Chapter 1

Vanessa was hanging up the laundry to dry. But because the sun had already set, she was having trouble making out what color the garments were, much less if they had been properly washed of their stains.

So as she busily moved about to and fro, she could all but hope for a little light.

She imagined the humble front courtyard illuminated by the lanterns that hung in the marketplace, or by those fireworks cast by the mage at the festival.

Suddenly, round specks of light emerged, gradually giving warmth to the darkness, just like the floating lanterns she had hoped for.

Wow, today must be my lucky day!

At the time, Vanessa thought they were fireflies. It wouldn’t be until she gained a benefactor that she would realize she had been mistaken.

***

January 25th, Edirne Year 1309

Dear Teacher,

Perhaps you’ll find me a bit distant for addressing you as such, but please believe me when I say, “Teacher” is a title I reserve only for individuals as charitable as yourself.

What about my name? Did you, too, happen upon it by choosing a random letter of the alphabet?

A former benefactor always chose names that started with A. Amy, Anna, Aaron, and so on. But my name is Vanessa–a long way off from A! So if it weren’t for you, I would’ve never gotten my turn. That is why I consider you my guardian angel.

I can hardly believe it, though. To think I’ll be attending Bamberg Academy under the mere conditions that I write to you at least once a month and submit my report cards.

It’s not too late, so please, I insist you request more of me!

On second thought, perhaps you’ll come to regret this arrangement. I was a child who wrote in my diary three times a day, you see. Now, I’ll be writing to you, my newest pen pal, instead.

Speaking of my childhood, the matron who looked after me has always been a strict lady, but I’m certain I saw her tear up on my departure.

Though by strict, by no means do I mean unfair.

Despite the orphanage overflowing with children younger than I, she made sure to give me my share of attention. And she didn’t send me packing when I became of age this year, either. Of course, I still sought out temporary work to earn money in the meantime.

My matron’s parting words were, however, cold.

She said to put my life at the orphanage behind me; to go find success and never come back. And while she assured me it was for my own good, hearing her say that somehow made me feel quite lonely.

All I took with me was a small old bag that carried my eighteen years’ worth of belongings. And after looking back one last time at the pale yellow building with spots of peeling paint sitting there hazily in the dark, I made my way over to the carriage waiting out front. It belonged to the merchant next door, who coincidentally had business in Danan Province as well.

The journey wasn’t a long one. A single night was all it took, huddled beside the merchant’s youngest child who snored against my shoulder. I stared out into the evening sky listening to the owls hoot in the meanwhile, trying to settle my heavy, yet excited heart.

Heavy because, “Am I really cut out for this? What if I fail?” And excited because, “I’m going to Bamberg Academy, the continent’s most prestigious school, to receive a formal education for the first time in my life?!”

Rather straightforward, no?

We arrived at the terminal the next morning.

As I hopped out of the carriage, the old merchant waved his hat at me, wishing me the best of luck, while his child handed me a piece of candy. It now sits in my pocket as a good-luck charm.

Not long after, I found myself in complete and utter awe. Because stationed there before me in all its sleek glory was an enormous airship awaiting departure.

It was my first time seeing one, and I still can’t believe such a gargantuan structure is capable of flying through the sky. Surely a puncture won’t cause it to sink, right…?

I’m now waiting at an inn next to the airfield.

The innkeeper keeps bringing me something to eat every two hours, claiming I’m much too scrawny. But I’m actually not that petite. In fact, I’m fairly tall. And while I can’t deny being thin… there isn’t much I can do about it. Food was scarce growing up.

Anyway, in just three hours’ time, I’ll be on an airship bound for Bamberg Academy, for which I would like to thank you again.

Goodness, it seems I got carried away. This was only meant to be a letter of gratitude.

My matron used to always grouse about how I made too many digressions. But I know now after writing this, she was absolutely right!

I didn’t realize this parchment was so small. But I can only afford one postage stamp. That means if the envelope becomes too thick, the letter will be sent back. So I will leave it here for today.

Wishing you good health and fortune always.

With boundless gratitude,

Vanessa Rose

***

Only after meticulously reviewing the contents and penmanship thrice did Vanessa finally fold the completed letter.

She was a bit embarrassed to have written it within the first week despite having been allotted a month, especially when she hadn’t even arrived at the academy yet!

What if I’m being a nuisance?

Even so, she knew sending the letter itself wouldn’t be the issue, considering it was the main requisite. The head-scratching question was whether or not her benefactor would be satisfied with the contents written inside.

Should I really be writing about such trifling matters?

Vanessa chose an envelope with the finest grain, inserted the letter, and attached the stamp. She then wrote her name on the exterior with more care than she had ever given anything in her entire life.

All she could do now was pray that the postman would accept her bulky bundle of parchment.

So without further ado, Vanessa darted down the inn’s creaky wooden stairs.

***

February 1st, Edirne Year 1309

Dear Kind Teacher,

I mentioned to you previously my predicament regarding postage stamps, but never did I imagine you would send me a hoenir in response! You are truly too kind.

I’ve never owned a hoenir of my own before! Does this mean I can deliver letters to you now instantaneously? Without having to worry about stamps or the weight of the parchment?

I can’t thank you enough. Because truth be told, I would’ve been the only student to arrive at the academy without one; probably since everyone else has a family to write to.

But I did some surveying, and I think it’s safe to say mine is the most beautiful of them all. Its delicate white luster is only comparable to those fine works of porcelain from that place off in the east.

I also took a peek at the teleportation circle inside and, although I don’t know much about such designs, the artistry of it was unquestionable.

I’m sure it reaches the peak of its beauty when an actual letter is delivered inside, but I can’t say for certain since I’ve yet to be a recipient.

I mentioned the airship to you already, didn’t I?

Well, as excited as I was, when I finally got on board, nothing was visible, so I quickly fell asleep. And by the time the droning judders shook me awake, I was already in Visigoth, a small city near the academy.

When I disembarked, the headmaster and a few professors were standing there with students who had arrived before me. I think I was the last one.

But it was when I began to walk alongside them that I was struck by reality and broke out in goosebumps. All I could think was, “I’m really here? This isn’t a dream?”

Back at the orphanage, there were times when I lay in my shoebox of a room that I shared with eight others, spooked by the howling wind outside the window and the eerie streaks of tree shadows cast onto the ceiling.

At such moments, I would grab a book and blankly stare at its pages, then put my hands together and imagine—imagine myself one day attending Rosenbaum or Bardeau Academy, and becoming someone other than Vanessa Rose the Orphan.

How about… Vanessa Rose the Great? Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

Anyhow, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine attending the Bamberg Academy, an institution flocked to by many of the continent’s most notable mages!

I’ve been terribly anxious, though. Because as you know, I was placed in the third year after taking the exam when, apparently, most transfer students start out as second years.

Many professors reassured me that my test scores were adequate enough to justify the placement, and that I would learn a lot during the month before the semester begins.

But even so, my fingers kept going numb from the uneasiness.

It would’ve been nice to have a shoulder to cry on, but having no such means of comfort by my side, all I could do was fiddle with the red tie that hung around my stiff neck.

Oh, I forgot to mention the uniforms!

The women are typically given a blouse, a blazer, and a long skirt that falls below the knee. And while most of the uniform is of the same shade of navy, the neckties vary in color to distinguish years.

First and second years wear white, third years wear red, fourth years wear green, fifth years wear yellow, and sixth years wear dark blue.

I don’t own many clothes, so it’s a relief that uniforms are provided.

Afterwards, the campus superintendent showed me to my dormitory: a double room on the fourth floor that I’m told I’ll be sharing with a fellow third year, whom I’ve yet to meet. There’s still a month left before classes officially commence, after all.

But what if they don’t like me? What if we don’t get along? I’m so worried.

Nonetheless, the room was the very definition of plush. There were green cushions with golden tassels sitting neatly on petite armchairs, and crisp white bed sheets that seemed to have a sunny fragrance.

There were also small viny plants sitting verdantly by the windowsill, and a newspaper clipping of Millona’s portrait on the wall. My roommate must be a fan of the singer.

It was quite literally the room of my dreams. I felt like I had become a princess in some sort of fairytale–so much so that I couldn’t even take a seat on the bed.

I’ve never had a bed of my own, you see. Though I may have had one back when my parents were still around… So all I could do was stiffly stand there like a fish out of water, fiddling with my tattered bag.

Seeing this, the superintendent left to escort the other students. And it was only after hesitating for a few more minutes that I could finally seat myself on the bed.

The overwhelming softness of it brought tears to my eyes.

I must’ve been exhausted, because I can’t recall what happened after washing and changing into my nightgown. The next thing I knew, I was opening my eyes to the chiming bells of the castle walls signaling the start of a new day.

Now, as I write this letter, I can see a vast lake and towering pointy trees outside my window.

To be completely honest, I won’t say this is the first day of my life I’m actually looking forward to. But I certainly am expecting it to be one of the best.

Basking in the morning sun,

Vanessa Rose