Lilia's Tale

Chapter 24: Glace

At the entrance to this man-made beauty was someone wearing a high-quality robe, similar to Father. However, his fabric was of a dark-blue, reminiscent of scholars, in contrast to Father's deep white. He asked us who we were and why we wanted to enter, to which we replied. We added that we were here due to the letter of recommendation sent to us, and thus that we would like to see the principal of this institute.

The guard asked for the letter, that Father handed to him, and looked at me.

"Is that young girl in a maid uniform your daughter, Kouji Lilia?" he asked.

"Yes, she is," Father replied.

"If I may ask, why is she wearing such an attire?"

"We decided that it would be best if I stayed somewhat hidden so people wouldn't bother us on the way," I replied.

"That is understandable. People with even a single S-rank affinity are incredibly rare and usually highly looked up to, so I don't even want to imagine what would happen if someone with your affinities was to be recognized in public. Especially not when you're so young, and the rumors about you are so fresh in everyone's mind," he explained.

"We thought about the exact same thing," I commented. "Are you perhaps a teacher in this school?"

"Oh, I'm not. I am part of the security of it. Teachers are significantly more knowledgeable about magic than I ever will be."

"I see."

"Would you perhaps be able to guide us to the principal, Takara Rin-san?" Father asked.

"I'm sorry, but I'm on guard duty. I will notify someone to guide you."

We waited at the entrance for a short moment, before someone arrived, greeted us, and took us inside. We thanked the guard, and followed them.

The garden was even more mesmerizing from the inside, furthering my inner comparison with the Garden of Babylon, but with added size and grandeur. When we entered the main building, I was surprised even more. There was an inner garden on the side of this massive straight hallway, as well taken care of as the outer one, with the hallway being mostly open to it. The architecture reminded me greatly of churches, with the inner dual arches as support for the roof.

There were students sitting and walking around, carrying small bags with them, all wearing a fancy uniform. Boys were wearing a dark blue jacket with a few golden ornaments alongside a white shirt and black costume pants. Girls were instead wearing a similar jacket and shirt, but instead had a high-waist circular skirt that extended roughly to their knees. The uniform looked quite comfortable, and unknowingly reminded me of how short the maid uniform was.

Our guide talked about different things that I didn't pay too much attention to beyond making sure it wasn't important. As we were walking, we arrived at the end of the garden and continued through the hallway for a little longer before getting to the end, having to turn left.

"Here we have the club rooms. It includes the room for the Judges, and the teachers' lounge."

"The Judges?" I asked.

"Yes, it is the name of the group where the honor students take their decision and plan their duty."

I wasn't sure whether I understood what he meant or not, but I figured it was somewhat similar to either a student council, or a discipline committee.

We then continued on the way until we arrived at the end of the hallway, in front of a staircase and next to a door.

"On the upper levels are all the classrooms, three per year, and an additional teachers' lounge. And next to us is the Principal's office."