### Chapter Nine: Off to the Academy
Creeeak…
Clang! Clang—
The drizzly wind outside was tapping against the window. The half-closed window frame clanked annoyingly, waking me from my slumber. I had been bowing and kneeling on the big bed in the manor for so long that my head was buried under the pillow. My body was curled up in the duck-down quilt, with my b*tt sticking up high like a proud flag.
“Ugh… so annoying… so loud!”
My grumpy voice echoed in the room, but I was the only one who could hear it.
Maybe I should get up and close the window…
But I was still sleepy… plus, if I went over there, raindrops would definitely sprinkle on me. I had just changed the bedding, and I didn’t want it all dirty; if rain splashed on me, I would have to wash it, which is such a hassle… Once I wash it, I’d be wide awake and wouldn’t fall back asleep…
So I’ll just wait a bit… then I’ll get up to close it…
… But seriously, it’s so loud!
How could I forget to close it before getting into bed?
What should I do…
So annoying…
Boom! Boom! Boom—!
A rumbling thunder rolled across the sky, illuminating the dark clouds outside. The thunder and lightning storm blasted into the bedroom, reaching my ears like an unwelcome alarm. My body involuntarily shivered. My mind couldn’t help but drift to fantasizing about battling Cardinal Nero, standing atop the heavens, hands clasped over his chest, thunder roaring behind him, with dark clouds coiling around, crashing down in a blinding flash of white light, annihilating everything into oblivion.
…No more sleep for me, I might as well get up.
I threw off the pillow, kicked the covers aside, shuffled to the edge of the bed, scratched my messy hair, yawned wide, and blinked in a daze as I lifted my pale legs, then dropped them again, swinging them over the edge for a while. I glanced at the wall clock.
Ah, it’s almost 6 PM…
Time to eat.
I had spent the last two days cooped up at home, just feasting and snoozing. I realized I hadn’t conversed with anyone else in ages; the last time I had a chat was with the Bearded Festival Messenger when he said goodbye.
Aunt Flo would be leaving soon.
My tummy had stopped cramping, and today’s flow was really light. I figured in a day or two, it would be totally over.
Today is May 3rd.
Which means tomorrow is the day the Royal Academy resumes classes.
I got out of bed, closed the window, pulled the curtains, and headed to the bathroom to take off my nightgown—along with the last one that got dirty—planning to wash them when the rain finally stops in a few days. I washed up, tidied my hair, changed into a fresh pair of undergarments and a sanitary napkin, then emerged to the wardrobe. I picked out a light blue floral long dress, checked myself in the mirror, thought I looked pretty good—a sweet and innocent girl, if I do say so myself—nodding in satisfaction before heading downstairs.
Entering the kitchen, I swung open the cupboard. Carlos had cleared out almost everything. No meat or cake left, nor even any oranges; the only things remaining were a few radishes and some leftover butter spices.
Ah…
I’m out of food.
I felt a twinge of worry.
What do I do now?
Tilting my head, I figured I’d just grab a couple of radishes, cleaned them off, crammed one in my mouth, held one in my hand, turned, and walked into the living room. I shut the ventilation window to keep the rain from pouring in while I chomped on one of the radishes and meandered towards the floor-to-ceiling window. Through the glass and the high walls outside, I vaguely spotted the shadowy 2nd estate next door.
Victoria had left the royal city two days ago.
Since then, the neighbors had been in complete darkness.
How boring…
It felt like everyone who could hold a decent conversation had vanished from the city.
“Ugh…”
I brushed my fingers across the untouched piano cover and let out a soft sigh.
… I should get out.
Let’s go check out the academy.
With a resolve in my heart, I finished off the second radish, turned back, and returned to my bedroom on the second floor. I rummaged through a small bag I hadn’t touched in ages and tossed in a few change of clothes. The other day, Victoria had sent over several elegant hats, and I had considered wearing one. But as I tried them on, they felt a bit too ostentatious, way too “only a noble lady would wear this” for my taste. If I paired those hats with anything less than a formal gown, I’d end up looking ridiculous.
Of course, Victoria also sent over some dresses, but who needs to wear that to school?
In the end, I chose my old sun hat, not to wear, but to hang on my bag, then headed over to the vanity, pulled out a headscarf, and gathered all my black hair into a bun, securing it… okay, it’s a bit crooked; I’m not the best at this… but whatever.
Finally, I threw on a cloak over my dress.
And not just any cloak—the regular raincoat kind, pure white. Given that the royal city always rains, I bought it back in February. With a large hood to keep me covered, not even a face would be recognizable from a distance. This was the perfect tool for hiding one’s identity; no wonder it was favored by those with something to hide.
“Let’s go.”
Once I was ready, I went downstairs, slipped on my high-top leather boots, grabbed my umbrella, and stepped outside.
The rain wasn’t heavy, just a light drizzling tapping on the umbrella, the “plop plop plop” sounds were mildly irritating. I tiptoed over the muddy yard, locked the iron gate behind me, shoved the key into my bag, and quickly jogged down Longdoll Street. The poster of missing persons was still stuck on the wall, but the rain had washed away most of the texts and images, and it looked like no new ones had been posted.
Since Iliush died, no one else had gone missing.
As I exited Longdoll Street, the streets became more populated. I felt a bit nervous; even though I was huddled under my hood and holding an umbrella, I didn’t dare look up, avoiding the crowded areas until I soon arrived at the marketplace.
On rainy days, the market stalls were fewer than on sunny ones, and the crowds weren’t as intense. The familiar shouting of vendors was noticeably absent, making the place much quieter. I was disappointed to find that the vendor who sold Ophelia almond cakes was closed today. However, there was a line for Morm sausage, mostly filled with men.
So many gentlemen…
I pouted, trying to keep my distance from them and crossed the street to buy some waffles, planning to nibble on something before heading towards the academy to look for delicious foods I hadn’t tried yet.
Can’t let my stomach be disappointed…
After buying the waffles, I didn’t want to linger there any longer. I spotted a rented War Chariot a bit further down, told the driver my address, settled on a price, put away my umbrella, and hopped onto the carriage as hooves clopped, heading towards the Royal Academy.
Boom! Boom! Boom…
Thunder rumbled continuously overhead, and the rain seemed to be picking up intensity.
Darkness fell gradually.
The streets near the Royal Academy were bustling as usual, lively and vibrant. The taverns and snack stalls had resumed their business, even the “Pink Family” had their red candles lit, with alluring women standing on the street luring customers.
Many students in academy uniforms strolled along, chatting and laughing under their umbrellas, creating a peaceful atmosphere that belied any changes that had transpired. The only difference was the noticeable increase of those in blue and white patrol coats, wearing shielded berets.
I had the driver drop me off by the street, paid him, and began my search for food.
“Sweet cakes! A secret imperial recipe! Little girls love it, come and take a look~”
“Fresh grilled river fish, crispy skin, tender meat—if it’s not delicious, you don’t pay!”
“Kessily sausages!”
Probably because classes were resuming tomorrow, the nearby streets were notably more prosperous than Longdoll Street, with crowds bustling everywhere, overflowing with food stalls and enticing aromas wafting through the rain.
I held up my umbrella, keeping my head down, feeling a bit anxious at first, worried someone might recognize me and swarm over. But as I walked, I realized nobody would even notice me; with this rain, everyone looked like me! I grew bolder and approached a vendor, buying a sweet cake. I stood by the street to eat it, finding it quite tasty, so I bought a few more to stash in my bag while I continued following the tempting aromas to a stall run by a young couple.
“Duck meat, perch, venison pies… hey little sister, what do you want? My wife just made it; I guarantee it’s good,” the man smiled at me.
Raindrops pattered on the makeshift canopy above, creating a rhythmic sound.
“Um… let me think…”
I tucked my umbrella away under the canopy, tilted my head, and rested my finger on my chin, staring at the fresh meats strung up on the stall. The mouthwatering scent from the food the woman was making tempted my senses and made me hesitate.
Besides venison pies, I hadn’t tried any of the others…
Should I try them all?
“I want to—”
Just as I was about to speak, a familiar voice floated in from beside me.
“…Daisy, look! They have venison pies for sale!”
