Chapter Two

The empire of Losulmior conquered the continent of Gatrian roughly two thousand years ago which signified the second era recorded in history books.

Four kingdoms swore loyalty to the empire before their conquest which then became the four ducal families with their own independent states as a reward for their contribution, in addition to the land of the other fallen kingdoms.

With their support, the empire finished their conquest within seventeen years.

And in the south western part of the empire, at the N'hara dukedom, lies the small barony of Reosra.

In this world where magic exist, why would I want to stay in one place.

To chase after one's dream died long ago in my previous life. Now, I want to see the wonders of the world even if I have to start as a beggar while I stay true to my passion.

"Magic sure is a useful thing"

"Of course it is, my lady. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard our lives will be if not for magic"

True. After recalling some history books I have red before recalling my past life's memories, magic was used for various things.

Water magic prevented drougths and dehydration. Earth magic was used to ensure the safety of miners and build walls for cities.

Even the plant magic that Baron Reosra possess is used for agriculture to have a bountiful harvest.

While I am graeful that magic exist, I am even more grateful that this world is not entirely nonsenscial compared to fantasy books.

Those who could use destructive power similar to dynamites were reffered to as legends. There are no creatures like monsters or demons. Nor is there any cult or organization who would use magic as a mean to achieve their dreams thanks to the empire's efforts of eradicating any religion in the continent.

The fact that no one can use nuclear like magic or ability to split the sea in half proves how balanced this world is.

Average folks can use the power they are born with to help themselves in their day to day living. As if to ensure humans will have an easier time surviving.

But...

[Magic / Degree = Wind / 1]

Whenever I had physical contact with someone, something would appear on top of their head.

"Even now I still remember the hot summer days we went through. And at those days, both you and lady Cecilia would hug each other as I used my power to cool you two"

Layla happily reminisce as she massaged my hand under the tree's shade located at the back of our manor.

"Those were fun times"

Normally, an individual can only possess one power.

Did I perhaps not reincarnated into this body and recalled my memories late but instead.... took possession of this body?

If so, that would explain why I have the power to see other's power. After all, if I took possession of this body, it can be considered as two individuals for my soul is not the owner of this body.

Lalaine soon drop the matter of whether she reincarnated or transmigated as it will not affect her now or later and instead focus on the more crucial ones.

What I do not understand is... what is the meaning of the 'Degree'.

Well, there is only one way to find out.

"Layla, it is only normal for noblewoman to have an escort, an attendant, no?"

"Yes it is"

Layla's expression brigthened up as she thought of something from her lady's words.

"Are you perhaps thinking of having one?"

"Yes"

Layla stood up quickly full of energy and then gently pulled my hand with vigor as if she was afraid that I might change my mind later.

We then arrived at the training grounds where knigths would polish their skills.

The ground was made of chunks of squared flat stones that were smoothen out to provide an optimal place for training.

It even looked like tiles from a distance.

"There seems to be fewer knights here than usual"

"Since it is Cecilia's birthday I am sure mother doubled the security in the town. There will be guests later on after all"

"Silly me. I must have forgotten about it because I was so excited about my lady having a personal escort"

The one who seem to be instructing the young knights headed our way as soon as he saw us.

The knight instructor had a well built body, which showed his earnest effort and hard work everyday.

"My lady, may I know what brought you here?" The knight asked as he bowed his head.

"I came here in hopes of having a personal escort. May I talk with Knigth commander Nathan?"

The knight's eyes sparkled in excitement after hearing her words.

"Of course. Please follow me. I am sure the commander will be happy to hear about this!"

In this town, there is a population of three thousand. Despite the large number of inhabittants, there is only a little less than a hundred knights who actually knows how to fight and a little over two hundred who are apperentice knights.

I wonder if my suspicions ends up being right or wrong.

The instructor opened the door and bowed as we entered.

Seeing that the door was opened without so much as a greeting, the Knight commander Nathan immediately knew that it was one of the Reosra.

"My lady, may I know why you have come here?"

Nathan asked as he gestured me to sit down.

"I actually wanted to ask you for a favor"

The Knight commander, despite his towering build which even come off as imposing at times, talked with a soft voice.

"Anything that is within my power is for you and the people. So please tell me"

Loved by the people, this family who is loyal to their people is devoted in return. What a sigth to behold unlike the politics I am accustomed to.

"I would like to have an escort knight. And I am hoping it would be someone who is still an apperentice. Can you introduce me to some who are showing some promising achievement?"

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

The knight commander bursted out laughing.

"Absolutely, my lady! Haaa~ I am happy that you finally decided to have one. The baroness kept on nagging me, saying that why no knight managed to catch your eye this entire time"

Nathan wiped the happy tear on his eye while his other hand was grabbing on his desk to prevent himself from falling.

"I apologize if I have caused you trouble"

"Please do not apologize, my lady. Let's not ruin such a happy occassion!"

I can't believe that simply choosing an escort would be such a big deal.

Snap!

With a snap of his fingers, Commander Nathan's secretary came out of the room and then left after being ordered to bring the promising talents that were being nurtured in the barony.

"Would you like a cup of tea, my lady?"

"There is no need for that, commander" Lalaine refused politely.

Ten minutes later the secretary, Sir Jay, returned with the top three promising apperentice knights.

"Starting from the left is cadet Luna, cadet Leon, and cadet Joachim. Any of them would be honored to serve you my lady"

"It is nice to meet you all"

Lalaine extended her hand.

"....!"

The three then took their turn to kiss the back of her hand as they introduced themselves in a polite manner.

'Now I think I have a rough idea as to what 'degree' means'

"I hope that what I am about to say will not offend any of you"

"Please do not worry, my lady. If it is you, I am sure your words have meaning enough for you to say to cadets like us"

"That is true. Critisize them all you want my lady. That way, they will continue to improve on what they are lacking"

Commander Nathaniel said impatiently.

"I hope that you three will take care of my sister"

"....? W-what do you mean by that, my lady?"

Everyone was confused, especially Layla.

"I plan on going to the Lerdin countdom to learn more about agriculture. With that said, I hope you three will continue to work hard and protect my family"

The family of Reosra is a famous noble family in the entire western part of the N'hara dukedom.

A small barony would take in vagrants and give them work, ensuring that they will have their own livelihood and treat them decently.

Because of this, the small land of a baron is always the place that is brought up in a conversation whenever wanderers or the homeless think up of a place to migrate to.

In fact, more than two thirds of the population came from outside the barony.

The same thing applied to the three before me.

"If that is your wish, we will happily oblige"

Orphans who walked day and night in order to reach the place where even if you have nothing but your life with you, you will still be treated as a fellow human, was faithful to the first daugther of the very family who took them in.

"Ahem... if that is the case, I will now have the cadets go back"

Upon sensing danger, Sir Jay took the three cadets away and closed the door behind him.

"Layla, will you call my father for me. It should be around the time where he would pass by here after tending to the fields"

"As you wish my lady"

Layla went outside with cold sweat as she was afraid of the Knight commander who was quietly glaring at Lalaine.

"Is this the reason why you handed the position of heir to lady Cecilia?"

"As expected, news travel quickly.

As for your question, partly. Most of it is because she is more deserving for the position. Surely you know that better than me"

The Knight commander exhaled with his eyes closed to keep himself calm from the outrageous information he was getting.

"Then... have you informed the baron or the madame about this?"

"Not yet. I am however planning to inform mother about this tonight, but I will inform father right now. I don't want my matter to overlap with Cecilia's birthday after all"

Lalaine peacefully ate the snacks that Sir Jay left earlier on the table while Commander Nathan was still looking at her, completely loss for words.

Knock. Knock.

The awkward silence in the room vanished from the echo of the knocking.

"Is something the matter, my baby?"

The door opened and the baron, who had a hazelnut colored hair and soft green eyes making him look approachable, who was sweating from tending the fields since dawn arrived with Layla behind him.

"Why do you look like you have a stomachache, Nathan?"

The baron said after noticing Nathan's expression.

"Milord, your daugther said that she will be leaving the barony and go to the Lerdin countdom in hope of learning more about agriculture"

"And? Is that it? If you want to go, then go. Just make sure to send letters, okay~?" The baron said with a smile.

"....."

Knight Commander Nathan forgot how much of a fool the baron was for his wife and children after hearing Lalaine's declaration of leaving the barony.

"Thank you very much, father!"

Lalaine stood up and ligthly kissed her father's cheek.

Seeing the mood between the father and daugther, the commander sighed in defeat.

"Lalaine, my dear, make sure to pack everything you will need, okay? Also, do you want me to persuade your mother about this?"

The baron, William, ruffled his daugther's hair.

"There is no need for that, father. I will convince mother myself tonight"

"Alright. With that said, Nathan, I will have to trouble you with preparing a carriage for my daugther. Knowing her personality, she will leave two days from now once the merchants and Robin go back to Lerdin's"

"Understood, milord"