Chapter 1: Reliving the School Entrance Ceremony
Chapter 1: Reliving the School Entrance Ceremony
SNOW peppered the grounds of Lagen Magic Academy, as if heralding the new season.
“Vince!”
Waves of students in brand new uniforms crowded the sidewalks, and thirteen-year-old Oriana, a new student herself, had to cut through the oncoming tide as she rushed in the opposite direction. She bounded along like a young fawn. Her fluffy, milk-tea-colored hair fluttered behind her, dancing through the air with the falling snow. The heels of her loafers clapped against the pavement, but she couldn’t hear them over the sound of her own hammering heart.
“I’ve missed you!”
His toned arms readily caught her as she flew into him, and his familiar cedarwood scent flooded her nose.
Yes, this is it! Just how I remember…
No matter how much she’d searched and searched, she’d never found anything that smelled quite the same. She inhaled deeply as she squeezed her arms around him. His scent, his warmth—all of it overwhelmed her, making her heart tremble.
Although she was on the verge of tears, Oriana steeled her legs to keep herself upright and peered up at him, a great smile stretched across her face.
“How have you been? Were you all right? Were you lonely? Oh, how I’ve longed to see you again! See, when I woke up and realized I was seven again—”
“I’m sorry, but…” His cold voice cut through the air like a blade.
That was when Oriana finally noticed. Something about him was…different. He’d normally pull her close and gently call her name. It was decidedly unusual for him to tense up like this.
“You must have the wrong person,” he said.
“…What?”
His purple eyes, as beautiful as gems, stared coldly down at her. He easily broke her embrace.
“Wait, Vince. What’s wrong? I…I’ve waited so long for this day—for the chance to see you again…!”
“Should I call someone to come help you? That’s the most I can do for you.”
“Wait. Don’t you…don’t you remember me? Us?”
“I’m sorry; I can’t afford to humor you anymore,” he said. “Please excuse me.”
Though his warmth still lingered in her hands, the boy himself slid past her and disappeared into the crowd of people.
The other students, who’d been watching this scene with bated breath, broke into noisy murmurs all around her. Their curious, probing gazes bore into her as she stood there frozen, arms still hanging in the air. Nervous sweat beaded down her forehead.
Don’t tell me…
Oriana pursed her lips tight. Even these strangers could recognize the panic on her face. Since she’d retained her memories, it never occurred to her to consider that he wouldn’t have, but…
Does Vince not remember what we were in our past life?
Given how cold his eyes and voice were, that was the only possibility.
Oriana Elsha and Vincent Tanzine had first begun dating in the winter at the beginning of their fifth year. That was also the first year they were allowed to participate in the school ball, and that was where Vincent picked Oriana as his partner.
It was possible to pick someone as a partner even if you weren’t dating them, but seeing how red Vincent’s ears had been as he’d stood there, a bouquet in his hands, Oriana had easily deduced his feelings.
She’d taken his hand and the two had begun a slow dance.
Or at least, that was how the now-first-year Oriana remembered things playing out as she stepped over some large tree roots protruding out of the ground.
“As…as you all know, the dragons have graced our world with their divine protection. Hah, phew… We have them to thank for our bountiful harvests and peaceful daily lives.”
Having already been through this class once, Oriana now found this lesson incredibly dull. The only reason she hadn’t fallen asleep was because she had to keep moving. Currently, she found herself in a densely green forest.
The first years, who’d barely begun their new school lives and were clad in freshly bought robes, chatted amongst themselves as they navigated through the trees. They’d all only turned thirteen recently, but the promise of adventure in the form of magic lessons had their hearts thrumming with anticipation.
“As mages, the most important blessing of all to us is the numerous Dragon Ley Lines, filled with magic, that run underground.”
In charge of leading these young lambs was Lady Wilton, a Magic Academy professor, who rattled off this explanation even as she paused periodically to catch her breath. She kept her skirt hiked up as she walked, but its hem was already covered in dirt and fallen leaves.
“These ley lines, which can be found all over the world, are filled with our beloved dragons’ magic. Thanks to them, we can use our wands and incantations to conjure magic. Thus, you will be using branches from the Dragon’s Tree to fashion a wand for yourselves.”
In the center of these woods was a conspicuously large tree—the Dragon’s Tree—and Professor Wilton crouched down upon its roots.
“You’re all here, aren’t you? In that case, start picking up fallen branches. Don’t worry! You were all chosen as mages; you’ll be able to tell at a glance whether a branch is from the Dragon’s Tree or not.” As the professor doled out instructions, she produced a handkerchief from her pocket and started mopping up the sweat on her face.
“Whatever branch you pick will become the wand you use for the rest of your lives. Take your time and think carefully. You can pick based on length, feel, weight, or whatever you desire. Be careful not to wander too far, though!”
Once she finished saying all that needed to be said, Professor Wilton hung her head in exhaustion. She probably intended to recover as much stamina as she could while she waited for them. After all, if anyone wanted to eat dinner tonight, they’d have to trek back the way they’d come.
Like the others milling about, Oriana glanced around at the ground as she walked, strands of plain, brown hair tickling her cheeks.
Beside the Academy was a vast forest that swept over the land. So vast, some recesses were still yet unexplored. It served as a source for rare plants and less dangerous animals, but most importantly, it was home to the Dragon’s Tree. As its name implied, it was a tree beloved by dragons. It, and others all over the world, grew where numerous underground ley lines overlapped, leaving these trees teeming with magical power.
The branches were fashioned into wands, the bark was used for creating magic ink, and the leaves were crafted into magic paper. The latter two were also used for drawing magic circles.
As common sense would dictate, one could not simply break off a branch from such a holy tree. No harm was permitted to come to it. Instead, mages were to receive their blessing by retrieving whatever fell from the tree.
As she looked around, Oriana spotted the perfect branch. She scooped it up, squeezing her fingers around it. It fit perfectly in her hand. She smiled bitterly. What were the chances that she’d pick up the same branch as she had in her past life, in a forest as huge as this, with hundreds of other options? She could think of no other answer for it than fate.
Although she’d only just turned thirteen, she carried not only her memories from this life but her past one as well. No, “past life” wasn’t right. It was her exact same life but a different timeline. She’d been born to the same parents, grown up in the same household, and enrolled in the same magic academy. However, in the previous timeline, her beloved Vincent had died at just seventeen.
“Oh, Mister Tanzine!”
Oriana spotted her darling in the distance and her face immediately lit up. By contrast, the moment she called his name, Vincent’s expression soured. His reaction did little to dampen her spirits as she sped over to him. The other students glared at her and stalked away, having lost their chance to approach Vincent, thanks to her disruption.
As the Amethyst Dragon Duke’s heir apparent, Vincent enjoyed great popularity among the other students, even though he’d only just begun attending. The Amethyst Dragon was the name of the region Vincent was set to eventually inherit.
The country of Amanecer was once protected by eight dragons, and its regions had been split respectively and named after each one of them. Eight hereditary dukedoms ruled these lands, their titles similarly named after those dragons.
Having said that, Vincent’s popularity wasn’t merely due to his future title. His gorgeous face was like a masterfully crafted sculpture, yet so soft and welcoming that he didn’t come across as intimidating. His golden hair fell to his ears like silk, and his eyes were a vivid violet, sparkling as if they’d swallowed up the spring sunlight. There was something dignified about the way he conducted himself, and though just barely thirteen, he had an air of elegance that bespoke his cultured upbringing.
“Have you found a good branch?” Oriana asked.
“Unfortunately, no; I’ve only just begun looking.”
Ever since Oriana had realized he didn’t remember her, she’d endeavored to treat him as a classmate and nothing more. Alas, she couldn’t hide her affection. Love was all the motivation she needed to sidle up to him.
“Then let’s look together!”
She tried to loop her arm around his, but he slipped out of her grasp.
“That’s quite all right. I’m sure I could search better in silence.”
Oriana frantically tried several more times to latch onto either his back or his arm, but Vincent never gave her an opening. Finally, she gave up and heaved a sigh, resigning herself to walking beside him instead.
“Come now, don’t be so cold… Oh, hey, what about that one there?” Oriana noticed a branch at her feet and casually plucked it up.
Vincent eyed it suspiciously but accepted it out of good manners. His brow furrowed with confusion. Oriana was sure the branch felt perfect in his hand.
“Is it a good fit? Judging by your face, I’d say it is.”
“I…” Vincent hesitated. “I will consider it as a possible candidate.”
“I’m pretty sure the one you used before was about that length.”
“Again with that tall tale of yours?” His beautiful features soured again. “I believe you said something about us eventually becoming a couple and swearing our love for one another a few years from now?”
Apparently, he thought of her story as nothing more than an excuse she’d cobbled together to try to get close to him. It was, admittedly, a bit absurd to claim they’d once been lovers in a different timeline. She couldn’t really blame him for not buying it.
“Regrettably, I’ve no intention of taking your nonsense seriously, nor do I plan to haggle with my father so that you can be considered a possible marriage candidate in my future.”
“That’s fine with me!” Oriana said, beaming. “It’s not like I want to be a duke’s wife anyway!”
Vincent flinched in surprise.
“But if you do decide you want to resume our relationship, you need only say the word. I’m ready and waiting whenever you are!” she said, smiling at him.
“You needn’t worry about that happening…ever,” Vincent said acidly. “Now stop holding your arms out toward me like that.”
“Oh! I guess I should’ve introduced myself first! My name is Oriana Elsha. My birthday is on the fifth day of the first month of winter (December). I’m four feet, nine inches tall, and…well, my weight is a bit of a secret~! I also love all kinds of noodle dishes and—”
“I’m sure that information would be most fascinating if I had any interest in you at all, but alas, I do not.”
“Ehehe. I even love how much of a grump you can be! Tehehe…”
Vincent shot her a cold look. The annoyance on his face was plain as day, but no matter how much he rebuffed her, she would not be discouraged.
Oriana didn’t really remember the moment of her death very well. At the time, she was too busy cradling Vincent’s body in her arms. He was already gone by then, his body cold as ice, without a trace of warmth left.
Her body trembled as she recalled that awful memory. She wrapped herself around Vincent’s arm. He only allowed it because he’d momentarily dropped his guard, but he quickly slipped away again. Even then, Oriana wouldn’t give up. She tried to sidle up to him again, only for Vincent to gradually retreat and put space between them. She then launched herself at him, hoping she could latch on, but Vincent swiftly evaded her.
“Excuse me, Mister Tanzine? Shouldn’t you be treating a lady like me with a bit more delicacy?”
“As social decorum dictates, I am maintaining adequate distance to preserve your honor.”
“Oh goodness, you’ll make me blush! How should I interpret your concern for my honor? Hm… Is this your way of trying to court me?”
“I prefer not to have to spell out the obvious, but it seems I have no other choice: cease your blushing and that disturbing…wiggling you keep doing with your body!”
“Hmph,” Oriana pouted, sticking out her lips.
These sorts of unconscious, childlike behaviors of hers had often prompted Vince to call her cute in their past life. Unfortunately, it seemed she wouldn’t be hearing those sweet nothings from him anymore. All he did now was shoot cold looks at her.
“But I like that part of you, too.”
“You could stand to take another lesson in modesty.”
Another… Yes, it was precisely because she’d gotten another chance that she was alive and able to see him again like this.
And that’s all that matters, even if it means he’s forgotten me.
Oriana had already decided that this time, she’d do whatever it took to protect him.
❦❦❦
ORIANA still wasn’t sure what’d caused Vince’s death. His body hadn’t been riddled with stab wounds. There were no burns. He’d just stopped breathing.
One of the biggest events at Lagen Magic Academy was its mid-spring (April) ball. Vince had died just after it ended.
The day it had happened, the two were supposed to meet up in their favorite lounge. There were many such lounges scattered throughout the school. They were places where students could rest or hold meetings, and at times, it even acted as a reception hall for events on the weekends. Usage of the rooms was unrestricted and left to students’ discretion.
The lounge Vince and Oriana adored was a small one located at the edge of the eastern building. There wasn’t much traffic in the corridors there once lessons were over, since only specialized classes were held in that part of the Academy. After years of going unused, their lounge had been largely forgotten. It was their secret spot, where they could be alone without fear of interruption.
That day, a teacher had flagged Oriana down and tasked her with some errands, so she’d arrived at their lounge a bit later than planned. It was thundering outside, and as she raced down the corridor, flashes of lightning had silhouetted her, casting long shadows. She stepped into the familiar room, and, like he’d always had before, Vince was there waiting.
“Sorry I took so long.”
He was lounging on a sofa by the fireplace. The flames inside danced as the wood crackled. Perhaps Vince had decided to warm the place up ahead of her arrival, she thought.
As she approached, she saw he had a gentle expression on his face, his eyes closed.
Is he sleeping? Maybe he’s exhausted?
Oriana sat by his feet and placed a hand on his knee. She started to lean in closer to nuzzle him, when she realized something was off. Even through his pants, his body was ice cold.
“Vince?”
Something had happened.
Oriana immediately put her hand on his cheek. It was shockingly frigid, devoid of all warmth.
“Vince? Vince?!”
She gently patted his face several times. When he didn’t respond, she started putting more force into her swings. No matter how hard she slapped him, his cheeks stayed pale white, and his eyes didn’t open.
Oriana cradled him in her arms and slowly sank to the floor.
She had no idea what could’ve happened to him. The school was peaceful. Sure, there were some disputes and feuds between factions, but it wasn’t the kind of place where someone would murder another person.
Had he taken ill suddenly and died from that? Or had someone snuck in here and murdered him before she came?
Oriana studied every inch of him, but there were no stab wounds, no marks around his neck to suggest he’d been strangled. Students swore an oath not to use any magic (with a few exceptions) outside of class, and even then, they’d never learned, nor would they ever learn, any magic that could kill someone.
Vince looked like he was sleeping peacefully. It was hard to believe someone had murdered him.
Oriana continued to puzzle over the matter as she held his cold body in her arms.
She knew she should leave and go call someone, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. It was bad enough that Vince had died here all alone. She couldn’t bear to leave him by himself again, not even for a second.
The only sounds in that tiny little lounge were the crackling fire and the roar of thunder outside.
Perhaps because she’d shed so many tears, Oriana was starting to feel lightheaded. Her brain couldn’t process anything. Before she realized what was happening, a sweet, unfamiliar aroma filled the air around her.
Oriana caressed Vince’s cheeks over and over. Hot tears rolled down her face, dripping onto his. She pressed her lips to his, which were damp from all her crying. The next moment, everything went black.
❦❦❦
ORIANA had no idea why she’d been given a second chance at life, nor why she’d retained all her memories. For some reason, she’d assumed that since time had rewound itself for her, the same had to be true for Vince. Perhaps she’d only convinced herself of that because it had brought her hope amidst all the anxiety of having her life totally repeat itself —a phenomenon she’d certainly never heard of happening before.
She’d convinced herself to work hard because she was sure Vince would be waiting. Knowing that he’d be feeling the same emotions gave her strength. She realized she was lucky to get another chance, but that didn’t stop her from feeling powerless and alone. She was only able to overcome that and keep going forward because of Vince. Until the two met again, she’d promised herself she wouldn’t give in to despair.
But when we finally met, he didn’t remember me at all…
It was probably incorrect to claim he didn’t remember. More likely, Oriana was the only one who’d gone back in time. Realizing that made her feel so very isolated.
She never dreamed she’d lose Vince—the anchor she’d been latching onto this whole time—forever.
“Can’t believe he told me it was love at first sight back then,” she muttered as she watched him walk through the forest now.
Liar!
She cursed at him, even though she knew it would do her no good.
Vince had once gently stroked her cheeks, his own face bright red as he confessed how he’d fallen for her.
But this isn’t love at first sight at all! If anything, it’s been hate at first sight!
It was hard not to feel hurt when he dodged her and treated her so coldly now.
But I have no idea what else to do…
In her past life, Vince had genuinely loved her. She’d never had to work for his affection. He fell for her naturally and had loved her, flaws and all. It was only due to this second go-round that she realized how much she’d taken all of that for granted. She could still remember how sweet and loving he’d been, and that only made it more difficult.
The way things are now, I’m no different from the other girls swarming around him, trying to earn his favor. No, actually…I’m even worse than the rest of them.
Oriana didn’t have exceptional social status. She wasn’t a peerless beauty either, and she wasn’t the most compassionate or saintly. Instead, she was a rather plain-looking girl born into a merchant family. It’d be difficult for someone like her to win over someone like Vincent.
Thus, Oriana changed her goal.
It’s fine if Vincent and I don’t become lovers this time. As long as he doesn’t die, that’s enough for me!
True, it’d pain her to see him hook up with—and maybe even marry—some other girl, but better that than him dying again. That said, she’d no intention of keeping her distance. Oriana was the only person who could shield him from the tragedy that awaited him.
She needed a way to stay by his side so she could protect him. Merely clinging to him when the opportunity presented itself wasn’t enough. Left with no other choice, she had to bury her nose in books and study so she could stay close. Classes at Lagen Magic Academy were split up based on a person’s academic level. If she fell behind, she’d be placed in a different class, and that’d make it difficult for her to see him every day.
If someone really had murdered Vince, then she’d find the culprit. If it was an illness that had taken him, then she’d stay vigilant.
Oriana was now bound and determined to do whatever it took to keep him safe.