Kwak, kwak, kwak.
Lizzy glanced at the miniature raven fluttering in and out of the antique clock, startled to realize that noon had already arrived. Since morning, she and Morgana had been swept into an unending tide of customers. Lizzy never imagined the young woman's magic shop would be this crowded — people from all walks of life coming and going without pause.
Kruuuk, gruuung…
I'm starving… Lizzy groaned inwardly, yet there were still so many customers filling the shop. Morgana, however, remained unfazed — her bright smile never once faltered as she introduced product after product. She looked tireless, radiant even. Lizzy, who was far younger, couldn't help feeling embarrassed by how easily Morgana's energy outshined her own.
Only after another hour passed did the crowd finally thin, granting the two girls a moment to breathe and take turns for lunch. Lizzy rubbed her now-full stomach with relief. Even simple smoked meat and bread tasted heavenly when eaten on an empty stomach.
After finishing her meal, Lizzy returned to the shop. A few teenagers in school uniforms were browsing the shelves with Morgana. The blonde woman noticed Lizzy approaching and gestured her closer.
"Lizzy, may I ask for your help?" she said as soon as Lizzy was within reach.
"Of course, Madame. What would you like me to do?" Lizzy replied instantly. She had already promised herself that she would repay this family in any way she could.
Morgana shot a worried look at the clock. "Revanio is swamped with work today and can't leave his post. Could you go pick up Milliane from the Academy in his place?" she asked hopefully.
Lizzy lit up. "I'd love to! And from now on, just leave Milliane's pick-up duty to me!" she declared with sparkling enthusiasm. It felt like an excuse to stroll around the city, which made her even happier.
Morgana let out a relieved breath and quickly handed Lizzy a city map, marking the location of Glorious Magic Academy. Before Lizzy left, she also gave the girl a small paper bag.
"Please take this to Revanio as well. He probably hasn't eaten lunch yet — he gets too focused on work. I've marked the location of Gardisto Department on the map."
Despite feeling a little uneasy, Lizzy nodded. She set off, following the stone pathways of Glorious Kingdom exactly as indicated on the map. Her brows furrowed deeper with every step. She did not understand the directions at all. She had forgotten to mention something very important—
She was horribly, hopelessly bad with directions.
No matter how many times she rotated the map, she still had no idea where she was going.
Lizzy felt like she had walked far, certainly farther than what was shown on the map, yet the building before her looked nothing like a school. From its vast size and architectural shape, it was unmistakably…
A temple.
She scanned her surroundings for someone to ask, and by chance, a girl stepped out of the temple holding a parasol. She was just about to board her carriage when her steps halted — her emerald gaze falling upon Lizzy.
The girl turned, revealing a face so breathtaking it momentarily silenced Lizzy's thoughts. Her long hair shimmered in soft rose-red, and her emerald eyes held a cool, soothing glow — like spring leaves kissed by morning dew. For a fleeting moment, Lizzy thought she was looking at a peony flower fairy.
"E-Excuse me…" Lizzy stammered, suddenly flustered under the girl's serene but puzzled gaze.
"Lady, you don't have to—" the man beside the carriage tried to stop her from approaching Lizzy.
But the girl lifted a hand with quiet authority, silencing him instantly.
Ah. Of course. Her elegant gown, the delicate accessories, the impeccable posture — everything about her declared noble.
Even her carriage looked far more luxurious than the one Lizzy had once ridden with Revanio.
"I—I'm terribly sorry for my rudeness!" Lizzy blurted out, bowing quickly.
"It's all right. Do you need something?" Her voice was soft — soft in a way that curled around Lizzy's heart like warm silk. Without realizing it, Lizzy lifted her head, as if drawn upward by the sound alone. The girl was smiling at her… a smile so serene and luminous that Lizzy felt as though she were looking at one of God's most perfect creations.
"U-um... I'm new here, so I don't really know my way around. If I want to go to Glorious Magic Academy… which road should I take?" Lizzy asked timidly.
The moment her question left her lips, the man standing beside the carriage scoffed.
"Hmph! A commoner like you has no business going anywhere near the Academy!" he snapped coldly.
If Lizzy weren't trying to maintain respect for the noble girl before her, she would have happily kicked that man's shin until he couldn't walk for a week.
"Stevus." The beautiful girl shot her servant a sharp, warning glance. He froze instantly, his mouth snapping shut as he lowered his head — though his eyes still glared at Lizzy with poorly hidden contempt.
"Please forgive my servant's rudeness. He's simply… a little overprotective."
Her gentle tone was sincere enough that Lizzy found herself offering an awkward smile in return. Completely opposite from her inner thoughts, which hissed:
Just a servant, yet he acts so arrogant! Watch yourself—I'll remember that face!
"If you don't mind, I could take you to the Academy," the noble girl offered.
"Really? Yes, please!" Lizzy exclaimed, her face lighting up.
But a heartbeat later, something felt wrong — "Eh?! What—?" Lizzy shook her head quickly, cheeks burning, and bowed again. "I-I don't want to trouble you, Lady! I only need the directions. I can go there on my own!"
At that moment, Lizzy wanted nothing more than to dunk her whole face into the temple's fountain. She was mortified — utterly mortified — and wished she could vanish on the spot.
But the beautiful girl was still trying to reassure her.
"I truly don't mind. I happen to be passing by that way anyway. You may come with me," she said warmly, so gentle and earnest that Lizzy felt her resistance tremble.
And then she smiled.
A sweet, delicate smile that melted all of Lizzy's remaining defenses. If that smile disappeared because of her refusal, Lizzy felt she would never forgive herself.
So in the end, Lizzy simply followed her — this mysterious girl whose name she still did not know. She ignored the murderous glare thrown her way by the servant; after all, they wouldn't be sitting together. Lizzy would be riding inside the carriage with the beautiful young lady, while the servant sat outside beside the coachman.
Because she was so nervous, Lizzy sat stiffly. Her face grew pale, and her palms were sweating uncontrollably. She was terrified of doing something wrong — terrified because this girl was a noble. Lizzy knew full well that disrespecting a noble could mean a lifetime in prison.
"I don't believe I know your name," the girl said gently, noticing how Lizzy kept her head lowered, unable to sit comfortably.
Lizzy peeked up shyly at the girl seated across from her and forced the brightest smile she could manage. "My name is Lizzy Hawthorn."
"And where are you from?"
"I was born and raised in the Kingdom of Zarvan. But two months ago, my parents passed away, and I had no relatives left who could take care of me there. So I moved here… to stay with my extended family after they agreed to look after me."
It was the script Morgana had prepared for her. If anyone asked about her origins, Lizzy only needed to recite it word for word.
The girl's smile slowly faded into a look of sorrow. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up something painful," she said softly, regretfully.
Lizzy quickly shook her head, smiling wide — too wide — trying her best to appear cheerful again. "It's all right, Lady! You don't need to apologize!"
"Don't be so formal, Lizzy. Just call me Ceres." This time, she smiled warmly.
"I-I can't do that. I will still call you 'Lady'!" Lizzy insisted, shaking her head again. Today she was starting to feel like she had asked the wrong person for directions.
"I insist. Call me Ceres. Ceres Osborn—that is my name," the girl said with a warm, gentle gaze. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she added, extending her hand.
Lizzy froze for a moment, stunned by the humility of this girl named Ceres Osborn. Despite being a noble, she didn't look down on commoners at all. Instead, she was offering to escort Lizzy — and even properly introduce herself.
"Well then… it's a pleasure to meet you too, Ceres." Finally, Lizzy reached out and accepted the handshake.
"What business do you have with the Academy? As far as I know, it's no longer enrollment season." Ceres regarded Lizzy with mild curiosity. The golden sunlight pouring through the carriage window struck her jewelry, causing every gem on her body to shimmer like molten gold.
"I'm here to pick up my cousin. She studies there," Lizzy answered honestly.
Silently, she prayed Milliane wasn't waiting too long.
Ceres blinked, her long lashes fluttering like soft wings. A puzzled expression crossed her face, but she said nothing. Before either of them noticed, the Academy's grand building was already towering before them. The carriage rolled to a halt.
"Thank you so much for the ride!" Lizzy bowed deeply, waving as she stepped down. She spotted Milliane waiting excitedly near the gate with the other children.
"Milliane!"
From inside the carriage, Ceres continued watching her. For some reason, she felt a strange sense of familiarity toward this child called Lizzy. But the carriage began moving again, forcing Ceres to swallow her curiosity in silence.
Milliane, upon seeing Lizzy, immediately burst forward and threw her arms around her red-haired cousin. Her face lit up with joy.
"I've been waiting forever! Why did you take so long?" she protested adorably.
Lizzy let out a soft laugh. "I got lost… then a kind Noble Lady brought me here," she admitted shyly.
The little girl giggled. "Hahaha! Oh dear, you should've asked Moriga to take you instead!"
"Moriga knows the way to the Academy?" Lizzy asked, eyes sparkling. Hand in hand, the two of them strolled across the stone path.
"Of course! Moriga knows every street in town. He always helps deliver packages to customers." Milliane proudly boasted about her beloved cat.
"Eh… that's amazing!" Lizzy exclaimed. She already thought Moriga was a smart cat — but if he could deliver items too, then Moriga was no ordinary cat at all.
"Hmph! What's so great about a village cat? My dog can catch thieves that sneak into our house," sneered a girl wearing the same uniform as Milliane. She strutted past them with an air of arrogance, flanked by her two equally pompous friends.
Lizzy and Milliane exchanged glances, then continued walking without paying the girl any attention. Just one look and Lizzy could tell — they were clearly the children of wealthy families. No wonder their attitudes were like that.
"What is that lowborn girl doing here? How dare she set foot in the Academy!" One of the girls hissed behind them.
Their snide voices trailed after Lizzy and Milliane with every step. As Lizzy observed, she realized all the children here wore luxurious clothing. Not a single one dressed like a normal student — unlike Milliane.
Lizzy began to assume that only upper-class families could afford the Academy. Milliane must have gotten in only because her mother had once been one of the Academy's top graduates.
The cheerful smile on Milliane's face vanished instantly. She squeezed Lizzy's hand tightly — too tightly — before quickening her pace.
It was the first time Lizzy had ever seen such an expression on Milliane's sweet little face. The child who was always bright and smiling… surely she had been hiding many things during her time at school.
Lizzy grew irritated, instinctively glaring at anyone who dared stare at the two of them. Her aura flared — hot, sharp, and hostile — until those who met her eyes flinched and hurried away.
How dare you hurt this sweet little sister of mine? I won't forgive any of you. Ever.
After walking quite a distance, Lizzy suddenly remembered something. "Milliane, wait. I'm sorry… I think we need to go back," she said regretfully, showing the paper bag she had been carrying all this time.
"A meal for Brother, right?" Milliane guessed with surprising accuracy. "In that case, let's go! I know a shortcut to Brother Revanio's workplace!" she declared, brimming with confidence.
She tugged Lizzy eagerly into a narrow alley. Without meaning to, Lizzy smiled — relieved to see the child's bright expression returning.
On their way, they stopped by a small park to buy ice cream. But instead of simply eating in peace, fate brought them directly to Revanio, who happened to be patrolling nearby. The young man frowned at the sight of Lizzy and Milliane happily devouring their ice cream.
"What are you two doing here?" he asked flatly, as emotionless as ever.
Without a word, Lizzy handed him the paper bag. "A meal for you, Brother!" Milliane chimed in.
Revanio stared at the bag but didn't take it. "I already ate," he said, pointing casually toward a nearby restaurant. "You two can have it."
Lizzy and Milliane exchanged a look — then instantly high-fived with pure delight. They were exhausted from walking, and hearing Revanio's words freed them from any lingering guilt. Unable to contain her hunger, Lizzy pulled Milliane toward a park bench and began unpacking the food.
"Once you finish eating, do not wander around again. Go home immediately," Revanio warned, his sharp eyes flicking toward Lizzy just as she took a huge bite of her meat-filled bread.
Realizing she was being watched, Lizzy reluctantly glanced at him. "I get it. Enjoy your patrol, Brother," she replied with unmistakable sarcasm, waving at him dismissively.
But instead of leaving, Revanio sat on another bench across the park. He stayed there, waiting for them to finish, even watching until they eventually walked far off into the distance — making sure Lizzy and Milliane truly headed home.
A truly dedicated older brother.
"From now on, I'll be the one picking Milliane up at the Academy," Lizzy declared later that evening when the family gathered for dinner.
Revanio shot her a brief look. "Don't cause trouble," he warned.
"I won't! I'll prove I can be a good big sister!" Lizzy answered earnestly. Milliane and Morgana shared a quiet smile at the exchange.
"I'll hold you to that. If I see you being arrested by the Gardisto patrol," he said coolly, "I won't help you."
Lizzy glared at him. "Just wait and see!" she huffed before turning away.