Through the Gates of Kesla

Celine sat quietly on one of the benches on the ferryboat, her gaze drifting across the water. Suna was no longer nearby to look after her, and with little else to do, she reached into her bag and began to sift through her books.

Her fingers paused over the new magic book she had received. Curious, she opened it. Inside were simple spells—Tongue-Twister Enchantment, Silence, Levitation, Lightning, and others.

They were common, but Celine studied them with quiet fascination. Her mother had once tried to teach her magic, but something had always felt... blocked. No matter how hard she tried, Celine had never managed to cast a single spell.

She traced the words gently with her fingertips, trying to memorize each line. Her world faded as she became absorbed in the text.

– Miss, we've arrived. Would you like help with your luggage?

The voice startled her. She looked up to find the head of the escort team Suna had arranged. Around her, passengers were already disembarking.

– That was quick… – she murmured, closing the book and rising.

She nodded at the man and followed him off the ferry. As they walked, she turned to him and asked softly – Is there a booth I can use to change?

He nodded and led her to a small building on the dock – You can use one of the rooms here. I'll wait outside.

Celine stepped inside. When she returned, the man blinked in surprise. Gone was her long dress—she now wore fitted trousers, a white blouse with long sleeves, and tall boots. Her hair had been tied back into a simple ponytail.

Though her face was unmistakably feminine, the rest of her appearance could easily be mistaken for a noble boy. The man, who had never ventured far beyond his southern region, recalled that women in northern kingdoms often wore such clothing.

She looks more like a young nobleman than a princess, he thought, looking away politely before leading her to the carriage.

They departed promptly toward Kesla.

Two hours later, the carriage slowed at the gates of Kesla. Celine pulled back the curtain and peeked out. Her eyes lit up at the lively streets and colorful market stalls. She bit her lip, longing to explore, but closed the curtain again, forcing herself to focus.

What will She say to the Headmaster? What will the other students be like...?

She smiled slightly at the thought, wondering about the different races and people she'd soon meet.

The school lay just beyond the city limits. A few minutes later, a large gate appeared, beyond which stood a magnificent castle.

The carriage stopped, and a guard stepped forward. He and the escort leader exchanged familiar words—clearly, this was a routine arrival.

After a nod of recognition, the guard tapped on the carriage.

Celine opened the curtain, meeting his gaze – May I see your school invitation? – he asked.

She handed it to him, and he studied it for a moment before raising his eyebrows slightly and signaling for the gates to open.

The carriage entered the grounds and rolled forward, circling a small central garden. Once it stopped, the coachman stepped down and opened the door for her.

Celine stepped out and looked up at the front of the academy. It was even more beautiful than she'd imagined. She picked up her bags, thanked the escort team with a few silver coins, and turned toward the steps.

At the grand entrance, two guards opened the large doors for her. She offered a quiet "Thank you" as she stepped inside, feeling a bit awkward under their gaze.

The interior was stunning. Tall tapestries lined the walls, and the polished marble floor reflected her every step. A long navy carpet stretched toward a wide staircase, which split into two elegant branches further up.

She stood there in awe until a soft bell rang in the distance.

Students began to appear, hurrying through the hall with books and bags in hand. A few paused to glance at her, curious.

Celine lowered her head, feeling their eyes but saying nothing. Her gaze, however, wandered with curiosity. She caught glimpses of different races, some with wings, others with horns or animal-like features. The variety was dazzling.

Her heart fluttered with nervous excitement.

But the students didn't have much time to stare. One by one, they returned to their routines, disappearing down corridors toward their classrooms.

The lobby slowly emptied.

Realizing she had no idea where to go, Celine turned and began walking aimlessly through the halls, hoping to find the Headmaster's office. But she hadn't asked for directions, and everything looked unfamiliar.

Eventually, she stopped in front of a large window. In the distance, she sshe spotted several other particularly large buildings, most likely the dormitories. A few students moved between them.

She stared for a while, until the sound of footsteps approached from behind.

Assuming it was just another student, she didn't turn until a gentle hand touched her shoulder.

– Excuse me – a voice said – Are you new here?