Chapter 2: Fourth Year, Second Time Around

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Fourth Year, Second Time Around

 

 

 

“GAAAAH! I give, I give! Mercy! Please go easy on me! It’s cramping!”

“See, if you move too quickly like this, it puts a strain on your body. Everyone, take your time and stretch! Make sure not to push yourself past your limits.” The girl spoke in a relaxed tone to the other girls in the room, even as she kept a solid grip on Oriana’s ankle, bending her like a human pretzel.

“Yana! J-Just let go of my leg for now! Please—”

“There’s no point in doing this pose if your big toe is facing inward like this. You need to turn it out like so…”

“Ow, ow, ow!”

Smack, smack, smack!

Oriana beat her hand against the floor in surrender, and the noise echoed through the girls’ lounge.

There were about ten girls in the room and they all wore intense, determined expressions on their faces as they watched Yana demonstrate by twisting Oriana’s body this way and that. Not a single one of them made any reference to the anguished look on Oriana’s face. There was something more important at stake here than her suffering. The passion behind their gazes said more than words ever could: they were all intent on mastering the correct yoga pose in the pursuit of beauty.

“All right, go on then! Try doing it yourselves.”

After prompting the other girls to begin moving their bodies, Yana finally released Oriana.

Tears, sweat, and snot poured down Oriana’s face as she slumped face down onto the floor, her shoulders heaving with each breath she took.

“Goodness, Oriana! You wouldn’t be so winded if you didn’t neglect your stretches. Didn’t I tell you to keep up with them daily?” Yana spared Oriana a pitying look.

Her full name was Yana Nova Mahathin, and she had built a position for herself here as a yoga instructor, occasionally conducting her lessons on Fruit Day mornings. Her skin was dark brown and her hair an almost mystical light purple. With such peerless beauty, it took just a glance for boys and girls alike to fall head over heels for her. This had earned her the nickname “Desert’s Star.”

“Uh, yoga just doesn’t…agree with me, I guess you could say,” Oriana said with a shrug.

“The only people yoga ‘doesn’t agree with’ are the people who don’t put the effort in to continue it,” Yana chided softly.

Her soft rebuke prompted Oriana to pull her lips into a tight, dismayed line. The other girl was as beautiful and graceful as a doe, which made her words seem all the more convincing.

“Besides, don’t you also want to increase your appeal so you can sweep Mister Tanzine off his feet?”

I do! I want to sweep him up so hard, he won’t know what hit him!

Alas, she’d long since abandoned such fruitless desires.

Oriana scrunched up her face, conflicted. This prompted Yana to burst out laughing.

“Using your head all the time won’t get you anywhere! It’ll just make your body freeze up. Keeping an exercise routine, morning and night, is what really improves a woman’s beauty!”

Yana wasn’t merely a yoga instructor; she was also the thirteenth princess of the neighboring country, Ete Karima. Currently, she was studying at Lagen and just so happened to be Oriana’s roommate.

Four years had passed since the two began sharing a room, meaning Oriana was now sixteen and in her fourth year. Lagen Magic Academy was a five-year institution, which meant students began at age thirteen and attended lessons until they were eighteen. Classes were split into four based on academic performance: Special Class, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. In the process of mastering the magical arts, students also formed friendships and rivalries with one another.

The Academy itself was built near the Dragon’s Tree, which played a pivotal role in their classes. Since the tree was connected to the underground leylines, it was impossible to transplant. There were only a dozen or so of these precious trees in the world to begin with, which limited the number of magic academies. Only two existed in the country: Lagen Magic Academy, located near the capital, and one near the western border. This was why so many students came from all over the country to enroll here.

Most of those in attendance at Lagen were nobility or common folk with a lot of coin. A hefty sum was required to cover admittance and dorm fees, as well as all the materials necessary for learning.

Oriana was one of the common folk. Her parents were prosperous merchants and, with some luck, they could even use their contacts to help her debut into high society. That said, there was no social hierarchy for those at the school. People regarded each other as mages, nothing more, nothing less.

Underlying this egalitarianism was the belief that all were equal under the benevolence of the Great Dragon. One was obligated to refer to anyone outside their immediate circle by their surname and the title “Miss” or “Mister.” Even though Oriana was a mere commoner and Yana a princess, they still referred to each other by their first names.

“Nah,” said Oriana. “I’m not skilled enough to juggle two things at once. For now, I think I’ll focus on my studies.”

Her first priority was Vincent, not her own looks. She was willing to use a bit of makeup on herself, but she didn’t have the extra free time to spare on beauty exercises.

Oriana had been dedicated to her studies these past four years, to the detriment of her sleep cycle. Even with the knowledge her previous life afforded her, it was still a struggle to stay at the top, since she wasn’t naturally gifted.

“Yes, I suppose that dedication is one of your more charming features,” said Yana with a reluctant nod.

After that, Oriana bid her friend farewell and headed out of the dormitory.

The girls’ dormitory was only a short distance from the main school building, and the boys’ dormitory was on the opposite side. The Academy’s grounds were enormous. Besides the dormitories and the main school building, there was also a park, a greenhouse, a stable, some fields, and other facilities.

Oriana’s intended destination was the study hall, as usual. It’d become such a force of habit these past four years that all the other students knew she spent virtually all her time there.

Not moments after she left the dormitory, she spotted a familiar face. When he noticed her, he made his way over in a few long strides, his hulking frame towering over her.

“Morning, Azraq.”

“Morning, Elsha! Where’s Princess Yana?”

The man casually greeting her was Yana’s bodyguard, Azraq Zalena. His colossal height was enough to leave anyone slack-jawed in awe, and he was also covered in muscles. He had the same dark skin as Yana, but where the princess had an almost mystical aura about her, he had a more sensual one.

Azraq was two years older than Oriana, but they were in the same academic year. Someone must have pulled some strings to make sure he was admitted in the same year as Yana.

“You can just call me Oriana, you know. Ooh, or would you prefer to call me Ori instead?”

“Yes, pardon me, Lady Ori. I do hope you will allow me to inquire as to the nature of my lady’s whereabouts, as it is high past the hour she would normally exit from the dormitory.”

His joke earned him a chuckle from Oriana.

“Yana’s still in the midst of ‘imparting her beauty secrets’ to the students, as it were. Since you’re already here, I guess that means she’s running later than usual. Probably because I was throwing a fit in there.”

“Wait, Elsha, you mean to tell me you were taking part in yoga today? What a shame I couldn’t be there to witness it.”

“Come on, don’t tease me like that! A beached whale flopping about on the beach would have done a better job than me today, I can tell you that.”

Azraq’s emotionless expression cracked, giving way to a faint smile.

For Oriana’s part, she thought of the man as a comrade. She took up the role of keeping an eye on Yana where Azraq couldn’t, such as in the girls’ dormitory or anywhere else male entry was restricted. What she did wasn’t as extensive as being an actual bodyguard, but she still went out of her way to look out for Yana. Azraq made his gratitude for that readily apparent.

“Going to the library?”

Azraq probably suspected she had business at the school, since she was still wearing her uniform, even though it was the weekend. Or maybe it was the countless books and report papers she had with her that gave her away.

“Nope, the study hall. Want to come with?”

After a short pause, he said, “No. I’ll…pass on that.”

Azraq’s primary duty was as Yana’s bodyguard, so he didn’t put much effort into his magic studies. He probably had no interest in school, to begin with. She’d already known he’d likely refuse her invitation, but she had to laugh at the way he responded, like a child being scolded by their mother.

Wind suddenly gusted around them, prompting Oriana to tamp down her hair. It managed to carry off two of the papers she was holding. Panicked, she managed to snatch one before it got away, but the other flew up beyond her reach.

Azraq plucked it out of the air with such ease, it almost looked as if he’d pulled it towards himself.

“Thanks,” said Oriana. “The way you did that was like magic.”

“You think I would use magic on a mere sheet of paper? It’s faster and more efficient to simply grab it.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

When he lifted his arm, Oriana got a brief glimpse of the bandages hidden under his sleeve.

He must be sporting some kind of injury.

Exceptional bodyguard that he was, Azraq noticed the subtle shift in her facial features and quickly dropped his arm. Oriana pretended not to notice, instead accepting back the report he’d snagged for her.

“If you change your mind, feel free to join me at any time.”

“If Lady Yana orders me to do so, I will,” he said, wrinkling his nose. Obviously, he didn’t want to have to study on their day off.

Oriana laughed and bid him good day.

❦❦❦

WHEN Oriana entered the study hall, her eyes lit up. The very person she’d hoped to see was sitting there by the window. He was glancing down at one of the underclassmen, keeping a soft tone as he explained to them how to use a dictionary. He was so considerate, so kind, and so utterly divine! Oriana was convinced all the other people in the room who saw him were thinking the same thing.

Oriana stepped to the side so she wouldn’t block the entrance as she absently observed. Once the underclassman walked away from Vincent, she made her move, scuttling as silently as a crab until she was right behind him. Then she threw her arms around him and leaned in, letting her hot breath caress the shell of his perfectly shaped ear.

“Surprise, Lord Vincent!”

“Gah??!!”

Vincent must’ve been so immersed in the book he was reading that he hadn’t sensed her at all. He slapped his hands over his ears and spun around to face her. Since she was still clinging tightly to him, he could only crane himself awkwardly.

“Miss Elsha, what, pray tell, are you doing?”

Oriana was accustomed to him drawing a line like that—indirectly chastising her for using his first name. He always kept her at arm’s length. That was true when it came to other people as well, but his vehement rejection was reserved for Oriana alone.

Nonetheless, she maintained indifference as she responded, “Indeed, that is my name, Mister Tanzine. I have come here to study hard, so I can remain ever at your side!” As soon as she finished that straight-faced delivery, she broke into giggles.

“That’s not what I meant.” A vein popped on Vincent’s forehead. “I meant, why are you clinging onto my—“

“Now, now, Vincent. Do you really think it appropriate to raise your voice like that, considering where we are?” the boy sitting beside Vincent chimed in, trying desperately to suppress a laugh as he spoke.

All three of them glanced over at the entrance where Professor Wilton was standing, brows furrowed in dismay as she glared at them.

Pleased to have support, Oriana continued clinging to Vince’s back, plastering an innocent look on her face as she glanced at the boy who had spoken in her favor.

Miguel Ferveira was a dear friend of Vincent’s. He had long red hair tied behind his head and always wore an annoyingly arrogant grin on his face. His father was Earl Hydrangea, and as the Ferveira heir, Miguel would eventually succeed him. He and Vince were close because they had attended lessons together from an early age, and they would also share political ties after graduation.

Although Vincent offered the same measure of (arguably tepid) kindness to everyone, there was only one man he’d ever called friend—whether in this life or their past one—and that was Miguel.

“Yeah! You make an excellent point, Miguel.”

“Good morning, Oriana! You’re as adorable as ever, I see.”

Oriana had been on good terms with him, even in her past life. In fact, it was only through Miguel that she’d even became acquainted with Vincent, to begin with. He was just as friendly with her this go-round as he’d been back then.

But Miguel’s smile is completely unreadable. I can’t tell if he genuinely wants to be friends with me or not.

“Morning, Miguel,” she replied. “As always, I did my best today, hoping Mister Tanzine here would find me adorable as well.”

Oriana finally peeled herself away from Vincent and nonchalantly plopped herself down in the seat beside him.

Vincent’s purple eyes glared at her, as if he’d something he wanted to say.

“Yes? What is it?” Oriana asked.

“I merely wondered if you’d asked my permission before you decided to sit there.”

Oriana feigned shock by dropping her jaw and pressing a hand over her mouth. “My goodness, Mister Tanzine. I never would have guessed someone of your position to be so forgetful! Are you unaware that students here are free to select whatever seat they like?”

“Thanks to you, I seem to have remembered now. Much appreciated,” he retorted, breathing a small sigh. That was the end of his snark for now at least.

In the past, he’d merely wrinkled his nose in displeasure and ignored her or gathered his things and changed seats. When she sat by him lately, he merely fussed at her a bit.

That’s a step forward, right? Oriana thought as she grinned.

Vincent, who was equally nice to everyone (besides Oriana), was practically a school celebrity. His conduct was professional, his grades perfect, he was always kind and sincere, and to top it all off, he was insanely handsome. It would be strange if he wasn’t constantly in the limelight.

Nonetheless, Vincent’s noble bearing was so intimidating that it was difficult for him to make genuine friends. Most would consider it scandalous to plunk down beside him without permission. The other students sent chastising looks Oriana’s way, but she ignored them all. She hardly cared about what excuses they gave themselves for not working up the courage to approach Vincent.

Besides, I only have one year until he dies.

He hadn’t made any complaints yet that would indicate illness, nor had she noticed anyone who might resent him enough to murder him. Anyway, Vincent was a pretty shrewd person; he only consumed food the school provided or was otherwise directly served to him. He wasn’t the type to heedlessly eat whatever someone else offered him.

Even so, Oriana couldn’t help worrying. She’d learned any magic that might help protect him, clinging to him at all costs, so she could keep an eye out. If she humbly kept her distance, she risked losing him again. That was one thing she couldn’t bear.

Determined, Oriana cracked open her book and spread out her papers, careful not to encroach on Vincent’s space as he sat beside her. Once she’d finished that, she took out her pen and set to work.

❦❦❦

“ORIAN… Ori?”

“Hngh?”

She was so immersed in her studies, she didn’t realize at first that Miguel was calling her name. Unable to peel her attention away as her pen danced across the page, she grunted instead.

“Sorry, but can you lend me your Kahn rune dictionary? All the other ones here are checked out.”

“Ngh.”

Oriana continued scribbling with her right hand while her left traced over the table, feeling through a nearby stack of books for the appropriate volume. She’d devoted so much time to studying these past four years that she could distinguish between books by the feel of their covers.

Unfortunately, the dictionary was heavy enough that tugging at it with a single fingertip wasn’t nearly enough to pry it loose from the pile. She continued struggling spectacularly, until Vincent finally retrieved the volume for her and passed it over to Miguel.

Oriana’s pen froze. She peered up at Vincent.

“Th-Thank you.”

“It was nothing.” He averted his eyes, as if the thought of helping her had made him uncomfortable, and focused back on his own textbook.

Oriana followed his example and returned to her studies, but for the life of her, she couldn’t focus.

It’s things like this that totally throw me off!

The Vince she had dated and the current Vincent were completely different people and yet, also fundamentally the same.

Oriana set her pen aside so the ink wouldn’t drip and started slowly flipping through her book. Her brain wasn’t digesting any of what she read. Nonetheless, her eyes followed the words as she tucked back the strands of hair that’d been tickling her cheek.

❦❦❦

SENSING someone’s eyes on her, Oriana casually glanced to her left. Vincent had his eyes narrowed and was staring her down. When their gazes met, he grimaced.

Oriana had no idea why he was making such a face at her. Suspicious, she glanced down at his hands and noticed strong rays of sunlight pouring in from the window.

“A bit blinding for you?” she guessed.

“You’re too self-conscious.”

“Huh? Uh, sorry?” Oriana had no idea what he was reprimanding her for, but she apologized all the same. “Anyway, if the sun’s too bright for you, we can switch seats.”

She assumed he was staring over at her because the light was blinding him, hence her offer. It was no surprise he was having trouble looking at his paper with how intense the sun was.

Vincent gawked at her for a moment before his cheeks lit up as bright as the evening sky.

“Pff…pffft…”

That strange noise prompted Oriana to turn her head toward Miguel. He was using the dictionary he’d borrowed earlier as a shield, standing it upright as he leaned forward and hid his face.

Sensing something amiss, she opened her mouth to question him, but Vincent beat her to it.

“Miguel.”

“Sor—”

“Miguel.”

“My bad, my bad.” He lifted his head and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. Judging by his expression, he was struggling to hold back his laughter.

Oriana stared blankly at him. What part of their exchange had Miguel found so funny?

“Silence is golden,” Miguel reminded his friend.

“Shut up,” Vincent huffed like a sulky child before turning away.

Shut up… Vincent just told someone to shut up…

Oriana had never seen this side of him in their first timeline. That expression was probably one he’d only ever shown to Miguel. Her heart flooded with warmth and a smile tugged at her lips. She’d gotten to see a side of him no one else ever did!

“Tehehe…”

“What are you giggling about?”

“Oh, I’m just delighted.”

“Which is precisely why I— No. Let me be clear so you do not misunderstand. It wasn’t as though I was looking at you, I—”

“What?” Oriana blinked at him.

Vincent pressed his elbows against the table and cradled his head in his hands. Apparently, he’d flubbed whatever he was trying to say. Again, Miguel hid himself behind the dictionary, shoulders shaking with uncontained mirth.

Oriana’s gaze flitted between the two. Vincent had a wounded look on his face, so she leaned in closer. “Vincent?”

“What?” he huffed back sullenly.

She swallowed hard. This time, he didn’t scold her for calling him by his first name. Aching for more, she stretched a hand toward him. The moment she brushed his hair, he glared at her.

“I haven’t given you permission to go that far yet.”

“As you say, Your Excellency!”

The way he said it implies he’s now giving me permission to call him Vincent!

Unable to suppress her own grin, Oriana pressed her hands on either cheek, stretching her mouth out. That still wasn’t enough, and although she clenched her teeth, a creepy giggle still leaked past her lips.

“You really don’t learn your lesson.” He suddenly smiled with such warmth that it took her breath away.

In order to swallow back the tears that threatened to spill out, Oriana whipped around to face Miguel. “Did you see that just now, Miguel?! I finally had an effect on Vincent!”

Miguel finally peeked out from behind the dictionary. He flashed his canines, grinning. “I did, I saw!”

“Oh gosh, I feel like I’m floating on air! After seeing a beautiful smile like that, I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep tonight. I’m just so happy! I adore you, Vincent! I truly do!” Oriana clapped her hands over her blushing cheeks and started squirming in her chair.

Vincent scowled. “I did not smile and you do not have any effect on me. It’s merely because you are so thickheaded—”

“Yes, yes, I know! I know that, but it still made my heart skip!”

“You are positively—” Vincent was about to express his exasperation for her again but suddenly cut himself off.

Curious what’d convinced him to stop midway, she followed his gaze and gasped.

“Plenty lively over here, I see. Perhaps if you have so much energy, your time would be better spent exercising outside than sitting around in the study hall?” Professor Wilton was now standing beside Oriana, her arms folded.

After that sharp reprimand, the three gathered their belongings and hurried out.

❦❦❦

ONCE they fled the study hall, they paused in the courtyard to catch their breath. It was already starting to grow dark outside.

Oriana reached into her sleeve, rummaging through it until she finally produced a portable magic lantern. She also had a small piece of paper with a magic circle drawn on it. After pressing her wand to it and pouring some mana in, it lit up, and she tucked it inside her lantern. The Kahn rune for “light” was written on the tiny note, and now, imbued with her magic, it gave off a dim glow. Of all the magic permitted for use outside the classroom, this was the kind used most regularly.

Oriana held up the lantern and, as the dim light poured over all three of them, they finally collected themselves.

Vincent finished patting down his disheveled sleeves and combed his bangs back. “What a mess. Today was lively from beginning to end, thanks to you.”

“Oh, I couldn’t agree more,” said Oriana. “My apologies. I’ll take full responsibility. Let’s get married!”

“Fine, my bad. I shouldn’t have said that. Just please lift your head.”

She’d bowed her head low and stuck out one hand toward him. Vincent was now slowly edging away.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that until you give me one of three answers: yes, of course, or absolutely!”

“Will you knock it off? If anyone else sees us, they will think I am threatening you.”

The truth was just the opposite, but anyone too far away to eavesdrop on their conversation would be none the wiser. Indeed, whispers were already bubbling up around them as others milled by.

Beside Vincent, Miguel had his hand pressed over his mouth, trying desperately to stifle his laughter.

“At any rate,” said Vincent, “I thought you said you had no interest in being a duke’s wife.”

“That would be a consequence of our union, but it’s not my main goal! I’d have to be crazy not to want to be your bride, Vincent!”

“This is exactly what I find so…” His voice trailed off as he drew his brows. His cheeks were red with anger.

Sensing she had pushed the envelope enough, Oriana said, “Okay, I’m sorry, Vincent.”

“It’s nothing you need to apologize for.”

“Really? Yay! You’re the best! In that case, I want to go back to the dorm before dinner, so I’ll take my leave here. See you again on Seed Day!”

Once Fruit Day ended, the week began with Seed Day. Thus, Vincent and Oriana would see each other again tomorrow.

The days of the weeks were as follows: Seed Day, Root Day, Bud Day, Stem Day, Leaf Day, Flower Day, and Fruit Day.

Students like Oriana normally had classes from Seed Day until Leaf Day, giving them both Flower Day and Fruit Day off. However, there were facilities (outside the classrooms) open for students on the weekends. Some students would take that opportunity to study by themselves or seek help from upperclassmen or teachers.

Once Sprout Day arrived, Oriana wouldn’t have to go out of her way to visit the library or study hall to see Vincent. She was grateful for weekdays for the simple fact that meeting with Vincent on the weekends was much more difficult.

“Bye-bye!” Oriana glanced over her shoulder and waved to Vincent and Miguel as she headed off to the girls’ dormitory. The lantern in her hand swung from side to side as she went.

Miguel excitedly waved back, while Vincent merely grunted and raised his hand slightly.