CHAPTER 3

Rune escorted Aya to his estate. The first thing Aya noticed was the lack of people. She only saw a few walking around and they were all male, "This place is even quieter than the palace."

Aya thought that she have said that inaudibly, but Rune actually responded. "I have mentioned before that males and females should have proper distance."

Aya was about to apologize when she saw Rune beckoned the girl who accompanied them in the carriage, "I have requested her from the tower to serve you."

The girl bowed, "Greetings Priestess. I am called Winrar."

"Hello, Winrar...?" Aya wanted to call her full name out of respect.

"Commoners have no last names." Rune interrupted as he called another servant. This time, it was a young male butler. "This is Diev. He is my household's main servant. If you need me and I'm not there, you may tell him instead."

Aya saw that Diev was silent and only bowed, so she did the same. She assumed that he must be as quiet as Rune.

They continued to walk around outside the mansion. They first went to the sparring area where knights and magician alike practices.

Aya was amazed by their fighting skills, as well as the magic being casted. It was like special effects used in movies... but in real life!

When they got behind the mansion, Aya was greeted by a large, beautiful garden with only white roses. It looked like heaps of snow. It was simply breathtaking.

Rune then brought her inside the mansion. Unlike the golden exterior, the inside was pure white. It was a picture of nothingness compared to the flashy exterior.

Aya's black uniform stands out in contrast. She was like a black stain against the purity. It made her insecure, so she started fidgeting in place. Rune noticed her but only went on to continue the tour.

They went to explore the mansion. Aside from the basic parts of a house, Rune's mansion has a library, a study and a magic laboratory.

Rune looks as if he had enough human interaction for today. He left Aya to Winrar's care, "We'll start our lessons tomorrow at the library. You should just rest and settle down for now."

"Uhm... How do I know it's tomorrow?" Aya felt dumb asking this question, but it was actually the most fitting in this case.

As Aya predicted, Rune looked at her like she was an idiot, "The magic tower has a bell that rings every hour. As of right now, it is four in the afternoon. Just ask your servant to keep track of the time."

Aya nodded and kept her mouth shut, because Rune looks so done with her. She haven't done anything yet, but Rune is already annoyed at her. Aya was used to situations like this so she knows that the most appropriate response was to shut up.

Rune then left to go to his study. Aya and Winrar went to prepare Aya's room. Aya wanted to help but Winrar denied her strongly, so she had to sit at the corner drinking tea.

Now that she has calmed down, she finally felt that everything is real. These constant darkness... She had to get rid of it. She does not know if she can do it, but this was the first time people wanted her help. This is something that only she can do. She was actually useful... She has a purpose... She has a place in this world!

Aya's good mood was visible as she hummed. She was looking forward to what awaits her in this world.

As soon as the bell rung signaling the start of a new day, Aya woke up right away. She arranged her bed and waited for Winrar to get ready.

After having her meal, she proceeded to the library. Aya knocked before opening the door, "Good morn- day, Mr. Rune." Aya haven't gotten used to the flow of time in this world yet.

Rune only hummed in acknowledgement, then motioned for Aya to sit down. Rune remained standing as he started to write 'Ulndraia' on the board.

"We have discussed the basics of the world yesterday, as well as the history leading to the current situation. Today, we will be focusing on learning about the Kingdom of Ulndraia. Its customs and the people. Are you ready?" Rune started talking non-stop with his usual stoic self.

Despite asking Aya, Rune did not bother waiting for her response and continued, "The Kingdom of Ulndraia has five cities. We are in the center which is the capital, Hedi, where the palace, magic tower and the noble school are located. The North is Ulna, where the knights' headquarters is found. South is Yash, East is Solar and West is Lunar. The East used to be called the light capital."

Aya was never a good student, so it would take her a while to absorb all of this information. "A noble school... what is that like, Mr. Rune?"

"It is where students aged 13 to 18 learn how to be a knight or a magician. They are also taught manners and etiquette. Only nobles could enter... Commoners have to be adopted or recommended by nobles to get in. The King actually voiced his intention of admitting you there as soon as you get used to this world and learn basic common sense." Rune looked at Aya as if asking for her opinion.

Aya seemed uncomfortable as she said honestly, "I'm fine with learning, Mr. Rune... even if I'm not that smart... however, going to a school... I don't have a lot of positive memories regarding school, so I feel nervous... especially because I don't know anyone there. I might not fit in."

Rune surprisingly tried to ease her worries, "Don't worry. Diev's younger brother have been adopted by a noble, since he possessed fire magic. He comes here sometimes to visit. Today, I invited him here to meet you and also to ask him to help you at school."

"Diev's brother?" Aya got a little curious. Diev is a mysterious person, so Aya is interested to know what kind of person is his brother. She only hopes that they'll get along, so that she can have a friend at school.