The journey back to the Valemortis mansion was peaceful. Elyandra watched the route from inside the carriage and noticed her entourage being escorted; they were soldiers trusted by her father, and she recognized some of their faces. "This escort is without a doubt my father's doing. It's even larger than the one that took us to House Sorell."
Elyandra closed the curtain of her carriage, now finding herself alone in the small space. She looked up at the carriage ceiling and removed her slippers, stretching like a cat before settling comfortably onto the leather seat. A smile appeared on her lips. "That trip was quite exhausting..." She let out a light laugh.
— When I get home, all I want is to lie down in my bed and rest. Socializing with so many people drains anyone's spirit.
Elyandra clasped her hands together and used them as a pillow. Her eyes grew hazy, and she began to yawn. After only a short while asleep, she heard knocks on the carriage door. She rose, somewhat drowsy, and the knocking came again.
Then she heard it.
— Lady Valemortis, we have arrived.
Elyandra rubbed her eyes.
— I'm coming out now.
She picked up the black envelope Armand had given her and stood up. She took a deep breath for a few moments and fixed her hair with her fingers. Opening the door, she was met with the imposing gates of House Valemortis. One of the maids helped her down from the carriage, and in the distance, she saw her mother watching her. The smile on her face was clear to Elyandra's eyes. The girl walked toward her mother.
— Elyandra, how was the academy? Did you have fun? — Altheria asked.
Elyandra smiled.
— It was a very gratifying experience, if I may say so. It was quite liberating.
Elyandra's mother crouched down and opened her arms. Elyandra, noticing that rare gesture, slowly approached her mother, who embraced her and lifted her up, pressing her face against her daughter's.
— Mother... you don't need to do this — Elyandra said, a little embarrassed.
However, Altheria did not seem to care.
— I missed you so much, my little piece of snow.
Hearing those words, Elyandra felt an inner warmth, a feeling covering her, a kind of happiness. She returned her mother's embrace.
— I missed you too.
The embrace between them lasted what felt like minutes, until Altheria set her back on the ground.
— Come, let's go inside. It's already late for us to remain out here.
She extended her hand to Elyandra. The girl took it, and together they entered the imposing Valemortis mansion.
The night came to an end, and Elyandra awoke in her bed. She got ready, braiding her hair in the same style as her master, and left her room. The morning sun already shone over the Valemortis mansion as Elyandra finished her physical exercises. She then sat within the Valemortis mansion's magic circle and began training her mana control. Thoughts about her affinities passed through her mind.
— Divine Magic is somewhat strange. The logic behind it is complicated — she whispered.
The girl raised one hand, and before her she created a golden orb. The perfectly formed sphere rotated above her palm. She observed it with an analytical gaze. "A magic that can heal wounds and diseases." The orb dissolved, creating rope-like strands that entwined around Elyandra's arm and vibrated with the flow of mana.
— But depending on the power used, it can even be employed for destructive purposes, and in specific cases, it can be used to purify demonic magic...
The magic then fragmented and vanished. Elyandra looked at her own hand. "Now... as for the other one."
Elyandra's hands began to generate a transparent mass that almost resembled mist. The mist swirled around her hand, split apart, and dissolved, only to be formed again.
— Spiritual Magic. I still don't fully understand how to use it, but something tells me it is far too dangerous.
Elyandra looked at a white flower that had grown near where she stood. The girl pointed her hand toward the flower, and waves of spiritual magic bombarded it, causing it to become even more vibrant. However, over time, the flower began to change shape and become somewhat deformed. Elyandra then altered her mana flow and noticed something strange: the magic influencing the flower began to drain its life, causing the plant to crumble and turn to dust. Elyandra looked at the result with a surprised face.
— This... is incredible — she whispered. She looked at her hand, smiling. — I need to study the use of this magic more thoroughly.
Elyandra heard footsteps near her. The girl looked to the side and found her mother, who had just arrived. She gazed at Elyandra with the same serene smile as before.
— Dear, would you like to join me for breakfast? — her mother asked.
Elyandra returned the smile.
— I would love to.
As they moved through the corridors and Elyandra untied her braided hair, she noticed that her mother seemed somewhat nervous, her fingers intertwined behind her back in an anxious manner. Elyandra observed this, intrigued.
— Is something wrong, Mother? — she asked.
Altheria was surprised by the question.
— Ah, dear, how can I put this... — She brought a hand to her mouth, her face flushed, wearing a gentle and happy smile.
Elyandra then asked:
— It seems something good happened. Is it about some new romance book?
Altheria looked at Elyandra, her eyes searching for the right words to say. She smiled.
— Let's do this. Your father should not return until next month. I wanted to wait until he arrived so you could tell us the result of your exam, but... — She extended her little finger to Elyandra. — How about we make a promise? I'll tell you something, and you tell me the result of your exam. What do you think?
Elyandra looked at her with a serene gaze. Inside, she thought, "What kind of romance anime situation is this?" In any life, Elyandra extended her little finger.
— That seems like a fair agreement.
They then sealed the promise between them.
The sun rose, and in a distant room where the servants could not interfere, Elyandra wore an empty look accompanied by a calm smile. She masked her inner confusion while her eyes remained focused on the figure before her. Lady Altheria smiled warmly, her hands resting against her face. She seemed extremely happy about something.
Elyandra picked up the black envelope and placed it on the table while taking a teacup some servants had prepared beforehand for them.
— Very well... Mother, as promised, I was to give you the result of my exam. It is in this envelope.
Lady Altheria seemed to finally notice what Elyandra was saying. She composed herself.
— Ah, yes, I apologize, dear.
She then took the envelope and opened it. Her eyes met the result of Elyandra's candidacy; she saw in golden letters the approval statement of her daughter, and a pleased smile danced upon her lips. Noticing that, Elyandra thought, "It seems she is happy... Yes, in a way... gratifying..." The girl took a generous sip from her teacup and exhaled her confidence.
— You worked hard. Very well done, dear — said Altheria.
— I would not have succeeded without assistance, but your praise makes me more at ease — Elyandra replied, sighing.
Altheria picked up a teacup, and both remained silent for some time.
— Well... I think... you should tell me something, shouldn't you? — Elyandra asked.
Altheria changed her expression to something more embarrassed and raised one hand to cover her mouth while looking aside, blushing. Elyandra thought, "It feels like I'm dealing with a high school girl. What is she hiding that seems so embarrassing to say?"
— W-well, how can I put this... — She looked one way and then the other, her face becoming even redder.
Noticing that strange behavior, Elyandra began to grow suspicious.
— Elyandra, dear, do you feel lonely? — Altheria asked in a low voice.
At that very moment, Elyandra thought, "What? What the hell is she talking about?"
— What are you talking about? — she asked.
Altheria smiled, her face even redder.
— Well, how can I say this... your father is usually always away from home because of work, and I am usually responsible for some household matters, so I wonder whether you feel lonely.
Elyandra brought a hand to her chin, thinking about what this conversation could possibly be about. A new personal servant? A pet? Those were things she no longer saw herself needing. She turned her eyes back to Altheria, her expression now more serious, though she still carried a calm smile.
— I do not think I feel lonely, but if you allow me to ask, what is this really about?
Altheria then stood and walked to Elyandra's side, which surprised her. She subtly sat beside the girl.
— Dear, during the time you were away, some things happened, and well... — She gently took Elyandra's hand and moved closer to her daughter's face. — It is a little embarrassing to say this, but...
Elyandra grew somewhat apprehensive, though she still maintained her serene smile. Altheria then continued:
— You will soon be able to be called an older sister.
Elyandra thought, "A-older sister? Wait a moment... Is she pregnant?"
— What do you mean by that?
Altheria smiled joyfully, her face radiating overwhelming happiness as she clasped her hands to her face.
— Mommy is pregnant.
Elyandra's face went blank with shock, and she remained silent for a few moments.
— I... don't know what to say... congratulations? — she said, still stunned.
— Your father still doesn't know. I don't know if I should tell him yet. What do you think? Perhaps I should wait longer?
Elyandra looked at her with a faint smile and a serene gaze. In her mind, she thought, "It seems things were entertaining while I wasn't here."
Altheria began describing in detail her preparations for every possibility focused exclusively on the gender of the child to come. Elyandra listened politely, but inwardly thought, "When she starts like this... she never stops... I need to do something, or she'll keep talking until next year." The girl acknowledged Altheria's questions while an idea formed in her mind.
— Mother, are you still making those trips to the outskirts?
— Well, recently no. After the visit to House Sorell, your father ended up placing certain restrictions, so I have not been able to go there for a while.
"Excellent, I interrupted that gigantic monologue. I just need an excuse now and leave," Elyandra thought, preparing to say goodbye to Altheria.
However, the woman spoke with a new smile, as though she had just had a brilliant idea.
— I know, dear Elyandra, would you like to accompany me shopping?
— Shopping?
— I had promised to buy provisions and clothing for the people of the outskirts, but since I never went back there, they must think I lied. That would be outrageous! — said the woman with a determined look.
— Wouldn't it be more practical to have the servants do that? — Elyandra tried to argue.
— There are things you need to do yourself. If I asked others to do everything, there would be no point in doing anything.
Elyandra thought she had dug her own grave. Inside, she felt annoyed, until an idea suddenly struck her. "Wait... If we're going shopping, then we'll pass through the Empire's commercial district. Perhaps I can find something to help me with my studies on magic."
The girl turned to Altheria, who was looking at her with a cheerful smile, awaiting her answer.
— Could I acquire a few things in the market?
Altheria seemed to understand the girl's interest in accompanying her.
— Of course, dear. Do you have anything specific in mind?
Elyandra shook her head.
— Nothing specific, but if I were to guess, I would like to see some shop dealing in magical goods.
— Very well, then it would be good for you to have some time to think. How about this weekend?
— That would be wonderful — Elyandra agreed.
The two of them then continued enjoying the tea accompanied by some biscuits. Meanwhile, Elyandra began thinking about what would be the best item for her to acquire.
A few days passed, and at last the moment arrived when Elyandra and Altheria would make their visit to the commercial district of the Empire of Divine Light. It was a vast and noble area stretching across a long walk, with shops of every variety imaginable, selling all manner of objects and merchandise. A prestigious district frequented by nobles of every kind and rank. However, amidst the alleys of commerce, something was happening: a boy leaned against a wall, panting and visibly worried.