"I'll leave here one day, Kaito, just like that bird you keep telling me about." Historia's chuckle was cold. "This place is nothing but a pretty miserable cage. I've already reaped most of the benefits I wanted. Now I just need to escape."
"But you have to plan properly," Kaito reminded her.
"I know." Historia said. "If I just run, Father may track me down. He has the resources, the power, and the magic to do so. If I escape without preparation, he'll catch me easily. And if my preparation is sloppy he'll chase me. I don't want to waste my life running, I want a plan that would make him give up on ever finding me."
Kaito tilted his head, voice low. "So… what's your plan?"
"I need long-range teleportation magic." Her voice was firm.
"Teleportation? But Elowen's is only short range."
"That's why I need something greater." Historia smirked, recalling faint memories of glowing circles under Elowen's feet. "So far I've memorized the magic symbols of her magic circle, and I can teleport now, but not far. However, I know for a magic spell to teleport me extremely far away it should look more detailed. I would also need to memorize our world map, so I can make an accurate teleportation. Also, with magic of that scale, the circle would probably be huge like that of father's powerful spells," Historia stated as she remembered the day the entire family was sent to hunt monsters. The children obviously didn't participate but were there to watch their father in action.
She remembered her father raising his hand. Massive circles layered one atop the other, glowing brighter than any life force she had ever seen. Entire hoards of monsters had been obliterated in a single spell. That kind of overwhelming power… she wanted it for herself.
"You've really thought this through," Kaito admitted softly, impressed despite doubting her.
"Of course. You should stop underestimating me." Historia's lips curled into a smug smile.
____
Days later, Historia stood before her brother's magic teacher. The tall, middle-aged man shifted uneasily under her gaze. He knew her as the blind half-blood, the one no one bothered with. And yet here she was, standing boldly in the meeting hall with her father, mother, and brothers.
"You… want to study?" the teacher asked, incredulous.
Historia nodded firmly.
The air cracked with Abel's mocking laugh. "Study? You? You're nothing but a half-blood freak! How could someone like you even…."
"Am I not a noble's daughter?" Historia's icy words sliced through his protest. Her voice was cold, "Shouldn't I be given some education, atleast to raise my worth? Or shall rumors spread that the Duke's family is so pathetic, they couldn't even educate their illegitimate child? Tell me, what noble would marry a woman who cannot even speak intelligently and is ignorant about society?"
The teacher stiffened, his eyes darting toward Kawdon the Duke. 'She's sharper than she looks,'' he thought with an approving nod which was noticed by Kawdon.
The Duke sat silent for a moment, his short straight pink hair combed neatly. His golden eyes were cold as well.
"Your singing skills are enough," Kawdon said at last.
Historia's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Without proper training? Without etiquette? When she beats me everyday and feeds me less and less? I doubt I will be able to sing very soon, much less talk?"
Elowen stiffened, her hands trembling as her husband's eyes flicked to her. "Duke….."
Kawdon lifted his hand lazily, yet Elowen was flung back by an invisible strike, slamming into the floor. Blood spilled from her lips as her wide golden eyes shook in disbelief.
"M-Mother!" Abel cried, scrambling to her side.
"Father, how could you?!" Abel's voice cracked, but the Duke did not even glance at him. The younger brother at the table simply kept eating, indifferent to what was happening.
"Her voice," Kawdon said coldly, his gaze fixed on Elowen, "is an asset. Do not dare ruin this for me, wench."
Historia chuckled quietly, unable to hide her satisfaction as she smirked at Elowen.
'That cursed brat… smiling?!' Elowen's bloodied face twisted with fury as she glared at the child.
"I'll allow you a teacher," Kawdon continued, rising from his seat. His cold eyes, bore into Historia's face. "But fail in your studies, and I will revoke the privilege."
Historia lowered her head respectfully, but her lips curved faintly upward. "I'm most grateful, Father."
The Duke's gaze hardened. "Remember this, girl. Women exist for one purpose: to bear children and secure their husbands' legacy. Education is unnecessary. The only reason I'm indulging you… is because men grow bored of stupid women. Do not mistake my tolerance for kindness."
Historia's fingers curled tightly into her skirt, her voice steady, almost sweet. "Of course, Father. I'll remember."