It's been a week since my one-month birthday celebration has ended. And now I am meeting my Auntie Chantelle in order to learn from her. I already know how to write and read because Themis already taught me. I've also been reading about history--of Odilia and Ciera. Other histories bore me.
As the carriage of Duchess Odilia arrived. I smiled widely. Asher, who's standing beside me, asked.
"You look extremely happy. Are you actually excited?" Right now, Asher had decided to make himself visible to everyone. Well, Father and my brothers already know that he's been hanging out in my room after all, and they were not happy about it. However, they can't do anything about it because the reason why Asher is freeloading in my room is to help with my overflowing mana.
"Yep, this is my first lesson under Auntie after all," I answered, and when Auntie got out from the carriage, I placed my right hand across my chest and my left hand on the side of my dress. I crossed my right leg behind the other and made a proper bow to my Auntie.
"Greetings to the Duchess Odilia and welcome to our humble abode. I've been expecting you," I spoke. Since I'm the reason of her visit, Dad told me to be the one to personally welcome her.
I'm the only one who lives here in the Antares Palace along with the servants placed for me--and well, Asher too. Unlike before, when I wasn't known to my family yet, only maids are here with me. But now, there are tons of knights surrounding the palace too.
"Greetings, Your Imperial Highness. I am honored to be personally welcomed by the adorable Princess," Auntie said as she bow back to me. I smiled widely at her and she stared at me before---
"Kyaaah! You're just so adorable!" And then she threw herself towards me, hugging me and then baptizing me with smooches.
"How can you be so cuuutee!" She sandwiched my face between her palm and then give me tons of kisses on my forehead.
"Duchess, it's already time for the Princess' class. Shouldn't you be focusing on your purpose of coming here?" What---
I glared at Asher and he refused to look back at me! He's only staring at my Auntie! Aunt stayed quiet for a moment before she stood up and faced Asher.
She gave him a proper bow and smiled.
"Apologies, Astra. You're right. Then, shall we go now, Your Highness?" What...
I stared at my Auntie and I can see that she's forcing herself to smile now.
I pressed my lips together before I gave her a wide smile.
"Yes, Auntie!" I held her hand.
"I shall guide you to my classroom!" I spoke as I start walking. What is this, I am so annoyed at Asher right now because of what he said to my Auntie.
"That would be an honor, Your Highness," Why is my auntie addressing me like that. I want her to call me by my nickname as well like how she calls my brothers with their nicknames!
"Auntie, uhmm...can you call me Ali instead?" I tilt my head and blinked for a couple of times.
Auntie answered without hesitation.
"Of course, if that's what my beloved niece wants," Auntie pinched my cheeks as we continued walking. Asher and the other servants stayed behind us and I'm so sure that the arrogant magician is annoyed right now because he had to walk behind someone else.
'Asher. I don't like the way you talked to my Auntie a while ago. That was extremely rude,' I said. I can't see his expression right now, but I know he's irritated.
'Why? Did I said something wrong?' Does he really not understand anything?
'You didn't. But you could've said it in a more nicer way, you know?' I replied. I can't believe this guy at all. Doesn't he know how to communicate with people well? He's hopeless.
'Hmm? I said it in a nice way,' Seriously, this guy...
'I wouldn't be telling you this if that's the case,' I prevented myself from sighing in disbelief and just decided to talk with my Aunt. Sometimes, it's really hard conversing with Asher.
***
"On Year 135, Lumiere Odilia signed a contract with Sullivan Ciera, what was the reason for this?" I showed off that I already finished reading the book 'History of Odilia' and now my Auntie is testing me, she also said that this is the last question, so I should answer it carefully.
"Even before, in ancient times. Both family of Odilia and Ciera are known to be the most powerful family in our continent. One came from the old empire, Duncan Empire, and the other one came from Meir Kingdom. Duncan Empire and Meir Kingdom had an alliance in order to defeat the Evil Dragon that's living in an old and dead civilization. Duncan Empire sent their strongest knight alone, Sullivan Ciera with the hope of him dying there, while Meir Kingdom sent hundreds of their knights, including their strongest warrior, Lumiere Odilia..."
It took them seven years to defeat the evil dragon, of course it was not easy. Many knights have died, from lack of resources, such as medicines, food, rations, and drinks. In the end, only six warriors were able to defeat the enemy. Lumiere Odilia, Sullivan Ciera, Thiago Laverde, Amir Silva, Phoebe Scarlett, and Alessia Allegra. With Duncan Empire's belief of Sullivan not returning, Lumiere convinced Sullivan to come to Meir Kingdom.
In the end, they defeated Duncan Empire's evil ruler as well with Sullivan's help, and claimed the land of the evil dragon. Lumiere Odilia and Sullivan Ciera had an aggreement about the land. Sullivan didn't want the land for himself to lead. However, Lumiere was determined. With the fact that Lumiere is much powerful than Sullivan, he chose to be Sullivan's knight and took a knight's oath and contract to always support the Ciera Empire until the end. In return, Sullivan Ciera made him a Duke. The other four became nobles under the command of Sullivan Ciera as well.
Auntie Chan looked at me as I finish the story of how the Ciera Empire was created. She stayed quiet and is currently staring at me with her eyes widened as if she was so surprised about it. I already told her many times that I finished reading it though? Or maybe she wasn't expecting that I would actually know the whole story of how our Empire started?
"Oh my goodness, dear Ali..." Aunt Chan covered her mouth, looking at me with that...
What is that expression? I can't tell if she's happy or proud or both? I only gave her a giggle before I place both my elbows on my table and lean my chin on my palm.
"Ask away, Auntie! Of course, I read the History of Ciera as well!" I spoke, proudly.
Aunt Chan chuckled.
"That's so amazing, sweetie. It's unbelievable enough that you can already read and write at the age of five, now you had the history memorized? I'm so proud of you!" She said, ruffling my hair.
"For your info, Aunt Chan. Ali can already read at three, and she learned writing at four. Themis taught her," Wha--
Both Aunt Chan, Themis, Asher, and I turned to look at the upper area of the library when we heard someone's voice. Specifically, Brother Dae.
"Oh, my dear Zain is here! Did you miss me?"
"Excuse you, Your Grace. It is my sister that I wanted to see, not you,"
"No need to be so harsh, sweetie. I know you miss your Auntie as well ~" and then Aunt Chantelle suddenly disappeared and then appeared behind Brother Dae, even my brother was surprised when Auntie hugged him and gave him a peck on his cheek.
"Eekk--" my brother immediately teleported away from Aunt Chan and our Auntie went back to her position a while ago in front of my desk.
"Anyways, let's continue. Shall well, Eli? Since you are already knowledgeable about the History of both Odilia and Ciera...how about we change to the history of this land before it became a lair for an evil dragon?" Huh...?
Wait, we need to learn about that too!?
"Eh? We need to know about that as well?" I asked, surprised.
"That's right, my dear. There was an old civilization here before it became its lair after all," So, we need to learn everything about this land? Even the old civilization here years ago!?
Why though!?
***
I took a deep sigh and leaned on the back of my seat. Auntie Chantelle just left and my head is filled with information about the old civilization. A country that has faded from the history of the whole world, the civilization of Zariah.
It is said that different races have lived in this civilization, and that evil dragon is actually the one leading Zariah civilization. That evil dragon was once a divine beast that was stolen by the demon king from Raini, he was deceived and forgotten his sacred origin. The demon king commanded the evil dragon to be his proxy in leading the Zariah country and this country flourished. However, since the leaders are evil, many bad things had happened that forced the heaven to strike the country down in order to punish them.
The divine light destroyed the country along with the evil nobles that are under the command of the dragon.
I asked about the people who were living in the country, but Aunt Chantelle didn't answered my question. She chose to avoid it and then bid a goodbye from me, saying she'll tell me on our next lesson.
"Ali, are you alright?" Brother Dae asked. He's still here. I don't know where my two brothers are, but I've got an idea where they could be. I'm not planning to visit them though.
"Yes, brother. It's just...I don't know how to sink it in my brain. I didn't know there was such a civilization. I haven't read it in my library at all," I replied. Maybe it's such an important book?
"There is only one book that tells about Zariah, Your Highness. It is stored within the Cathedral. The Priests takes care of it," Asher spoke.
Ohh. So, that's why...
Then, it really is an important book, huh?
"Still, that's some amazing dragon, huh? Weren't the people terrified of him?" I asked. Bowing to my desk and closing my eyes.
"Ali. Actually, divine beasts have human form as well, that's how the evil dragon was able to lead Zariah," I couldn't help but be amazed at that new information again. So, divine beasts can turn into human!? That's freaking amazing!
Fantasy world really is so cool!
'Your Highness, you're sparkling,', Ohh...
I took a deep breath and turned back my expression to normal.
"Asher, do you know its story?" I asked. Asher smiled---pretty sure he's just doing that because Brother Dae is here.
"I do know its story, Your Highness..." He spoke.
"However, I don't know if it is allowed to tell the Princess about it,"
'I'll tell you later,'
I blinked for a couple of times and chuckled. Well, he really should tell me if it's something important and can affect my future. Or else, it'll be difficult for me to decide for my future.
"Let's ask Dad and we can borrow the book. How about that, Ali?" What...? Huh?!
"Your Highness, I'm glad that you care for your Her Highness so much. However, the Book of the Old Civilization is something that is not--"
"Who cares? If it's for Ali, I'll even steal it,"
'Talk to your brother or I'll send him flying,'
'Don't even try,' Goodness gracious these two. I feel happy that Asher is actually controlling his emotions though.
"It's fine, brother Dae! I'll learn about it on my next lesson with Aunt Chantelle next time, so it's fine!" I forced a smile at Brother Dae and prevented myself from sighing deeply.
"Your Highness. It is already time for the Princess' nap time," Themis finally spoke. She's been quiet and is only listening to us ever since earlier. Thank you for saving me, Themis.
"I see. Then, I'll bring my sister---"
"We can just teleport there, so go," Ohh--looks like Asher's mood has changed again.
"What--"
Brother Dae didn't even finished his words because the surroundings suddenly changed and now we're in my room. But, of course my brother had followed us.
"What the heck is with you, you bastard! I'm not even done talking yet!" Ohh goodness...
"It's because Your Highness won't shut up, and the Princess looks extremely exhausted. You're disturbing the Princess," My brother glared at him, but quickly switched to his soft side when he turned his head to me.
"I'm sorry, Ali...I better go now then," Aww, he looks sad.
"It's fine brother! I promise, I'll hang out with you next time!" I answered, walking towards him and giving him a hug. He held my shoulder and ruffles my hair.
"Understood, Ali. Then, I'll look forward to that next time," he replied. I look up at him and gave him a wide smile. He stared at me for a moment before he smiled back at me.
"I'll go now then. Be sure to rest well, Ali,"
"Yeeees!"
***