Chapter 51 - 14

One year has passed since Ziel worked at Duke Hazell's residence. Not much has changed since then. During this year, there have been no attacks incident that happened as before. So, all the residents of Duke Castilene's residence can feel relieved. And they can live in peace without thinking about the danger that threatens them.

Duke Hazell and his wife treat Ziel well. Clara has been busy practicing magic diligently for the past year. And Beatrix is ​​still suspicious of Ziel. Sometimes she invites Ziel to practice with Clara. Since she also knows swordsmanship, she thought it would be fine to teach Ziel and Clara at the same time. Of course, Ziel had to accept it.

He started practicing swords with Beatrix in the last half-year. Of course, Ziel always pretends to lose every practice with her.. Beatrix had a keen sense of intuition, so she must have sensed that something was amiss in every practice match. but ziel just ignored it and pretended not to notice.

Currently, in the back garden. Clara and Beatrix are practicing magic. Ziel was there as Clara's butler watching what they were doing. Apart from the three of them, at this time Duke Hazell and his wife were also observing Clara's practice while drinking tea and eating snacks.

"Clara you're great, you've officially become a senior mage, congratulations." Beatrix smiles looking at Clara who is currently casting 4 magic circles in front of her.

"Hehe...thank you, auntie. It's all thanks to the training you gave me. Otherwise, it might take me a few more months to become a senior mage." Clara answered happily because she got praise from her teacher.

"Because you are a smart student so you quickly understand what I teach you. But you can't be arrogant. There are people out there who are the same age as you and have become magic masters." She rubbed Clara's head and advised her.

"I understand, auntie. I will train hard so that I can become stronger quickly." Clara clenched her little fists and said it with determination.

"Yes, but you have to remember that you can't push yourself." Beatrix chuckled and flicked Clara's forehead.

"Ugh... Aunt! Of course, I'll do it to the best of my ability! And don't treat me like a child!" She was in pain holding her forehead while puffing her cheeks. Her behavior is so adorable. Even Duke Hazell and his wife laughed at that.

"Haha...thank you Beatrix for being willing to teach my daughter all these years." Duke Hazell and his wife got up from their chairs and walked over to Beatrix and Clara.

"You don't need to thank me. Clara is also my niece. Of course, I enjoy teaching her." Beatrix smiled at Duke Hazell's words.

"Hehe..." Clara couldn't help but smile shyly.

"But, Beatrix... Are you guys going that fast?" Eleanor who suddenly remembered something became sad.

"Of course Elen, because in 3 days the academy enrollment will open. And we have to get there before that time." Beatrix and Clara will leave for Vittoria city tomorrow to register and take the Piqmentia Grand Academy entrance exam. The journey from moissan city to Vittoria city by horse carriage takes about 1 day. Because of that, Beatrix decided to leave early. So, Clara would have more time to prepare for the exam.

"But..." Eleanor was still unwilling to be separated from her daughter for a long time. Because since childhood Clara has always been spoiled and close to her. And she would feel lonely if suddenly they were separated. Eleanor didn't want that, so she found it hard to let her go.

"Honey... Didn't we talk about it before?" Duke Hazell who saw his wife's condition immediately reminded her. Although he felt the same way with his wife. But he couldn't be selfish by keeping his daughter with them. Besides that, Clara is also an adult and she has something she wants to achieve in her life.

"But, honey..." Eleanor still couldn't let it go.

"Mom, I just went to attend the academy. It's still in the Neigal kingdom. So mom and dad can still go visit me or I will visit you on vacation." Clara held Eleanor's hand to calm her down.

"You have to pass the exam first before you can say that." Beatrix's words were like pouring cold water on Clara. Even though Clara Castilene has already received an invitation from the Piqmentia Grand Academy. But whether or not she can attend depends on her ability during the exam.

"Auntie, you should have encouraged me instead of making me insecure." Clara puffed her cheeks after hearing Beatrix's words. Duke Hazell and Eleanor who saw it laughed. The previous heavy atmosphere became lighter.

"Yeah, I understand. I thought it would be easy to accept it when Clara told me that she was going to apply to the academy you talked about earlier, honey. But somehow when the time came, I just couldn't accept it. It's probably just my selfishness." Eleanor stroked Clara's cheek and pinched it.

She didn't forget the first time Clara heard the news about the academy from her father. Clara was very motivated after hearing the purpose of this academy. She said that she should attend the academy, she would become a great mage by studying there and she would make many friends her age in that academy. Seeing her determined at that time, Eleanor had to support her daughter by asking her old friend, Beatrix, to train her magic. Because from what her husband said, the academy would hold an entrance examination to filter talented students regardless of their status. So nobility or royalty status would be useless there.

"Argh... Mom what are you doing! Ooh, I forgot to ask this. How about ken if I go to the academy? Isn't his job here as my butler? If I wasn't there would ken..." Clara asked with a worried face. She thought that Ziel would be fired from his job after she went to the academy. And Clara will never see him again.

"About that... I've already discussed it with Ken. From the start, he served you as your butler as well as your Guardian. That's why he will also enroll in the academy with you." Duke Hazell had been talking about it since a month ago.

At that time Duke Hazell was thinking about Clara leaving for Vittoria city next month. He was worried about Clara's safety when he thought she would be alone there. He didn't know what kind of friend she would have in the future. There are no girls around Clara's age here and she rarely hangs out with other noble children, because she is a very shy girl.

When he saw Ziel, he finally remembered that Ziel's main duty was to be her guardian. Ziel's age is also the same as Clara's. So, he's eligible to enter the academy. After discussing this with Ziel, he didn't expect that Ziel would immediately accept it. Since then it was decided that Ziel would go to Vittoria city with Clara and enroll in the academy.

"Really dad? So Ken will go to the academy with me?" Clara looks very happy to hear what his father has said.

"Of course, he will be your butler as well as your guardian there." Duke Hazell nodded slightly at Clara's enthusiasm.

"YAY!!" Clara subconsciously jumped up and shouted with joy. But then, she realized everyone there was looking at her while smiling.

"Em... ah... I mean that's good. At least I'll have friends I know there." Clara turned her blushing face away.

"Hehe... Is that so? So you'll be lonely without ken?" Eleanor didn't miss an opportunity to tease her daughter.

"Hmm... I already expected it. That's why I asked Ken to accompany you there." Duke Hazell joins in on teasing Clara with his wife.

"Thank goodness, Clara. You're not going to part with him." Beatrix dealt the finishing blow. The three of them smiled meaningfully at her. Seeing this, Clara's face turned red to her ears and secretly glanced at Ken. When their gazes met she finally reached her limit.

"Aaah... You're bullying me!!" She shouted and ran inside the mansion. Everyone who saw her laughed heartily. Only Ziel was silent seeing that.

***

The next day, in front of the gates of Cuke Castilene's residence, parked a luxurious carriage. There are Duke Hazell, his wife, and Raven escorting Clara and others to Vittoria City. They will go using the horse-drawn carriage.

"Clara, you have to listen to what Aunt Beatrix has to say. You have to be low profile there, and be careful about making friends. If you want to go somewhere, try to ask Ken to accompany you. Don't hang around at night. Don't..." Eleanor advised Clara while holding her hand as if she was reluctant to let her go.

"Honey... if you keep it up, they'll probably be leaving tonight." Duke Hazell smiled bitterly at his wife's attitude.

"I understand, honey." She then hugged Clara tightly.

"Mom, take care after I'm gone." Clara also hugged her back.

"Yes, you also take good care of yourself there." Eleanor then let go of her.

"Beatrix, Ken. Please take care of Clara there." Duke Hazell smiled at the exchange of his daughter and wife, then looked at Beatrix and Ken who were already waiting in front of the carriage.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her at the academy ." Although Beatrix had to do her job as a teacher there. but she will check on Clara's sometimes.

"Yes, Sir." Ziel answered briefly.

"Well, now it's time for us to go. Otherwise, we won't be able to get there as planned." Beatrix immediately called Ziel and Clara.

"Dad, Mom I'm going first." Clara immediately waved her hand to her parents. Then enter the carriage followed by Ziel and the last Beatrix. And the horse-drawn carriage immediately departed after they all entered.

"Be careful on the way!" Eleanor shouted while waving her hand. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched the carriage that carrying her daughter begin to disappear from her sight. Duke Hazell immediately hugged his wife who was crying.