Magic Tower Lessons

Delphia closed the library book with a dull thump, the sound echoing in the stillness of the Estate's reading room.

Exhaling through her nose, she leaned back against the plush armchair, her eyes drawn to the frost-laced window. The pale winter light that filtered through felt cold and uninviting, casting long shadows across the room. Much like the rest of Vosswell Manor these days, it seemed void of warmth. Despite its grandeur—the ornate wood paneling, shelves lined with centuries of family history, and the faint scent of aged paper—Delphia felt the suffocating weight of the house press down on her.

It wasn't the walls or the weather, but the people within them. Her so-called family—Duchess Larissa, Lucian, and Seraphina—turned every corridor into a battlefield of subtle barbs and calculated glances. Every interaction was laced with veiled insults or dismissive smirks, a constant reminder of the original Delphia's fractured relationship with them.

December and January had been enough for her to learn the delicate art of navigating their disdain. She had become a master of indifference, rolling her eyes at their remarks and retreating into herself. But the effort of maintaining her composure, day in and day out, was draining. She couldn't confront them—it would only invite further hostility—but she couldn't remain here, a prisoner to their pettiness, either.

Not just to preserve her sanity, but to remind herself that this world, as foreign as it was, had more to offer than the bitterness of her new 'family.'

She wanted out, if only for a few hours each day.

"My Lady," came a quiet voice behind her. Delphia glanced over to see Avys, her trusted handmaiden of the house, waiting patiently with a tea tray. "You mentioned earlier that you're looking for something else to occupy your time…"

Delphia gave a short nod. "I've grown tired of stepping around them," she said bluntly, meaning her 'family.' "And while The Academy keeps me away occasionally, it's not enough. I want more reason to be out of this Manor."

Over this time, she got to know that Avys was truly loyal to Delphia, not easily swayed by others in the house. She was not sure why this maid was so loyal to the original Delphia, but if she maintains this servitude then the new Delphia has no problem treating her as one.

Avys set the tray down gently. "Perhaps you could visit the Magic Tower, my Lady. They welcome those of any age, and it's said they have open classes or lessons for broader learning."

She blinked in mild surprise. The Magic Tower—an institution known for advanced arcane studies and open-minded scholarship. "The Tower," she murmured, forgetting about this important factor, tapping her forefinger against her chin. "That… might be worth investigating." But, she thought, isn't that Zypher's 'ground?' Won't I just be asking for trouble if I go there?

She sat back and thought for a moment. Would she rather stay in this suffocating Manor with these strangers she cares nothing for, or, find a potential 'out' that—with small maneuverings—she could use to occupy her time?

In less than an hour, she had secured a carriage.

As she rode through the city's cobbled streets under the grey winter sky, Delphia couldn't help but feel a spark of anticipation. Even though it was the dreary depths of winter, with February just days around the corner, she was on her way to the Magic Tower, rumored to be the center of magical research and free from the strict formalities of the Academy. Most importantly, it was far from her father's realm.

When her carriage halted in front of the Tower's tall, spiraling silhouette, Delphia stepped onto the frosted pavement. The structure rose against the pale sky, foundation stones etched with runes, and a guarded archway welcomed visitors. She drew a calm breath, then approached the entrance.

Inside, a bustling atrium greeted her with the murmur of apprentices and robed Mages discussing spells or referencing ancient tomes. Arcane lamps hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow that offset the winter chill outside.

A young clerk in simple Tower robes offered a polite bow. "Welcome to the Magic Tower, my Lady. How may we assist you today?"

"I'm Delphia Vosswell," she said, ignoring his faint expression of recognition. "I'd like to explore what the Tower offers—beyond the Academy's scope." He inclined his head. "Certainly, Lady Vosswell. If you'd allow me a moment, I'll fetch an elder Mage to show you around."

She nodded, glancing around the bustling atrium as he stepped away behind a closed door. Tall shelves lined the walls, displaying relics and instruments of magical study. Apprentices hurried past with scrolls, the faint crackle of spells sounding from distant corridors. The atmosphere vibrated with possibility, a stark contrast to Vosswell Manor.

Behind those doors, in the main atrium, Zypher was stationed, standing before a massive table scattered with arcane texts and enchanted maps. He was mid-conversation with two other senior Mages when the Clerk approached, clearing his throat.

"Master Zypher," the older man said respectfully. "Lady Delphia Vosswell has arrived and has requested a tour of The Tower."

Zypher, who had been meticulously transcribing symbols from one of the maps, stilled at the words. He lifted his maroon gaze from the parchment, skepticism flickering across his face. Delphia? Wanting a tour?

That was new.

Delphia had never shown any real interest in the inner workings of The Tower. If anything, she had spent most of her privileged life avoiding serious academic study in magic, dismissing it as tedious or beneath her attention. And yet, here she was, asking for a guided introduction?

He leaned back against the edge of the table, considering. He would have taken her himself—after all, it would be interesting to see how long her curiosity actually lasted—but his current task demanded his attention. If she was serious, she'd have to prove it.

A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Send for Elder Mage Reina," he instructed the Clerk. "Tell her she has the honor of introducing Lady Vosswell to the Tower."

The other Mages exchanged knowing glances. Mage Reina was one of the most respected Elders in the Tower—strict, sharp-tongued, and intolerant of mediocrity. Friendly, yes, but not one to coddle. If Delphia was expecting polite hand-holding through the halls of academia, she was in for a rude awakening.

Zypher turned back to his work, amusement lacing his voice as he added, "Let's see how long she lasts."

Soon, the Clerk returned, accompanied by a slender woman clad in an indigo robe embroidered with the Tower's insignia. Her sharp, discerning eyes swept over Delphia with quiet assessment, taking in her posture, expression, and the way she held herself with practiced grace.

"This is Elder Mage Reina," the Clerk introduced. "Archivist, instructor, and long-standing pillar of the Tower."

Mage Reina inclined her head in a measured bow. "Lady Delphia Vosswell, I hear you're curious about our institution's resources?"

Delphia met her gaze and dipped her head in return. "Yes. I'd like to explore magic beyond the Academy's rigid structure—and to broaden my perspective."

Reina's brows lifted just slightly, though her expression remained unreadable. "A noble sentiment," she mused. "Though I find many 'nobles' say such things and lose interest the moment they are required to put in the effort." She turned smoothly on her heel. "Shall we put that to the test?"

Delphia straightened at the challenge but said nothing, falling into step beside her as they moved through the vast halls of the Tower.

Reina led her past bustling laboratories where novices practiced runic synergy, their voices murmuring in concentration as glyphs sparked to life beneath their hands. In another chamber, a set of students debated over the transmutation of alchemical compounds, the sharp scent of burning herbs tinging the air.

"These are our foundational study halls," Reina explained briskly. "Unlike the Academy, we do not confine learning to structured tiers. Those willing to commit themselves may rise as far as their skill allows. There is no noble favoritismhere." She cast Delphia a pointed glance. "Only talent and discipline."

Delphia absorbed this with quiet intrigue as she nodded. While the Academy had its merits, its rigid curriculum and status-based favoritism had never truly suited her.

They continued through an archive brimming with tomes older than the kingdom itself, where floating lanterns illuminated the spines of books imbued with protective enchantments. Mage Reina gestured toward a sealed section beyond a thick glass barrier. "Our restricted collections. Access is granted only to those who prove capable of handling the knowledge responsibly. It is not for idle curiosity."

Delphia took note of the words. If she wanted access, she would have to prove herself.

At last, they reached a grand corridor lined with towering portraits of past Tower Masters, each illuminated by warm, flickering sconces. The figures within the frames radiated a presence beyond mere paint—some enchanted to watch passersby, others imbued with remnants of wisdom from their time in power.

"This," Reina said, stopping before the largest portrait at the end of the hall, "is our legacy. The Tower has long stood as a sanctuary for magical study, unrestricted by aristocratic rule or political bias. Those who come here seeking knowledge will find it—if they are willing to earn it."

Something in her tone made it clear: lip service would not be enough.

Still, Delphia felt a subtle thrill. "It's admirable," she admitted. "I'd be interested in donating. The Tower's approach is something I can respect."

For the first time, Reina's schooled expression flickered into something resembling surprise. "That is… unexpected." Her gaze sharpened, assessing Delphia anew. "But appreciated. We rarely receive patronage from those outside our ranks."

Delphia allowed a small smile. "Then consider me an exception."

Reina studied her a moment longer before inclining her head. "Very well. If your support is as genuine as you claim, the Tower will make good use of it."

They turned back toward the atrium when Delphia spoke again. "One more thing—are there any classes I can join immediately? I'd rather not wait if something is about to start."

A trace of approval flickered in Reina's eyes, but her tone remained neutral. "A fundamentals seminar begins in fifteen minutes. It covers synergy with Light and Dark magic—an introductory course, but one that serves as a foundation for more advanced studies. If you are serious, it's a suitable place to start."

"That's perfect." The sooner she could immerse herself, the better. "I'd like to observe the Tower's teaching in real time." Delphia responded.

Reina gave a single nod, already leading the way. "Then let's not waste time. We'll confirm your donation details briefly, and I'll take you to the seminar hall."

As Delphia followed her down the lantern-lit corridors, the distant hum of magic whispered through the stone walls. She clutched the notebook and pen she had been given by Mage Reina, anticipation building.

This was more than just a diversion from the suffocating expectations of Vosswell Manor. This was her first real step toward forging something of her own.

And for the first time in a long while, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be.