The Distant Trail Of Ciara Badvia

The Saria Magic Academy
Part 1: The Solzarand Royal Castle

FIRST FRIEND

“A-ah… Yes. Nice to meet you too, Miss Aria.”

Tyril responded to the greeting with a tilt of her head and a smile.

She just made her first friend in Saria. In front of that presence, Tyril appeared calm and composed with that smile of hers, but deep inside, her heart was soaring and bursting with happiness. If she could return to her room right now, she would probably jump right into bed and writhe around, letting out unladylike giggles.

Even back in Lily, Tyril wasn’t someone who had many friends. She only mostly played with Well since childhood, what with her living in a remote house on a mountain. It felt like her new life in Saria was finally beginning. She felt ticklish with excitement.

“You know, no matter how you look at it, having a mage friend sure is convenient, right?” Aria snickered, cheekily looking at Tyril. “And if you’re really Ciara’s daughter, shouldn’t levitation magic and weather manipulation be a piece of cake? How about the next time I want to slip out of class, you help me sneak out the window? Okay?”

“Your Highness, what are you saying?! I will report this to your father!”

The maid said the words like she’d rehearsed them beforehand, while the person in question only laughed dryly. Just based on that, it was easy for Tyril to tell that it was an innocent joke. Still, she felt somewhat guilty about her true capabilities and couldn’t return the smile honestly.

“Uh, about that…”

“Hmm? Why’re you being so serious? I was kidding, just kidding!”

“No, um…”

She was too scared to confess. Aria became friends with her because she was Badvia’s daughter. Once she remembered she couldn’t use magic, Tyril trembled in fear at the thought of Aria turning away from her.

I can’t say it. She tightly sealed her lips, refusing to speak the truth.

“R-right. Of course. Just a joke, right? A-ahahaha.”

“Y-yeah. Just a joke. Why’d you take it so seriously? Are you alright, Tyril?”

“Oh no, no. I’m not taking it seriously at all. I’m fine, really.”

Tyril hastily tried to cover up her words. Aria sent her a quizzical look, but eventually, it seemed the matter stopped mattering to her anymore. Within seconds, she was smiling again and started even more small talk.

In truth, the guilt in Tyril’s heart didn’t dissipate at all, but that was fine. She found reassurance by adamantly telling herself that it would be okay as long as she learned magic well enough after studying at the academy, enough that she could proudly call herself a mage when they met again.

“What was your mother like from your perspective, Tyril?”

“Hm?”

At that question, Tyril found herself caught off guard again.

“You see, there are plenty of stories about Ciara Badvia the mage, but not as many of her as a mother. I’m curious about what she’s like at home. I mean, could she use her magic to handle things like cleaning, laundry, and cooking all at once?”

“Well…”

There was no point in hiding things this time. She couldn’t. Tyril answered the question apologetically, feeling pained at not being able to respond in a joking manner.

“I don’t remember my mother very well. She died when I was little.”

“I-I see. So she was already gone by then. I heard she disappeared right after the war ended, but… I’m sorry. That was a strange thing to ask.”

“No, please don’t worry about it.”

“Have you been living alone with your father since then?”

“Well, yes. But my father also left on a journey when I was ten and still hasn’t returned…”

“Eh? That means you’ve been living alone ever since?”

“I stayed at the house of a childhood friend.”

Tyril spoke with a wide smile, but Aria clenched her fist against her chest, her eyes welling up.

What’s with this reaction? Before Tyril could even look confused, Aria tightly embraced her the next moment.

“Wha…?” She unintentionally let out a silly noise.

“Ngh… Tyril, you’ve been through such a tough time?”

“Huh? Er, Miss Aria?”

“You poor thing… Separated from your parents and forced to stay in someone else’s house… You’ve been enduring hard work and meager meals every single day, haven’t you?”

“W-what?”

It seemed like a wild, fantastical drama was unfolding in Aria’s mind, with Tyril playing the tragic heroine. Absorbed in her own imagination, Aria firmly grabbed Tyril’s shoulder.

“You’re safe now, Tyril. If you’re ever in any trouble or having a hard time, feel free to come to the royal castle anytime! I’ll be here to help you!”

“O-oh. Thank you very much.”

Aria was so earnest, her eyes teary as she looked into Tyril’s. Overwhelmed by her intensity, Tyril nodded obediently. However, it seemed this was also just Aria being playful. The princess and the maid both cleared their throats.

“Your Highness, it’s about time for Miss Zeeland to be escorted to the academy.” The maid started off reproachful, but her tone gradually turned into a lighter one.

“Hmm… Well, it can’t be helped. I wanted to chat longer while we have the chance, but oh well.” Aria quickly released Tyril’s hand and politely nodded to the maid.

“It’s all right. Once I get used to academy life, I’ll come back to visit you again.”

“Well, I’ll be waiting. It’ll be hard to meet often between the palace and the academy… but we should have some tea leisurely next time. We can take our time planning our escape through the window then!”

“Your Highness!”

Aria’s mischief and the maid’s astonishment—overwhelmed by their synchronized exchange, Tyril could only barely squeeze out a “Yes.”

“I said this earlier, but if anyone bullies you or something happens, come to me immediately. I’ll use the power of the state to deport that bully from the country.”

“Ah, ahahaha…”

This time, Tyril returned a wry smile. Agreeing straight up was difficult given the nature of the conversation, but Aria’s warm friendship still came across. Even though Tyril had reservations about skipping class, she still wanted to quickly learn various magic to help Aria. She felt strongly about it.

“Well, then. Let’s go, Miss Zeeland.”

Tyril reluctantly left the room as the maid gently urged her on.

“See you later!” Aria’s cheery farewell echoed throughout the corridor, greatly livening Tyril up.

The journey to Saria, the visit to the royal castle, and now stepping into the magic academy—it was all new and quite daunting. But meeting Aria and becoming her friend had given her strength. That was how she felt, standing there.

“I am sorry for the trouble.”

The maid suddenly apologized to her. Tyril didn’t immediately understand and turned to look at the maid walking beside her in confusion.

“If Her Highness caused offense, she did not mean it with ill intent. It’s just that His Majesty has been a bit indulgent in raising her and, well, it’s made her quite carefree. I know she said some disrespectful things to you, Miss Zeeland. Please forgive her.”

“There’s no need to!” Now seeing why she apologized, Tyril quickly held up her palms and shook her head. “I had a lot of fun talking to Miss Aria, you know? I’m really happy to have made a friend.”

“It’s reassuring to hear you say that. Due to Her Highness’ status, it’s difficult for her to find friends to talk to on equal terms. Please, Miss Zeeland, be good friends with Her Highness.” The maid smiled warmly, showing an affectionate gaze in her eyes.

Ah. Even though she’s a servant, I’m sure this person loves Miss Aria like her own daughter from the bottom of her heart. Realizing this, Tyril suddenly felt touched.

At the same time, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy and think of Rosa’s face. She shook her head vigorously and scolded herself. It’s too soon to feel homesick. I haven’t even reached my destination, the magic academy, yet.

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That ends Part 1!

Tyril this entire trip:

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MTL Note: Couldn’t really understand this part—
Aria’s mischief and the maid’s astonishment—overwhelmed by their synchronized exchange, Tyril could only barely squeeze out a “Yes.”

At first I thought it was like she couldn’t butt in, but the exchange was so short that I seriously doubted it…

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