At a noble academy in the capital, one afternoon.
"Huh? What is this…?"
Maris tilted her head. After returning to the classroom following a period in a different room, she found a white note inside her desk. It was a plain, unadorned piece of stationery.
"Oh, is sothing the matter, Lady Maris?"
"Could it be… a love letter?"
A female classmate peered curiously at the note in Maris's hand.
"There's no sender's na written on the note, is there? I wonder who it's from?"
"Well… I'll read it later," Maris replied vaguely, tossing the note back into her desk.
Receiving love letters or invitations had beco quite common lately. Maris smiled but seed sowhat weary as she took her seat.
Really… this is pointless…
Maris let out a quiet sigh, careful not to be noticed.
Life at the academy was refreshing and stimulating. There was much to learn, and she enjoyed it. Making friends her own age was also delightful. One of her new pleasures was having afternoon tea with friends, discussing favorite poetry and novels, while enjoying sweets.
But… it still feels unsatisfying.
Despite all this, Maris felt a void in her heart. The feeling of sothing missing was ever-present. She knew the reason: He was not here.
No matter how glamorous or elegant my life is… without him, I can't be satisfied.
Although Maris had been in the capital for so ti, she still wasn't accustod to living without him. It wasn't that she couldn't feel him. Her eyes and limbs were always near him. Although she wasn't constantly watching him due to her schedule, she could always sense his body warmth and sll.
The won around him… I need to beco a lady worthy of him quickly…
Maris attended the academy in the capital to beco a woman deserving of the man she loved. She received proper education from him, and whether it was studies, etiquette, or divine arts, there was much to learn at the academy.
And… if I am to be with him, there will undoubtedly be people who try to hinder …!
It was also necessary to have the power and status to silence those obstacles. She needed to continue building her network at the academy and establish her position firmly within the temple.
There was much to do, but she intended to finish everything, leaving nothing incomplete. Within the three years until graduation, she planned to remove all obstacles that lay in the path to being with him.
Maris's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the bell, signaling the end of the school day. Students began to gather their belongings, chatting excitedly about their plans for the evening.
Maris stood up, smoothing the folds of her uniform.
As the classroom emptied, Maris remained behind for a mont, her thoughts returning to the note. She pulled it from her desk and unfolded it carefully.
For now, I need to deal with this letter.
The contents were simple and direct, an invitation to et after school behind the academy building, a location known for its seclusion. The note lacked a signature, leaving the sender anonymous.
Maris sighed, her weariness growing. Anonymous invitations were not uncommon. She had received several during her ti at the academy, all from admirers too shy to approach her directly. Yet, they all followed a similar pattern: a confession of love, often in secluded spots like behind the school building, on the rooftop, or in the garden.
How tedious…
Though the note was no different from the others, Maris felt an obligation to respond. Ignoring it might cause unnecessary friction or gossip, sothing she wished to avoid. As always, she would handle it with grace, gently but declining in humours way.
The sun was beginning to set as Maris made her way to the back of the building. The academy grounds were quiet, with most students already on their way ho or attending club activities. The air was cooler here, the shadows long and dark as the day drew to a close.
Maris approached the designated eting spot, her steps light but purposeful. Her eyes scanned the area, expecting to see soone waiting for her.
"...?"
But there was no one. The area was deserted, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Maris frowned slightly. It was unusual for the inviter to be late, especially when they had initiated the eting.
Perhaps it was just a prank…
She glanced around once more, considering whether to wait or leave. The specified ti had already passed, and Maris was not one to tolerate rudeness. If the sender could not be bothered to be punctual, she saw no reason to stay.
...Should I go ho?
As she turned to leave, sothing caught her eye. A small object was thrown at her feet, skittering across the ground before coming to a stop.
"...Huh?"
Maris looked down, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. The object was a small bottle, no larger than her palm. Its lid was open, and a strange pink liquid was oozing out, staining the ground.
Before Maris could react, a thick pink vapor began to rise from the spilled liquid, swirling around her in a dense cloud.
"...!"
Instinctively, Maris stepped back, but it was too late. The vapor enveloped her, its scent sweet and cloying, making her head spin. Her vision blurred, and a strange numbness spread through her limbs.
What… is this…?
Panic surged through her as she tried to move, to escape the cloud, but her body felt heavy, unresponsive. The world around her seed to distort, the edges of her vision darkening as the effects of the vapor took hold.
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