My visit has come to an end in the orphanage just before the time reach 10:21 AM.
I played with the children with their various mix-trips that are typically just bunch of games, that they came up with their own. Some are funny, some are goofy, some games you need to get to be beaten up. Not physically, but like- pushing each other's strength.
As time grows longer, I managed to slip past through the children's eyes.
I also made sure to have and say my goodbyes and thankyous again to the other people residing in the Orphanage.
To be honest, some parts of my visit aren't good to be talk about. Just like that petty old nun in the place.
.
Currently, I am already riding my carriage towards the grand library in this country's only university; to where my sister usually goes. Not to be petty for her as well, but it is because we have something to discuss far more important than the one that I talked about with the Priest in the Orphanage.
Shortly after, I decidedly to go home first, because I'm forgot something to bring along to my trip.
I arrive safely and everything goes smoothly when I entered the Estate. The guards greet me at the front gate... I walked alongside the butterflies... and people greeted me again whenever I get passed with them. As per instructed-greeting- because I always- and always really hated how they greet us.
Though Mother almost apprehend me because of that, she (did not) willingly accepted it.
Her reaction says it all, so it went back to a basic manner. "Good Morning, Milady."
As I am getting closer to the second floor, Yuna welcome me with a refreshment.
"May I pour you some cold lemon?"
"Sure... Just put it somewhere first, since- I need your help... Follow me."
After that, we started walking toward my room. Physically, it is not that far from the stairs I had walked up to- so we only gotten past several rooms including my brother's temporary room, and various paintings of the achievements; mother had accomplished.
I open the door to my room and walk towards my table, right away. Given that I ordered Yuna to follow me for a time being, I told him- "Can you find a book that has a silver and gold coin inside?"
"Specifications?"
I suddenly stopped, because I already forget its entire content.
"Just find a book that uses a coin as a bookmark."
"As you wish."
As for what I am looking for.
I am looking for a different book too; it is called Basics of Conceptual Essence. Where my sister, Yumi- ask me to read the entirety of the text. It has a page count that rivals the extent of a small mouse.
That's why I'm also having a hard time finding it currently.
I look at the time again and the time is already 11:21 AM.
I'm gonna be late...
I dig up my mind to remember where I left it in my room, but my dumbass brain cannot remember where did I put it.
Yuna walks up to me and cough enough to call for my attention.
"Here's the book, Milady."
Premonition and Insights Theory.
"Really?!!!! Holy Mother... You're my life-saver Yuna."
-stars came out of my eye.
"It is my pleasure, Lady Linang... But you still look troubled. Mind if I can help?"
"No no no no it's fine. Don't worry about it hehehe." Yep, you should be worried about the lady over here. "You can leave now."
Yuna left.
Time is running, and it is currently 11:30 AM
Every corners of my drawers, every corner of my table... I already scrambled the books and papers hoping that it is mixed in together.
But hope isn't on my side.
It isn't here. That book-
:0
.
I left the Estate and ordered my carriage to be fast as he can, so that I can arrive early or- on time.
But the University doesn't get the memo that it needs to be on short distances. Arriving there, usually takes an hour, so in theory; if we are in a hurry. We can get there in time.
.
Of course, that's just according to what I just thought of.
But honestly, we kind of put together to arrive quicker. It's just that the carriage are not in a good condition now, and we arrive in an hour. Better than being late.
"Wait for me."
.
pant/ pant/ pant/
"Excuse me. Excuse me!"
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH STUDENT IN THE HALLWAY?!
Passing every rooms in the hallway, I immediately look at the numbers that are placed in the middle of big doors. Once I had completed the left hallway, I quickly run towards to the right side.
room 11
room 13
room 16
Since, it is my first time going in the University. I actually thought earlier that I might get lost once I'm already inside of the grounds. Because the overall architecture of the University is towering of exactly four levels each building. Build with pointy tips, resembling a dark lord's domain, and has a style of a simple castle.
I guess the owner of this place came from another country.
As I was still running left and right, I almost hit someone, like a raging animal charging at you.
"Sorry."
The person shouted- probably demanding something.
A girl's voice.
Too focus on getting on time, I forgot to have an apology.
What is her room again?
-I check my trusty notebook
Third Floor- Research Room (24)
:0 ...
Did I just seriously ran and passed every students, only to find it later that I'm finding a person in a wrong floor. I honestly need to start going to bed, early.
How many times have I nearly run into every students?
I'm tired.
.
As I am turning around now (still running), someone shouted- "Stop there!"... As soon as I heard, I obviously stopped and slowly turns around.
Who the hell is stopping me all of the sudden?
-I face the person.
-Tsk. Annoying bastard teacher's pet.
The same as everyone's uniform of a student. They were wearing a simple white long sleeve polo and trousers; topping with a black robe. In addition, I noticed that every single students here have pins on their robe. Iron Bronze Silver Gold. Probably indicating a mastery of their knowledge or current year in here.
"Don't you know that students here shouldn't run in the hallway? Even if you are a noble. You must abide to the rules of the University."
It is a kid who were calling me over. A student of high regard, I hope- but she only have a pin of Iron and Bronze.
What a clown.
-I smug.
"Come to me in the head master's-"
-she gets interrupted.
"There's no need for that, Demetre... I'll handle her myself... Let's go."
Yumi?
Didn't expect her to meet me like this.
-I nod, pertaining to come along, but the student called Demetre still insist.
"But Professor Thessalor-."
However, Yumi is in her power to disobey
"Come to the Archives later."
"As you wish Professor Thessalor."
As we get a little farther from that student, I ask Yumi while following her in front of me, carrying a book as thick as an ordinary notebook and a box of chalk.
-I step closer.
"Why did you ask me to come to your University?"
"I have something I want you to do."
She answers while still looking ahead at where we're walking.
"What is it?"
"Later. I'll come to you."
Wow. Is this really the person I'm talking to? Well, considering we're inside the University, it's only right to speak and act properly.
We go up on one floor and walk down the hallway to the right.
The classrooms in this university all look the same, and there's nothing particularly special about their exterior, except for the oversized doors and the spacious interiors. If you measure the space inside, it could fit around 45 students, along with a few tools and equipment suited to whatever kind of classroom it is.
Currently, the students we pass by are gradually entering their classrooms, followed by their teacher from behind.
After passing a few more classrooms, we reach one where some students are still outside, seemingly waiting for Yumi, their teacher for this class of their.
As we approach, a few students immediately greet us. Alongside that, others glance over with looks that seem unwilling to talk, or maybe, I think- they just have painted strange personalities.
"Good afternoon Professor."
"Good afternoon Ma'am Thessalor."
"Afternoon Prof."
"Sup' Ma'am."
Yep-
There are also hooligans in this University.
"Come in. We're behind our schedule for today."
The students enter one by one, while some are in groups that seem to reflect as it is their circle.
When it's our turn to go in, I immediately whisper to Yumi.
"Hey,... Can you tell me now what exactly do you want me to do?"
She stops walking and looks straight into my eyes. Little by little, the demeanor she had earlier fades. The face of a woman whom whenever she enters a room, carries no trace of rigidity, only regal poise, with a gaze fixed steadily ahead.
And as that presence vanishes like mist in the air, she smiles like a maiden with a wicked plan. But just as quickly, she returns to an expression like a rose fragrant, yet thorned.
Weirdo.
As I move to sit in the spot closest to the front, I immediately notice the title of the book she's holding.
Basics of Conceptual Essence.
"Good evening, class... I assume you've all read Basics of Conceptual Essence, Page 5 to Page 58."
So I wasted my body fluid for nothing? And why does she sound so stern? Page 5 to 58 is a lot, honestly.
(I read the overall content)
"Judging by everyone's expression. I believe none of you understand it... Well that is to be expected. Since, this is the official start of your 2nd year, here in Augury."
Augury?
That explains a lot why can I only see humans in this university.
A university that is built of divination. Well that is the meaning of Augury, so... perhaps. Maybe, I'm right.
"We're going to start our day with understanding the very basic concept of praying."
Yumi picks up a piece of chalk and begins drawing a few lines and shapes. Eventually, they form constellations that represent well-known gods.
As Yumi nears the end of her drawing, she asks.
"Can anyone tell me what these are, the ones in front of you?"
Seriously? This is the actual lesson?
A student from the second row opens their mouth to speak.
"Raise your hand, please."
The students suddenly fall silent, but gradually, their whispers returns an exchanging mix of thoughts and observations in hushed tones.
Someone raises their hand from the third row on the left.
"Stand up."
Shyly, the student stands and answers, stuterrring a little.
"I-I believe that t-they are the CelestiAl Sibling-is."
"I'd appreciate a more detailed answer."
"Their father, The True Creator. His children are called the Celestial Siblings, The Eldest are: The Radiance, and the Perpetual Moon. The youngest are: The Arbiter and Torch Bearer."
"Impressive Ms. Samson... I didn't expect you would go down that far... Listen Class." Yumi slaps the table. "What you guys seeing in front of you are the sigils of the Celestial Beings, which Ms. Samson answered. If someone in your class already read the pages, I also assume that someone must've been trying to do the example prayer but cannot do so."
Given how Yumi's presence in the class, I will not ask myself why are they in a complete silence.
Yumi walk to the lectern.
"I'll demonstrate an example right now."
Like the rest, Yumi closed her eyes. Her palms pressed together, one on each side. But unlike the others, her prayer held no extra motion, no subtle bow, no whispered name, no upward glance. There was no sign of offering, no hint of direction. Her prayer drifted, unanchored and unanswered.
I pray for the unseen
The shadows that were wandering
When crossroads blur and stars grow dim
Thy control from a realm within
By breath unspoken
Lead me where no vow is broken
If I wander, let me be wise
Deep in earth and hundred skies.
A keeper of the ever-turning fate
Hold back the hands of ever-tuning bow
Till journey's end, or dawn anew
I walk this path, and place my trust in you.
The prayer ended.
And nothing seem to happen.
The students were still in silence; probably asking themselves to whom she prayed onto. Probably asking themselves- why is it so different from a usual prayer and so long to end with.
I too- was always bewildered, how humans sought the god's graces in long sentences, and poems.
"I know that some of you and the other students here in Augury; claims that they came from the Northern Countries, which by far we have investigated that there are roughly 50%- truthfully came from the largest territory in the South."
Giving off the alarming state of the air in the classroom, Yumi still- she left a sweet smile before asking a question.
"Can someone tell what is the disadvantages of seeking god's grace?"
Multiple hands rose, slowly.
Yumi calls another girl, in the right backrow.
"State your name and answer."
"I am Riley Valjean... I believe that the disadvantages of seeking god's graces; are exquisitely too long to state, lots of rhyming sequence, and needs the faith of the one who is seeking with."
"Give Ms. Valjean an around of applause everyone."
.
"Since Ms. Valjean already gave a point to the discussion. Is anyone still willing to follow her answer?"
Your student already answered everything. No one else is really going to respond now.
"For our next activity, I will give everyone 30 minutes to construct their own prayer to whomever they want to offer it... It's up to you if you want a grace, but if I were you. I will choose to pray for the guardian of this land."
Yumi closed her book while saying the simple precautions. After that, she walk towards to my table.
The person who greeted Yumi in a crude way, earlier in the front door.
He convincingly politely ask.
"Why?"
Yumi looks directly into the student's eyes.
She looks just like mom when she's serious.
"Soothe your pain... Die or get your personal god's disappointment. It's one way or another."
The student's ego suddenly gets recoiled.
"I'll give you a solid grade this term if you manage to call a god."
The student did not give any but; to his face. He might wanna say "understood" or "what cruelty is this?".
Yumi walks up to me again.
"Are you ready Amelie?"
"What now?"
Her mood returned to how it always was during our usual conversations. Let's say a carefree, sweet, thoughtful, a bit of a jerk, unusual personification. But always had a hint of fragrant grace in every step she took.
"Just assist them. Hold on, I'll introduce you-."
"Hey wait, I'm not ready-."
I can't stop her.
She switched back to her teaching manner.
"Before anyone of you write their first sequence. I'll introduce you to all, Ms. Amaryllis Amelia Thessalor. Unlike me who chose to be a professor, she devoted her life to be a reverend mother of Wayward Altar..."
No it's not!
"She is my sister, yes. And she will help everyone to accomplish their task today."