The note inside she opened carefully; it was in Em's handwriting;
*****
Ev,
Happy Birthday.
How have you been?
How is your mana training going? These are protective enchantments—though not as good as your mother's, I thought a few extra on you would still be better.
With love,
Em
P.S. You can send a letter back. Enclose a letter, close the box and knock twice on the box's lid and it will return to me.
*****
Evie's eyes sparkled. A letter—from Em! But she couldn't help blushing at the way he signed it.
With love,
Em.
Quest: Send a Letter to the Hero
Details: Send a letter to the Hero through the ornate letter box.
Reward: Unlock System Inventory
"Right! I wanted to send you something anyway!"
She darted to her desk, pulled out parchment, and scribbled;
*****
Em,
My birthday was last week. I thought you'd forgotten. I wish you stubbed your toe but I hope you didn't -
*****
"Ugh!" She tore the paper in half, growling. "Let's not be mean! He's our friend after all!"
She tried again.
*****
Em,
Thank you for the gift. These are from the System.
They help with training.
With love—
*****
Her quill slipped, the words already down. "Aaaah! Why?! Why did I write love ?!" She smacked the quill against the desk, then buried her face in her arms. "I can't send that!"
She yanked out another sheet, cheeks red, muttering, "Okay. Just calm down Evie."
*****
Em,
Thank you for the gift. These are from the System.
They help with training. Tell me when's your birthday?
Well wishes,
Ev
*****
She blew out a long breath and shoved the letter into the box. Along with a few system sweets that she recently unlocked that helps improve different stats and sent it to him.
Quest [Complete]: Send a Letter to the Hero
Details: Send a letter to the Hero through the ornate letter box.
Reward: [Unlocked] System Inventory
Evie clutched Em's original note to her chest, flopping back onto her bed not realizing she was smiling from ear to ear.
"System" she summoned, and placed the letter in her inventory. "Wow it's like infinite inventory here. I won't have to carry anything ever again!"
And so the years passed. Nine-year-old Evie grew into her letters with Lemeric. At first, their notes flew back and forth every day, then every few days, then weeks, until eventually they arrived only once or twice a month. A natural thing, perhaps, when people are apart and busy with their own lives. But one thing never changed—every year, without fail, Lemeric remembered Evie's birthday.
On her 11th birthday, he sent a rose-shaped mana crystal with his letter.
*****
Ev,
Happy Birthday!
Grandfather Alric visited me a fortnight ago and told me flowers make better gifts than jewelry, so I made this.
I've adjusted well to Valmere. Thank you for sending me new training items—the clothes from the system helped with dragon riding. I can't believe your mother invented a spatial bag! Grandfather Eltharion asked me where it's from... is it alright if I tell him?
With love,
Em
*****
Em,
Thank you. Master Aaron nearly fainted when he saw the mana crystal—I was using it as a paperweight. He said it could power an entire city. Is that true?
Yes, you may tell him it's from Caerwyn. Our craftmasters have already replicated Mama's work and will soon sell them in the market. I'll ask her to send a few directly to Valmere as gifts—I'm sure your grandfather would like to place orders.
Warmly,
Ev
P.S. You still haven't told me when your birthday is?
*****
On her 12th birthday, his gift was a staff and another letter.
*****
Ev,
Happy Birthday!
Thank you for the mana circle totems. I still can't believe you can buy such rare books through your system.
Has the staff been delivered yet? It's my gift to you—I heard from your brothers that you've improved in spellcasting. I've personally search the entire capital for a staff that is easy and safe to use for beginners.
Sol has grown three tails now, and he fights with Luna constantly picking her up at random times of the day while she naps. She's a kind dragon, but they don't get along. Sol will be quite surprise when Luna becomes bigger than him. Your brothers are taking care of me at the Imperial Academy. I'm jealous they went home for your birthday; I'm stuck here in the capital, staying at Montclair House during the break. But do not worry the Duke arranged a comfortable house for me at least I am away from my stepmother and brother.
With love,
Em
*****
Em,
Thank you for your gift. I sent some packages through my brothers, including protective enchantments and a few items from the system. I am surprise to hear that students can bring even their familiar dragons to the academy. The bracelet is a terrarium space inside where Luna can stay. It's a fascinating thing it's like her own forest inside.
I heard training at the Academy is harsher this year because of the new professor. Please take care of yourself. Mr. Carston has also made system healing potions into small pills. Carry them at all times, especially during training.
P.S. Since you won't tell me your birthday, I've decided it's the day before mine. That way, I'll always remember. Happy Birthday, Em.
Warmly,
Ev
*****
At Evie's 13th brithday, he sent a pack of talismans.
*****
Ev,
Happy Birthday!
I actually went to Caerwyn to see you, but your parents said you were visiting your grandmother in Arudstein. I was excited for you to meet Luna she has grown quite a bit she is now as big as Sol.
I've perfected mana paper transfer and made some talismans for you. Be careful—they're powerful for offense.
With love,
Em
*****
Em,
Happy Birthday!
Yes, my parents sent me to my Grandmother's. I think it's a new form of punishment. Grandmother hasn't stopped lecturing me on manners and etiquette. She insists she's the daughter of an Earl and has high expectations for me which I never really understand. Mama must have sent me here because I kept arguing about the Imperial Academy. I don't want to go. It's a school for the gifted not for me.
Warmly,
Ev
P.S. I used one of the talismans you sent... it blew up Grandmother's study. Her face was priceless rest assured nobody got hurt but I do hope she sends me back to Caerwyn. I'm sending you mana paper, mana ink, and an incantation book from the system shop. I tried to read it, but it was gibberish.
*****
And now, on a cool spring day, came his latest letter:
Ev,
I heard from the twins... is it true you're on your way to the Imperial Academy?
With love,
Em
*****
"Mother, is this really necessary?" Evie wriggled against the ropes binding her.
"Yes, dear. Otherwise, you'd teleport away again." Baroness Elowen tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Thirteen now, Evie was blooming into a young lady—bright eyes have delicately shaped in a beautiful almond from their doll-like shape when she was younger, raven hair falling in soft waves, her features delicate but lively. She could turn nations around, her mother thought.
But then Evie rolled about the carriage seat like a stubborn child.
"Papa, help me!" she whined.
"My lady, perhaps we can delay her admission another year," the Baron said at once, peaking inside the Caerwyn's new carriage.
With the Baron's newfound wealth and influence, they had managed to acquire a vehicle that was modest yet dignified, befitting their still-humble barony. It was procured especially for Evie's long carriage ride to the capital.
The Baroness snapped the carriage window shut so her husband couldn't meet their daughter's pleading eyes. "Don't fall for it! She is going to the Academy whether she likes it or not."
"But I don't want to, Mama!" Evie squirmed harder.
Baroness Elowen sighed. "And to think, your father believed sending you to your grandmother's would fix your temper. It seems to have had the opposite effect."
"I don't want to go, I don't want to go!" Evie rolled dramatically on the carriage bench, her pout completely at odds with her mature, lady-like appearance.
"Evie, please." The Baroness's voice softened. "We can't stay by your side forever. The Academy will broaden your horizons. With the twins gone, no one is with you daily. You must learn to fend for yourself."
Her words cut through Evie's tantrum. She knew her mother's fears weren't baseless—dungeon raids, trade disputes, infiltrators. More than once, plots had aimed for her, the 'sheltered weak daughter of Caerwyn.'
"But Mama," she whispered, "I'm not as talented or smart enough for the academy!"
"Of course you are. Don't for a second think I haven't noticed you've been secretly brewing health potions and stashing them in Aaron's office, crafting protective gear for the guards, and growing such bountiful crops in the greenery that Caerwyn could thrive off the land for decades. And that's just the tip of the iceberg with all the other things you've been quietly up to."
"But those were from..." the system Evie could not explain to her properly.
"From you. It's a gift only you possess. I don't understand where it comes from or what it truly is, but I know this—ever since Em arrived at our manor, it's as if everything has been magically set right. Our coffers seem to have endless supply of gold coins, the food in our kitchen never seems to run out, books on advanced magic have appeared in my study, and even your father's armor has been reinforced with magic far beyond anything I can conjure." Baroness Elowen chided.
Evie froze. "You knew?"
"Of course. I'm the Baroness of Caerwyn. And your mother. You can't hide anything from me." Elowen untied the ropes. "Show me."
"Alright... System." Evie summoned the familiar blue panel.
Her mother frowned. "I can't see it."
"It's hard to explain... but this 'system' lets me teleport, store items, read people's stats, buy things, and earn gold by completing quests." She pulled out a book of blueprints and a chest of gold. "Here, Mother. These are blueprints for a defense structure—I know you've been concerned about Caerwyn's walls. And here's some money. Please, use it, and stop worrying about it."
Elowen's eyes widened. "So that's where the random treasures came from... It reminds me of a friend I know."
"You have a friend who has a system too?"
"Yes but it was a friend from a long time ago."
"Where is she now?"
"Sadly somewhere far away..." Her mother trailed off staring out the carriage window. "But wait a minute how did you get so much gold? You're not getting involved in anything dangerous, are you?"
Evie shook her head. "It's all tied to Em. Every quest is about helping him. The rewards come once I complete a quest or give aid to him."
"Quests?"
"Yes. And now, after so long, a new one appeared."
Evie glanced at the glowing words.
[System Notification]
Quest: Year 1 – Imperial Academy
Details: Join the Hero and start your first day at the Imperial Academy.
Reward: 500,000 Gold Coins
"Is that why you keep scowling at the wind for no reason?" Baroness Elowen smiled like she somehow completed a puzzle in her mind.
She groaned. "Yes, it's showing a new quest something I don't think I can do."
"What does it say?"
"It's saying I should go study at the Imperial academy" Evie waved the system away.
"Then I'm glad we tricked you into taking the exam and got you into this carriage somehow " Baroness Elowen said briskly. "Because we've arrived."
Evie gazed at the scene before her—the Entrance Ceremony of the Imperial Academy was a spectacle of power and prestige. Noble families arrived in glittering carriages, attendants scurrying with luggage and last-minute instructions. Commoners, wide-eyed, made their way through, awe-struck by the grandeur unfolding. Holy retainers in radiant white armor moved serenely among the crowd, their presence glowing with divine authority. The royal imperial family's ornate carriage was surrounded by imperial guards as a lone figure stepped out.
Elves glided into view, their golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, radiating ancient grace. Above, a dragon descended, casting massive shadows over the crowd. Some air riders sat astride other beasts, cloaks billowing, while others flew free, their wings folding gracefully as they vanished into the air. Amidst the splendor of nobility and magic, the Beastmen arrived with quiet intensity. A few arrived with flying carpets and brooms - others with their dragons soaring with a dangerous edge to the scene.
"Just tell me one thing my dear, you're doing these quest not just for the barony right? You're not putting yourself in danger, are you?"
"I'm not mother, I... " she swallowed looking back at the crowd outside the carriage "I think Em might need me here."
"Alright, my sweet girl," her mother said softly, "You have your own path to walk, and I can only hold your hand for so long. Just remember, our house may have more than enough gold, but we only have one daughter. Don't rush into the fire alone. Come to us when you need help."
With that Baroness Elowen stepped out of the carriage, her words lingering in the air.
"Do I really have to this?" Evie whispered, shrinking back.
The Baron peeked into the carriage, his massive frame blocking the sun, the crowd - her fears. "My daughter are you alright? If you truly don't want to go, I'll take you back to Caerwyn right now." He said offering his hand.
But her mother's words echoed: It is a gift only you possess,giving her a bit of courage.
Evie straightened, smoothing her dress. She placed her hand in her father's. "It's alright, Papa. I believe I can do this."