Butler Jones consulted a small leatherbound planner, his finger tracing the relevant entry.
"The lesson is focused on advanced calculus and its applications in theoretical physics, Miss Echinacia," he replied.
Echinacia nodded, a faint smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. Advanced calculus was just one of many subjects she excelled in, thanks to her mentor's rigorous tutelage.
"And what about my other lessons?" she asked, closing the magazine and handing it back to Butler Jones.
"Your schedule includes a private ballet session with Madame Evangeline Moreau at 10 AM and a composition workshop with Maestro Luigi Rossi at 1 PM," Butler Jones recited from memory.
Echinacia listened attentively, her mind already calculating the most efficient way to allocate her time. She had much to accomplish in this second chance at life.
"And my riding lesson?" she inquired, knowing that her skill with horses was unparalleled.
"That is scheduled for 7 AM tomorrow morning with Mr. Swan's personal trainer," Butler Jones confirmed.
Echinacia nodded, satisfied with the arrangement. She road horses so she understood today she was busy.
"Very well, Butler Jones. You may dismiss me," Echinacia said, turning away from the butler and heading towards her bedroom.
As she walked, she activated the System's interface, bringing up a holographic display in front of her. The shop window shimmered into existence, showcasing a dazzling array of items and abilities.
"Alright, Tigre," she murmured to the System.
"Let's see what we can buy with these System Coins and Points."
She scanned the inventory, her eyes quickly assessing the various options. She needed to improve her hypnosis skills, for one thing. And perhaps a few defensive abilities wouldn't hurt either. After all, she was walking into a viper's nest of deceit and betrayal.
Her gaze landed on a small icon labeled
"Hypnotic Amplification Charm. I want a tool," Echinacia said.
The System processed her request, highlighting the Hypnotic Amplification Charm in the holographic display.
"Acquiring the Hypnotic Amplification Charm will enhance your hypnosis abilities by 20%," it explained.
"It is a passive effect that activates whenever you engage in hypnosis, increasing the potency and duration of your suggestions."
Echinacia nodded, pleased with the description. She glanced at the cost – 500 System Coins and 200 System Points.
"Not bad," she murmured, her finger hovering over the purchase button.
"Any other recommendations, Tigre? Something to help me defend myself if things get... messy? Hurry up I have an hour before my ballet class," Echinacia said as she looked outside she touched her bracelet that was black and white like a yin yang.
The System hummed thoughtfully, scrolling through the inventory at an accelerated pace.
"Given your current circumstances and the potential for... complications... I would recommend the following items," it said.
"A set of stealthfocused abilities, such as Silent Step and Shadow Blend, could prove invaluable for avoiding unwanted attention or escaping dangerous situations. They would cost 300 System Coins each."
"It also suggests acquiring a defensive skill like Iron Skin, which temporarily enhances your physical durability. That would set you back 400 System Coins and 150 System Points."
"And finally," the System continued.
"Consider investing in a versatile tool like the MultiPurpose HypnoDart Gun. It's a discreet weapon that fires darts coated in a fastacting hypnotic agent. A single hit can incapacitate an enemy or force them into a suggestible state. It's priced at 700 System Coins."
"I will save my coins until I enough to buy the last one," Echinacia said she got dressed for her ballet personal class.
Echinacia quickly changed into her ballet attire – a fitted leotard, tights, and pointe shoes. She gathered her hair into a neat bun, securing it with a pink ribbon that matched her eye color. As she made her way to the ballet studio, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
The mansion seemed eerily quiet, the usual bustle of servants and family members conspicuously absent. Even Princess, her feline companion, was nowhere to be seen.
As she approached the studio, Echinacia noticed that the door was slightly ajar. She pushed it open cautiously, her heart pounding in her chest. The room was empty, save for Madame Evangeline Moreau, who stood facing the mirrored wall with her back turned.
"Madame Moreau?" Echinacia called out softly.
The renowned choreographer turned slowly, a enigmatic smile playing on her lips. Her eyes, sharp and piercing, seemed to bore into Echinacia's very soul.
"My dear Echinacia," she said smoothly.
"I'm afraid we won't be having our usual lesson today. My daughter fall and broke her leg and we'll…"
"It's alright please have a safe trip and tell her speedy recovery," Echinacia said as she bowed her head.
"Echinacia I must tell you this your ballet choreographer is much higher than my level I have one last test before I stop being your master since I have nothing else to teach you," Madame Moreau said as she played music and allowed Echinacia to take the floor.
Echinacia nodded, a mix of gratitude and apprehension washing over her. She stepped onto the polished floor, her pointe shoes whispering against the wood. As the music began to play, she took a deep breath, centering herself.
Madame Moreau's words echoed in her mind – this was to be her final test, a culmination of years of rigorous training and dedication. Echinacia knew that she had to give it her all, not just for herself, but also to honor the faith her mentor had placed in her.
As the melody swelled, Echinacia began to dance. Her movements were fluid and graceful, each step a testament to the countless hours she had spent perfecting her craft. She leaped and spun, her body a blur of motion as she traversed the stage with effortless elegance.
Madame Moreau watched intently, her eyes never leaving Echinacia's form. She could see the passion and determination etched on her student's face, the way every muscle moved with precision and control. It was clear that Echinacia had reached a new level of mastery – one that even she had not anticipated.
As the music reached its crescendo, Echinacia launched into a breathtaking series of fouetté turns, her body defying gravity as she spun with dizzying speed. Each rotation was flawless, each landing perfectly balanced. The room seemed to fade away as she became completely immersed in the dance, lost in the rhythm and flow of the music.
Suddenly, the music stopped abruptly, leaving Echinacia suspended in midair. She landed gracefully, her expression calm and composed. The silence that followed was thick with anticipation.
Madame Moreau slowly clapped her hands together, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
"Magnificent," she declared, her voice filled with admiration.
"Truly magnificent, Echinacia. You have surpassed my expectations. You are ready."
She paused, her gaze softening slightly.
"You have mastered the technical aspects of ballet," she continued.
"Teacher what now?"