Chapter 154: The Princess’s Resolve
Dila stood still for a second at the split of the hallways, staring at the path that led to the Mage school. She let out a slow exhale, her lips tightening into something that resembled confidence but felt hollow in her chest. "Alright... let’s go," she muttered softly to herself, though her voice wavered.
Her steps began, stiff and robotic, her body moving as if every muscle had turned into stone. Her arms stayed rigid at her sides, her posture too upright, almost unnatural. It looked as though someone had wound her up and let her march like a puppet. Her eyes stayed open wide, unblinking, betraying the awkwardness that gnawed at her now that Fran wasn’t beside her.
The marble floor echoed with each of her mechanical steps, perfectly even, perfectly stiff. The golden lamps lining the hallway cast their warm glow across polished floors and carved columns, but the warmth did little to ease the awkward coldness in her chest.
Around her, nobles dressed in shimmering silk and finely embroidered uniforms slowed their pace. Their whispers trailed behind her like sharp needles.
"Is that... really the high princess?" one girl muttered, her jeweled fan half-hiding her lips.
"I don’t know..." another boy whispered back, his tone amused. "She looks more like a clown than royalty."
A soft chuckle broke out among a small cluster of them, quickly stifled but still echoing like thunder in Dila’s ears. Her jaw twitched ever so slightly, her face tightening before she forced it back into a calm, serene mask. On the outside, she smiled gently, like a composed young lady walking to class. But inside, irritation burned hot, her thoughts snapping wildly.
"You know..." she told herself bitterly, her teeth pressing together, "it’s hard to calm down when you’re constantly being judged..."
Her stiff march continued, her robes flowing behind her with each forced step, her smile still painted perfectly in place. But the truth clung to her bones: every moment without Fran by her side felt heavier, lonelier, and harder to bear.
While Dila’s steps were still wooden, her gaze dropped to the marble tiles as though the floor itself could swallow her awkwardness. Her mind spun with the murmurs that still echoed from behind.... when suddenly her toe caught something slight on the floor.
Her body lurched forward, her balance slipping. A gasp escaped her lips as her arms flailed out, the polished hall threatening to slam against her.
But before she could fall, a steady grip caught her firmly around the waist. The world froze.
Her wide blue eyes blinked up, stunned, as she realized whose arm had stopped her fall.
Prince Jade.
He held her securely, his emerald eyes softened with concern as he leaned close. His voice came calm, smooth, almost too gentle for the chaos rattling in her chest.
"Are you okay, my lady?"
All around, nobles gasped in unison, the sound like a sudden wave. "Oooohhh..." The hallway filled with whispers and pink cheeks, some girls covering their mouths with their fans while others clutched at each other, eyes sparkling at the sight.
Dila’s face flushed crimson in an instant. Her heart thudded painfully fast as the warmth of his hold burned into her. It was too much, too close.
"A-ah...!" She scrambled back, slipping out of his grasp as quickly as she could, nearly tripping again in her haste. She flailed both hands in front of her, eyes squeezing shut, her expression twisting with flustered panic. "S-soo awkward..." she muttered under her breath.
Jade tilted his head slightly, watching her with calm curiosity, his dark hair catching the light. "You’re... not okay, Princess," he said gently, almost as if he could see straight through her trembling composure.
Still, Dila forced herself to stand straighter, even as her face remained pink. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, puffing her cheeks just slightly in a pout while refusing to meet his eyes. Her voice came out stubborn, clipped, as she turned her head away.
"I’m okay. Thank you," she said, her tone insisting, though her body betrayed her fluster.
The nobles who watched looked between them with fascination, the murmurs starting again, but Dila kept her gaze fixed firmly away from Jade, determined not to let her embarrassment show any further.
Dila puffed her cheeks, still crossing both arms as she glanced at him with irritation. "Hey... why are you standing there as if nothing happened, mister Jade?"
The word mister slipped out of her lips, and Jade’s mouth twitched into a soft chuckle. He tilted his head, his emerald-green eyes narrowing in quiet amusement. "What do you mean, Princess?"
Dila’s gaze sharpened. She lowered her voice, leaning forward just a little. "Don’t play dumb. I saw you in the garden this morning... you were fighting, fighting as if it was to the death. You almost lost... if it wasn’t for Fran almost stepping in. She was about to jump in the window, but before she could, that man leapt backward, retreating far into the distance. And then you... you vanished. Gone, like mist carried away by the wind."
Her words hung in the corridor like heavy smoke. Jade’s expression shifted. His usual warmth slipped away, leaving a calm seriousness behind. He tilted his head slightly again, but this time not in playfulness. His steps drew closer, until his shoulder brushed lightly past hers. His voice dropped low, sharp like steel sliding free of its sheath.
"Please... keep your mouth shut, High Princess," he said, his tone firm and commanding. "If you don’t want trouble."
Dila froze. The words sank deep into her chest like cold water. For a moment, it felt as though the world around her blurred, her thoughts swallowed in a haze. Her lips parted in confusion, and all she could breathe out was a small, fragile sound.
"Huh...?"
It felt like she had been pulled into a spell, only to snap back as Jade moved past her shoulder. Her eyes followed him instinctively, the heavy thud of her heartbeat echoing in her ears.
"Huh...?" she repeated, softer this time, her voice breaking against the strange pull she couldn’t name.
Jade slowed, glancing over his shoulder, and for a heartbeat his serious expression softened. His words slipped out quietly, almost as if meant only for her, though the hallway was still filled with nobles walking in pairs, chatting, their voices a blur of distant noise.
"No, Princess... i mean you’re beautiful."
He said it so easily, so calmly, as if it was a simple truth.
And yet the surrounding nobles continued on, flipping through papers, murmuring to one another about their studies, as if they hadn’t heard a thing. As if those words were sealed inside a secret world only the two of them shared.
Dila’s chest tightened, her cheeks burning faintly as she stood there in stunned silence, caught between disbelief, irritation, and a strange warmth that she couldn’t push away.
But then Dila stood frozen for a moment, her thoughts tangled. What just happened...? I can’t remember clearly... He said something, something unsettling... but the more I reach for it, the further it slips away. Like a dream dissolving when you wake up. Her brows knit together, her lips pressing into a thin line as her chest tightened.
Before she could untangle it, Jade’s cheerful voice broke the silence.
"So, Princess," he said lightly, his steps casual, almost playful, "I’m going to my class now. We’re training in sword fighting today... Will you watch me?" He smiled at her, his emerald eyes catching the faint light of the corridor.
Dila’s cheeks warmed, but she quickly turned her head, forcing her lips into a stubborn pout. "Hmph... I don’t know." Her voice had that sharp edge she always used to hide what she really felt.
Jade leaned slightly closer with a teasing grin. "Aww... my cute little Princess."
Her face burned red instantly. She stomped her foot lightly, raising her voice so a few passing nobles turned their heads in brief curiosity. "I’m nobody’s Princess!"
Jade only chuckled, the sound rich and amused, like he enjoyed every bit of her fluster. "Haha... walking in the hallway, yelling like that... Bye, Princess." He gave a small, casual wave as he continued on, his capelet brushing softly with each step until he blended into the crowd of uniforms.
Dila stood rooted in place, her hands trembling slightly at her sides. She muttered under her breath, her blue eyes narrowing into sharp slits. "When I look at his face... it’s as if I want to murder him."
Her words came quiet but heavy, dripping with irritation, even as her heart betrayed her with an uneasy rhythm she couldn’t calm.
Dila forced her legs forward, her pace slower than before. Each step echoed faintly against the polished marble floor as she followed the mage path deeper into the academy wing. The chatter of other nobles faded behind her, replaced by the quiet hum of magic flowing faintly in the walls. She soon stood before a tall door engraved with silver filigree and a crystal star embedded at its center. The gem shimmered faintly, casting a gentle blue glow across the corridor, almost like it was watching her approach.
Her hands clenched against her sides, her chest rising and falling a little quicker than usual. This is it... my first step inside as just... Dila Eldoria the mage student. She swallowed.
Just as she reached for the door, it opened on its own with a soft, magical hum, the crystal pulsing as if it acknowledged her presence. She jumped slightly at the motion, quickly masking it with a forced grin.
"Ha... ha... ha... hi everyone," she said, stepping in with her voice caught between cheer and nerves. She raised her hand in a small wave, her smile strained but trying to look natural.
Inside, rows of noble students in their neatly pressed uniforms turned their eyes toward her. Some blinked curiously, others whispered faintly to their neighbors, while most simply stared... waiting. Their polished silver embroidery shimmered faintly under the glow of enchanted lanterns hanging overhead, filling the classroom with a soft golden-white light. The air smelled faintly of parchment and incense, a quiet aura of learning and discipline.
Dila’s stomach tightened. Every pair of eyes on her made her want to shrink away, but she kept her chin slightly raised, her lips curved into that calm smile she wore like armor.
Then the professor, a tall man in a deep violet robe lined with gold, stepped forward from the center. His hair was streaked with gray, and his eyes, though stern, softened at the sight of her. He clasped his hands and bowed deeply, his voice carrying reverence.
"Ohh... the High Princess," he said, his tone formal yet warm. "It is truly an honor for you to step into this classroom." His head lowered respectfully, and a ripple of murmurs spread through the seated students.
Dila blinked, her breath catching. The word honor weighed on her chest like a burden.
The professor straightened, his lips curving into a small smile. "Though... you are late." His eyes twinkled with a hint of humor before he waved his hand dismissively. "But for today... we shall forgive you."
A soft laugh left him, and the tension in the room seemed to ease.
The professor, after bowing and greeting her, suddenly extended his right hand and pointed straight at her. His finger hovered with certainty, his face serious.
Dila blinked, taken off guard. She lifted her own hand, hesitating, then pointed at herself with wide eyes. "M... me?" she asked, almost squeaky.
The professor simply nodded with a calm smile. And before she could even take a step, her body jolted, light flaring around her feet.
"Wha—ahhh?!"
In an instant, she vanished from her spot with a faint crackle of magic. A second later, fwop! she reappeared right in her chair... in the very back row of the classroom. Her hair fluttered from the sudden displacement, and she sat stiffly, blinking in shock like a statue.
A snicker erupted right beside her. She turned her head slowly, and the boy sitting next to her, a lanky student with a long face and amused eyes, was struggling not to burst out laughing. His shoulders shook as he covered his mouth.
"You’re... like me," he whispered between chuckles. "When he pointed, I also pointed at myself the first time. Exactly the same!"
He tried holding in his laughter, but a small laugh slipped through, his face stretching even longer when he grinned.
Dila’s cheeks flushed red as she stared at him, utterly mortified. The boy leaned closer, still shaking with laughter, his long face looking even longer when he finally tried to stop, lips twitching.
Dila groaned softly under her breath. Great... first teleportation in front of everyone and I look like a complete fool.
The boy gave a small wave as if to say welcome to the club, before stifling another chuckle.
The professor lifted his hand gently, his voice calm but filled with presence.
"There is no need for introductions," he said, his tone echoing softly across the crystal-etched classroom. "I already know your names. Each of you was present during the orientation form guided by Professor Dexter Quilt. I recognized you all then... and I recognize your presence now."
The room went quiet for a breath, the morning light glimmering through the arched glass windows, scattering rainbows across the floor where the crystal star embedded in the doorway shimmered faintly. The students leaned in, their noble postures softened by curiosity.
Then, in unison, several voices rose, murmuring with wonder.
"Ohhh..."
The sound spread across the classroom, like a chorus of surprise and respect. Some of the students exchanged glances, whispering about how sharp the professor was, while others straightened their backs in admiration.
Dila, still in her seat at the back, peeked nervously from the corner of her eye, her cheeks faintly pink. She noticed Fran wasn’t here to make a joke to lighten her nerves... she was truly on her own. Still, she tried to copy the others, nodding once as if she had expected it all along.
The boy with the long face next to her leaned closer, whispering with a playful smirk, "See? He even knew use like a glossary book."
Dila’s lips twitched as she tried not to laugh, pressing her palm against her face in embarrassment.
The professor cleared his throat, a smooth but commanding "Ahem."
"Before we begin our lessons," he said, his voice steady as stone yet warm like sunlight, "allow me to introduce myself. My name is..."
He lifted his hand, and with one graceful motion, his index finger traced the air. Light flared at the tip, glowing a brilliant yellowish white, leaving behind radiant trails as though he were writing upon the very air itself. Each stroke shimmered, alive with magic, until letters formed clearly for all to see:
Professor Galahad Turing
The glowing script floated midair, casting faint golden reflections across the walls and onto the students’ wide eyes. The letters pulsed once before settling, as though alive, then hung suspended like a spell woven permanently into the classroom itself.
Gasps broke out instantly.
"Ohhhh..."
"Ahhhh..."
The noble students leaned forward, captivated, their eyes sparkling with admiration. A few clapped lightly under their breath, enchanted by the display.
Dila, however, sat in the back with her lips pursed, crossing her arms. She let out a quiet, "Tck..." almost like a sigh, her expression sharp.
(Just like Professor Dexter Quilt... showing off again.) She muttered inwardly, rolling her eyes just enough for her bangs to sway over her gaze.
But despite her complaint, her eyes betrayed her, lingering on the glowing letters with just a flicker of awe.
Dila slouched slightly in her seat, her gaze drifting toward the professor who had just finished his display. The glowing letters still shimmered faintly in the air, almost mocking her. She muttered under her breath, barely loud enough for even herself to hear.
"I realize it now... the magic professor must all have teleportation abilities. When... when will I ever get something like that..."
Her fingers tapped restlessly against her desk, her lips tightening as her thoughts deepened.
"Maybe I could never achieve that skill... not with my class. I’m a support mage, not a combatant. I can summon, yes... but real offensive magic? A proper spell to stand my ground, to protect myself without hiding behind someone else’s blade..."
Her eyes lowered, the shimmer in them dulled as the words pressed heavy in her chest.
"...It would all be useless anyway... without Nari being revived."
The moment she thought it, a faint sting filled her chest, the name echoing inside like an unhealed wound. She clasped her hands together tightly on the desk, as if holding back the ache that threatened to rise. Around her, the other students whispered in awe at the professor’s magic, but she sat withdrawn, locked in the quiet turmoil only she could feel.
Dila’s eyes narrowed, her fingers curling slightly on her desk as she drew a long, steady breath. She leaned closer, lips moving in a faint murmur only she could hear.
"System or not... I can still learn magic," she whispered to herself, her voice firm despite its softness.
Inside her mind, her heart swelled with something brighter. A quiet flame of determination that pushed back the weight of doubt. I will do my best... no matter what. Nothing will stop me.
Her shoulders straightened as if she were standing tall in her mind, not sitting in the back of a classroom. She imagined herself rising higher than the whispers, higher than the judgments, higher than the cage her life had been bound in. Her chest lifted, a proud light blooming inside her that refused to be dimmed.
"If I can... if I can restore Nari," she thought, her jaw tightening, "then I will finally break free. Away from my father... away from the castle. Goodbye to the endless ’Princess this, Princess that.’"
Her lips curled into the faintest smile, but it was heavy with sorrow.
"I’ll take Fran with me. Just the two of us. We’ll live quietly, happily, far away from everything. No titles. No thrones. No old man who calls himself my father... that man I hate."
For a moment, her chest trembled, not from weakness but from resolve. She clasped her hands in her lap, her mind brimming with that dream... a dream she swore she would carve into reality, no matter how much magic she had to master to reach it.