The soft light of dawn invaded Elyandra's room, filtering through the silk curtains and painting the noble furniture with golden tones. The velvet canopy over her richly adorned bed flickered faintly in the morning breeze, a reminder of the luxury that surrounded her. But Elyandra was no longer there.
With the precision of an automaton, she stood, her bare feet touching the soft carpet with an almost otherworldly silence. He folded the linen sheets with meticulous care, adjusting the cushions embroidered with the Valemortis coat of arms. Each movement was executed with an efficiency that belied her age, a discipline forged in the months of training with Dalia.
Wearing her usual workout clothes—a simple, functional ensemble that contrasted sharply with the elaborate dresses of her position—Elyandra took one last look at the room. It was a space of beauty and comfort, but also a symbol of the restrictions she was determined to overcome. With a barely perceptible sigh, she silently said goodbye to her surroundings, her mind already focused on the challenges that awaited her.
Elyandra walked the corridors of the mansion with a familiarity that only nine years of living there could grant. His golden eyes mapped every detail, every tapestry faded by time, every oil painting that depicted solemn ancestors. It was a labyrinth of history and tradition, but for her, it was simply home.
When he reached the courtyard, he found Dalia standing near the fountain, her arms crossed over her chest. The owner seemed to merge with the morning breeze, her posture upright and her expression serene as if she was absorbing the energy of the new day. The first rays of sunlight caressed her face, revealing an austere beauty that Elyandra rarely saw.
Upon noticing Elyandra's approach, Dalia greeted her with impeccable military formality.
— Good-bye, Lady Elyandra.
His "Good morning" was direct and concise, without any emotional flourishes, like an officer greeting a superior.
Elyandra responded with the same discipline, putting her heels together and tilting her head in a short, precise nod.
"Good morning, Dalia."
Dalia broke the silence with a tone of voice that mixed professionalism and a slight curiosity.
"Lady Elyandra, I know that today is of great importance. The entrance exams for the Royal Academy... They are a rite of passage, a watershed.
She paused, watching Elyandra's reaction.
"I have my own speculations about what they will seek to evaluate. Your... peculiar training trajectory, its noble origin, its latent abilities... All of this creates a picture... interesting.
Dalia narrowed her eyes, as if trying to unravel a riddle.
"They may underestimate her for her age and appearance, in fact that's exactly what they're going to do. They can focus on their divine magic, ignoring their skills in physical combat.
She gave an almost imperceptible smile.
"What do you think, Lady Elyandra?" What are your own "guesses" about the tests?
Elyandra paused for a moment, her thoughts running through a maze of memories and reflections. Her mind revisited the long hours of studying magic and politics, the grueling workouts that shaped her body, and the complexity of her role as an almost religious figure, a potential "saint." They were heavy burdens, responsibilities that would crush many, but which she carried with a quiet determination.
Finally, a subtle smile formed on her lips. It was not a smile of arrogance, but rather of a quiet confidence and an acceptance of his own path. She raised her golden eyes to Dalia, her expression clear and resolute.
"Whatever lies ahead, Dalia... Irrespective of. I prepared myself for this day. If I am turned down from the Academy, it can only mean one thing: I have not prepared enough. And I'm satisfied with my journey so far. I will do my best.
Dalia watched Elyandra's speech with an intensity that transcended mere admiration. There was contemplation in her eyes, a deep analysis of the girl she had become. Then she crouched down before Elyandra, her posture still upright, but with an unexpected softness. The little girl stared at her curiously, her hands remaining behind her back, maintaining her impeccable composure.
Dalia reached out and gently pushed away a white strand that fell on Elyandra's face. The gesture surprised the girl, who remained silent, waiting for her tutor's words.
"You were a very strong and determined girl, Lady Elyandra," Dalia began, her voice charged with a sincerity she rarely showed. "He was the first person I trained at such a young age. Many have given up on my training for reasons... Vague.
Elyandra suppressed a wry smile. "Vague? You cut me to pieces and told me to heal for weeks!"
Dalia continued, her eyes fixed on Elyandra's.
"You surprised me. It's so... strange as it is obstinate. This intrigued me deeply. But also... You left me immensely admired by you, my pupil.
She paused, as if she were choosing her words carefully.
"I have nothing more to teach you, Lady Elyandra.
Dalia's words provoked a firestorm of reactions in Elyandra. In her thoughts, she entered a state of almost controlled hysteria. "What? What do you mean, you have nothing else to teach me?! Have you gone crazy? I don't have even half of what I need to achieve my goals!"
With an urgency that barely disguised her inner panic, Elyandra answered aloud:
"I still have a lot to learn, Dalia. Ago...
But before she could complete the sentence, Dalia gently placed a finger over her lips, silencing her instantly. On his face was a serene smile, a tranquility that contrasted with Elyandra's growing apprehension. Dalia shook her head, her eyes conveying an unshakable certainty.
Dalia then spoke with the formal courtesy of a noblewoman and the discipline of a military man.
"Your path belongs only to you, Lady Elyandra. Remember? I have nothing more to teach you because you already have everything you need to grow on your own. Divine magic... spiritual magic... These are areas that I do not master. But you have all the tools to master them on your own.
Dalia stood up, her eyes meeting Elyandra's for a moment before moving away a few steps. Her posture remained rigid and imposing, that of a warrior ready to go into battle. Then, she turned to Elyandra, her expression unchanged.
"Come on, Lady Elyandra." Today will be the last day I will participate in your training.
Elyandra felt a tightness in her chest when she heard Dalia's words. A mixture of resentment and pain invaded her. He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up inside.
"You're horrible!" You're abandoning me... just like Siris!
The words slipped from his lips before he could stop them. The next moment, she shrank inwardly, aware of the cruelty of her comparison. But when he finally looked up at Dalia, he found only calm and understanding.
Dalia watched her carefully, with no anger or judgment in her eyes.
"I'm not abandoning you, Lady Elyandra." Just like you, I also have a path to follow, a job to do. I can't stay by your side forever.
Elyandra looked away, squeezing the fabric of her clothes even tighter in frustration. She knew that this would happen, that the separation was inevitable. But the reality of the moment hurt more than he expected.
"I know... I know you can't.
His voice was a muffled whisper.
"Everything went by so fast...
Dalia sighed, a soft sound amid the stillness of the courtyard.
"It's true. Time passes too quickly. That is why we cannot afford to wait or stagnate.
Elyandra lowered her hand, loosening the fabric of her dress. Her golden eyes met Dalia's, charged with an intensity that surprised even herself.
"There are no words... There are no words that can express how much I owe you, Dalia.
Dalia responded with her usual composure, but with a softness she rarely showed.
"What I did was just my work, Lady Elyandra. But... I also have no words to describe what this experience meant to me. I loved this time we spent together. As short as it was.
Elyandra stepped forward, approaching Dalia. The tutor watched her approach in silence, waiting for what the little one kept in her heart. Then, Elyandra hugged her. His small body could barely wrap around Dalia's waist, but the gesture was loaded with deep affection and gratitude.
"You were my pillar, Dalia. Without you... I don't know where I would be now. And if you dare forget about me... I will never forgive her. Whenever you want, you can come back to visit me.
Dalia felt a subtle quiver on her lips, an emotion she didn't know how to decipher. It was a mixture of pride, affection and maybe even a hint of melancholy. Without hesitation, she crouched down and wrapped Elyandra in a warm embrace, returning the gesture with an unexpected intensity.
From there, in a discreet spot in the courtyard, Lord and Lady Valemortis watched the scene. Their looks were different, their expressions loaded with nuances that only they could decipher. Lord Valemortis, with his ever-standing posture and austere countenance, analyzed the interaction with a keen eye. Lady Valemortis, on the other hand, displayed a more open curiosity, her soft eyes reflecting a mixture of tenderness and melancholy. Both speculated about what that farewell could mean for Elyandra's future. But one thing was certain in their minds: that page of Elyandra's book of life had come to an end, and a new one was about to be written.
The day passed as quickly as it had begun. After the emotional farewell with Dalia, Elyandra followed her usual routine. He participated in the morning training, had lunch with his family, sharing the table with Dalia for the last time, and spent the afternoon in his studies, reviewing the contents for the exams of the Academy of Magic. The dinner was a quiet event, marked by an atmosphere of quiet anticipation. And finally, the night found her again in her chambers, leaning over parchments and books, absorbing knowledge with the same voracity as always.
Elyandra closed the book with a soft sigh, the barely audible sound echoing in the silence of her chambers. The darkness outside shrouded the mansion in a cloak of stillness, but in his mind, a whirlwind of thoughts came to life.
"Where am I now... And where have I been?" The question resonated in his consciousness, casting a retrospective glance at the tortuous path he had traveled.
His mind wandered to his previous life, a blur of memories amid the chaos of a world that no longer belonged to him. The 32-year-old man, consumed by a relentless addiction, languishes in a dark room, seeking refuge in a virtual world. The irony did not escape Elyandra: he sought power and freedom in a game, only to become a prisoner of his own obsession.
"Who I was... And who am I?" The transition to Elyandra Valemortis had been a shock, a violent awakening to a completely different reality. The fragile body of a child, the responsibilities of a noblewoman, the constant pressure of unrealistic expectations. She remembered the confusion, the disorientation, the struggle to reconcile the memories of her past life with the identity she was now forced to embrace.
The losses haunted her like ghosts of the past. Siris, the maternal figure who had offered him comfort and security, brutally torn from his life. The pain of loss still pulsed in his chest, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the cruelty of the world.
But there were also gains, achievements that shaped his new existence. The unexpected friendship with Dalia, a strict but loyal tutor who had taught him how to fight and survive. The respect (or perhaps a cautious admiration) of her father, an enigmatic and distant man, but who presented her with a sword loaded with meaning, his hand a serene woman like an angel who welcomed her, his affection was something remarkable, the kind of person who warmed her heart at opportune moments and finally, Callen, a new ally who prostrated himself as someone who was willing to do anything to help Elyandra.
"Where am I going... And what do I want to achieve?" The final question echoed in his mind, a beacon in the darkness of his reflections. Elyandra was no longer lost. She had found a purpose, a direction for her journey. She sought power, not just to protect herself, but to shape her own destiny, to defy the expectations placed on her, to become someone no one could control. And Callen, with his intelligence and his unique position, was an important piece in his plans.
The Royal Academy exams were only one step on that path. An obstacle to overcome, an opportunity to prove to herself and the world what she was capable of. And Elyandra was ready.
Another day dawned on the Valemortis mansion, but this one loaded with an air of subtle melancholy. Elyandra, accompanied by her parents, was gathered in front of the main entrance. Dalia, dressed for the trip and with her bags already packed, waited for the moment of farewell. The mood was undeniably farewell, but there were no tears or expressions of sadness evident on either face. Instead, there was a solemn composure, a silent acceptance of the inevitability of departure.
Lord Valemortis took the first step in the farewell, his voice firm and formal.
"We appreciate your services, Dalia.
Dalia responded with an elegant head tilt, her posture impeccable.
"It has been an honour to serve you, Lord Valemortis.
Lady Valemortis then approached, surprising everyone with an unexpected gesture. She wrapped Dalia in a warm embrace, a striking contrast to the formality of the situation.
"It has been very pleasant to have your presence with us during this time, Dalia. He will be missed.
Dalia returned the hug briefly, her expression softening slightly.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Valemortis." Living with you was a very pleasant experience.
During these farewells, Elyandra remained silent, observing the interaction between her family and Dalia. His golden eyes followed every movement, every word exchanged. It was only when Dalia turned her eyes to her that attention turned to the young Valemortis.
Dalia then approached Elyandra, her expression softening into a more personal tone.
"You were a great apprentice, Lady Elyandra. She proved to be someone obstinate and capable of achieving any goal she set her mind to. I will leave knowing that my work here has been completed.
She offered Elyandra a small smile, a gesture of recognition and pride.
Elyandra took a deep breath, filling her lungs with air, and slowly let it go. Her golden eyes met Dalia's, her expression serious and determined. Then, with a rehearsed formality, she began her speech.
"Dalia... There are no words that can express the importance you had in my development. I will never forget everything he taught me.
She paused briefly, her voice taking on a tone of sincerity.
"No matter which path I choose to take, your teachings will always guide me. And I will count the days until your next visit.
Dalia's always serious face softened into an expression of satisfaction. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a delicate necklace, from which hung a small golden stone. Carefully, she placed the necklace around Elyandra's neck. The little one was surprised by the unexpected gesture, and Dalia explained:
"I haven't prepared anything beforehand for your birthday, Lady Elyandra. It took me a while to find something that would suit him... something that suited you. I think this is the most appropriate.
Elyandra took the necklace between her fingers, feeling the smooth texture of the golden stone. With a careful movement, he tucked it under his clothes, keeping it fastened to his neck. Her eyes shone with renewed determination, a silent promise to honor the gift and the tutor who had offered it.
She looked up again at Dalia, her voice full of sincerity.
"I couldn't ask for more, Dalia.
And, with a last gesture of affection, she wrapped Dalia in a hug.
Dalia smiled softly at Elyandra, a last farewell glance before turning and heading for the waiting carriage. Lord and Lady Valemortis watched her departure in silence, her expressions indecipherable. Elyandra, for her part, remained still, feeling the weight of the golden necklace around her neck and the increasing absence of the tutor who had become such an important figure in her life.
As the carriage drove away, carrying Dalia away from the Valemortis mansion, Elyandra tightened her fingers around the necklace, reaffirming her determination. The past had become an indelible part of who she was, but the future stretched out before her, full of possibilities and challenges. And Elyandra was ready to face him.
END OF CHAPTER 24
Author's Notes:
Hey guys! This week was hard work, responsibilities and some family troubles... Nothing very encouraging, I confess. But in the midst of chaos, there is something that always calms me down: writing.
For those who follow my other projects, such as "Chloe Is Empty" and "Eyes of the Mind", you may have noticed that they have been a little stopped. "Eyes", by the way, started as an experiment, but ended up teaching me a lot. Still, it was with "I Reincarnated as the Saint and I'm Going to Dominate the World!" that I felt that creative spark really ignite. This story has been a breath of fresh air for me. I've always wanted to develop something with a calm, well-structured progression, with a solid timeline and characters that really grow and Elyandra has been perfect for that. I'm really enjoying following the step by step of her rise.
Isekai has always been a genre that has fascinated me. You know that question: "What if I lived in another world?" Well, now I'm exploring this idea with everything I can, and I intend to take this journey to the end. My plan is to keep a pace of 5 chapters per week, but... Well, this week was atypical. I promise that next time the story will continue to be strong and steady!
Thank you very much to you who have come this far. See you soon with more chapters of "I Reincarnated as the Saint and I Will Dominate the World!", and with our dear Elyandra climbing another step towards the top.
Kouketsu was here.