Sophie took her sweet time to come back to her senses.

As I patiently waited for her to wake up, I asked the other maids to take her to one of the guest rooms, and to care for her. I also asked the family doctor, Dr. Vento, to make sure she was not too harmed before I kicked her out. I ignored everyone’s puzzled looks, because Sophie was my most trusted servant, and was glad that no one was brave enough to ask me any questions.

When Dr. Vento finished his examination, he recommended that Sophie rest for a few days before leaving the Zephyrine residence. I paid everything I owed her, for even if she had betrayed me, I was a firm believer in worker’s rights. I also gave her some extra money so she could start her life anew wherever she wished to. However, I refrained from writing her a recommendation letter, as I felt that was too much kindness to someone who had tried to make me drink poison.

I was certain that Sophie would have preferred to be kicked out without a single cent. I knew my ‘kindness’ was yet another blow to her pride.

I am not stupid, even if I may seem so. I hired a mercenary to keep tabs on Sophie for a while. A few weeks after her departure, he informed me that she had decided to settle in the Aquino Dukedom, which was quite far from our land. Sophie was living in a small town, close to their capital, and working at a local tavern. I decided that was all I needed to know. If she ever came back, that was the future Tsisana’s problem to deal with.

Ari, however, did not agree with my way of thinking. It was only after I was already enrolled in the Academy that I discovered they had also been following Sophie in secret.

***

Time passed, and soon all the preparations for going to the Academy were done. I left the Zephyrine residence on a Monday morning that was hotter than usual. I only took a few clothes, my favourite sword and my invisible friend Ari. It was a long carriage ride, bumpy and uncomfortable. We had to stop a few times so I could throw up.

I was worried about Yue’s safety. I thought I would be safe if I didn’t investigate my parent’s death, but that wasn’t the case. If they wanted me dead either way maybe things weren’t so simple and I was probably missing something.

Ari said the butler, Basil, held me in high regard, so I instructed him to pay close attention to my brother’s security. I also asked Ari if there was anything they could do to help, and they left a few lower spirits next to Yue, so we would be informed in case anything unusual should happen. This put my mind somewhat at ease, but I could not be completely relaxed just yet.

We arrived 4 days later, and I never felt more grateful for the end of a trip in my entire life. The students were told to assemble at the Ceremonial Hall for the opening ceremony, and then we would proceed to our dorms.

Great, I thought, how long will I have to stand here? I need to lay down somewhere.

I was tired from the trip, but still had to attend the opening ceremony. Not only that, but because of my initial refusal to attend the Academy, my uniform didn’t arrive on time. I was the only one in the Ceremonial Hall wearing casual clothes, which made me stand out. I felt uncomfortable with so many eyes on me, and hearing people’s whispers did not make me feel any better. Fortunately, Ari was there next to me, and their presence alone made me feel reassured.

It’s funny how I have come to trust them so quickly, I told myself. But then again, I had this strange feeling that Ari was a long time friend. It was something I just couldn’t explain rationally.

Once the tedious ceremony was over, I headed to my dorm. There were only two dorms in the Academy, the Male and the Female one. Normally, two people would occupy one bedroom, but higher nobles could choose to have their own room. The Saintess, exceptionally, had nearly an entire floor to herself.

I was curious and excited to meet my new roommate. I knew her description from the novel: outgoing and funny, intelligent and a bit rough. She also had a peculiar appearance compared to the other characters, as she was the only one with dark skin.

I got the keys to my room and went upstairs. It was a nice, spacious and well-decorated room. There was a big balcony, and a lot of natural light. Lots of green tones as well, which made me happy. My roommate wasn’t there yet, and I just jumped on the bed. I quickly fell asleep.

When I woke up, big yellow eyes were watching me.