chapter 7
chapter 7
Imperial
Cesare Imperial Academy
The main building rose high like a smooth stone tower, and the imperial flag at the top fluttered in the wind.
The school gates were already crowded with students in uniform, and carriages lined up in rows.
Lucia stood quietly in the middle of it all, leaning on her staff.
Without a word, Chloe approached and adjusted her jacket collar, shoulders, sleeves, and every pleat of her skirt. That gentle touch made Lucia stare off at a distant pillar for no reason.
She remained standing upright, and soon whispers rose around her.
The student with the staff is the grand duke’s daughter
They say she can’t use magic
I heard she’s really sick but still enrolled
It was exactly what she expected. There was nothing new to be hurt by or surprised about.
“Don’t worry.”
“How could I not worry?”
At Chloe’s immediate reply, Lucia barely held back a laugh.
“Come see me on your days off.”
“I’ll be waiting at the capital residence for those days.”
A brief silence followed.
Sophia had already run off toward the literature department entrance, chatting excitedly with someone she knew. Lucia glanced at her, then turned back.
Chloe’s worried eyes were fixed only on her.
Lucia took a small breath and spoke brightly, trying to ease her worry.
“Then I’ll be going.”
She turned without hesitation. The blunt end of Asel struck the ground with a clear sound as she walked. She could still feel Chloe’s gaze on her back.
Even with her straight posture and dignified steps, it seemed Chloe still saw her as a child.
Lucia didn’t look back.
Tree-lined paths filtered the spring sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the stone road. Students in uniform filled the entrance.
Tap. Tap.
Each step drew attention. Some glanced as they passed, others turned back openly.
Following the signs, she reached the end where voices gathered.
The auditorium.
Inside, the high ceiling opened wide, sunlight pouring through the windows. Hundreds of students sat in rows, the rustle of uniforms filling the space.
Lucia took her assigned seat near the front and looked toward the stage.
A host stepped up, announced the start of the ceremony, and introduced the representative student.
Clicking footsteps echoed.
The murmurs fell silent.
Rosaria.
Her long wavy hair fell to her waist as she ascended the stage step by step. Soon, she began the oath, her clear voice filling the hall.
As she read, her eyes slowly scanned the audience.
When their gazes met, Lucia immediately regretted looking up.
Rosaria’s expression and voice did not waver. Her eyes paused briefly, then moved on.
After the ceremony, students began leaving. Lucia stood and headed toward the notice board.
Lucia Castiya. 5th floor. Room number.
Found it.
She walked slowly with Asel and stopped at her assigned room.
Click—
The door opened.
A spacious living area appeared, with a table, sofa, and sunlight streaming through a large window. Two bedrooms faced each other across the room.
Lucia stepped inside—then stopped.
In one corner, several untouched trunks were stacked.
Her roommate’s things?
Whoever it was didn’t matter. She would stay in her own room.
She opened her door.
A neat, spacious room.
A large bed with smooth blue bedding.
A light trunk.
A vanity, shelves, wardrobe.
Everything was already arranged.
Chloe must have come earlier.
A capable second mother.
Lucia felt oddly like a lazy noble.
The bathroom seemed shared, so she stepped out.
Inside, white tiles, spotless, a large bath.
She filled it with hot water and sank in.
The day’s fatigue melted away.
When was the last time she was alone?
What classes would tomorrow bring?
Probably something ridiculous.
By the time the water cooled, she got out, changed into pajamas, and lay on the bed.
Soft.
Comfortable.
The sky darkened.
Click—
Footsteps.
Her roommate had arrived.
Shoes. Trunk.
Quiet.
Orderly.
Probably someone calm.
That would be fine.
Lucia closed her eyes.
The next morning
She dressed and reached the classroom.
After a breath, she opened the door.
Silence fell.
All eyes turned.
Flowers decorated the desks. Magic lights illuminated the room.
Ridiculously pretty.
Then—
Isadora.
Their eyes met.
Lucia ignored her.
But then—
Only one seat left.
Next to Rosaria.
‘Why here…’
She sat.
“You’re the latest.”
“Because I’m sick.”
She answered without looking.
“Ha. Sick?”
Rosaria scoffed.
Lucia adjusted her skirt.
‘Too shameless?’
Still, what else could she say.
Thankfully, the professor entered.
The lesson began.
Magic theory.
Isadora asked questions first.
But—
Rosaria kept looking at her.
“That’s annoying. Stop staring.”
“You’re interesting.”
“…Don’t fall for me.”
“Ridiculous.”
Lucia turned away.
The professor spoke.
“Without mana, even the most beautiful circle is empty.”
His gaze passed Lucia.
Isadora spoke.
“I worry how Lady Castiya will manage without magic.”
So obvious.
Lucia smiled weakly.
“Thank you for your concern. I will simply do my best as a daughter of Castiya.”
Isadora’s smile stiffened.
“Hah.”
Rosaria laughed.
“What’s funny?”
“Everything.”
“Then laugh more.”
The atmosphere shifted.
Rosaria stared at her.
‘Is she going to do that every time?’
Lucia looked down and began to doodle.