Moreover, until one became an official magic scholar, countless students were weeded out with failing grades, so admission was merely the starting point.

‘I’ll work hard and definitely become a magic scholar!’

After wrapping up that day at the inn, in the early dawn, Aris boarded a carriage that was waiting for passengers. She took in the sights of the city where she had enjoyed peace for the first time, looking out the moving carriage window.

Days like this would continue from now on. With an armful of expectations and excitement, Aris headed west in earnest.

* * *

The buildings of the Magic Department were largely divided into buildings used by formal magic scholars and buildings where magic students were educated.

It was two days later when Aris arrived at the Magic Department after passing through the capital. The distance was unavoidably far.

‘It would have been nice if I could move in an instant using magic…’

Aris had never once in her life thought about her magical talents.

Of course, her dream was to become a magic scholar, but this profession was possible even without talent as long as one could handle formulas, at least as a low-ranking scholar.

If one’s talent was exceptional, they could also apply as a ‘mage’ in the Imperial Knights after graduating from the Magic Department.

‘That was the case with Miss Serena Frencia.’

She had outstanding magical talent and rose to the position of vice-commander, following Kalaian through wars.

Aris’s steps suddenly stopped. An unpleasant thought occurred to her.

Serena Frencia’s maternal grandfather was the head of the Magic Department. He was famous for his very strict personality, and would never tolerate an unearned degree, even for his granddaughter.

So, Serena Frencia must have also been a magic student around this time.

‘Oh, my goodness…’

Although they were strangers who had never seen each other’s faces in this life, the thought of possibly running into her made Aris feel uncomfortable. Hadn’t her past life fallen into ruin due to Serena’s false accusations?

Aris heaved a deep sigh. While she had a mischievous desire to get revenge on her, her desire to not get involved at all was greater.

“Miss Eldeiz?”

“Ah, yes…!”

Startled by the sudden call, Aris answered with a jump. The admissions chairman, who had been walking around the Magic Department building with her explaining various things, was looking at her with a puzzled expression.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, I just had a momentary thought… I’m sorry.”

“That can happen. It’s okay. There are often cases like you, Miss Eldeiz, who come to register for the Magic Department alone, and they all tend to think about the hometown they left behind. Don’t worry. If you achieve good results, your family will surely recognize you.”

He gently patted her shoulder. He seemed to have arbitrarily interpreted Aris’s situation as ‘a student who came to study despite the family’s opposition’.

It wasn’t entirely wrong. Aris briefly imagined the day when her father and mother would recognize her. But soon she brushed off the thought with an awkward smile.

“That’s all for the explanation of what a student needs to know. Miss Eldeiz, you also applied for dormitory facilities, right?”

“Yes.”

“Since you’ve just enrolled, you’ll be assigned to a room where there’s a vacancy. But don’t worry, after passing the exam held every six months, you can choose the room you want according to your grades.”

He left a kind explanation to Aris and then looked down at the file he was holding, pushing up his glasses.

“Let’s see… Ah, you’ve been assigned here. Room 507. It’s a double room, and recently one became vacant as someone unfortunately withdrew due to poor grades.”

“Ah… I see. Then, I suppose one person has been using it since then?”

“Yes, Miss Eldeiz’s roommate is… Haha, if I tell you this, it might reduce the joy of forming new relationships. I hope you go there yourself, greet each other, and introduce yourselves. I’ll send word to your roommate in advance.”

When the admissions chairman opened his palm, a pure white light blossomed. The light that surprised Aris rose straight into the sky and began to fly vigorously towards some place.

When she stared with wide eyes, the chairman smiled.

“It’s a simple receiving magic. Now, go in and rest.”

“Yes, thank you…!”

Aris bowed to him and turned around. The dormitory building, so large that she had to crane her neck to see it all, was welcoming her with open arms.

Around her were students passing by in small groups and chatting, or students enjoying picnics sitting on blankets spread out on the wide field.

As Aris watched that peaceful scene, a sudden surge of excitement welled up. What she had only imagined while reading books alone in her past life had become reality before her eyes.

‘Thank you… Mr. E, whose name I don’t know.’

Aris entered the dormitory. Passing through the spacious and luxurious lobby and corridors, she climbed the stairs and searched for room 507.

‘Ah, here it is.’

When she opened the door, she saw a spacious and clean room. A gentle spring breeze was blowing in through the wide-open window, which the room’s occupant must have left open.

After watching the curtains billow and flutter gently, Aris stepped into the room.

‘So this is what a dormitory feels like… It’s fascinating.’

Considering that countless students must have passed through, it couldn’t be said to have a completely new feeling, but the slightly worn corners made it feel even more comfortable.

Aris smiled like a curious child as she looked around the room.

The floor was not cold. Not a chilling marble, but soft and firm wood. What decorated the ceiling was not a chandelier that would pierce the eyes, but a modest light that adequately illuminated the room.

The decorations that used to make her heart cold were nowhere to be seen. Just bookshelves, desks, beds, and a few other pieces of furniture. It felt much more comfortable than the excessively luxurious places she had been in before.

It might not be satisfactory for a noble lady who had grown up like a flower all her life, but Aris was satisfied enough. In fact, it was better than she had imagined.

‘Now that I’ve experienced it, I understand. I need to know how to look at things according to my means, to lower my expectations…’

Aris put down her bag and slowly began to unpack. A few clothes, some daily necessities, and one magic textbook. There wasn’t much she had brought, so the unpacking was quickly finished.

Next, she neatly inserted the textbooks she had received from the admissions chairman into the bookshelf.

‘These were all included in the tuition too.’

Aris felt grateful once again, and as soon as she finished inserting all the books, she sat at the desk and took out the letter. It was the message left two days ago by someone called ‘Anonymous E’ along with an enormous amount of money.

She took out a new piece of stationery she had prepared in advance and picked up a pen.

[Hello, ‘Anonymous E’.

I gratefully received the money you sent. Thanks to that, I have become a student in the Magic Department, pursuing my dream.

I don’t know who you are, nor how you knew about my situation to provide such help, but I will not forget this kindness.

Based on the message you left for me, I thought that perhaps you, Mr. E, wish for me to achieve my dream.

So, let me tell you, my dream is to become an official magic scholar after graduating from the Magic Department. I was able to recall my dream after seeing the magic textbook you sent me.

I want to live a free life where I can proudly reveal my name and live steadfastly without relying on anyone’s help.

If my assumption above is wrong, and you weren’t actually curious about my circumstances, I apologize. I’ve wasted your time.

But I thought someone who sent me such a large amount of money and a precious gift would be curious about this.

I will definitely repay the money I used if I get the chance.

They say there’s a moment in life when you encounter a once-in-a-lifetime savior, and for me, that person might be you.

Thank you very much, Mr. E.

—Sincerely, Aristena Eldeiz—]

Aris, who had carefully written the letter, folded the paper in half with caution and put it in an envelope.

Then, she copied the address written on the back of the message she received from ‘Anonymous E’ onto her envelope.

‘This address must be for this purpose… Surely, it doesn’t mean to send money here to repay.’

It was just as Aris had finished putting the period and set down her ink pen. Someone knocked. As she stood up from her seat in puzzlement, the door swung open.

“Hmm, already here?”

Someone who opened the door and came in muttered, talking to themselves. Aris, upon recognizing the person, froze stiff.

Elegant, loose dark green hair with a tinge of black, alluring eyes and pupils. And a height about half a span taller than Aris.

“Ah, nice to meet you. I see you’ve already unpacked everything?”

The person, who was probably Aris’s roommate, greeted her while glancing at the organized bookshelf. Then she extended her hand.

“I’ll be in your care for a while. I’m Serena Frencia, who will be sharing this room with you.”

How could such a coincidence exist?