The Tale of the Ice Princess

Part 2 - Chapter 1

Late Summer Year 959 , Altradore Calendar . ( Aria Heldor - Age 9 )  

"Oh what's this ?" I said , examining the letter placed on my desk .

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Dear Miss Heldor ,

You are cordially invited to a tea party in commemoration of the Young master Reggienand's entrance to the Academy.

Your presence would be highly appreciated.

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Urgh . What a pain .

Reggienand......... Reggienad ...... I think that was a Count's house .

What a pain .

I could feel the beginnings of a headache taking root .

Since House Heldor was a Baron , Reggienand outranked us . refusing to turn up would be akin to disrespecting the house .

like i said , what a pain .

Currently , I am nine summers of age , due to attend The Academy the coming spring . I was living in House Heldor's capital mansion for some reason.

Mainly because I wanted to get away from Mother , because of reasons .

Living in the capital was great , there were many different foods to try, not to mention the amount of freedom I was given . I could practically research from day to night without anyone disturbing me .

I sighed. Life was going to be more complicated.

I guess I will have to go . Another sigh.

I really hated these kinds of social functions . A pain to prepare for , a pain to attend .

But there were benefits like forging connections, something I needed desperately if I were to carry out my plan .

After White Disaster , it was reported that Count Valence was murdered, a massacre really . It was said that 'the whole house was stained in blood' and other exaggerated things.

Nobles became scared of the unknown force that killed the Count. And like a rat backed into a corner , they panicked, rushing to forge alliances. Even 2 years after White Disaster , it's effects were still felt .

Well , I have no regrets killing him . He deserved it .

As images began to resurface , I switched my focus , mentally pushing back the memories into its box.

I guess i will have to attend. Got to show my face every now and then .

Another sigh.

The tea party was in two weeks, near the start of winter .

Another headache .

Winter was the time when most nobles socialized , because it was the time where most magic beasts were hibernating . So nobles gathered at the capital to give reports on harvest and other affairs whilst socializing, exchanging information , forging alliances and such . .

I rang the bell. A maid came rushing in , asking "Young Miss , is anything the matter?"

"How many times have I said to call me Aria, Lavina ." I said , exasperated .

The maid , Lavina , was the older sister of the duo pair I rescued 2 years ago . After the incident , they had nowhere to go , as their family was slaughtered during the kidnapping , so I took them in .

Lavina was my personal maid and closest confidant . If I ever skipped a meal invested in research , she would barge in , forcing me to eat . She was a force to be reckoned with when angry, I shudder at even remembering her angry outbursts .