Chapter 3

Tiana the Mage / Former Noble / Gambler Students studied a variety of subjects at aristocratic schools in the Holy Kingdom of Dineez, including etiquette, horsemanship, swordsmanship, law, philosophy, math, history, poetry, and art. But there was one subject that was emphasized above all the rest at aristocratic schools in the royal capital. “Lightning Strike!” That subject was magic. A clear and imposing voice echoed through the magic practice field of the school. Shortly afterward, low, dark clouds formed and produced a bolt of lightning. The blinding flash was followed by a thundering roar. The observing teachers all gasped with admiration. “Simply incredible. You truly live up to your name as a daughter of House Ernafelt.” “Lightning magic can only be performed through mastery of the water and wind elements, and yet you exhibit such complete control.” Magic was a comprehensive field that connects math, philosophy, history, and all other branches of study. It was essential to the construction of human culture and society, which meant that tracing the development of magic revealed the history of humankind. Performing basic spells only required mana and rote recitation of the incantations, but if someone wanted to become an advanced mage, there was nothing more important than observing nature. You needed knowledge such as how fires begin and what causes them to burn more intensely, as well as how water flows and what makes it turn into ice or vapor. Magic was not a simple weapon for mercenaries or adventurers just trying to live another day; it existed to be studied and used by mages with an inquisitive mind. This was what mages of noble birth believed. Tiana—the girl who just performed the Lightning Strike spell—took similar pride in her magic. “I do not study magic for my own personal gain. I only want to satisfy my own intellectual curiosity,” Tiana said, her beautiful blond hair fluttering behind her in the wind. She was about a head shorter than the average height for her age and was still somewhat baby-faced, but she still had a presence about her as she puffed out her chest in answer to the compliments from her teachers. “You never cease to impress. You can use a wind and water compound spell as easily as another might move their own arms and legs, yet you remain humble. You truly are the pride of our school,” one of the teachers praised. “Thank you very much,” Tiana responded, feeling a little guilty. She was partially lying when she said she studied magic only for her own intellectual curiosity. She had one more important reason. “You have done more than enough to satisfy the requirements for graduation. Let’s end today’s test here. Good work, Tiana.” “Thank you!” Tiana bowed her head to her teacher, keeping her face firm so her cheerful mood wouldn’t show, and left the practice field. She already had a destination in mind—a café for nobles that was in a shopping district within reasonable walking distance of the school. The sweet smell of coffee reached her nose as she walked along the lively and decorated stone-paved road. The source of the smell was her sweetheart’s favorite café. The bell that rang when she opened the door sounded as if it shared her joy. “Welcome,” an employee greeted her. “Is Alex here?” Tiana asked. “Uh, well…,” the employee mumbled, but Tiana paid no heed. “I’m sure he’s here.” She walked through the restaurant, figuring he was at his usual spot. There was a seat on the second floor that Alex really liked and was practically reserved for him. “Alex!” Tiana called out to a young man chatting by the window after she went up the stairs. She ignored the girl sitting next to him. “Hey, Tiana… Aren’t you in a good mood,” he responded. “Hmm? What’s going on, Alex? What do you look so happy about?” Alex was Tiana’s fiancé. He was the heir to a baron’s house, and he went to the same school as her. His thin chestnut hair and clear skin could both be mistaken for a girl’s. She wasn’t one to brag, but she was proud to have such a handsome fiancé. Tiana valued his skill as a poet even more than his good looks. His magic skill was average, but she didn’t think that was a big deal next to the beauty of his verse. In her eyes, he was the nicest person in the world when he recited his emotionally rich and kind poems, and she loved him very much. Lately, however, Alex had been frequently skipping school to hang out at cafés and bars. Tiana trusted him when he said “It’s important to take time to form connections” and chose not to admonish him. It was true that he had gathered many people around him…and she was aware that many of those people were girls their age. However, only Tiana could call herself his fiancée, and only she knew his true, inner beauty. That made her feel superior, unthreatened by their presence. “I should be asking you that question. I’m surprised,” Alex answered. “Huh? What do you mean? Anyway, wait till you hear this,” Tiana said. “Don’t tell me, you astounded the teachers with another stunning spell?” he asked. Tiana beamed, having totally missed the sarcasm in his voice. “Yeah, I did! I learned how to use lightning magic, and the teachers were really impressed! They even said I can graduate a year early!” “Wow…,” Alex responded, deadpan. “So, Alex…” Blushing, Tiana took a seat next to him. She was interrupted when a girl with long black hair who had been chatting with Alex before she arrived spoke to her with a superficial smile. “It’s rude to brag about oneself right after meeting someone. Did your parents not teach you any manners?” Tiana finally looked at the girl. “I’m talking to Alex.” “And Lord Alex is talking to me. It is hardly appropriate behavior for a lady to bother a man like that,” the girl said. “Alex, can you tell her to go away?” Tiana requested, ignoring her. Alex rubbed his fingers into his brow and sighed. “Will you stop that? You’re bothering the other customers and the employees.” “B-but…” “I said stop!” Alex screamed, pounding the table. That was the first time Tiana had ever seen him raise his voice like that. “A-Alex, calm down… What’s wrong?” Tiana asked soothingly, frightened by his mood. Alex took a deep breath to regain his composure. His anger remained, however. “You’re always like that, never sparing a moment to look at me. How can you possibly be so obtuse?!” “Wh-what are you talking about?” Tiana asked. “The way you brag about your magic! I’m sick of it!” Alex yelled. Tiana almost fell over. She had seen plenty of other guys grow jealous of her magic skills. Many had even told her it was unbecoming of a girl. That was never easy to hear, but she was able to put up with it when she thought about how all her efforts were for her beloved fiancé. “H-huh…? You were the one who asked me to help you because you wanted to be a mage when you grew up… You’re the reason that I…” That I work so hard. She had never said those words aloud. Tiana and Alex had a promise between the two of them—that they would devote themselves to the study of magic in preparation for their lives after marriage. Alex’s father currently used his shrewdness as the head of their baron-rank house, but he once rendered exceptional service as a mage in the Magic Division of the kingdom’s army. Alex’s family expected him to follow in his father’s footsteps, and they wanted his wife to be a skilled mage as well. Truthfully, it was because of Tiana’s potential as a mage that Alex’s father wanted her to marry his son. When her marriage interview with Alex went well, and they began dating, his father told her that “You don’t have to hold back in your magic studies because you’re a girl” and “Your studies will benefit the family, so you have my support.” The shrill voice of the young man before her drove those memories from Tiana’s head. “I’m the reason that you work so hard? Is that what you were going to say? Use your brain! Do you have any idea how much I’m ridiculed for living in the shadow of the most talented mage in the school?! Would it kill you to hold back? If you had any sense, you’d understand that you should’ve only worked hard enough to be useful to me, or at least to not damage my reputation!” “B-but…your father said I didn’t have to hold back…,” Tiana protested. “Why would you believe something like that?! He was just being polite!” “H-hold on… What’s wrong, Allen…?” Tiana heard chuckling. She glared at the source. “Oh dear, you’re scaring me, Lady Tiana,” the black-haired girl said. “Shouldn’t you introduce yourself before speaking to me?” Tiana said. “Hmph, you really don’t care about anyone but yourself… You’re so arrogant. But fine. I am Lene, the eldest daughter of House Delcott.” “Oh, I remember you. You’re that nouveau riche who just started going to our school.” House Delcott was originally a merchant’s family that made a fortune with a land and maritime transportation service utilizing dragons. They were commoners just three generations back and received their baron’s rank when they were recognized for bringing profit to the country with the construction of their speedy transportation network. Lately they had started dabbling in finance, gaining significant power by lending money to nobles in financial straits. Not even the highest-ranking nobles could take them lightly. That influence even extended to their school; Lene had dirt on many noble girls. Tiana had never spoken to Lene before, but there was no way she wouldn’t have known her face and name. She ignored her initially as a way to express her displeasure at her presence. Tiana was Alex’s fiancée, after all. There was no way Alex would get serious about some other girl. She was convinced of that. “Tiana! Don’t say things like that! Do you have any idea the kind of unfounded rumors she always has to put up with?” “Unfounded?” Tiana knew for a fact that Lene wielded her family’s influence to treat many students at school like her servants. It was an open secret, and some of Tiana’s classmates had come to her for advice about their difficulties with her. “Yeah, she confided in me. She said she’s being harassed. And not only that…” Alex sighed with disgust, and Lene laid a hand atop his. “Tiana, she said you’re the culprit behind this harassment.” “What?!” Tiana yelled with surprise. Alex and Lene smirked when they saw her face. “I know all about how you used your influence to try to ensnare Lene, Tiana,” Alex continued. “That’s right. Lord Allen is the one who reached out a hand and saved me,” Lene added. Tiana clenched her teeth in anger. “That is not all you are guilty of, Lady Tiana. You seduced the teachers, didn’t you?” Lene accused. “E-excuse me?!” Tiana glared at Lene with eyes that could kill. “Do you understand what you’re saying? You’re insulting not just me, but the entire school.” “Haah… You are the one who doesn’t understand. It’s common sense to suspect something is up with teachers who would make a girl head of the class,” Lene fired back. “…Do you want to settle this in court?” Tiana threatened. Reputation was very important in noble society. This kind of insult, especially a falsehood concerning one’s chastity, was a full-fledged crime. Her threat wasn’t an empty one; it was perfectly possible for Tiana to take her to court. Lene just smiled sweetly in response. “I invite you to try. Although, I assume the teachers will raise the white flag before you get a chance.” “…What do you mean?” Tiana asked. That had to be a bluff. Tiana tried to convince herself of that. But this wily girl had trapped many people. She had a bad feeling, which was justified by what Alex said next. “Tiana. The teachers at our school are under suspicion for accepting bribes and manipulating the results of entrance exams and students’ grades. You have also been accused of giving bribes to your teachers and seducing them.” “Th-that’s ridiculous! I…” Tiana trailed off upon realizing something. Alex wasn’t always diligent in his studies, but he was not dumb enough to be cajoled by a girl and believe whatever he was told. He was raised in noble society, where such attempts at deception were an everyday occurrence. This alliance between Alex and Lene was more than just a simple affair—they both stood to profit from this. Trapping Tiana was how they were going to achieve that. The part of Tiana’s brain that could still think rationally analyzed the situation. “That’s why I’m canceling our engagement… Don’t show yourself around me ever again!” Alex yelled. Tiana didn’t think she would be able to forget Alex’s and Lene’s hideous smiles—or their words that represented the ugliest aspects of noble society—for the rest of her life. Disaster followed. Lene’s and Alex’s words weren’t empty threats. The headmaster and the teachers most involved with Tiana’s instruction were removed from their posts and demoted to meaningless, do-nothing jobs. It wasn’t treated as an official incident, but the Ministry of Education sent an order demanding that the teachers be replaced. Tiana believed that the headmaster and her teachers never would have sunk so low as to accept bribes. Regardless of the truth, however, the game had already been lost. It was a part of noble society that when the country gave out punishment, the accusations were treated as real no matter how dubious they were. Misfortune befell Tiana as well. “Leave this house and never come back.” Her father’s words allowed for no argument. She may as well have been talking to a boulder. Despite that, Tiana still argued. “I’m innocent.” “I’m sure you are. You just happened to be used in this scheme. I imagine as well that this Lene girl was acting on her parents’ orders. They intend to tighten their hold on the school using people under House Delcott’s patronage and increase their influence in the Magic Division with the help of their daughter’s relationship with Alex. You were nothing more than a convenient sacrificial lamb,” her father said. “You’re forcing me to live as a commoner even though you know all that?” Tiana asked, clenching her fists tightly. Her father’s reply had a trace of sarcasm. “What do you suggest we do about it? Protest in court that you were framed? I’d support you if you had a chance of winning.” Tiana didn’t think he was lying. People would listen to her if she had actual political influence. The problem was that she was just a girl gifted at magic who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She had no political worth. “Grr…!” “There are no longer any houses that will accept you as a wife. That will only earn the wrath of House Delcott. There may be a few lecherous nobles who will take you as one of their many concubines, but…” “No,” Tiana refused immediately. Being the wife of a noble might sound nice, but being coupled with no support or expectations from her family was little better than being a mistress. She would likely end up being treated as a toy. “As I thought. That was why I didn’t ask. That means you are no longer a member of this family,” he declared. “…Fine. Good-bye, Father.” Tiana felt regret the moment she said those words. She wasn’t sure she could make it on her own. That said, there was no way she would have accepted becoming a concubine. She could see her fate if she chose that path. If Alex or Lene saw her in that wretched state, she would probably kill them and then die herself. She would rather expire on the side of the road in some unknown land than face that humiliation. So she left her home. Her family didn’t even offer her a prayer for safe travels. They did give her a decent amount of money to cover expenses and permission to take some accessories and tools for work as a mage, but that was nothing more than a means of avoiding blame for abandoning their daughter. That was how nobles were. Some of her half-siblings had probably been jealous of her. Some may have even been celebrating her departure. But if she had to wander out into the unknown, Tiana thought it was good that her family was so cold to her. Better for her to never want to return home again than to feel miserable and homesick. This way, she could feel hope for her future. That was why she decided to travel to a city as far from the royal capital as possible. This was her first time traveling alone, but Tiana wasn’t the type of noble lady who was pampered by her parents. They were laissez-faire with her, and she learned much from her private tutors and servants as a result of her curiosity. She would even leave the house as a child and venture to the ever-crowded shopping district. Tiana was gloomy at the start of the trip, worrying that she would end up hanging by her neck from a tree somewhere, but her mood changed gradually over time. She mostly remained inside the stagecoach, but as she traveled unfamiliar roads, stayed in unfamiliar towns, and spoke to unfamiliar people, she found the journey exciting and curative. She spoke to families who lost their home in a natural disaster and were searching for new land, traveling merchants dreaming of getting rich quick, priests hoping to be promoted in their church through a journey of service and salvation, touring idols, and more. She encountered both good and bad people. Before long, she became optimistic that she really could make it on her own—and that everything would work out in the end. It turned out that she enjoyed traveling. Her final destination was Teran, also known as Labyrinth City. “I finally made it…” After over a month in the rickety carriage, Tiana massaged her aching back, rented an apartment, and finally got a moment to rest. It all starts here, she thought, renewing her determination. “I need to find a job.” According to what she had heard on her travels, nearly all ruined nobles and mages who failed to get a job eventually found themselves in Labyrinth City. It was the most vibrant city in the kingdom and offered lots of job opportunities. Poor people struggling to afford food could work as adventurers. Educated people with a school degree were sought by merchant guilds, magic item factories, and elsewhere. A genius student from an aristocratic school who could do magic and math, and was even knowledgeable about law, like Tiana, would have no trouble finding a job. That was the expectation anyway.