

"Huh?"

A new light shone, and once her vision cleared, she saw that the rabbit was gone.

"Huh? Was it a dream?"

Then Regulus and Rose arrived.

"Mary!"

"Mary-san."

Seeing them, she ran to hug them.

"Regu-chan, I was scared! But a strange rabbit saved me."

"A rabbit? I don't see it."

They all wondered what had happened, but Rose wanted to discuss it later.

"First, let's get out of here; we're running out of time."

They all left, but in the distance, a white figure faded away, whispering.

"Finally, I've found her. My disciple to become the next saint."

◇◇◇

Night fell on the kingdom. In one of the rooms of the royal palace, a man arrived. He opened the door, and a group of mysterious figures greeted him. And that man was called.

"Finally, you've arrived, Fredman."

One of the most important men in the kingdom.

________________

As a fanservice detail, I know you all want to know if one day Emma will meet Regulus/Luke, you'll know that one day, for now enjoy how she looks.

https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/7677015