"Congratulations, My Lady!" Maria exclaid in joy. Jack settled into Morrigan’s hands, allowing himself to be petted.
"Maria, you’re being too loud," Morrigan said, but she wasn’t upset. She didn’t mind Maria’s excitent for her. Thomas offered tea to his Lady with a smile. "The Queen’s move was tily."
Morrigan nodded. Although she didn’t know Queen Anne personally, she appreciated the decision made on her behalf. "Even though I don’t know my aunt, I’m grateful for her help."
"The Queen is a good woman, despite the rumors," Thomas said. "She may seem cold and ruthless from the outside, but that doesn’t an she is."
Morrigan’s expression turned slightly puzzled. "You talk as if you know my aunt?"
A faint expression of admiration appeared on Thomas’s face. "The Queen is a woman to be admired."
Maria’s face soured. "It seems you like the Queen a lot."
Thomas gave Maria a curious look, then grinned. "Are you jealous?"
Maria looked away, her blushing face causing Jack to caw with laughter.
"What are you laughing at, you silly crow!" Jack, enjoying the softness of Morrigan’s hands, ignored Maria.
Morrigan pulled the crow closer to her. Jack involuntarily lted when he felt Morrigan’s two... entities.
"What’s with that expression on this crow’s face?" Thomas eyed the crow suspiciously. "This is the first ti I’ve seen a perverted crow."
Even though Morrigan didn’t understand, she assud the crow’s expression ant he was happy. "Seth just looks happy."
Jack cawed in agreent, and Thomas decided not to speak further.
As night began to fall, Morrigan wanted to sleep. "I want to sleep."
"Your room is ready, My Lady," Thomas said. As Morrigan headed to her room, the crow flew from her hand and perched on a random tree in the garden.
After everyone left, Jack deactivated his ability and found himself back in his own body. He glanced at the clock and saw it was nearing 3 AM. He yawned. "Looks like it’s bedti."
Jack got up and dragged himself to bed, falling asleep like a baby without even thinking.
**
***
****
"My Lady, the Academy starts today. Are you excited?" Maria asked excitedly as she brushed Morrigan’s hair. Morrigan only looked on emotionlessly.
After everything that had happened, the excitent she once had for the Academy had faded. "I’m excited."
"You should make lots of friends today, My Lady," Maria said. Morrigan’s expression grew thoughtful for a mont. "Who would want to be friends with ?"
Maria’s expression faltered, her eyes becoming unexpectedly stern and ruthless, surprising Morrigan. "If you keep thinking that way, you won’t make any friends!"
Morrigan raised an eyebrow. "Why? What does friendship matter?"
Maria looked into Morrigan’s eyes through the mirror with a determined gaze. "Friends always stand by each other, they help one another! I’m sure you’ll have many friends!"
"Does that make us friends?" Morrigan asked seriously, catching Maria off guard and making her embarrassed. "Do you see as a friend, My Lady..."
Morrigan’s brow furrowed. "Aren’t we friends?"
Maria quickly nodded, a wide smile spreading across her lips. The fact that her Lady saw her as a friend made Maria very happy. "No, no! We are friends, My Lady."
"Then, as real friends, call by my na," Morrigan said with a serious expression. Maria hesitated to dare, but Morrigan’s stern eyes stopped her. "Mor-Morrigan."
Even though Morrigan kept her stoic expression, she was inwardly pleased. "Good, from now on, we’re best friends."
"Best friends!"
"Yes, best friends." Morrigan didn’t understand why Maria was so shocked.
"My Lady, your carriage is ready."
Hearing Thomas, Morrigan stood up and looked at Maria. "See you, Maria."
"See you, Mor-rigan," Maria said, stuttering. She still wasn’t used to it, but knowing that Morrigan saw her as a friend left her both surprised and happy.
After Morrigan left, Maria humd a happy tune, singing, "We’re best friends!"
With a sweet hum, Maria decided to clean with renewed motivation.
anwhile, Morrigan set off for the Academy. As she traveled down the cobblestone road, she admired the architectural beauty of the capital.
"This city always makes sick," Thomas said with a grimace. Morrigan rolled her eyes. "I think you shouldn’t be so pessimistic."
The carriage arrived at the Academy, and Morrigan was greeted by the other students as she got out. The nobles were lined up like sheep.
Morrigan was surprised by the expressions directed at her. Why were they so angry? "Thomas, why are they looking at like that?"
A small smirk ford on Thomas’s face, "I don’t know, My Lady. Maybe they’re jealous of your beauty."
Morrigan had to roll her eyes again. "I don’t think that’s the case."
Thomas’s sly grin caused Morrigan to narrow her eyes. "Is there sothing you didn’t tell ?"
"Absolutely not, my Lady," Thomas said. "I swear I’ve reviewed the rules three tis."
A while later, Morrigan’s carriage ca to a stop. As Thomas accompanied his Lady, The arrival of the Morrigan caused a stir in the crowd with intense whispering.
The crowd, upon seeing Morrigan, seed surprisingly angry.
"Look at that witch! She doesn’t even care about the rules. Isn’t she afraid of the Headmaster?!"
"Even the Prince didn’t enter here by carriage! Who does this woman think she is?!"
The crowd was whispering loud enough for even Morrigan to hear. After catching so of the sentences, Morrigan glanced at Thomas, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat, with a hint of anger. "You knew it was forbidden to co here by carriage, didn’t you?"
Thomas turned his head away as if he hadn’t heard the question, making Morrigan want to punch him in the face.
"My apologies, my Lady. I forgot to ntion it." Despite his apology, Thomas’s face didn’t look sincere. "It won’t happen again."
An idea ca to Morrigan’s mind, and Thomas instinctively felt fear imdiately. Morrigan began speaking in a slightly sadistic tone. "I want to reward you, Thomas. You deserve it."
"You will pick out all the plants in the mansion’s garden that are not of equal length, one by one, with your hands, without using magic." Hearing Morrigan, Thomas laughed. "You’re making a good joke, my Lady."
A small smile appeared on Morrigan’s lips. "I’m not joking at all."
Thomas’s expression fell. "But my Lady—"
"Or would you prefer a vacation at the gay brothel?" Morrigan continued, feeling a strange satisfaction. "I think you’d like it?"
"Look at that, punishing her servant just for asking a question. Isn’t that too cruel..."
Hearing the nobles’ whispers, Morrigan didn’t want to stay any longer. Every move she made was perceived as wrong. Before leaving, she glanced at Thomas for a mont. "You’d better do what I said, Thomas."
"As you wish, my Lady," Thomas said, enjoying Morrigan’s cruelty.
Watching Morrigan, Thomas sighed, adjusted his glasses, and a thin smile appeared on his lips. "My Lady has really grown up in a short ti."
Thomas then got into the carriage and drove back to the mansion. He had a lot of work to do today.
After Morrigan got in line, she noticed that the students were avoiding her like the plague. Morrigan sighed and looked at Richard and Rachal, who were experiencing the sa situation as her.
Unlike Morrigan, they were avoided not because they were feared, but because they were from Wargan. Before Morrigan could think any further, she saw a professor approaching.
Morrigan realized that this professor was the Magic Professor, Thalindra Aranel. She had blue eyes, platinum blonde hair, and a strong yet elegant deanor. She usually wore clothes adorned with magical symbols.
So students with weak wills lted in the face of the professor’s beauty, and Morrigan thought it was due to the enchantnt charms on the professor.
The professor first looked at the undisciplined students and then at the nobles who couldn’t resist the charms. Her eyes looked at them harshly, and even Morrigan felt the danger.
"Didn’t your family teach you how to stand in line properly?" The harsh tone of the Magic Professor’s voice frightened so timid girls. When the professor’s eyes t with the Prince’s, she adopted a sweet expression. "Except for you, Your Majesty."
Julias nodded, not seeing a problem with the professor’s favoritism. Thalindra’s eyes then wandered over to Morrigan, with a hint of curiosity in them. "Lady Morrigan, make sure you read the rules more carefully next ti."
Although Morrigan maintained a stoic face, she was inwardly embarrassed. The Magic Professor continued. "I’ll forgive you this ti."
"Thank you, Professor."
"Good, as long as you understand," the Professor said, and her eyes turned cold again. "Now, assuming you’ve all read your class schedules carefully, I’ve co to explain so of the rules."
"Sword departnt students are responsible for their own swords and the items provided by the Academy," the Professor said. "If any damage occurs, your credit points will be deducted."
"Credit points?" Hearing Adrian’s question, the Professor nodded. "Credit points are the magical currency used at the Academy to participate in events, replace damaged items, upgrade your equipnt, and such."
"Could you please explain in more detail?" Hearing Richard’s question, Thalindra nodded. She raised her hand, and a magical purple hologram appeared in it, displaying numbers and values.
"This is your Academy card. Every weekend, you earn virtual money based on your success points," said the Magic Professor. "The top student in the class will receive 50,000 gold, while the last student will only get 500 gold. Any other questions?"
"What if we run out of virtual money?" A student, who had turned pale, asked. At the question, the Professor’s eyes flashed rcilessly, "Then you will be expelled from the Academy."
"Isn’t that too harsh?" Saint gently said, placing her hand on her face. Many found Saint innocence adorable.
Thalindra’s expression shifted, and although no one else noticed, Morrigan felt a hint of hatred and anger. The Professor began to speak with an oppressive Mana presence that made Alice feel small. "If you cry over the smallest things, you shouldn’t have co here, Miss Alice."
As Alice wilted under the Professor’s harsh gaze, the Prince placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. With the Prince’s support, Alice felt sowhat relieved. "But—"
As Alice tried to stand by her opinion, the Professor’s eyes narrowed. "This isn’t a place where just anyone can enter. Unfortunately, so people manage to get in here despite having no real achievents, simply because of a title."
Alice grew even more frightened, not understanding why the Professor was being so cruel. As tears threatened to fall from her eyes, she tried not to appear weak.
It was clear that the Magic Professor was mocking Alice. Alice’s only real achievent was being a Saintess and possessing the Light attribute.
But that alone wasn’t enough to be admitted to this Academy.
Unlike Alice, Morrigan knew the reason. Aristotia Academy was a prestigious and famous academy in the world of Aure.
The academy’s board of directors practically had to put chains on the students to prevent any scandalous behavior.
After Alice fell silent, Thalindra continued, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. "Good, if you have no more questions, let’s move on to the next rule."
"From now on, you’ll be using the Virtual Currency valid at the academy; your father’s money won’t work here." Many nobles turned pale at this. "If you have a problem with that, you can leave now."
Under the professor’s gaze, no one made a sound. After waiting for half a second, the professor nodded in satisfaction. "Classes will begin for all of you at 9 o’clock. You’ll have half an hour to make friends."
Thalindra scanned the crowd for a mont before leaving.
As soon as the professor left, so arrogant children began to vent their hatred. Morrigan rely mocked this.
"Sweet, look at what Alice did, so ruthless," said a noble. His friend imdiately agreed. "Don’t worry, Alice, we’re behind you."
Alice smiled shyly and nodded. She saw the prince looking at her with a sorrowful expression. "I’m sorry, Alice. I couldn’t support you."
Alice didn’t mind and laughed. "I’m not upset; she was just stating the facts."
"Don’t think like that, Alice." The prince looked at Alice seriously. "You weren’t chosen by the Goddess for nothing."
As Alice returned to her forr cheerfulness, Morrigan felt disgusted by their hypocrisy. You co to the academy to learn, not to flirt.
"What a pathetic prince," Morrigan heard a girl nad Rachel whisper to her brother Richard. One of her eyebrows raised in amusent. She agreed with the sentint.
Morrigan no longer wanted to stay, and as everyone made way for her, she suddenly felt soone touch her arm. Turning her head, Morrigan sighed when she saw the pink hair.
It was Alice and Prince Julias. While Alice looked happy, the prince appeared reluctant. Alice grabbed Morrigan’s arm, her face cheerful. "One mont, Lady Morrigan!"
Morrigan’s face remained emotionless, with only a slight hint of annoyance. "What do you want?"
The prince raised an eyebrow at Morrigan’s harsh response but said nothing. Alice didn’t seem to mind and began speaking with a cheerful yet shy smile. "I-I want to be friends with you, my lady."
"Why?" Morrigan was a bit surprised. Why does she want to be friends with ? she thought. Still, she restrained herself from being rude to Alice.
"Because you seem very lonely," Alice said. Morrigan’s expression soured further. "I thought it might be nice if we beca friends."
While the prince was touched by Alice’s answer, Morrigan continued to give Alice a bored look. "I’m fine as I am."
"I don’t need your friendship."
The prince was frustrated by Morrigan’s cold tone, his brows furrowing. "Can’t you be a little polite, Morrigan?"
Alice glanced nervously at the prince. "If she doesn’t want to be friends, we can’t force her, Julias." Hearing Alice, the prince’s expression softened.
Morrigan was surprised that Alice addressed the prince by na, but she didn’t show it on her face. Alice looked at Morrigan apologetically, bowing slightly. "I’m sorry for bothering you, my lady."
So nobles who saw Alice bow to Morrigan looked at Morrigan with disdain, to which Morrigan responded with an equally stern glare.
"If you have nothing more to say, I’m leaving," Morrigan said. She didn’t want to stay any longer. It annoyed her that people were giving her dirty looks for no reason.
As Morrigan left, Rachel looked at her with admiration. "What a brave woman..."
"It would be better a If she was from Wargan."
Listening to Rachel, Richard nodded. Unlike everyone else, they understood that Morrigan was innocent.
A look of frustration appeared on Rachel’s face. "Unlike Morrigan, that girl nad Alice seems like an idiot."
"I expected more from a Saint," Richard agreed with his sister. Alice’s emotional deanor was a sign of weakness and inferiority among Wargans.
"But that’s better," Richard said with a smile. "The weaker the Saint of the Light Goddess, the better it is for us."
Rachel agreed. "We’ve sent word to our father about Morrigan’s presence. I want to leave this cursed place as soon as possible."
"But for now, we’ll just have to be patient," Richard said.
"I’m going to et this woman nad Morrigan, and you focus on Alice."
"Wait, why do I have to befriend Alice?" Richard’s face showed irritation; he didn’t want to deal with the n fawning over Alice.
Rachel donned a sarcastic expression. "Because you’re a good actor. I’m afraid I might accidentally let sothing slip."
Richard sighed and agreed. His sister was easily provoked and quick to lash out. "Fine, I’m going."
As Richard headed toward Alice, Rachel went in the direction Morrigan had gone.
Following the path Morrigan had taken, Rachel soon found her sitting on a bench. "You were very brave back there, my girl."
Morrigan turned her head and squinted when she saw Rachel, not understanding why she had approached her. "Why did you co here?"
"Relax, I just ca to talk," Rachel said with a playful smile. She sat down next to Morrigan without asking for permission.
Morrigan didn’t say anything, but a small expression of displeasure appeared on her face. Looking at Morrigan, Rachel liked the girl’s expression. "You don’t like Alice, do you?"
"That’s none of your business," Morrigan said.
"So, you don’t like her," Rachel said, sitting comfortably on the bench. "Good, I don’t like that pink head either."
There was a mont of silence until Morrigan looked at Rachel curiously. "What brought you here?"
Rachel smiled. "Just to get to know you. You know, friendship and stuff."
"I won’t be your friend."
"I like your attitude, girl," Rachel said. A look of disgust briefly crossed her face. "You’re not like the others with their painted faces."
A small smile involuntarily appeared on Morrigan’s lips but disappeared as quickly as it ca.
Rachel didn’t understand why Morrigan always wore a stoic expression but didn’t question it.
"When we first ca here, I had high hopes," Rachel said with disappointnt. "When I saw the children of the people who defeated us, I felt ashad for them."
Listening to Rachel, Morrigan agreed. Rachel continued, "I can’t help but wonder how you defeated us. These people are just disappointing."
"Your father Alfred isn’t very well-liked in our land." Morrigan’s curiosity increased when her father’s na was ntioned.
"But we still respected him; he fought bravely on the front lines and even earned my father’s respect," Rachel said with an admiring expression. "That’s why your father sent us here."
"Why are you happy despite losing the war because of my father?" It was sothing Morrigan didn’t understand. The losing side always suffered.
Rachel laughed as if she had heard sothing funny. "Winning and losing doesn’t matter to us; what matters is the intention. We fought to protect our holand, and even if we lost, we’re proud of fighting for that cause."
Rachel said with exaggerated pride, "That will never change, it will stay the sa."
"You’re like your father, brave and cold," Rachel said, observing Morrigan. It was the first ti Morrigan had been compared to her father. "Even though he’s cold, your father is actually a good person."
Morrigan frowned; she had been exiled from her ho since she was six. How could such a father be a good person?
Rachel smiled as if she knew Morrigan’s feelings toward her father. "Unlike those here, we go to war at the age of twelve. I even won my first battle."
Seeing Rachel’s happy expression, Morrigan felt more surprised. "Is child soldiering legal in your land?"
Morrigan noticed Rachel’s expression fall briefly but then quickly return. Rachel looked at Morrigan with an unusual seriousness. "Even if we don’t want to, we have to do it. Otherwise, we’ll be without a holand, like 700 years ago."
Morrigan felt sympathy for Rachel. When Rachel noticed Morrigan’s expression, she laughed. "Don’t pity ; this is what made who I am."
"If I were given another chance at life, I would make the sa decision," Rachel said. "I have no regrets about the choices I made."
Morrigan admired Rachel. "Your father must be very proud of you."
Rachel nodded happily when her father was ntioned. "My father supported us in everything. I’m proud to be his daughter."
Morrigan would be lying if she said she wasn’t envious. Still, she tried not to show it on her face.
"I encountered your father in battle when I was thirteen," Rachel said, capturing Morrigan’s attention. Rachel continued, "We were severely defeated. Your knights brought before my father."
"He asked my age. At first, I was surprised and yelled at him, but he didn’t get angry and patiently waited," a look of admiration passed across Rachel’s face. "When I told him my age, he let go, even gave money."
It was the first ti Morrigan had heard of her father doing such a thing, and a wave of pride welled up inside her, but she didn’t dwell on it.
"Since then, I’ve wanted to thank your father," Rachel said, looking at Morrigan. Before continuing, Rachel saw Richard waiting for her.
"Sorry, let’s continue later, my girl," Rachel said, standing up from the bench. She looked at Morrigan and added, "I enjoyed this conversation. See you later."
Morrigan watched Rachel leave, and after she was gone, she felt more at ease. Placing her hand on her chest, Morrigan felt the good feelings rising inside her.
"Did I just make a real friend for the first ti?" Morrigan felt the happiness inside her and beca certain.
"My Lady, class is about to start," a knight warned Morrigan. Morrigan nodded and then headed to her new class.
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