[Herta POV]
An invitation from the academy—delivered personally by Zandar One Kuwabara, the director of the Genius Society. I should have felt proud of myself, maybe excited even, but something about it unsettled me.
I haven't even opened it, yet the apprehension clings to me like dust in overlooked corners of the room. I can't explain why... but something doesn't sit right.
Still, I won't let doubt stop me from reading it.
Now with that thought in my mind, my parents and I resumed our discussion with Mr. Zandar in the guest room, conferring on what I had done over the past three years.
"So, you're telling me the young lady was responsible for all the groundbreaking widgets and equipment being sold at the marketplace lately?"
Zandar leaned forward in the velvet-cushioned chair, looking amazed yet trying to hide it. His finger brushed his beard as he glanced at both of my parents before settling his gaze on me.
Noticing his curiosity, I took the chance to explain myself with confidence.
"That's right, I simply sold my blueprints for electronic devices to small businesses and used the profits to fund my research and buy the materials needed to make my living dolls."
To be more precise, I had designed pocket watches, simple calculators, thermal sensors, and circuit boards. While these devices may not be as groundbreaking as those from my previous life, they were considered advanced and highly valued by the people of this world.
Zandar blinked, his fingers pausing on his beard resting against his chin.
"I see... To think those innovations were merely stepping stones towards creating these living dolls. Most would have stopped at profit."
My father, listening to the conversation, chuckled proudly.
"Those dolls weren't just for display, Director. Thanks to Herta, we've been able to accelerate our progress on the Spark Model Hypothesis. Without them, our experimentation would have taken us many years to move forward."
Back then, my father and Mr. Bellum used to struggle with the advancement of our research due to the lack of manpower in upgrading the model. But with the dolls acting as helpers, we don't have to carry heavy machine parts or perform unnecessary workloads.
Zandar exhaled slowly, sitting back and folding his arms, brows raised as if reassessing what he thought was conceivable.
"I can imagine that could be the case, Albrecht, but do these dolls serve other purposes?"
My mother, hearing Zandar's question, smiled warmly.
"They had been a great help around the manor by cleaning the place, providing security, and even keeping my garden safe from pests and wild critters. They're truly reliable companions."
Well, she's certainly correct with that one. I ordered each doll for the purpose my mother had asked me to do, but I often add certain directives to keep them occupied and willing to serve me as long as possible.
Back in the conversation, the director let out a chuckle through his nose, shaking his head as he uncrossed his arms.
"I must say, Miss Herta, your accomplishments over the past three years are more impressive than I thought," Zandar remarked as he stood up and adjusted the sleeve of his coat. "You've managed to reshape local commerce, accelerate scientific research, and reinforce household security—all before your academic debut."
Those words felt rather suspicious rather than flattering. Compliments like that usually came with strings attached—especially from a visionary person like Zandar, whose eyes peered for value underneath the surface.
"That being said, I believe you're ready for this," he added before offering a polite bow to my parents. "I'll be taking my leave now, and please make sure she reads the letter thoroughly."
"I'll make sure she does," my mother replied, smiling gently. "And thank you again, Director."
"You're always welcome, Theresia," he affirmed courteously, then turned towards the door.
Seeing that, Marlene moved from her corner. "I'll escort you out, Director."
Zandar offered a nod, and he strode forward as Marlene opened the door for him. But before they leave, the director paused—just a second or two.
Marlene leaned slightly forward and hovered her lips near the director's ear.
Did she whisper something to him?
I narrowed my eyes, but whatever they exchanged was rather questionable.
When Zandar and Marlene finally exited, my gaze drifted toward the envelope on the table—sealed yet buzzing with unspoken expectations.
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Hesitation—the one thing that is stopping me from opening the invitation letter.
But why, though? Was it because of the sheer uncertainty that the envelope may contain? Or was it something in my past life that has been haunting me to this day? That I couldn't tell.
"Sweetie, are you alright?"
Suddenly, the voice of my mother and the touch of her hand on my shoulder snapped me out of my internal reflection. I looked up to see her and my father looking quite puzzled.
Trying not to make them worry, I offered a slight nod. "Yes, I'm fine. Just considering what to expect with this letter."
"Why don't you open it and find out?" Father urged, his tone lively and encouraging.
Mother smiled warmly, her gaze nudging me to do it.
Following their instructions, I broke the wax seal and carefully opened the envelope. Inside, I found three items.
The first item was a polished bronze brooch shaped like a five-pointed star layered over an open book. If I had to guess, this badge might be the Nasca Academia's beginner insignia.
Not too bad in my opinion, but I hope for a better one in the future.
The second and third items were two letters—one had the same insignia as the brooch, and the other had the emblem of a dragon's head with a star in its mouth.
I knew the first letter was from the academy, but the other one is rather mysterious.
While examining the wax seals, I sensed my father leaning beside me, so I turned to him. We met each other's gaze, and he smiled awkwardly.
"So, what are you waiting for? Read them out loud."
Rolling my eyes, I initially broke the academy letter's wax seal and unfolded the paper before reading its contents for them.
=====================================
Dear Herta Wissenschaft and family,
It is an honor to formally congratulate you on being selected as one of the fortunate enrolees to join the Nasca Academia's Grand Opening Program. Your admission has been unanimously regarded by the academic board, following Director Zandar's endorsement and in recognition of your remarkable contributions to the Solitary Particle Theory and Spark Model Hypothesis.
As a token of our sincere gratitude, both the entrance and uniform prices will be fully waived for the specially acknowledged enrollees such as yourself.
The academy will shine a lot brighter with you in it.
Sincerely,
Harald Punch
Co-founder of the Genius Society
Principal of Nasca Academia
=====================================
After reading the letter, I narrowed my eyes, unimpressed for some reason. The wording was polite, and the layout was lavish—but it was all excessive flair.
"Mr. Zandar could have told me about the free entrance and uniform fees earlier."
In response to my dry comment, my mother chuckled behind her hand.
"The Director enjoys his theatrics. I think he wanted the letter to reveal them properly."
Of course, he did. That man probably choreographs his footsteps for dramatic timing.
Creak...
Before I could respond, the door creaked open, letting in a draft of warm air and faint echoes from the corridor. Marlene stepped inside, her expression calm as ever.
"Director Zandar has left the manor," she announced. "I've escorted him off at the gate."
My father nodded in acknowledgement. "Good job, you may return to your post."
Marlene bowed and walked from the doorway towards the corner of the room. As she moved behind the couch, my curiosity piqued, and I looked over my shoulder.
"Can I see you later in my room, Marlene?"
She paused for a second—it would have escaped my parents, but not me. Her posture didn't shift, but something in her eyes flickered.
Then, her smile returned, slightly tilted at the edges.
"I understand, Milady."
After that, Marlene continued walking until she reached the room's corner and stood there.
"Now, try reading the second one, Sweetie," Mother urged. "It has the royal seal."
I picked up the letter with the dragon seal, flipping it between my fingers before breaking the wax seal open with a slight pinch. The parchment had a golden trim—thicker and silkier than the previous one. Each stroke of ink was written with elegance that betrayed its origin.
Taking a deep breath, I began to read.
=====================================
To Miss Herta Wissenschaft,
It has come to my attention that you played an important role in the final breakthrough of the Solitary Particle Theory and the successful submission of the Spark Model Hypothesis. Both achievements have rapidly stirred the academic realm and accelerated scientific knowledge in the Nasca kingdom.
Furthermore, I could not overlook the abrupt incline in progressive innovations and economic activities emerging from the commercial district. So, to investigate the anomaly, I dispatched Director Zandar—though the truth behind it remains to be seen.
As such, it is with great honor that I extend to you an invitation to serve as a student council member upon your enrollment in Nasca Academia. I trust that someone of your brilliance will contribute meaningfully to both its governance and vision.
Lastly, I politely ask you to support my children, who will also be attending the academy. May your presence serve as both their guidance and inspiration, as I hope they, too, shall become great thinkers such as yourself.
With sincere regard,
Lakshavir Nasca
King of the Nasca Kingdom
=====================================
The moment I finished reading, silence lingered for a breath too long. But then...
"Bwahahaha!!"
Father let out a boisterous laugh—one of disbelief and awe combined.
"Well, well, well... Now that's an endorsement. From the king of Nasca, no less! Herta, do you know what this means?"
I didn't answer his question, just shrugged my shoulders, and then turned to my mother, who wiped her eyes before smiling warmly.
"You've grown up so much, Sweetie. I'm... truly proud of you."
As they celebrated with their eyes gleaming, I remained quiet. The words in the letter echoed into my mind.
An invitation to the school council? Support his children?
Why would the king want someone like me to be in that position?
Was this just flattery, or was there something more carefully calculated behind those words?
I didn't speak those thoughts out loud. Not yet.
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[Third POV]
While Herta and her parents remained occupied at their manor, analyzing the contents of the two letters, a different conversation was unfolding within the marble walls of the Nasca Royal Castle a few hours later.
"Kuhahahaha!"
Inside the throne room, a boisterous chuckle echoed throughout the castle walls. The source of the unexpected exhilaration was none other than King Lakshavir Nasca himself, unable to contain his delight.
"I knew it," he declared, voice brimming with pleasure. "I was right to suspect that the young lady was the mind behind our kingdom's surge of innovation and prosperity—such brilliance must not go unnoticed."
While the king reveled in his own foresight, Queen Rosalia Nasca, who sat next to him, let out a gentle sigh, her expression caught between patience and mild exasperation.
"My love, please do compose yourself," she urged, voice serene yet laced with concern. "The Director might mistake your laughter for madness rather than for discernment."
Acknowledging the queen's words, King Lakshavir cleared his throat. "Ahem... My apologies, I may have let my excitement get the better of me."
"There's no need to apologize, Your Highness," Zandar replied, unfazed by the outburst. "It is entirely reasonable to be pleased. Miss Herta's intelligence could rival the finest minds of the Nasca Kingdom—if guided and nurtured along with the rest of the new generation."
King Lakshavir's expression sobered slightly, though the gleam in his eyes remained.
"Then it's settled," he proclaimed, straightening his seating position. "If that young lady made another extraordinary feat, I shall arrange for her to meet me in person. A mind like that must be acknowledged not only with letters but with opportunity."
Queen Rosalia, hearing her husband's remark, reached out and placed her hand over his. "My Love, while I understand that the girl's achievements are impressive, we must remember that giving such recognition would place a heavy burden on her shoulders."
The king met her gaze, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes.
After a brief pause, he turned to the director, his expression hardened with resolve. "Director Zandar, tell me honestly, is there anything else this young lady has done lately?"
The director hesitated, weighing his words carefully. But then, shook his head.
"I'm afraid there's none, Your Highness."
King Lakshavir blinked, baffled by the response.
"Are you sure about that, Director?"
Zandar nodded, trying to remain calm.
"That's right, Your Highness. Other than the innovation she has created and the research she was involved in, there is nothing of note that I am aware of."
The king raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.
"I expected more," he muttered. "A brilliant mind like hers should have something else hidden under her sleeves."
Maintaining his composure, the director kept eye contact with the king. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, she has spent the past three years financing her research by selling blueprints and inventions. I haven't come across anything secretive."
King Lakshavir's lips pressed into a thin line as he processed the information.
"Very well," he gave in, waving his hand dismissively. "That will suffice for now."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Zandar responded, bowing deeply.
He then stood up and turned around before walking toward the exit. The knights stationed at the throne room opened the doors, allowing him to leave.
While wandering through the royal hallway, the director's thoughts drifted back to a previous conversation with Marlene before he left the Wissenschaft manor a few hours ago.
[Flashback]
The two had stood at the manor's gate, just before his departure. Marlene leaned toward him and began to speak.
"You must not tell the king about the living dolls," she warned, her voice solemn yet calm.
Zandar raised an eyebrow, confused. "Huh? But why not?"
"Because the timing is not right," Marlene vaguely explained. "Revealing them too early would disrupt the prophecy and put the dolls in the custody of the enemies."
The director frowned at the caretaker's reasoning, skeptical.
"But such constructs could be invaluable to the kingdom's defenses if we tell the king first."
Marlene shook her head, gazing at him with unspoken meaning.
"The enemies would still take advantage of these dolls if you informed him prematurely," she clarified. "Let the prophecy reveal the truth to everyone at the right moment."
[End Flashback]
Returning to the present, Zandar continued down the quiet marble corridors, still considering the caretaker's words and the mysterious future she alluded to.
"I still don't understand why she won't tell me."
While mulling over his thoughts, the director suddenly bumped into someone in the corner.
"Ah, my apologies," he said politely, glancing down.
The person Zandar collided with was a boy with blonde hair and red eyes—two unmistakable signs of someone with royal blood.
"It's alright, Sir," the young lad replied, nodding as he continued past the director.
Zandar raised an eyebrow and shrugged, continuing on his way, unaware that the person he had just encountered was the prince of Nasca Kingdom.