- Daerin Academy Gate -

Beside a brick path leading up to Erden's Tower, a mural depicting a magic creature could be seen on large iron gates. The creature was decorated with horns, sharp claws, and a lengthy tail, while unfurling from its back were a pair of domineering wings.

From a carriage drawn by two draft horses, an old man came forward to speak with guards posted at the gate. Atop the old man's intimidating height, his scant greying blonde hair blew freely in the wind, exposing a receding hairline over his blue eyes. Gingerly following behind him was a young girl, wearing a white dress and a head of bright crimson hair.

The young girl muttered with a crease between her eyebrows, "Hah... Why is it so bright here?"

Everything she saw was outlined with vivid colors— the wagons, the houses, and all of the people that they had passed by appeared needlessly dazzling. The young girl also stared at the horses in front of their carriage; the soft luster on the surface of their black mane made them absolutely majestic.

The young girl's nose twitched and the crease between her brows deepened further. In the eyes of anyone unwitting, she was wearing a fierce scowl, but her unbefitting expression actually pertained to a certain difficulty she had in looking around. Adding to that was the combination of unease and unfamiliarity she tried to hold down by gripping onto the cloth over her stomach.

Along with a slight churn of her stomach she mumbled, “Hah... I want to go home...” and shifted her attention towards the old man in front of her, holding up a seal with green accents. The guards allowed them passage only after it was shown.

With the old man leading the way, they walked past the gate and stood before the largest building the young girl had seen in the city, aside from the structure over the distance that was towering into the clouds. She awed at the scale of it, just the entrance alone was bigger than her house.

"Ah! Merea Perid! It's been a long time! How have you been?" The squinting young girl saw the old man speak happily with an acquaintance. A bob-cut, black-haired woman, two heads taller than her, with an air of being prim and proper.

"Vinney Head,” the woman greeted, “I am doing well. Earlier, I met your daughter after she dropped off her son. She seemed uninformed of your arrival?"

"Ah yes, well, we were supposed to come back earlier but got a little side-tracked. I took my lovely granddaughter out for sightseeing, you see," the old man gestured to the young girl. Sneaking glances at her hiding behind the old man, the woman named Merea showed her a gentle smile.

"Ah, my lovely granddaughter! You must be quite tired! Merea, can you show her a place to rest while I have my appointment with the Headmaster?" the old man suggested

—No! I'm tired, but there's no need for that! Don't leave me here alone!

The young girl wasn't vocal but she shook her head from side to side. Seeing her reaction, Merea gave a different proposal, "Why don't I show her around the academy grounds instead? I think she would like that."

The old man turned towards the young girl to ask for confirmation, and the young girl paused slightly before giving him a nod.

"—Either way, I can't bring you with me to see that senile old freak. Celeste, I'll be back soon, alright? You can trust Merea, she's a friend of my daughter," the old man vouched, before leaving the two in each other's company.

Merea greeted, "Hello, my name is Merea. May I ask for the young lady's name?”

“Celeste,” the young girl answered, with a soft but audible voice.

“Celeste,” Merea smiled, “Allow me to show you around the academy. Since you will also be attending starting tomorrow, it will be good to familiarize yourself with the facilities."

Words were precious to Celeste, so she spoke very little after giving her name. Still, she managed to answer Merea's subsequent inquiries using only small gestures.

—I'm glad she isn't loud, although, she sounds too formal...

Celeste quietly followed while Merea toured her around the academy. From the classrooms, to the library, and to the school canteen; unused to distance, Celeste's feet began to ache.

—Where is everyone else? Wasn't today the first day of class?

There was a lack of chatter in the surroundings. She did not know that those of the general classes were already allowed to head home as they only had introductions, while the advance classes had gathered at the courtyard for practical magic.

The two sets of footsteps echoing in the vacant hallway only made the silence more awkward for Celeste.

—Little Red...

Distracting herself with the view of the blue sky from the window, her mind had drifted to the memory of her first day. Not at this academy, but at a different, much farther location.

That day, she had woken up from slumber faced with a massive stone wall.