I've Arrived at the Academy!
I've arrived at the academy! Preparations for heading there went off without a hitch.
I have no idea what Dad did, but just a few days after I asked, word came that I'd been accepted.
So I was in the middle of packing my things.
"Have you packed all your clothes? Your medicine? Underwear…"
"Mom, I'm a proper adult now, you know? I can pack my own bags."
Mom kept checking my luggage, fretting over anything I might've missed, but I just smiled reassuringly at her.
Of course, I didn't really want her to stop. Being doted on like a child you could poke in the eye without it hurting? Always welcome.
My old body never got that kind of attention.
No, happy thoughts. Happy thoughts. I'm heading to the academy soon.
"Alright, Ilisha. Make sure you take your medicine on time, eat properly, sleep when you should, and…"
Once she'd finished inspecting everything, Mom grabbed my hands tight and unleashed a torrent of advice.
It was the kind of heartfelt nagging that only comes from truly loving your kid, so I could've listened forever…
But this would never end.
"Got it, Mom. I'll take my meds, wear a different outfit every day. You're too much of a worrywart, you know."
I hugged her tight, and only then did she ease up a bit.
"…Right, our daughter's all grown up now. You'll do fine. Make lots of friends. And don't forget to write."
"Jeez, that's the third time you've said that… cough, cough! Ahem."
Just when we could've wrapped it up on a warm note, a cough decided to crash the party.
Ah, I wanted a beautiful goodbye this time.
I blamed my frail lungs and gave an awkward smile.
But this time, my smile couldn't smooth things over.
Mom's face darkened instantly as she eyed my waist.
"…Ilisha. Do you really have to carry that sword everywhere?"
"Mom."
"I'm not saying you can't like swords, Ilisha. But…"
This was one thing I wouldn't budge on, no matter how much she begged. Time to be firm.
"Mom."
"…Baby."
"Sorry. But swinging a sword? It's just too much fun."
I didn't mean to guilt her, but it was the only way to convince her that came to mind.
I rested my hand on the sword at my waist, closed my eyes like I was reminiscing, and smiled.
"Fun, huh. Even as you're freezing over…"
Mom had always hated seeing me swing a sword.
It always left me worse off afterward.
But in the end, she gave up.
"Fine. But… don't push yourself. Promise?"
Couldn't exactly guarantee that.
Still, for a graceful farewell, I flashed a big smile and said to trust me.
"Alright… Take care, our girl."
One last hug with Mom, then I grabbed my personal things and headed for the main gate.
Brother's off on campaign today. So just Dad left, but…
Where is he?
I should at least say goodbye.
The thought had barely crossed my mind when Dad's voice came from beside me.
"Preparations complete?"
Frost clung to his hair—he must've been out in the morning air.
Dad has this habit of breathing fresh air when his mind's tangled up…
Looks like it was really tangled today.
I didn't point it out, just answered.
"Yes, Father."
Dad stood silently, but I knew what it meant.
He was carefully choosing his words inside.
"…I've arranged for every possible convenience. Do as you wish there—swordsmanship classes or magic hall, attend or wander off. Whatever you want. That's fine. And Ainshel will go with you. It's settled. I've gotten permission."
His final words made me wonder if I'd misheard.
Not just the content, but he spoke so long.
"Dad…"
I started to thank him for the thoughtfulness, but he pulled me into a hug—uncharacteristically gentle—and spoke.
"I don't know what you want. But… go achieve it. I love you always, daughter."
I kissed his cheek.
"Love you too. And it's not like we're never seeing each other again. I'll write lots."
I barely held back a cough, said my goodbyes, and headed for the carriage.
"Ainshel, were you waiting here? It must've been cold…"
"If I can't handle this chill, how could I call myself Northern folk?"
Ainshel scooped me up effortlessly into the carriage, then hopped in lightly herself.
If only my body were a bit healthier, I'd have climbed in on my own.
My fault for being so weak and small.
…Now I'm really on my own.
No, not alone. Ainshel's here.
With just her, I won't feel too guilty.
From now on, I can do whatever I want.
Peeking excitedly out the window, I saw Ainshel clasp her big, paw-like hands, curious.
"What on earth did the Grand Duke write in that letter to let a servant accompany you to the academy…"
Her question was fair.
You usually can't bring servants to the academy.
Not even the Crown Prince is exempt, I'd heard. No clue what Dad pulled off.
"Maybe he asked nicely?"
"I know they don't usually bend for that…"
"Dad rarely sends letters… Maybe that's why."
Ainshel seemed to decide it hurt her head to dwell, saying she was just glad to serve me.
She'll have it rough ahead, so maybe apologize now.
"…Sorry, Ainshel. Dragging you to the academy because of me."
"Why should you apologize, miss? If anyone's sorry, it's me—the least skilled and most useless one serving you…"
So thoughtful, so kind.
Her care for me is genuine.
Which made me feel a little bad.
I'm gonna rough up this body from here on.
"I like you, Ainshel. You're full of life, unlike the others. And we're the same age."
Though I was why the others lost their spark—not on purpose.
What can you do? My body's just weak.
Anyway, enough of that.
I pondered what to do at the academy.
Semester's started, so transfer student status?
Hard to imagine transfers at the Imperial Central Academy, but whatever.
Probably some backlash… no, a lot.
Even the Crown Prince gets treated like any commoner on the surface.
Then some kid shows up with special privileges?
No surprise if they hate me.
But hate's attention too, so not bad.
No need to make enemies and chain myself.
Tons I wanna do—no tripping over obstacles every time.
So, only one way.
As I mulled it over inwardly, we arrived at the Magic Tower.
…Magic Tower?
Why here on the way to the academy?
"Welcome, lady. This way. Servant, step down from the carriage too. We'll send it separately."
My confusion only grew.
Mages came to greet us—including a familiar face.
"Tower Master? What are you doing here…"
I remembered him from when he tried healing me with magic before.
Failed and got frustrated, I think?
"Heard the news. Off to the academy. Portal's ready."
Ah, portal.
…True, it's a ways off.
Skipping airships for a portal? Kinda wasteful.
The thought flickered, but I shrugged it off positively.
Dad must really care.
Portal's pricey, but pocket change for a grand duchy.
"Thank you, Tower Master."
I curtsied gracefully. Gratitude's gratitude.
"…Take care of yourself."
He replied with a voice full of worry.
Why does everyone send me off so solemnly?
Well, I am off to wreck my body.
Life expectancy might dip a bit.
Still.
"Yes. I'll come back safe."
With that, I stepped into the portal.
——
Even after arriving at the academy, the surprises kept coming.
People waiting to haul my luggage somewhere, kindly escorting me to the classroom building.
At this point, I was starting to get scared of whatever Dad did.
The academy I knew was notoriously unfriendly.
Yet my escort—a man—was treating me with utmost politeness.
"No need to be nervous, lady."
No, you look the most nervous.
Seeing him tremble as he led me to class, I brainstormed my opening line.
I'm Ilisha of the Northern Grand Duchy? Pleased to meet you, I'm Ilisha?
Like meeting new fans—my tail wagged on its own.
Wonder which class?
Ideally, the one with all the main characters.
We'd cross paths anyway, but same class? Heh heh.
Maybe from all that anticipation.
The class I got was Class 1—the one packed with promising talents.
Me, joining that?
…Dad, what did you do?
Regardless, I was thrilled, practically bouncing.
How long since this body got this excited?
"…First time taking a transfer, so… forgive any awkwardness."
I reined in my excitement and replied.
"It's fine. Let's go."
Entering with the homeroom teacher, the class went dead silent in an instant.
Do they know who I am? Or not?
Either way, good.
They'd pay attention to me.
The teacher cleared his throat and introduced me casually as the new student joining us today.
"Ilisha… von Airvalt. Go ahead and introduce yourself…"
I drew breath to follow the trembling teacher's request.
But I felt it right away.
A big cough coming.
Ah.
Wait, not now.
I tried to hold it back, but my body rebelled and let loose.
"Cough, cough! Hnng… kek, kehuk! Hnng, haa… haa…"
I finally steadied myself and looked up—everyone staring.
Different intentions in every gaze, probably.
But all eyes on me.
…Maybe this was the perfect start?
I dabbed my mouth with a handkerchief, clasped my trembling hands politely.
"Haa… whew… Ahem. Eldest daughter of House Airvalt, Ilisha. Nice to meet you all. Looking forward to being with you."
Nice to meet you, audience. I'll make sure you only have eyes for me from here on out.