154 The True Beginning 17

The entire ride to Woster County could be summarized in two apparent situations: interrogative, and quiet.

The interrogative situation happened everytime Iliana had something to ask Danzel, and the quiet situation happened when she was out of question.

Danzel could normally chat with Clarissa, but she was exceptionally quiet for the entire ride.

Thus, whenever Iliana stopped asking him questions, Danzel could only keep quiet or watch every trees the carriage passed through the window.

Still, it didn't mean he was eager to talk because he had nothing to do; he wanted to distract his mind with a talk. It was occupied with the thought of Basil.

He knew Basil was still alive, but Basil's sudden instruction to head to Randalvine bothered him; he didn't even know what was currently happening to Basil in the Dungeon.

Although Basil had given him a Mana Crystal powered Transmission Talisman to communicate with each other, the only time Basil had eveer contacted him was to notify someone would come to fetch Clarissa and him to Randalvine.

That was all he had heard from Basil; there had been no explanation or whatsoever. Basil didn't even answer his question regarding his well-being.

Although he knew Basil was fine—the Orb of Life Basil had given him was shining brightly—he preferred hearing it directly from the person. Alas, nothing could be done. Basil was really secretive when he wanted to.

On the other hand, Clarissa was pondering to herself. She was thinking about the thing Iliana had said, and the people around her.

Her father was a former Knight. Although he wasn't as strong as he used to, his physical prowess was still something an ordinary person could never scoff at. Even a punch from him could kill any unfortunate thug coming at him.

Basil, her surrogate brother, was undoubtedly the strongest person she was close with. Even without bragging about his power, everyone could feel it by the time they saw him: his bearing, and the presence he have off were simply overwhelming.

Shirley and Julia were both Mages; she had heard about the news more than a month ago. They were even younger than her, but they had paved their way to become an independent individual.

She was independent, but she could never protect herself alone; her meager skill as a good Baker would never be able to save her. Just like what Iliana had said, she was too weak.

Her mind replayed the scene where she had been close to get violated by the group of people Davine—James' killer—had hired. She had been so powerless back then, she could only scream in terror.

Basil being able to arrive on time had been a miracle. If he didn't, she would never be able to keep her sanity due to the trauma she must be having.

Her mind quickly reached to a conclusion. Unlike her, everyone in her surrounding could help themselves. She was weak and helpless; nothing but a burden.

If something she had experienced were to happen again, but without Basil to save the day, would she be able to save herself? The answer was an absolute no.

Clarissa squirmed in her place; she was suddenly feeling an urgency that she had never felt before: the urgency to be able to protect herself, to be stronger, to be an independent individual.

Her eyes unconsciously turned to Iliana. Even though Iliana was closing her eyes, the aura she was exuding was as strong as ever. She looked like sleeping, but she was fully aware of her surrounding.

Iliana was undoubtedly a strong individual—a strong woman. What a perfect couple Basil and Iliana were; only a strong woman was fit for a strong man.

If only she had been as strong as Iliana, she might have attracted Basil's interest too.

Clarissa sighed to herself. She was just jealous, and she was aware of it. She was jealous of everything about Iliana: beauty, eloquence, confidence, power, and her relationship with Basil.

Iliana could live without someone's protection, while she, in the other hand, couldn't; she needed her father to ensure her life.

She was aware no matter how close Basil with Danzel and her, Basil wouldn't be willing to stay by their side forever.

Therefore, the urgency to be an independent individual she developed—to have power—was amplified.

She didn't want to be a burden anymore; she wanted to stand for herself. She wanted to walk with her chin held high, full with confidence and pride—just like Iliana.

Clarissa's body stilled, and her previously unfocused eyes instantly hardened in determination. She would definitely ask Basil to teach her the way to be a Knight; it would be her last request to him.

Iliana peeked at Clarissa through one of her eyes. She had read every one of Clarissa's emotions since the first time they met.

She had realized the insecurity Clarissa was hiding deep within herself. In front of her, Clarissa was like an open book: she was too easy to read.

Therefore with her specialty, she had manipulated Clarissa's emotion to make her realize of her insecurity, and get over it.

A small smile decorated Iliana's face; she was glad her attempt to push Clarissa forward, to move her out of her zone of hesitance, was a success.

Now, Clarissa could actually contribute to society: by not being a dead meat, that is.

...

Stardust Academy, Woster County.

Every students of Stardust Academy were currently having their lunch break. Needless to say, Shirley and Julia were no exception; they were currently in the cafeteria waiting for the cook to finish their order.

Unlike the other students who had to wait in a long line to get their order, Shirley got a special right to not wait in line. That means, Julia as her friend also got to enjoy this privilege.

This all happened because of two things. First, Basil's victory in Regional Tournament. Second, Basil's active role in the Cobham Internal Strife. To summarize it all, Basil's reputation.

Ever since Basil's "blooming," he had slowly built the image as the untouchable individual of the Academy. Although he had been merely staying true to himself, the students couldn't help being afraid of his monstrous talent.

Being able to win the Regional Tournament—creating a history as the first Stardust Academy graduate ever to achieve victory—was enough to make them realize Basil wasn't someone of their league.

On top of being that however, there was also his conflict with his father. Whether he had been adopted or not, killing his father, the person who had raised him, shouldn't be something that could be carried easily.

However, Basil was indeed different. He had carried that easily; he didn't even bother to hide how remorseless he had been regarding the matter in the court.

Moreover, the conspiracy theories surrounding the case were simply bone chilling.

The bizarre death of Viscount Justin Escher and his son ... Thinking about that alone made them have goosebumps.

Needless to say, none of them knew the truth.

To simply summarize how they viewed Basil based on their silly misconception, Basil wasn't someone they could ever mess with—and so were the people related to him.

This way, Shirley's privilege was born.

After getting their order, Shirley and Julia immediately headed to the Battle Ground. It was their favorite place to have their lunch. It was not only quiet there, but also calming.

Furthermore, the place reminded them of their time with Basil.

Before Basil had graduated, whenever they had been having lunch, Basil had been already there, training his physique in an incredibly painful way.

The scene had been strangely very fascinating, and they couldn't help watching.

"Hey, Shirley. How long do you think it will take you to finish your second Magic Circle?" Julia asked.

Shirley hummed for awhile. "Hmmm... I think it will be four months." Shirley took a bite of her sandwich. "The manual Brother has left me is really helping."

"Good for you girl..." Julia sighed helplessly. "I wish I had a cheat-like brother like you."

Shirley shook her head faintly. "Prior to his 'awakening,' aside from his exceptional intelligence, Brother was no one, you know? ... It was to the point where I ridiculed him everytime I saw him."

"I've heard that many times already, but I can't help but look down on the past you," Julia commented.

Shirley shrugged. "I was a victim of bad parenting. What could I do?" Shirley took her second sandwich, and took a bite.

"Anyway, I personally think Brother really had a massive change one day; other than his power, his personality was the most apparent, now that I think about it."

"Puberty must have hit Senior hard." Julia shrugged.

At that, Shirley unconsciously looked down at her chest, then Julia's. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, then gobbled down her sandwich.

"I'm done with this puberty bollocks."

Julia blinked her eyes in surprise at Shirley. "You are not even related, but you still have Senior's fast eating trait." She chuckled.

Waving her hand mildly, she continued, "Don't worry too much about your growth. Although you lost in that department, you are taller than me; I consider that a win."

Julia snickered, and Shirley merely grunted in annoyance.

Her sandwhich was finished, and Shirley was about to eat her salad, when she heard someone's voice.

"Shirley Cobham!"

At the commanding tone, Shirley abruptly stood up, spilling her salad in the process.

Immediately facing the person, she exclaimed, "Yes, Sire!" Only then, could she take a good look of the person.

She couldn't help blinking her eyes upon seeing the person.

In front of her was a beautiful young woman with long, silky purple hair; small, luscious lips; sharp nose; and sharp, red eyes.

Standing at 178 centimeters tall, the woman had the perfect figure that every girls dreamed, but never got. The woman was well endowed; not even Julia could compete with her.

Shirley knew about the woman, the robe she was wearing was a dead giveaway.

"Well, have you done checking me out?" The woman asked with a smirk.

Shirley recoiled in surprise, and quickly waved her hand in denial. "N-No. I wasn't checking you out, Miss ... Iliana, if I may assume?"

"Yes, I am Iliana." Iliana smiled slightly. She extended her hand, and Shirley quickly took it in hers. "I am your Brother's girlfriend."

A suppressed chocking sound was heard; this time, it came from Shirley and Julia. Still, the well-mannered Shirley didn't forget to introduce herself.

"S-Shirley Cobham."

Iliana nodded her head lightly; she was as stoic and direct as ever. "I am here under Basil's request to fetch you up. We are going to Randalvine."

"Why does Brother suddenly tell me to go there?" Shirley was puzzled.

Iliana shrugged lightly. "Rather than thinking about that, chop chop! Don't waste any more of my time." Right after that, she left the vicinity without a care.

Shirley quickly bade Julia a farewell, and hastily chased Iliana's back. She didn't know what was happening, but she trusted Basil. Therefore, she kept her confusion to herself for the moment.

Julia, who was left behind, ate her salad silently. "Maybe I should go to Randalvine with Mother too," she muttered. "Something is definitely going to happen."

She trusted her instinct.