29~ The So-Called Outcast
Tillysha had little to no interaction with the group of new students. All the faces she saw at the Natural Spirit Maiden Academy were unfamiliar to her.
In the ornate animal-respect incense burner, which was intricately woven from gold-thread and carnelian, fragrant herbs slowly burned. In one corner of the classroom stood a griffin sculpture. However, this wasn’t merely a decorative item. Encapsulated within the sculpture was a type of drinkable alchemical elixir, expertly blended by one of the Academy’s master alchemists. It was completely harmless and even refreshing. This elixir was available for free for the Spirit Maidens, primarily to invigorate them.
The hall was adorned in a warm color scheme with luxurious crimson velvet draped around. The silk curtains masked the view of the campus outside, making it resemble a royal palace of some distant land.
It wasn’t accurate to say that the Male Spirit Academy and Mage Academy were shabby. However, when it came to the level of detail and extravagance in decor, they could never compare to the Spirit Maiden Academy.
Every single ornament within the Spirit Maiden Academy radiated opulence. From the lectern to the tiered seating, everything screamed luxury. Even the free supply of alchemical drinks was incredibly expensive, an experience far beyond what the males and mages could ever hope for.
Once Tillysha stepped into this magnificent classroom, she immediately understood why most Spirit Maidens carried an air of arrogance, acting high and mighty. Indeed, the environment shapes the person, and this was the kind of setting that bred over-the-top elites.
Now, would you expect these noble-born ladies, who from birth had access to superior resources, premium education, and the finest environments, to see commoners as equals? Not even a possibility – even a toddler could tell you that.
The ‘regal’ atmosphere that permeated the Spirit Maiden Academy was something Tillysha couldn’t blend into, and this was starkly different from the ambiance in the Male Spirit Academy.
“Miss Annie, this jasmine-scent is truly divine on you. Have you switched to a new shampoo?”
“Fufu, Aileen, you’re teasing me! It’s just an ordinary shampoo. Speaking of which, you’ve been wearing the latest perfume from alchemical master Eden, haven’t you? So stylish!”
“Miss Annie, you’re the one to talk! You know all about it, so surely you’ve already been using it for a while, haven’t you?”
“Heh heh…”
Topics of conversation among the students ranged from the newest masterpieces by forging and alchemy experts to brand-name shampoos, perfumes, and famous jewelry. Though the topics were eclectic, Tillysha realized she couldn’t contribute to any of them.
From the moment she entered, she felt it — while the Spirit Maidens were physically close to her, they were on a different plane of existence. She couldn’t join their conversations or step into their world. This gap was the result of a lifetime of inculcated values and worldviews that made communication between them practically impossible.
Unlike the other Spirit Maidens, who weren’t required to wear uniforms to class yet, they dressed to impress, each look resembling a banquet for a royal court.
Tillysha, on the other hand, stood out immediately in her coarse clothes and simple tied shoes, making her appear like an outsider among them all.
The vast and splendid classroom hosted a variety of small groups, each discussing topics they were interested in, with elegant speech and refined vocabulary. It was as though they were making an effort to showcase every ounce of their exceptionalism and grace.
Within each group, if someone couldn’t keep up with the flow of conversation and appeared clueless, they’d inevitably become a laughingstock. It wasn’t surprising that Tillysha, who shied away from socializing, didn’t see how these discussions could ever work.
She preferred using her time to expand her knowledge instead of talking about it. Reading a book held far more meaning for her than chit-chat.
So, knowing she couldn’t fit in, Tillysha didn’t force herself. She quietly chose a seat, picked up a book, and sat down.
As soon as she sat, she could feel several eyes glancing her way.
No, to be precise, they weren’t looking at her but at her rough clothing and the scar on her face.
Misfits always draw the most attention and, consequently, the most awkwardness.
After the initial curiosity and confusion, the gazes shifted elsewhere, conclusions reached.
Dressed in tattered commoner clothes with an unsightly scar across her face, the identity of this blond duckling was crystal clear.
A Wild Spirit Maiden.
Moreover, one who wasn’t particularly successful.
It was well known that Wild Spirit Maidens needed to flaunt themselves more conspicuously to gain recognition from others, and that flaunting also included their attire.
Generally, Wild Spirit Maidens felt an inherent inferiority to official Spirit Maidens, therefore they strived hard to disguise themselves as “normal” ones to fit in.
But someone who didn’t even attempt such a disguise? They probably couldn’t afford it.
This kind of Wild Spirit Maiden had not only a disgraceful background but also little to no talent as a Spirit Maiden. Their very existence was considered a blemish on the term “Spirit Maiden.” Naturally, none of the present Spirit Maidens spared them even a second glance.
