-Chapter Eighteen-

Budding Trivialities

-In another life-

In another life, the quiet, sophisticated and distant Aerianne Princess found herself waiting near the Boys’ Dormitories, her face appearing apathetic, hiding the inner workings of her thoughts. Though she wore a cold almost glare-like gaze, she was in reality, incredibly dejected. For the fourth day in a row, she waited in this spot, yet of all the souls that passed her by, Aelius was nowhere to be found. It dejected her. Even if she purposefully kept her distance, she at least liked to be able to see him. Was that too much to ask? She first came out of a budding concern, but now it’s blossomed into a blooming concern. Yet her face still showed no signs of any emotion. One of the parts of what made Aria Aerianne so highly regarded by her peers was that they could never understand the enigma of her mind. She was intelligent and mysterious. No one ever knew her true feelings or thoughts, for she never wore her heart on her sleeve. She was, in another sense, completely isolated, due to her apparently-cold nature. It must be because of the way her mother raised her, she supposed. She recalled with melancholy a young girl barely at the age of being able to read and write, trapped in her glamorous manor, looking up with innocent eyes at her mother towering over her. In her mother’s hand was a threatening stick used for discipline. A stern glare from the woman before her overwhelmed her from above. An atmosphere so tense and tight she felt she couldn’t breathe, but after years of exposure, she’s learnt to live without breath. “Listen well, Aria. A Noble Lady must never reveal their true thoughts on their face. Remain unflinching even in the face of danger. Men will scrap and fight and use their fists, but we are the flowers of society. We fight our war hidden behind our smiles. The moment something fazes you, the war is lost,” her mother’s threatening tone taught her. “Wipe those tears away, Aria, right this instant. A woman should never cry in front of another. It is unsightly and a form of weakness.” The young girl had no choice but to heed her mother’s words. She reached up, sniffled for the last time, and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.

“...Yes, mother.” What remained of the young, little girl, was furiously stomped out and eradicated over years of repetition by her mother, until only a shell remained. A cold, distant and icy flower of the Noble society. A role she was destined to inherit, as her mother would often say.

With a heavy sigh, the sixteen year-old girl, now in her Second Year at the Sky Academy, came to a fancy, solitary door at the end of a corridor. The shining, golden nameplate read in fine font, ‘Polia’, which Aria glanced at as she knocked on the door.

“Enter,” a mature voice called in and Aria did so, stepping in to see the headmaster seated at her desk, looking up and giving Aria a warm smile. “You received my heeding,” she remarked and gestured to a seat, which Aria swiftly took.

“How have you been these last few days?” she asked. Aria inhaled sharply, not knowing whether to appear apathetic or behave genuinely. The woman before her was unlike other young girls who intimidation would work on. Frankly, there was no point pretending before this woman. She was absent from political affairs, after all.

“...Just as always,” she finally responded coolly.

“Is that really so?” Director Polia wore an amused smile. “Is it just as always to wait outside the Boys’ Dorm every morning?” At her words, Aria frowned and averted her eyes away from the older woman’s warm gaze. “It’s okay. Honesty is no sin between us,” Polia chuckled at the young girl’s reaction. “All the rumours in the school say you’ve renounced him since a few years ago, but I know your true intentions. Once you’ve seen some places, you’d grow up and would be able to put two-and-two together.”

“...Do you know why Aelius hasn’t been to the Academy in the last four days?” Aria asked.

“Yes, I do. Would you like to know?” Aria pursed her lips.

“Yes, please tell me, Director Polia.”

“Very well,” Polia smiled and pulled herself from her chair, turning to look out the window with her arms tucked behind her. “It’s quite simple. I sent him away, out of the Academy.”

“W-what? Why did you do such a thing? Will he ever return?” Aria rose to her feet, her heart beating strongly.

“No, he will never return,” the woman said softly. “That boy’s Mana Core cannot function. He simply doesn’t belong in Noble society, a den of wolves, without Mana. To inherit the Archduchy is impossible for him,” Polia continued without turning around, still gazing out at the high morning sun.

“I-I! I would’ve protected him from it all! Every second of our lives, I would’ve done everything he needed to for him!” Aria put her hand on her chest and proclaimed. “So you didn’t have to send him away!”

“I’m sorry, Aria. I’m sure you would have, but these past two years, have you noticed how miserable the boy was? Though you always look his way, maybe you’ve never stumbled on him crying in the corner of his room any day that’s too harsh on him? Yet despite all that, he still finally refined to the Fourth Ring, through cultivating his physical body and swordsmanship alone. He has a monstrous talent for learning things. Imagine a Spiritualist who only learnt the sword for a year and half, and yet already achieving an additional two Mana Rings. If only his Mana could function, he’d even be your equal. Maybe more. But alas, this place smothers the ember of his heart.” At her words, Aria fell silent. For the first time in years, tears began to well up at the corner of her eyes.

“It hasn’t been easy for me either. But w-we just had to hold on until we were eighteen. After that, we could’ve married a-and… we could’ve been happy,” she softly sniffled, reaching up, wiping her eyes, recalling the moment she did the same in her early childhood.

“This entire Nation only holds that boy back from his true potential. I sent him somewhere where he can truly blossom. I sent him to where he belongs.” Finally, Polia turned around and gave Aria a saddened smile. “If your dedication to him is true, then maybe you can go find him in the future.” Aria nodded at her words.

“T…thank you for letting me know, why Aelius is gone now.”

“It’s no problem. I thought you deserved to.” The headmaster’s eyes dropped to her desk, where an envelope lay. “I also called you here to pass this letter on to you.” With a flick of her finger, and the use of telekinesis, the letter lifted into the air and delicately floated into Aria’s grasp. She looked down at it to see the Aerianne seal stamped onto the front, and turned her eyes back to the headmaster.

“Thank you.”

“You may take your leave now, Aria. Come find me if you ever face any difficulties. I see both you and Aelius very closely,” Polia offered with sincerity.

“...Thank you.”

By the time Aria returned to her dorm, skipping her class, she had calmed down somewhat. Slamming the door shut behind her, she dropped down up against the wall, sitting on the ground, inhaling deeply. Maybe Polia was right. Maybe this was for the best. Maybe needlessly keeping Aelius by her side would do him more harm than good. But for every thought that justified him being sent away, there was a counter that drove home the reality that he was gone. Sniffling with tears fully streaming down her cheeks, she was surprised at how sudden they burst forward, like a dam overwhelmed. With a slight tremble, the teenage girl began to unfold the letter. It was from her mother, she saw and straight away knew it couldn’t have been good. As her eyes skimmed the words, the parchment became stained from droplets of tears.

Dear Aria,

My beloved daughter. I received wonderful news today, that the Heir of Kanaria has been missing from the Academy. If such a trend does not cease, it will undoubtedly amount to a blessing for our family and your future. We can finally raise up the Aerianne name to where it ought to be! As long as you don’t jeopardise all of my efforts.

I warn you, if you have any thoughts of chasing after him, I will hunt you down with my own hands and drag you back. Cease your foolishness and listen to your mother for once. Are there any boys at the Academy that catch your eye?

What about the Young Lord from Class B? He has noble origins and rumour says he’s quite capable.

Or perhaps the younger brother of the Fourth Holy Knight? Surely they must have power running in their blood.

In fact, I’ve been in contact with the Royal Family of a neighbouring Nation. They have a Prince around your age-

Aria threw the letter aside, tucking herself into her knees, feeling overwhelmed by hopelessness, despair, powerlessness. I don’t need the Prince of another country… I’ve already found my Prince. She tried so hard to shoulder the burden of everything, with the belief that come someday, it’ll all work out for her. But no, her mother will never allow her happiness. As tears fell down her cheeks and she was completely alone, without a single shoulder to cry on, she lamented the fact that she was nothing but a puppet, a tool for her mother’s bidding.

-In the current life-

Aelius looked over his shoulder at Aria and Lia one last time, as he left them in the encampment with the other Mercenaries. He knew that they’ll be alright, but for some reason, a sudden tinge of concern and worry stabbed at him, as he looked at Aria’s blue hair from behind, but quickly turned away to follow Mr Daniesvish into the manor. He was led into a corridor, around a few corners until they eventually arrived at a room.

“Wait in here,” Mr Daniesvish gestured, and Aelius did as told, entering to find it was a guest room with a waiting sofa for him to plop down on. Mr Daniesvish disappeared behind the closed door, and Aelius was left alone to wait for some time. Not long passed by however, when he saw the door in the opposite corner swing open and a figure step halfway in before stopping.

“Don’t stir up any trouble,” a young woman’s voice ushered from behind the door, and the first figure shrugged her off, stepping into the room without response. As soon as they entered, Aelius and the boy met eyes, and they saw each other was roughly of the same age.

“This is the A-rank? We must be getting scammed!” the boy turned around again to the second figure who quickly entered, an older girl matching her younger brother’s dark brown hair, stepped past and took a seat opposite to Aelius.

“Sorry for keeping you,” she mustered a smile and sent a glare at her younger brother, who clicked his tongue harshly but straightened his back, stepping behind her to attend to her. Almost an instant switch of attitude, she lay her eyes back on Aelius and put her hands together, in dignified Noble etiquette.

“My apologies if our reception has been poor. We’ve been very overwhelmed lately.” She tucked her hair behind her ear when there was another knock at the door, and a maid entered with a tea-tray, serving it up swiftly and then disappearing again. Before the young woman spoke any further, she must’ve been only in her early twenties, she took a moment to savour the tea and returned it to its platter before her. “My father has advised me that you are the A-rank dispatched for our Commission. You will be the heart of this operation. Do you have any questions, firstly?” she asked Aelius, who sat with his arms crossed, and he nodded.

“How many members of the family to escort?” he firstly asked.

“There are five of us, however, your mission is not just to ensure our safety in our arrival. Our goods, as well as our staff must all be preserved by the time we reach our destination,” she advised him.

“How many staff?”

“Hey!” the boy behind his sister twisted his face as he suddenly burst outward. “How dare you speak to her so informally! Where is your courtesy and respect!?-”

“Silence, Damien!” his older sister cut-in, her voice shaking with a daring tone.

“But Jessica-”

“If you interject when it is not your place one more time, I will kick you from this room and then father will truly know how incompetent you are, to not even be able to recieve a guest.”

“The likes of him, a guest!?” The boy named Damien exclaimed in shock.

“You are giving our family a terrible image right now,” Jessica groaned in frustration and turned a worried gaze back to Aelius. “Please don’t take my younger brother’s words to heart. He’s deranged and unaware of the ways of the world.” Aelius took a deep breath. He sympathised with the woman named Jessica.

“Damien,” the young man began to speak, his voice lower than they previously heard, sending a chill down the spines of both of them. “Your mouth could get you killed someday. Learn to reign it in.”

“Pardon me? Who do you think you are to lecture me like that!” the boy shouted back in offence and Aelius sighed heavily.

“That’s it. Damien, get out! Why are you picking a fight in this situation?” Jessica snapped at him.

“But sister! It’s him who’s-”

“Don’t you ‘sister’ me! It’s not him who’s being provocative. You should take his advice to heart. Now, begone!” At her words, Damien had nothing left to say, and with his tails tucked between his legs, shuffled out the room.

“Lius, I’m truly sorry for what just transpired,” she told him sincerely, her face slightly flushed from embarrassment.

“No, it’s okay,” Aelius sighed. “I think I overstepped my bounds a little bit. It wasn’t my place to give him any warnings.”

“No, I very much appreciate your effort. My younger brother has never tasted hardship before but… those are all internal affairs. I’ll do my best as to not drag you into it. Let’s continue with our discussion concerning the Commission.”

They spoke for a while longer and Aelius learnt of all the contentious details. A large number of wagons that will be protected by the lesser-ranked Mercenaries. His role is to essentially act as a jungler, and go to wherever the most trouble will be. The Mercenaries will form a chain of information, and hold on for as long for him to arrive. Their convoy will depart in two days, now that he’s arrived and the trip will take two weeks to a month.

“I understand very thoroughly now, thank you, Miss Daniesvich.”

“No, the gratitude is all mine. You are a very competent listener,” she smiled to him.

“There’s only one thing left to discuss now, then,” Aelius remarked and she frowned.

“Did we miss something?”

Aelius leaned forward. “Sorry about the bluntness, but I want to talk about the pay.”

“Ah…” Jessica blinked before she kicked into gear again. “Of course. Are you already aware of the amount offered in the contract between us and the Adventurer’s Guild?”

“Yes, that information was given to me already,” Aelius responded.

“Then… what is it you would like to discuss? Was the amount too little?” she hesitantly asked.

“Though I would definitely appreciate more money, since my Party is rather tight on funds right now, I know that’s too much to ask for. No, what I wanted to ask for was…” he raised two fingers to her. “I want half the payment made in advance. I’m wondering if that’s possible.”

“Oh…” Jessica took a sharp breath. “May I inquire as to the purpose? You don’t… forgive my rudeness, intend to flee with it, do you?” she asked.

“No, of course not. I’ll ruin the Guild’s reputation if I do something like that. I understand your worry, though. The purpose, if you have to know,” Aelius put his hands out to his sides. “What do you see?” he asked and Jessica was taken aback by the sudden question.

“N-nothing?” she responded with a raised brow.

“Exactly. I’m a swordsman, yet I have no sword. Do you understand now? I won’t be able to protect anyone this trip without a sword.”

“Oh… of course!” Jessica tilted her head. “Where did your old sword go?” she asked and Aelius wryly scratched his hair.

“I can’t remember if it got stolen or if I lost it but I ran into some trouble a while back and before I knew it, it was gone.” Yeah. I died and woke up again ten years in the past without it.

“If that’s the case… very well.”

As Aelius strolled out the room, he hid the small smile of success on his face behind his mask. Having secured some funds, they’ll be of great help to him for what he plans to do. The Daniesvich Lady, Jessica, was well-mannered, graceful but most of all, intelligent. Suddenly, Aelius found his mind wandering to Aria. She was just as graceful, even more elegant, even more intelligent, and even more beautiful. Aelius knew very well she was regarded as one of the esteemed flowers of Nobles. At least, that’s how it went in his past life. He suddenly shook his head. Why am I suddenly comparing the two, he sighed as he stepped up the door to the corridor, back to the encampment but ran into a figure blocking his way. Aelius’ eyes narrowed at the young Noble boy his age standing before him with his arms crossed, giving him a dirty glare. “Hey, I overheard you, you swindler. You wanted half the payment in advance? Do you plan on running off with it, huh? This is why commoners are so distasteful. You’d best refrain from any funny business because I’ll be watching you,” Damien put a sharp finger on Aelius’ chest, pressing into him. “You might fool my sister but I know you can’t be the strongest one here. You’re just another kid under that mask-”

“Hah…” Aelius sighed deeply as he sidestepped the Daniesvich lord and kept walking his way, shaking his head. The older sister was graceful and intelligent. Her younger brother on the other hand was everything she is not. Well, not that it bothers Aelius in any way.

“You dare ignore me!? A commoner the words of a Noble? Do you not know your place!?” Aelius heard heavy footsteps come thudding up behind him and a firm hand plant on his shoulder, trying to pull him around. “I will speak to my father this instant to have you removed from our trip-”For Christ’s sake, what’s with all this trouble, Aelius eyed the setting sun. I’m running out of time too. He suddenly felt an urge of anger stab at him. If this kid ends up getting in my way… I’ll slaughter his entire family, I don’t care about the Commission anymore. Menacingly, Aelius turned around to face the little bastard.

“Are you done? If you’re done now, then kindly fuck off,” Aelius snapped and a look of offence crossed Damien’s face.

“How dare you-” Before the confrontation escalated, a familiar voice interjected.

“Wow… Is this how the Daniesvich Manor conducts themselves?” a mocking voice asked and Aelius turned his head to see Aria had been attracted by the small scrap.

“W-wha?”

“I’m very impressed that you’re trying to treat someone who doesn’t serve under you as though they are your servant,” she spoke as she took a step forward. “Nobles typically are aware that their relationship with Mercenaries is strictly trade-commercial. In other words, they are equal in business terms. It’s not us who desperately wants this Commission, but if we were to leave right now, it’d be you who would be in more trouble. I thought that was part of Aristocratic education,” she looked at the hand on Aelius’ shoulder and then back to the young Daniesvich lord. “But it seems you’ve not received that education. I guess it’s true your family’s peasant origins cannot be changed. Even a generation later, you behave so crass and unsightly. Even average commoners carry more grace than you. You give Nobles a bad name.” She took Aelius’ hand and pulled him away, leaving Damien stunned at the bombardment of words he was just attacked with. Aelius nor Aria looked back, but as Aelius followed her, he could feel her fingers tightly holding onto his.

“Are you okay? It’s not often you pounce on someone like that,” he asked and she let out a small growl.

“He upset me. I can’t bear someone seeing act like they’re above you, Lius.”

“Very rich considering the last year at the Academy,” he said and Aria suddenly spun around and shoved him.

“You’re such a bastard! Everytime I do something for you, you have to bring up the past. How petty are you?” The emotion of hurt and pain in her voice sounded so incredibly genuine to Aelius, he even felt himself begin to waver. Maybe he has been too harsh on her? No! He suddenly resigned himself back in. This is all part of her ploy. This is exactly what she wants. To infiltrate him.

“Whatever, forget I said anything,” Aelius quietly mumbled, stepping past her as she crossed her arms with a soft sniffle. As the two quarreled, neither of them noticed Damien watching the light blue haired girl from afar, his face slightly flushed, and he reached up to softly feel his cheek.

“H-how dare she…” Flustered, he turned away and tried to storm back into the house, but for some reason, he felt no anger. Only nervousness and sudden embarrassment. Normally, he’d be enraged. But instead, he felt enticed. “I wonder what face lies hidden underneath that mask…”