Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The grand hall was suffocating.

Its heavy air pressed down on Alena like an invisible weight, the gazes of judgement, hatred, and unspoken words swirling around her, thickening the already tense atmosphere.

Above the children heads, tiny spirits fluttered into existence, their delicate wings shimmering with hues of light as they began their search. Each spirit was tasked with finding the child they were assigned to, their voices clear and melodic as they spoke.

"Great Mage of the future! Please follow me. I will guide you to a house where you can rest comfortably for tomorrow," they chimed, their tones filled with a mix of reverence and excitement.

Alena stood alone, apart from the others, her chest tight with the weight of whispered insults that still clung to her. She had been so focused on holding back her tears that she barely noticed the spirit approaching until it spoke.

A delicate butterfly spirit, glowing with a vibrant light blue hue, danced through the air before settling in front of her.

Its wings shimmered like azure glass in the dim light, casting a soft glow on her face.

"Alena! I am Aria, who will be serving you from now on. I will guide you to the house of Alderin," the spirit said, her voice warm and inviting.

"Aria?"

Alena repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aria spun around in a circle, clearly delighted that Alena had spoken her name.

"Yes...Alena! I've been waiting excitedly for your arrival, and I’m so glad you’re finally here!" she exclaimed, her joy palpable.

"I will guide you to the house of Alderin. Come, let’s go! I’m so excited for you to see your new home."

Tears pricked at Alena’s eyes.

Someone was happy she was here.

Someone had been waiting for her.

The thought was enough to ease the ache in her chest, if only a little.

Without hesitation, she stepped forward, eager to escape the stifling atmosphere of the grand hall.

Before leaving, she cast one last glance at Lucian Evergale.

He stood surrounded by his Luminari, his expression unreadable.

Their eyes met briefly, and Alena hesitated before nodding slightly.

Lucian didn’t react, but his gaze lingered on her as she turned away.

Aria led her through winding paths that twisted like an intricate maze, the air growing cooler and fresher as they moved further from the grand hall.

The Bluebell forest loomed ahead, its ancient trees towering and majestic, their presence both eerie and awe-inspiring.

"Each student’s home is located within the Bluebell forest," Aria explained as they walked.

"The houses are private territories, protected by magic barriers. Without the owner's permission, no one can enter another’s home. Though they could visit each other, it requires a specific spell from the owner to the enter the barrier—like a password from the human realm. But even if invited, one could never find it without the guidance of a spirit appointed by the house owner."

Even accompanied by the house's spirit, one had to walk quite a distance through a maze-like path.

Therefore, in Arcanum, using teleportation portal to connect each other's houses through 'coordinate spell' for free visits was the best way to show intimacy.

Alena watched as other students disappeared into the shadows, their lantern-bearing spirits leading the way.

As she crossed an arched stone gate, the dark expanse of the Bluebell forest swallowed her whole.

Thanks to Aria, who flew ahead emitting a soft blue light while carrying a lantern, the path was not dark.

The white gravel beneath her feet shone under the moonlight, bright enough to illuminate the flowers blooming along the way.

After what felt like hours of walking, a clearing emerged.

A cabin stood before them, quaint yet sturdy, its wooden walls gleaming under the moonlight.

"Alena! This house was built by Lord Roland before he left Arcanum," Aria chirped, her voice filled with pride.

"The original Alderin mansion stood here for generations, but Lord Roland cleared it away and built this one."

Alena’s chest tightened at the mention of her father.

"Aria....were you with my father too?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes! When Lord Roland built the new house, he said, ‘This is for the next child who comes, and he also said that child will surely like this house better than the old Alderin mansion,’" Aria replied, her wings fluttering with excitement.

"I’ve been waiting for the next Alderin child for so long… But who would have thought it would be Lord Roland’s daughter!"

Alena halted, her heart pounding.

"...Aria," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"Before coming to the magic realm, my old house collapsed. So my father built a new one… This house… it feels the same."

Aria’s wings shimmered warmly.

"Even though the realms are different, you will still live in the house that Mr. Roland built."

Overwhelmed, Alena sank to her knees and began to sob.

"Aria..., my father was exiled.... Sniff~, the children called me a disgusting, filthy half-blood and looked at me coldly...is it wrong to be a half-blood..." she cried, her voice choked with emotion.

Aria, not knowing how to comfort the sobbing child, spun around and scattered light in a way she hoped would bring some solace.

Alena's crying echoed through the forest, and the surrounding trees seemed to hold their breath, their rustling leaves falling silent as if in sympathy.

After what felt like an eternity, Alena finally began to calm down.

Sniffling, she wiped her face with the hem of her cloak and looked up at Aria.

"...Sorry. It's the first time I've cried like this," she murmured, her voice hoarse.

Aria, understanding the need for Alena to release her bottled-up emotions, simply nodded.

She preferred to be a silent listener, offering comfort through her presence rather than words.

Gently, she nudged Alena.

“Shall we go inside?”

The interior of the cabin was 'whimsical', in a most interesting way.

A large wooden table dominated the center of the room, serving as both a dining table and a study desk.

The hearth crackled softly, its warmth spreading through the space.

“Lord Roland used this as both a study and dining table,” Aria noted, her voice filled with nostalgia.

Alena traced her fingers along the smooth wood of the table.

“That’s how it was in my old house too,” she said softly.

The scent of the wood, the soft flickering of the hearth—it was as if a piece of her past had been transported here.

"Alena... this hearth is a fire spirit, and it can cook whatever dish you desire," Aria explained, her tone brightening as she tried to lift Alena's spirits.

Alena looked at the flickering flames that seemed to be alive, momentarily distracted by the warmth they emitted.

She reached out slightly, feeling the gentle heat against her fingertips.

The fire crackled softly, as if responding to her presence, its glow casting dancing shadows along the wooden walls.

A small, wistful smile tugged at Alena's lips.

"It's welcoming you," Aria said gently.

Just as Alena was about to respond, Aria tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes.

"Alena, why do you always keep your hood up?"

Alena paused, her fingers brushing the edge of her hood, uncertain.

Slowly, she pushed it back, meeting Aria’s gaze with a thoughtful expression.

Aria gasped, her eyes wide with awe at  Alena’s delicate, charming face.

"It’s... not for hiding," Alena said softly, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

"But sometimes, it just feels safer. Like it’s a barrier between me and the world—a way to keep things from getting dangerous or hurtful for someone as weak as I am."

Her eyes briefly dropped to the floor before flicking back to Aria, searching for understanding.

"Does that sound strange?"

"Not at all," Aria replied, her voice full of empathy.

Alena sighed, her gaze turning down again, as though weighed by the event that had just happened.

"Even at the grand hall just now… I could feel their eyes on me. The way they judged, whispering behind my back... The hood and cloak... they somehow shield me,even just a little, from their disdainful gazes and hurtful words."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing as if remembering something.

"When I was seven, I sneaked into town and, unfortunately, caught the attention of a slave trader who kidnapped me. My father had to rescue me from them. Ever since, he’s used an illusion spell to conceal my true appearance whenever I step outside the barrier he created. But Arcanum’s magic barriers suppress that kind of magic. So, while I’m here, he’s instructed me to keep my hood up whenever I’m not alone—at least until I’m strong enough to protect myself from those who might try to take advantage of me..."

She sighed, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

"Well, trouble always seems to find me because of my looks, so I guess it's safer to keep them hidden..."

Alena chuckled lightly.

Aria’s expression softened, a smile tugging at her lips at Alena’s words.

"That makes sense," she said thoughtfully.

Aria’s expression softened, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she listened to Alena’s words.

"That makes sense. Even in the magic realm, there are those who would misuse their power for selfish reasons."

Her smile widened.

"Lord Roland is certainly wise. And to think, even as a child, you were already this charming."

She paused, her grin growing even brighter.

"I bet when you grow up, you’ll be even more beautiful than Lady Anise, the ‘Flower of Cora.’ You might even compete for the title of the top beauty in Cora’s high society!"

Alena smiled gently.

"For me, it’s not about being the most beautiful. I have a simple wish... to live happily with my parents in the magic realm. And, of course, to make some friends..."

She paused for a moment, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice.

"....But it seems that making friends in Arcanum is quite impossible now."

At her words, Aria’s eyes sparkled with excitement, as if she had just had a sudden realization.

Without warning, her wings fluttered with eagerness.

"Alena! I want to show you something more important than the house."

Alena frowned, confused.

“What is it?”

“It’s the greenhouse! Lord Roland built an enormous greenhouse... and it belongs to you now.”

Curious, Alena followed Aria through the back door.

What she saw stole her breath away.

A massive structure stretched before her, its glass ceiling reflecting the moonlight.

“You’ll be surprised when you open the door,” Aria whispered, her voice filled with anticipation.

“They've been waiting for you for a very long time.”

“Me? Who?” she asked, but Aria didn’t answer.

Alena hesitated, her hand trembling as she reached for the door handle.

With a deep breath, Alena stepped inside.

The space erupted with life.

The greenhouse wasn’t just a collection of plants—it was a dense green forest.

Towering trees, shimmering flowers, and flowing streams surrounded her, creating a miniature world beneath a clear blue, spring-like sky.

Voices filled the air, and if it weren’t for the cabin and Aria visible beyond the door, she wouldn’t have believed this was inside a greenhouse.

Aria, standing outside the door, smiled.

“Welcome to the spirit realm, Alena!”

Alena spun in place, bewildered.

“The spirit realm?”

A deep voice resonated from within the trees.

“Welcome to the magic realm, Alena.”

She turned to find a great elm tree and instinctively bowed respectfully.

“You don’t need to be so formal with me,” the tree rumbled.

“Just call me Laevis.”

Alena smiled, her heart swelling with warmth.

“Then, Laevis… please just call me Alena too. I want to be your friend.”

A chorus of laughter and cheers rang through the greenhouse.

Alena, who had been drained by the cold reactions of the Arcanum students, regained her energy from the enthusiastic welcome of the spirit trees and spirits. As she touched the leaves and stems they eagerly offered, she truly felt her arrival in the magic realm.

An hour passed as Alena lost herself in the wonder of the greenhouse.

When she finally returned to the cabin, she was exhausted but content.

As she opened the back door, she was startled to find a girl cute with pink hair short hair waiting for her. But soon, she realized it was Aria.

"Did you have a good greeting?" Aria asked, her voice cheerful.

"Aria?" Alena blinked in surprise.

"I'm a spirit who can change my appearance at any time. Whatever form is needed at the moment. If you wish, I can become anyone," Aria explained with a smile.

"Really?" Alena asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, so I don’t really like going to the greenhouse. There, I can only return to my butterfly form with wings," Aria replied, her tone light.

Alena couldn’t help but smile.

As she reflected on the events of the day, a thought crossed her mind.

"Mom would probably faint if she knew what I’ve been through here," she mused.

Although she hadn’t had good interactions with the other children, she thought of Aria and the new friends she had met in the greenhouse.

And her father....

"You probably thought there was nothing good for me to know in advance. ...Was my father exiled because of me and my mother?"

She whispered, her voice tinged with sadness.

Aria kept silent and did not answer her question.

Suddenly, the words of Meredith Alderin came to her mind.

'Straighten your shoulders. Hold your head high. Even if you are half-blood, as long as you have the Alderin lineage, you must show pride as an Alderin.'

Alena slowly lowered herself onto the floor, drawing her knees to her chest. As she wrapped her arms around them, she let her head drop onto her gathered knees.

With a deep breath, she closed her eyes.

Whatever happened tomorrow, she would face it bravely... not just because she is an Alderin, but because she wants to fulfill the promise she made to her parents.

There might be more discrimination and hurtful words, but today, she allowed herself to feel at home and explore this 'special' house that her father had built.

For now, that was more than enough....

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