[Author's Note: Important Update on Release Schedule]
Dear readers,
The first 5 chapters served as an extended introduction to build the world and Maria's backstory, hence their exceptional length (4k+ words).
Starting from this chapter, I am switching to the standard Webnovel format with shorter, punchier chapters. The Good News? This change allows me to provide DAILY UPDATES from now on!
You will get fresh content every single day. Thank you for accompanying Maria on her journey.
If you enjoy the story, please support it with your Power Stones and add it to your Library!
Maria opened her puffy eyelids with a heavy feeling. She didn't know when she had fallen asleep last night, but the exhaustion was still deep in her bones.
The faint light of dawn shone through the thick curtains. The sun had not yet fully risen.
Maria half-rose and sat on the edge of the bed. Her gaze drifted to the opposite bed.
Sarah was in a deep sleep. She had kicked off her pink blanket and was hugging a large stuffed bear tightly. Her curly hair had fallen across her face.
Maria remembered her behavior from last night. She remembered the moment Sarah looked at her with tear-filled eyes.
Maria's expression tightened. A dull ache twisted in her chest.
I did the right thing. I have to keep my distance.
But even to her, the words felt hollow.
She got up. She took off her uniform, which she had slept in last night and was now wrinkled, and carefully put on a clean, pressed uniform. She tied her boot laces tight, as if putting on armor for battle.
She entered the room's private bathroom. A small but luxurious room with marble tiles and brass faucets.
She turned on the tap. She splashed cold water on her face to reduce the puffiness of her eyes and chase away the sleep.
She looked in the mirror.
Her eyes... were the same cold, soulless eyes of her previous life. The eyes of a woman who had gotten used to killing her emotions to survive.
Today is the first real day. There is no room for mistakes anymore.
She tied her hair in a ponytail, hid her daggers in their usual place, and quietly left the room so as not to wake Sarah.
***
She hadn't eaten anything since leaving the palace yesterday morning. The weakness from hunger mixed with the cramps from stress.
She opened the doors of the dining hall.
The hall was still quiet. The smell of fresh bread, coffee, and fried bacon filled the air; a smell that made Maria's stomach growl.
A small number of students, mostly upperclassmen with different uniforms (with silver or gold lines on the sleeves), were having breakfast in small groups.
The clatter of cutlery was the only music in the hall.
Maria's entrance, though silent, drew attention.
A few people raised their heads. Whispers started, but stopped quickly. Upperclassmen, unlike first-years, were more indifferent or perhaps had learned to hide their emotions.
Maria went to the buffet table.
A long table laid out like a feast for kings: various cheeses, fruits Maria didn't even know the names of, and breads still steaming.
She picked up a plate. She tried not to be greedy, but the hunger made the decision for her. She took some bread, eggs, and a bunch of grapes.
Just as she wanted to turn back and find a table in a corner, her ears picked up footsteps that were out of the normal rhythm of the room.
Someone was coming directly toward her. Purposeful and calm.
Maria tensed but didn't turn around. She waited.
"Hello. You must be Maria, right?"
A warm, resonant, and confident voice.
Maria turned slowly.
A tall boy with wavy auburn hair and honey-colored eyes stood before her. His uniform was flawless, but he had tied his tie a bit loosely, giving him a charming and approachable look.
Maria recognized him. Yesterday, outside the training field, when everyone was mocking Maria, this boy was the only one not laughing, watching intently.
Maria answered cautiously:
"Yes, I am Maria."
The boy smiled, revealing a dimple on his cheek. He raised his hands to show he meant no harm.
"I'm Julian Vane, third-year."
Maria waited. What does an upperclassman want from me?
Julian lowered his voice slightly:
"My father and Commander Edward have been old friends since the border wars. In his letter, Edward asked me to... how should I put it... keep an eye on you from afar so you don't get into trouble. Although, with the show you put on yesterday... I think you have a talent for attracting trouble yourself."
Hearing Edward's name, Maria's defensive walls came down a bit. Edward wouldn't introduce someone without reason.
"Thank you... Sir Vane."
Julian laughed and lowered his hand.
"Forget 'Sir'. I hate formalities. Just Julian. Let's sit; you don't want your food to get cold."
They sat at a table by the window. Maria started eating cautiously, but all her attention stayed on Julian.
Julian sipped his coffee, an apple resting on his plate as he studied Maria.
"You know, yesterday at the mana test, everyone was laughing at the weak light of the orb. But I was looking at your feet."
Maria paused her fork.
"My feet?"
"Yeah. Your stance. Someone whose guard is that solid can't be weak. It's interesting to me... Edward sent a mana-less little girl into the pit of nobles. He's not a gambling man. So you must have an ace up your sleeve."
Maria swallowed her bite. This boy was smart. Very smart.
"Maybe my ace is just my stubbornness."
"Stubbornness is good, but it's not enough at Alverin Academy. This is a jungle full of smiling snakes."
Julian pointed toward Damian Von Taurus's table, who had just entered the hall.
"That boy, Damian... he's dangerous. Not just because of his magic. He attracts people. Half the first-years are already on his side. If you want to clash with him, you'll be crushed alone."
Maria looked away.
"I don't need a team. I can handle him myself."
Julian picked up the apple, took a big bite, and said coolly:
"That's exactly what corpses say before they die."
Maria frowned.
Julian took back his smile and became serious.
"Look, Maria, I won't interfere. I promised to 'watch your back,' not 'be a babysitter.' But a piece of advice from an upperclassman: politics here isn't solved with a sword. If you want to survive, you must learn when to draw your sword and when to smile."
He stood up and picked up his tray.
"By the way, you have combat training with Master Allen today, right?"
Maria nodded.
"Be careful. Allen is one of those types who takes out his frustrations on weaker students. Don't give him an excuse."
Julian winked and walked away.
Maria watched him go.
Julian Vane... Ally? Spy? Or just a curious spectator?
She ate the last piece of her bread. Her energy had returned.
She stood up. It was time to face Master Allen.