Paramita Rawat

Ranav's gaze shifted toward the grand staircase as a young girl descended with an aura of quiet confidence and poise. She was Paramita Rawat. Though only nine years old, she carried herself with a grace far beyond her age, her demeanor reminiscent of a lady in the making; just like all noble girls who were trained in royal etiquette from an early age. Even at such a young age, she already displayed an elegance that hinted at the noblewoman she would become.

As Paramita moved down the stairs, each step was measured and deliberate, a dance of effortless grace. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a silken waterfall, accentuating her delicate features. Her flawless, milky-white skin seemed to glow under the illumination of the grand chandelier, while her piercing green eyes… deep and enigmatic like a tranquil forest lake… held an air of mystery. There was something captivating about her, as if she carried untold stories within her gaze, tales of adventure, passion, and an indomitable spirit.

She wore a fitted pink full-sleeved shirt paired with sky-blue jeans, a combination that struck a perfect balance between practicality and elegance. The soft hue of her shirt highlighted the radiance of her complexion, while the snug fabric subtly emphasized her poised yet strong frame. There was an undeniable nobility about her, not in the form of excessive ornamentation or extravagant clothing, but in the quiet confidence with which she carried herself.

The grand chandelier above bathed the room in a golden glow, amplifying her beauty as she finally reached them. Stopping before them, she curtsied gracefully.

"Good evening, Aunt Naria and ladies," she greeted with a curtsy, her voice smooth and refined.

Camilla and Vivita, momentarily mesmerized by her appearance, quickly stood and returned the curtsy. "Good evening."

Vivita had been watching Paramita ever since she had appeared at the top of the staircase. This was the first time she had met a girl her age who exuded such grace and nobility. Paramita had clearly been trained in etiquette from an early age, and every movement she made radiated sophistication. Vivita couldn't help but admire her.

On the other hand, Paramita was also observing Vivita. She had just laid eyes on the most beautiful girl she had ever seen of her own age. Vivita's beauty was the perfect blend of her mother's delicate features and the elven traits passed down through her bloodline. Her flawless, smooth skin, pointed nose, and perfectly oval face gave her an almost ethereal charm. After receiving Ranav's magical beauty treatment, her skin had become even more flawless, free of any impurities, and she seemed to radiate an aura of serenity.

Camilla, too, had transformed significantly over the past few months. She had recovered from years of malnutrition and shed her timid demeanor. Ranav's treatments had enhanced her natural beauty, and she now carried herself with an air of quiet confidence. Though she still possessed a slender and somewhat lanky build, her noble bearing made her stand out. Ranav was certain that in a few years, she would become one of the most striking young women among her peers.

Breaking the silence, Ranav stood and introduced everyone. "Good evening, Paramita."

Turning to his sisters, he continued, "These are my sisters… Camilla and Vivita."

Then, addressing his sisters, he said, "And this is Paramita Rawat, the only daughter of Count Pravas Rawat and Countess Vedika Rawat."

After the introductions, the Countess spoke. "Paramita, take Ranav and his sisters to your room. You youngsters can chat among yourselves. Someone will call you when dinner is ready."

Paramita nodded. "Of course. Ranav, Camilla, Vivita, please follow me."

The group followed her through the corridors until they reached her room. The moment they stepped inside, Camilla and Vivita were awestruck. The room's interior was breathtaking… lavishly decorated, yet elegantly designed. Their astonishment surpassed even Ranav's when he had first entered this room, perhaps because, as girls, they appreciated colors and details that had escaped his notice.

Ranav took the only chair in the room, while the girls sat on the bed. On the way here, Jessica had informed Ranav that Paramita had recently awakened the Darkness Element. He decided to confirm it.

"Paramita, did you awaken the Darkness Element recently?" Ranav asked.

Paramita blinked in surprise. "How did you know? Did my mother tell you?"

Ranav shook his head. "No. I could sense it. You haven't fully controlled your Darkness Star Circle yet. I can feel traces of dark magic flickering around you from time to time."

Paramita sighed. "Oh! I just formed my star circle last week. It's been so difficult to control. I tried casting Tier-0 dark spells, but I ended up destroying almost everything!"

Ranav chuckled. "Don't be disheartened. That's normal. It took me several months of practice to properly control Dark Magic. Even now, I don't have the confidence to apply it to the human body. You just need to keep practicing. To be a healer, you'll have to master both Light and Dark Magic simultaneously. It will take time, but you can do it."

Paramita's eyes brightened at his encouragement. "Speaking of magic, what elements did you and your sisters awaken?"

"I awakened Fire," Ranav said. "Camilla also has Fire, and Vivita has Light."

Paramita nodded. "Fire is a strong element. But Vivita will suffer when she awakens Darkness next, just like us."

Ranav smirked. "Fire may seem straightforward, but it's just as dangerous. If not controlled properly, it can cause destruction on an unimaginable scale."

Camilla and Vivita joined in, and soon the conversation shifted from magic to various other topics. They chatted for almost an hour, the initial formal atmosphere melting away as they laughed and shared stories.

A maid soon arrived, announcing that dinner was ready. The group made their way downstairs to join the others.

After dinner, under Nanima's leadership, they returned to their rented house. Once back, Ranav went to Nanima's room to discuss his future training. She was leaving for Dhela the next day, and he wanted her advice before she departed.

"Master," Ranav began, "Usha invited me to join a herb-collecting mission with her team. It's a one-day trip, and they'll return by evening. I haven't agreed yet, but she said her family has been in the herb business for generations. She offered to teach me how to identify various herbs along the way. What should I do?"

Nanima considered his words before replying. "I know you want to go. If you decide to join, ask the Countess for a knight to accompany you. If she agrees to send someone with you, then I have no objections."

She continued, "Tomorrow morning, we'll return home. On the way, we'll drop you off at the Count's estate. You can ask for her assistance there."

She paused before adding, "You'll be staying at the estate for a few days this time. The Countess has arranged for someone to escort you to Taxila, the capital of the Krushna Archduchy. Her sister, Archmage Vartika Reddy, is there. She's a summoning mage, just like you. Only magic academies have proper facilities to train summoners, but since you're not yet enrolled, learning from another summoning mage is your best option. Fortunately, she's within our close circle."

Nanima's expression turned serious. "The Countess has also arranged for you to access the magic school's library. You'll find a few books on summoning magic there. She'll tell you more when the time comes. For now, your priority is forming star circles for your new elements. I want you to awaken all primary elements as soon as possible."

Ranav nodded. "Don't worry, Master. I'll follow your instructions."

Nanima smiled faintly. "Good. Then prepare yourself. A long journey awaits."