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JUST like she had told Ian, Emma spent most of her long summer vacation at Seagrove Manor. She went into the city once to go shopping, accompanied by Ian. Her purpose for the trip was to buy gifts for Rashida so she could prepare to visit her friend’s house. She bought black tea that she thought Rashida would like, a selection of candies on display in sparkling glass jars, the newest hair catalog, and a book focused on accessorizing outfits. Besides that, she waited for Rashida to invite her. She even sent her friend a simple letter detailing the recent happenings in her life. But she received no response.
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“EMMA, you’re in high spirits today.”
At Ian’s words, she schooled her features better to reveal less of her emotional state. The new term started tomorrow. Normally, students returned to campus on the day of the first term and moved into their dormitories after classes ended. But Emma asked Ian to pick her up the day before school started again, and now they rode in the Stephenson coach back to the Academy.
“I haven’t been able to get in touch with Rashida. I sent her a letter, but no reply came,” she explained.
“Hmm… That’s quite unusual, even if she had gone on vacation.”
“I thought so too! I hope nothing serious occurred.”
Emma nursed a tinge of worry. I haven’t forgotten that I didn’t even know of Rashida’s existence the first time I went to the Magic Academy. Her friend was not only intelligent but strikingly beautiful. Moreover, the Duke Eslan’s daughter. It was nigh impossible for Emma to not know someone of her station over her three years at the Academy.
Which led her to arrive at a particular conclusion. It wasn’t that she had never noticed Rashida’s presence in her first life, but that Rashida hadn’t been there in the first place. I remember her saying she’d forced her way to school despite her family’s opposition to her dream of becoming a lady’s maid. She even changed her specialization in secret… Then, is it possible they found out? Emma grimaced at the ominous thought.
There was only one school of magic in the Monarchy of Reauxvil, but each of the nation’s political neighbors also had their own magic schools. For high-ranking nobles, it wasn’t unusual to send their sons and daughters as exchange students to one to broaden their societal knowledge. The Eslan family was one of the most prominent, noble lines in the country. Should the duke feel so inclined, it would be mere child’s play for him to transfer his daughter to a foreign school in the middle of the academic year.
All Emma wanted to do was return to the Academy as soon as possible, thus their trip a day early. She wanted to shake off her fear and ascertain with her own eyes that Rashida’s room remained unchanged in their dormitory. Yet it wasn’t meant to be.
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“THE Academy received a notice of withdrawal for Rashida Eslan, daughter of Duke Eslan.”
Professor Katie’s words rendered Emma speechless. Even though she had imagined the worst-case scenario, reality still shook her. In contrast, Ian remained calm, speaking on behalf of his friend and charge.
“What do you mean, ma’am?”
“Our school allows students to choose which field of study to specialize in, but… It seems Miss Rashida’s plans for her future didn’t quite adhere to her father’s.”
I knew it!
“Thank you very much, Professor.”
Pale-faced, Emma barely managed to thank her teacher before bolting outside.
“Emma! Where are you going?!” Ian called after her.
“To Rashida’s house. Ian, will you come with me?”
“Of course, you don’t even have to ask. I’ve been to the Eslan residence with Father before, so fear not. I know the way.”