The Distant Trail Of Ciara Badvia

The Saria Magic Academy
Part 2: To the Academy

JUST WHEN SHE WAS IN TROUBLE

Deeper in, the grounds began to expand significantly.

In contrast to the crude construction of the main gate, the interior was somewhat well-kept. A broad path paved with red and white tiles ran through the center of the academy, echoing the footsteps of those treading it. Neatly trimmed azalea shrubs lined it on both sides, and here and there, old wooden benches provided spots to rest.

There was a point where the path intersected, and a large fountain was erected in its center. Tall shrubs surrounded it evenly, adding color to the spray of water.

Dotting the place were figures of academy students enjoying a brief respite after their day’s activities. Boys were chatting and relaxing on benches beside the fountains, and girls were frolicking about, their laughter ringing like glass bells. Tyril passed by an older couple smiling sweetly at each other; they were holding what seemed to be delectable baked goods that had Tyril wondering where it was sold.

Naturally, they all wore the same attire: a plain, white top and black trousers for men, ankle-length skirts for women. It was the academy uniform, the same one Tyril had been given earlier.

Tyril noticed the occasional glances directed her way. She understood why, or at least she thought she did. Despite being in a black-and-white color scheme too, the elbow-length cape she wore undoubtedly caught some eyes. It was only natural for the presence of someone not a student to draw curiosity.

She needed to hurry up and find the academy dormitory assigned to her and dive into her room. Tyril slightly hunched her shoulders and quickened her pace.

Put up within the academy grounds were maps—sketches of the academy’s layout—which Tyril spotted several of after a few minutes of walking around.*** The place was so vast that Tyril couldn’t tell which was where. It wasn’t solely because of her lack of direction—the academy grounds seemed even bigger than the royal castle’s. The short distance she’d walked made her feel like she was navigating through a maze.

The passing students seemed to know where they were going, though. They strode on without losing their way, without consulting any maps, engrossed in conversation with friends. There was a stark difference between them and Tyril, who couldn’t even find her way even after staring at the maps.

She briefly considered asking for directions, but when she did attempt it, her mind and body froze. The simple act of approaching someone about the dormitory’s location was difficult for her.

Night was going to overtake her if she continued to wander around or stand in a daze in front of a map. By then, no one would be around to ask for directions.

What do I do…? Her chest tightened. Tyril was holding back her tears when suddenly—

“Is something the matter?”

—a voice came from behind, startling her. With her shoulders shaking, Tyril turned around and met a woman with long, black hair and wearing a uniform looking at her.

“Um, I was, uh…”

“You, well… I noticed you seemed troubled, so I thought I’d ask. Did I bother you?”

“No, no, not at all! You aren’t bothering me! I was just in a bit of a situation…”

Nervously, Tyril managed to convey that she wasn’t bothered, but she realized how awkward she sounded upon reflection. But the black-haired woman didn’t laugh at Tyril’s response; instead, she smiled kindly.

“I can help you, if you’d like?”

Her gaze was filled with a maternal sort of warmth, similar to a mother watching over her small child. Even though Tyril was being treated like a child, she found that she greatly appreciated it. It was like stumbling over a cup of water in the desert.

“Oh, thank you so much!”

“No problem—you don’t need to thank me. I can’t just ignore someone who looks like they’re in a bind. So, can I ask what you were having trouble with?”

“Well, I… I got a bit lost and I’m not sure where to go,” Tyril said in the end, her thoughts still scattered.

The woman was unperturbed, perhaps used to dealing with such confused people. She started asking Tyril questions one at a time to piece things together.

“Are you a student here?”

“Y-yes. Just a short while ago, though.”

“A while ago… So, you’re a transfer student? Have you been to the administrative office?”

“Administrative office… Oh, the reception near the entrance? I’ve been there. I got the academy uniform and some kind of booklet.”

“Then you’ve completed registration. What were you told to do next? Did they give instructions?”

“That’s… well, it’s embarrassing, but I was so overwhelmed that I don’t quite remember what they told me…”

“Ah…”

Seeing Tyril’s troubled expression, the woman pressed her index finger to her temple and sighed in exasperation. Tyril worried for a moment if she’d said something wrong, but it seemed that wasn’t the case. The woman lightly patted Tyril’s shoulder and continued.

“Those clerks… They really don’t do their jobs, do they? Handing you with a booklet and then leaving you hanging without explaining properly… How frustrating.”

“Uh, that’s…”

“Well, transfer students still have a few things to take care of before they can attend classes. But first, you should go to the student dorms and check your room. I’ll take you there.”

The woman started walking ahead as she spoke, gesturing for Tyril to follow. She jogged up hurriedly while expressing both her apology and gratitude. The woman responded with a bright smile and reassured her to not worry.

“We ought to help each other when we’re in a bind, right? It’s only natural for someone who’s just transferred over to be filled with nerves and questions. Don’t stress over it.”

Her smile and touching words gradually soothed Tyril’s heart.

It’ll be nice to become friends with someone like her.

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MTL Note: ***I believe it’s meant to say there were so many maps?

For more from the author, visit:

Narou: https://mypage.syosetu.com/1258514/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/inui_takafumi

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Last revision: 20/08/23

Glossary:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_D4XF1ID8j7zti3pG-fqtcd0h0T9aZHK_CXsCrr5gwY/edit?usp=sharing

Revisions:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jS9QeSLaJfl6P_-Gl-zAY0dnKPep3or9fUl-HPukc9g/edit?usp=sharing