Unexpected Encounters and Sibling Bond

I'm gonna be sea sick. I hadn't been on a boat in my previous life. We had to leave early in the morning. I was never an early riser.

We had to get up at three in the morning. The carriage ride was so bumpy it kept jolting me awake every time I tried to doze off. Hermione and Javis had to half carry and half drag me to the carriage and aboard the ship.

I'm on the Maria Dolla first class passenger deck. Currently enjoying the view or at least that's what I'm supposed to be doing.

The weather is cold and the wind is blowing harshly on my face.

"I'm freezing let's go inside"

Anymore of this and I'll catch a cold.

I'd rather throw up in the comfort of my own room.

There are a lot of nobles and wealthy people going Assenav.

I was able to do some research on where I'm headed.

The novel didn't mention it but Aendesia is one of five kingdoms that make up the Alian Empire ruled by Emperor Rickcaos.

The five kingdoms are;

Aendesia: The Kingdom of Mana

A magical place full of mystery and lore. The main location of Mischievous Nobles. It is home to the Lancos School of Magic and the Seven stars of mana.

A kingdom who's people are blessed with a natural affinity for mana

Otmos: The Kingdom of Food

All sorts of delicious crops and foodstuff are grown here and then sent to other parts of the empire. Due to its agricultural background it is also called "The Food Basket Of The Empire"

Its inhabitants for as long as time can tell have always been tillers of soil. Otmos soil is rich in nutrients and thus crops grow well there.

Assenav: The Kingdom of Riches.

Underneath the soil of this kingdom is a mine full of glittering treasures. Rubies, Diamonds and Emeralds to name a few. It's sometimes called the purse of the empire.

Assenav has a more humble beginnings than others. Originally one of the poorest kingdoms of the empire. It's people starved to death on a daily basis. That was before the discovery of its mineral resources.

Leahcim: The Kingdom of Beauty and Promise.

Leahcim is known for its breathtaking scenery and is a hot spot for nobles looking to enjoy an aesthetic treat for the eyes. The kingdom is relatively peaceful and small. No one really knows how this kingdom came to be. And no traces of its origin can be found. Even the people themselves don't know.

Uladmihc: The Kingdom of Pride and Egotism.

The people of these kingdom are known to excel at whatever they lay their hands own. No matter how difficult and impossible a project maybe. They always find a way to succeed. But beware people of this kingdom possess an irritating level of pride and ego. Be prepared to swallow yours. They are devils that don't know when to stop.

I honestly don't know what was up with that last part. The author definitely had some beef with that kingdom.

This trip is going to be so boring. No YouTube, No TikTok and no Netflix. How do these savages survive?!

"Bored already my lady" Javis asks me.

"There's nothing to do Javis of course I'm bored"

He paused for a bit contemplating something before responding.

"There is a lounge you can go to and meet with other nobles going to Assenav"

"Sure it's definitely better than staying up here where's Hermione by the way?" She did help me into the carriage when I was sleepy. And let me sleep on her shoulder for a good part of the journey. A hell lotta good that did my neck. It's sore and hurts when I bend it to the left.

"She settling down in her own cabin she'll join us shortly"

***

Maria Dolla First Class Lounge.

The interior design of the lounge is beautiful. There are waiters serving cocktails and nobles chatting with each other.

A sudden wave of anxiety washes over me.

I did not like parties and social gatherings. I'd only attend them if someone I knew was going as well.

But I don't know anyone here.

So I'll just do what I do best. Look for the nearest wall and attach myself to it.

But my thoughts are rudely interrupted when someone bumps into me.

"Waaaah I'm so sorry"

"It's alright are you okay"

Watch were you going! If you have eyes at least use them properly.

"Thank you I'm...waaaah Lady Henderson, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to" The girl apologizes to me frantically bowing so fast I almost thought her head would fall off. She's beautiful with jet black hair and emerald green eyes she looks like someone I know.

"Beatrice how many times have I told you not to run it's unladylike"

My heart almost stops when I see who it is.

Jake Ihan son of the Baron Ihan.

He looks exactly like the picture Vanessa showed me if not better looking now that he's standing in front of me.

"Lady Henderson I apologize for my sister's behavior"

His voice jolting me out of my trance I turn my attention to the girl who had bumped into me.

She looks like him but her eyes are a brighter shade of green than his.

"It's okay it was accidental and no harm was done"

Jake is the only son of Baron Cohen Ihan. But I'd never heard any mention of his sister in the novel.

Jake elbows his sister and whispers something in her ear. A bit irritated at her brother she rubbed her hand and gave a curtsey.

"Greetings Lady Henderson I am Lady Beatrice Ihan. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance"

******At the Mattel Manor*****

The carriage came into a stop in front of the manor.

He had a three week long holiday before returning for another semester.

The servants welcomed him and took his luggage in.

Adelio went up to his room. According to the servants his mother wasn't around because she'd travelled to visit a friend.

At least things would peaceful for a little while.

There was a gentle knock on the door.

Adelio sighed before saying "Come in"

A maid stepped in. Her head was wrapped with bandages and bandaids on her face.

"Young Master Please help the Lady"

Adelio got off from his bed.

"Where is Isabella?"

"In the library please hurry"

Adelio rushed past her and hurried towards the library. His heart pounding fiercely.

He pushed open the library doors and there was his sister. Being hit and insulted by two maids.

"Who do you think you are touching these books" the first maid said slapping the poor child across the face.

"It's not like you can read anyway"

Adelio felt his blood boil.

"Just what exactly do the both of you think you're doing!" he shouted.

The two maids froze in horror. Adelio walked past them and placed himself between his sister and the two of them.

"The two of seem to have no regard nor respect towards this family. You dare to lay your hands on one of our own. Impudent fools! Get out of this manor before I'll make you regret the day you were born"

The two maids rushed out of the library and out into the halls. When the duo had disappeared from his sight he finally calmed down.

"Isabella are you alright?"

The little girl did her best to wipe away her tears and form a sentence but failed.

Adelio reached into his pocket brought out his handkerchief and wiped her tears away. Once she had calmed down he took her by the hand and led her out of the library. The servants mistreated Isabella. It didn't help matters that his mother had joined them in bullying the small child, or that his father turned a blind eye to all of it.

He wished there was something he could do about it. But he could only be around so many times to protect her.

"Thank you" Isabella muttered as she squeezed his hand.

Adelio's heart melted and he gave a small smile. He had always adored her.

When Isabella had first arrived. He couldn't help but be fascinated by her. Everything she did or said always had him mesmerized.

Truth be told he had actually wanted a younger sibling. But his mother had been unable to get pregnant a second time. To him having Isabella around meant he got to play big brother like all his friends did with their siblings. Back then he couldn't understand why his mother had been upset about it. He just wanted a younger sibling and it didn't matter to him in what form they came in.

"Don't worry about it. Come to my room I have something for you"