The morning sun spilled through the high windows of the noble house, painting golden patterns across the polished wooden floor. A tray of breakfast waited in the small servant quarters, steam curling from the porridge and tea.
I picked up the spoon again, stirring the porridge slowly, more out of habit than hunger. The aroma was simple, comforting the kind of thing that reminded me life could be ordinary, even in a house full of nobles, rules, and responsibilities.
I took a slow sip of tea, letting the warmth spread through my hands. While the steam curled above the cup, my mind wandered over the world I lived in.
In this world there are two systems Aura and Magic. Every being in this world can use it, it's something that is said to be granted by the creator of this world to it's inhabitants to help protect themselves and his creations against the corruption caused by the gates.
The gates were more than just magical anomalies they were calamities incarnate. Some appeared suddenly, swallowing entire village in a flash, leaving nothing but scorched earth and broken lives behind. Others erupted like gaping wounds in the land, spewing monsters whose strength and numbers could devastate anything from a small village to an entire nation if left unchecked.
And it wasn't just physical destruction. Those touched by a gate often fell victim to a corruption that warped mind and soul. Ordinary people could become hostile, unrecognizable versions of themselvez driven by rage, hunger, madness and some even turn into something not human.
No one could afford to ignore these gates. In an effort to stop them or at least minimize the damage. The royals of various kingdoms established academies to nurture talent capable of fending off the threats. Students ranged from noble blood, like the young lady I served, to commoners like me each trained and prepared to confront whatever a gate might bring.
These academies weren't just schools, they were the first and last line of defense, places where raw potential could be honed into skill, where knowledge and strength could be sharpened into a weapon. It was a system designed to protect the people, the lands, and even the balance of the world.
As I thought about all of this the gates, the academies, and the fragile balance of the world. I finished the last spoonful of porridge and set the bowl aside. The tea had cooled, but the small moment of breakfast had given me a bit of calm before the day began.
I stood and moved to the wardrobe. The uniform for serving the young lady was simple black trousers, a white shirt, and a vest with the household crest. I straightened the sleeves, adjusted the collar, and fastened my gloves.
After I finished dressing, I exited my quarters and began to walk through the corridor. The air carried the faint scent of polished wood and fresh flowers, a sign that the maids assigned to the main hall had already begun their duties. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long patterns across the carpet, and the estate like always felt both grand and suffocatingly orderly.
My steps stopped in front of a pair of doors with beautiful patterns.
The young lady's room.
I lifted a hand and knocked.
"Come in."
Her voice was clear, light, and carried the casual authority of someone who had never needed to raise it to be obeyed.
I opened the door and stepped inside, bowing out of habit before my eyes rose to meet her.
She sat near the window, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. Curly platinum-blonde hair fell past her shoulders, catching the light like spun silver, and her eyes amethyst in color held brilliance that made it difficult to look away for too long. Beautiful—undeniably.
Tresca Vi Evergard. The young lady of this house, and the daughter of Count Evergard.
For a brief moment, I simply watched her, the sunlight framing her like a portrait meant to be admired from afar. Then I remembered my purpose and lowered my head.
"Young lady, it is time. The carriage has been prepared. Today we depart for the academy, as ordered by the Count."
She turned to face me, her curls swaying softly with the motion. A small smile formed on her lips mischievous, familiar.
"I told you not to be so formal," she said, her voice carrying that usual teasing edge. "We grew up together, didn't we? You used to call me Vi"
She took a step closer, close enough that maintaining proper servant decorum became significantly more difficult.
"Or is this how you plan to act at the academy too?" she added. "How disappointing." she pouted
"It's cute and all, but I can't let my guard down."
The words stayed in my head. What left my mouth was something far more appropriate.
"Young lady," I said, keeping my voice even, "my position has not changed simply because our destination has. At the academy, more than anywhere else, appearances will matter."
I took a careful step back, restoring the proper distance between us.
"You are the daughter of Count Evergard. I am your attendant. If I become careless, it will reflect poorly on you."
Her pout deepened, though the faint glimmer in her amethyst eyes told me she was far from truly displeased.
"You're such a worrywart," she muttered, her pout softening into a smile that made it clear she wasn't truly annoyed.
I allowed myself a small breath. "If being cautious ensures your safety, then I will accept the title with pride, young lady."
She clicked her tongue. "There you go again with the young lady. At the academy, I might start calling you by your name in front of everyone."
"That would cause unnecessary rumors."
Turning toward the door with a satisfied look, she said " That is exactly why I'm considering it."
I stepped forward to open the door for her. "The carriage is waiting, Lady Tresca."
She paused as she passed by me, her voice dropping just enough for only me to hear.
"You really won't call me Vi anymore?"
For a fraction of a second, my composure faltered.
"…Please proceed, young lady."
Her quiet laugh followed me into the corridor.
The moment we stepped into the grand entrance hall, the atmosphere changed.
The doors had already been opened, and beyond them, standing at the top of the wide stone steps, were the lord and lady of House Evergard.
Count Evergard was a tall man whose very presence carried the weight of countless battlefields. The faint scars along his jaw and the back of his hand were not flaws but marks of victories.
The Countess stepped forward, her gaze steady but kind as she watched Tresca and me. "And you as well," she said, inclining her head toward me. "You have served Tresca since childhood. Continue to serve her faithfully, guide her when she needs it, and watch over her as you always have. I trust your judgment, and I know she is in capable hands."
Tresca's cheeks flushed a soft pink blush "M-Mother! Father! You don't have to say it like that…" she stammered, clearly embarrassed.
Her usual confident grin was replaced by a slightly sheepish pout, and she shifted from foot to foot. "We… we never act like this at home" she muttered, glancing at me with wide eyes. "You're making it… awkward!"
I stood beside her, watching her reaction with quiet amusement. My mind wandered, as it often did at moments like this, recalling just how much of a daughter fool the Count and Countess truly were. Unlike other noble households that prized strict formalities, the Evergards care for Tresca often overrode etiquette entirely. Every gentle word, every indulgent glance they cherished her above all else.
No wonder she was flustered. This kind of formality was new to her, and seeing her parents act so seriously only made her blush all the more. I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.
After being sent off by the Count and Countess, we stepped into the carriage. The leather seats were polished, the interior warm. The carriage rocked gently as the horses trotted along the road, the Evergard mansion disappearing completely behind us. The early morning sun warmed the polished wood interior, and the faint scent of leather and wax filled the small space.
I glanced at Tresca, still slightly flustered from the unusual formality by the count and countess
It would take half a day to reach the royal capital of Rosenquartz, where the kingdom's most prestigious academy stood.
Wanting to break the silence, Tresca spoke.
"It's been a while since we last went to the capital, hasn't it?"
"Yes. To be precise, it's been a year," I answered.
The memory surfaced almost immediately. We had gone to the capital to celebrate Tresca's birthday the Count's entire family in attendance. It had been my first time seeing Rosenquartz in all its splendor.
The capital felt overwhelming. The streets were wide and bustling with people, merchants calling from every direction, their stalls overflowing with fabrics, ornaments, and food I had never even heard of. Unlike the countryside, where earth and timber dominated the scenery, everything in the capital was built from concrete and polished stone.
Tresca's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she leaned slightly closer. "And this time," she said, glancing around the quiet carriage, "it's just the two of us. No Count, no endless relatives fussing over schedules or gifts… just you and me."
I cleared my throat, regaining some of my composure. "Well since it's just the two of us, we should make sure we're prepared," I said, pulling out the schedule I had reviewed earlier. "We'll arrive in the capital by evening. First, we'll check into the hotel and settle in. Then tomorrow morning, we'll head to the academy for the opening ceremony."
Tresca's eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned back, a teasing smirk playing on her lips. "Are we…?" she said, letting the question hang in the air, clearly trying to provoke a reaction.
I feigned ignorance, giving her the faintest shrug, and continued speaking as if her comment hadn't even registered. "Once we're settled at the hotel, I suggest we review the map of the academy grounds. It's better to know where everything is before the opening ceremony begins."
Her smirk widened, unbroken. "Oh, I see how it is," she murmured, amusement dancing in her tone. "Ignoring me entirely… How clever."
I kept my eyes on the schedule in my hands, carefully not letting a flicker of reaction show. "Yes. Clever planning ensures we won't miss anything important tomorrow. That's what counts, right?"
Clearly amused, she hummed softly, a low, satisfied sound that made the quiet carriage feel a little warmer.
Through the carriage window, the first hints of the capital came into view. Massive stone walls rose against the evening sky, their sheer height and breadth a reminder of the power and wealth protected within.
We have arrived. The carriage slowed as we approached the gate, where a pair of city guards stood beneath the arch, spears in hand and plain breastplates over leather padded uniforms, their watchful gazes following each passing carriage.
They signaled for us to stop and stepped forward, asking for our proof of entry in a practiced tone.
I handed over our insignia. The guard gave it a brief glance, then returned it with a nod.
"All is in order. You may proceed."
As the carriage moved forward, both guards bowed their heads in respect, watching us pass through the gate and into the bustling capital.