CH 8

Destiny is a choice, not a coincidence. Not to be waited on, but to be achieved.

(Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.)

– William Jennings Brian

I couldn’t quite remember my life before reincarnating, but there was just one sentence that was stuck in my mind. And I used to ponder about the quote all night. Although I have become closer to Leto compared to the beginning, would I be able to choose and achieve my fate with it?

“Now, the formula we will learn today is the law of Armes…”

As a result of my worries, my head kept nodding forwards despite being in the middle of a major class. Eventually, unable to withstand the drowsiness, my head completely fell forwards but a large hand prevented my face from hitting the desk.

“Oh, thank you. Leah.”

“Focus.”

After his sharp reply, he concentrated on the class again. It has been two weeks since I entered Lexley Academy. The faces of my classmates became somewhat familiar, and I gradually memorised their names.

Thankfully, some of the new students talked to me and we were able to get along. Apart from me, they often talked to Leah as well, the prettiest one around. And each time, the students would be embarrassed by Leah’s coldness.

If it weren’t for that mouth and personality, I would have been walking around with friends on both of my sides.

‘Still, that’s just how Leto is.’

Considering Leto’s environment and family history, I could understand his personality to some extent. Nevertheless, today I sat beside Leto again and endlessly professed my love for him. Of course, I didn’t openly say that I liked him, but instead-

“You’re so pretty today, Leah. Why is your hair so shiny today?”

I’ve been saying this all day long. Then, Leto pinched my nose hard before letting it go. He should’ve gotten used to it now, but he still became embarrassed because of my words.

do not repost our translations. read only at droppedinks.wordpress.com

However, while I wasn’t able to focus on my studies due to Leto’s matter, I was informed that a letter for me had arrived. It was a letter from my parents.

[ To my lovely daughter, Bree. ]

I sat on my bed in the dorm and carefully opened the letter. Even before reading the letter, my parent’s faces instantly appeared in my mind. Unlike the Lexley Academy that was in the Capital, my home was located on the Southern seaside. My yearning to meet my parents was even greater since it was difficult to see their faces.

I unfolded the letter and read my mother’s neat handwriting.

[ Are you adjusting well to the academy life Bree?. You are undoubtedly a very lively and courageous child, so we believe you will adapt fine there. Am I right?] 

Of course, I was adjusting well. Even after realising I was reincarnated, I was naturally carefree.

[ Bree. Other than sending letters, it’s been a while since I joined a social gathering and bragged about you. Though, didn’t someone gave me an invitation to a ball?

It must be the large ball held in the cathedral by the nobles residing in the Capital. I was surprised to receive it by chance, but unfortunately, your father and I won’t be able to attend it.

I couldn’t just sell this either. Bree, I think it would be good for you to attend it. ]

As expected, my parents were not the type to send such letters without a purpose. I looked at the ball invitation in the envelope. How did she acquire this again? My family was originally considered to be wealthy and honourable.

It was up until when my mother married my father, but one mistake my grandfather had made completely ruined the family. Although my mother was able to endure it, she still longed for a rich and peaceful lifestyle in her heart.

That was why she often went to social gatherings and attended balls frequently, but I didn’t expect her to receive an invitation to the ball held in the cathedral. This ball, which was only held twice a year, was known as a place where nobles gathered to create connections.

[ Why don’t you take this opportunity to greet other nobles? Who knows? You might meet your future groom there? Bree, I think this is a very valuable experience as you’ve entered Lexley Academy. ]

My mother was trying to convince me. Half of the content in the letter was written about that.

I was already having a hard time at the academy because of Leto, and now a ball….It was clear that I was going to get overwhelmed, so I planned to refuse politely.

[ P.S. If you don’t attend it, don’t even think about coming home during this vacation. ]

Until I saw my mother’s P.S. My mother had written down the address of a store in the letter, presumably she had already made a reservation in a boutique in the Capital. The date was set a week later.

Whatever, do as you please. I placed the invitation and the letter in the desk drawer before observing Leto, who was already asleep. He still had frequent nightmares. He called out his mother’s name several times and even broke out in cold sweat.

At the sight of that, I felt bad for Leto and wanted to hold his hand, but I couldn’t since I was afraid he’d wake up. After hesitating for a while, I approached him and looked at his palm that was sticking out under the blanket. Glancing at Leto, who was still moaning, I grabbed his pinky. When Leto flinched, I was also surprised, but fortunately, he didn’t wake up.

“It’s okay, Leto.”

I whispered quietly.

“Everything will be alright.”

Were my words delivered to Leto? His breathing became more and more calmer, and he no longer called for his mother. Watching Leto fall asleep quietly, I wiped off the sweat on his forehead.

＊ ＊ ＊

Leto and I continued to stay close when we went to classes, following students from other dorms. Perhaps because the students have recognised that Leto and I were close friends, they no longer tried to separate us. Another good news was that the student’s perspective of Leto seemed to have changed slightly.

In the past, he was recognised as a child who was pretty but had a bad personality and was cold-hearted. However, now he seemed to be viewed as a friend of mine.

“Hi, Bree. Hi too, Leah.”

When the students greeted me, they also greeted Leto at the same time. Leto frowned at the greeting, but I poked him on the side each time.

“Did you know there’s a ball coming soon?”

Said a classmate that sat in the front. As expected, this ball was the main topic in the Lexley Academy, where nearly all honourable and well-known nobles attended.

“I am the family’s heir, so my attendance is mandatory.”

“Oh, that’s too bad. I’m the youngest, so I don’t have to go.”

They also didn’t seem to like the ball. Though, will Leto also attend it? The students’ gaze turned to Leto, the daughter of the Duke of Arsene.

“I’m not going.”

Leto answered firmly and shut his mouth. Oh, you were not going. I couldn’t hide my regret and chatted with my classmates again.

“Ah, you guys are taking Professor Hartz’s class, right? So, how is it?”

Suddenly, the topic moved from the ball to gossiping about Professor Hartz.

Everyone wanted to learn black magic, but thanks to the terrifying rumours regarding Professor Hartz, they were reluctant to take the class.

“Well, he’s not as scary as you think he is. He has a friendly side.”

As I said that, Leto, who was quietly listening, glanced at me in disbelief.

“You don’t think so, Leah?”

The students giggled at Leah’s expression.

“If that professor is kind, then all the kind people are dead, Bree.”

He mentioned something as if he couldn’t stand to hear that Professor Hartz was kind. Was it that bad? As Leto and I bickered about this, our classmates flocked around us.

“Everyone, be quiet!”

When the professor came in, the conversation ended. The noisy classroom became quiet in an instant, and soon the sound of book flipping was audibly heard.

Leto and I hurriedly flipped our book open and looked at the professor.

“Today, it’s time to learn the concentration magic, ‘Attentio’. This magic can cast you to a different location…… Look at this doll here.”

The professor pointed to the rabbit doll in front of him. Then, he showed us the letter he was holding.

【Attentio】

First, he casted a spell on the rabbit doll and then drew a magic circle on the letter. Suddenly, the letter vanished and appeared towards the rabbit. It is also possible to send a variety of items towards the rabbit.

“That’s why it’s useful for delivery. However, there is also a magic spell to dismantle it because this magic can be abused. It’s easy to identify if you’re stuck in Attentio, so you can easily dismantle it.”

It turned out to be a useful magic. As soon as class was over, I stared at Leto. If I cast this spell on Leto, I could send him a letter or a note even if we sat apart in class or even somewhere far away.

do not repost our translations. read only at droppedinks.wordpress.com

Staring at Leto’s back as he headed towards the cafeteria, I stretched my hand out. First, I would need to cast the spell towards the other person….

【Attentio】

“Bree!”

“Gasp!”

Kazen suddenly appeared in front of me. My magic was automatically applied onto Kazen. Kazen was perplexed as if he was wondering what was happening, but then smiled.

“Was that magic? Were you trying to hang onto Leah?”

“T-That-“

“I’ll keep it a secret.”

I didn’t expect to get caught by Kazen. While I was stupefied, Leto – who I thought had reached the cafeteria first – appeared with a cold face and blocked the gap between Kazen and I.

“Let’s go.”

Leto stared at Kazen fiercely and held my hand. I trembled from his warm hand.

“Le-Leah!”

He dragged me away. Huh? Somehow, it felt impressive? It seemed as if a toothbrush was saving me from germs.