The evening after Crimson and I trained, we went to the Dining Hall together. Of course, we changed our clothes first since I created another chaos in the Training Chamber earlier. I just broke all of the glass walls as well as the floor.
We have scolded again and given a mild punishment, which we received afterward. The Academy's maintenance division will reorganize the Training Chamber, and Tita Calla will strengthen those along with Tito Carob. So by the next time I use TC, it won't be destroyed again. Especially when I'm competing with someone.
As we arrived at the Dining Hall, a chair flew in our direction, and Crimson caught it effortlessly. Blake smirked and waved his hand. “Yow! Welcome aboard!”
Our circle of friends laughed as I punched Blake's face while he landed on the floor. “Oops, it slipped.” I mocked and lent my hand. “Stand up.” When he accepted my hand, he both winced in pain and laughed. “I said stand up.”
“You're squeezing my hand!”
I laughed. “Oh, I'm sorry.” Then I pulled him up. I just sat down, ignoring his deadly glares, and started eating. Crimson sat beside me and kicked Blake before eating. “How are you all?”
“It's okay,” Lia answered. “There was a commotion earlier in the hallway because of one of Julianna's b*tch, but it also ended immediately.”
“By the way, the new list of Student Magician Rankings will be released on the Academy's online portal by 8 PM.”
I glanced at my phone. “Oh? It's already 8:16.”
They were even faster at four o'clock if they took their gadgets. Crimson took my phone, and he accessed the school portal coolly. Wow, he acts like it’s his phone. Tsk.
As the results showed, he pressed the Male Student Magician Rankings first and pulled out a smirk when he saw his name still on the top. Below him is Thoreau and followed by Blake. “Nothing's new.”
He pressed the back button, then the Female Student Magician Rankings. Right after loading, he aimed the back camera of the cellphone at me. “Hey!” Then his smirk widened. “I'll kick you!”
“Well, there's something new.” He gave me my phone and then continued eating. “Congratulations.”
C-Congratulations? I immediately looked at the list of Female Student Magician Rankings. There's a sizeable rectangular banner at the bottom of the menu bar. On the left is a gold medallion with the number 1 in the middle and a gold crown at the top. Surprisingly, my picture was shown cropped in a circular shape with a gold border. Then on the right are my name and grade, and section.
Below is Julianna Sutton's name, then Freesia's, followed by many unfamiliar students' names. Lia is at the Rank 17 while Marina's at Rank 20.
Then we all looked at each other. Smile slowly drawn on our lips, and a joyful noise went next.
While walking along the hallway, whispers from the students were heard.
“There she is!”
“She stole the spot from Julianna!”
“Oh my.”
“Well, she deserves it!”
But not everyone is optimistic about the Rankings. Julianna's b*tches are on the list. Of course, it's automatic that Sutton is also included. Well, even if they don't show up, it's obvious.
The four of us stopped in front of the girls' dorm. “See you tomorrow,” Blake said.
“Tomorrow again, we'll beat you,” Marina replied. “Is there an event tomorrow?”
I shrugged. “I’ll go with the Ul*len here. We’re going to buy clothes for Royal Introduction.”
Thoreau nodded. “So basically, you three girls will remain here.” So they’re coming with us! “Scarlet invited Blake and me to go with them by tomorrow.”
Freesia nodded. “That's good. Ahrina will be able to explore the Antheia more with you all. So, let's call this a day.”
“Good night to you!” Lia exclaimed.
“Good night too, Lia,” Blake responded happily and rolled his eyes at Marina. “Good night, Tanny and Freesia.”
After telling them good night and vice versa, we went upstairs and entered our dorm room. I took a night shower and then laid down on my bed. Freesia turned off the lights and told me good night. When I responded, she was already asleep.
I need to have a good night's sleep. Successors of Hesperia and sole one of Aurora, along with two of the greatest names in Schiz Academy, will be together tomorrow, and it is exhilarating!
*****
I woke up early, so I took a shower and got dressed early. I wore a white floral dress and paired it with beige pumps. Since the dress' collar is crew neck style, I can still hide my necklace comfortably without losing my fashion look. If something unexpected happens, I know how to run in heels. Or, more safely, I'll just use my magic or ability.
Right when I left the room, someone knocked on the door, so I went there and opened it. Two butlers bowed. “Lady Scarlet, Lord Crimson, Lady Merlot, Mr. Whistler, and Mr. Finley are waiting for you at the Academy patio.”
I nodded. “Okay. Please wait for me here. I'll just tell my friends.”
Freesia is still asleep, so I just left a note. I knocked on the door beside ours. “Beautiful ladies, I'm leaving now to go to my destination. Do you want to ask something so that I can buy it along?”
Lia opened the door. “In fairness, you suddenly became a Shakespeare wannabe. We don't want to buy anything.”
“I understand, Miss. In that case, I'm leaving. Maybe they're already waiting for me outside our dorm. Call me when something bad happens. Be careful, Miss Lia.”
A pillow flew over my face. “Just go, Ahrina! You’re pissing me!”
I threw her pillow back at Marina, and it landed right on her face as well. “Oh, my bad! Please be spare me, Miss. My hand slipped.”
Lia laughed while Marina threw me death glares. “Just leave!”
Maybe I should always speak Tagalog straightforwardly just to annoy Marina.
I left our dorm, and the two butlers followed me from behind.
There are no classes for today, but because all of the students are staying here on the Academy premises, many are still scattered in the hallway. Now that I was announced as the Top Female Magician Student, the reason why I have butlers with me whenever I come out of the dorm alone has become more evident.
“I don't understand what is going on.”
“Don't underestimate her!”
“Maybe because she’s the Headmistress’ niece.”
“That reason’s so petty.”
“Yup, she's brave, and she's great!”
“Let's just see.”
Tss, just mind yourself. I’ll just stay on my current ranking and will not be complacent because Julianna Sutton is at Rank 2. I will only be confident if she is at Rank 20 or below.
Two butlers are standing by the doors. As they saw me, they bowed and opened both doors. You can just open one. Is it necessary to use both doors?
I thanked them after and went downstairs. Thoreau and Crimson Ul*lens' sisters flashed bright smiles while Blake smirked. “It isn’t that obvious that you prepared.”
I just rolled my eyes at Blake and smiled at Crimson Ul*lens' sisters. “Good morning, Ms. Scarlet and Ms. Merlot. Glad to meet you both.”
“Hi, Tanny!”
“Don't be too formal, Tanny. Just call me Scarlet.”
"You can call me by my name too,” Merlot added. “It's too formal when there's a Ms. ahead."
Okay, fine. If that’s what you want. “All right, Scarlet and Merlot.”
Crimson spoke, “Are you done? Maybe we can now leave?”
There are three cars here. In the first car, Scarlet and Merlot will ride. Crimson Ul*lens and me in the second, while the last car is for Blake and Thoreau.
Being not a gentleman, Crimson opened the door for himself and sat inside. Scarlet just frowned as she closed the door for Merlot. I was about to open the door on my own when Thoreau did it. I smiled at him. “Thanks.” Then I went inside. Thoreau closed the door and went to the car behind us.
I turned to Crimson. “What's wrong with you?”
“Don't ask as if you don't know the reason.” Huh? “I have no choice. I already told you last night.” I nodded as I recalled it. I forgot, sorry.
I felt a pair of eyes looking at me, so I turned around and saw the madman next to me looking at me. “What?”
Crimson shook his head. “Nothing. You just look bewitching.”
I immediately looked away and cupped my cheeks. Sh*t, I feel like my cheeks are burning. There is really something in this ul*l. Earlier, he just ignored my presence. Then now, he complimented me. Is he under the influence of drugs?
The whole travel going to the Central Market is tranquil yet awkward. No matter how hard I try to divert my attention outside the car window, it doesn't work. Seems like there's something that my gut wants to do in case I don't know what.
This is highly…embarrassing.
The car stopped after a few minutes of traveling. My heart jumped when Crimson spoke, "We're here." Then he got down.
I'll admit I was shocked by his compliment earlier, and 5% shook me, but sh*t, it seems like Crimson acted as if nothing happened!
I just went down and approached them. Ate Scarlet faced me. “So, Tantiana, welcome to the Demetrian Central Market or simply, Central Market. This is where trading and selling of all of the products occur. This is also the heart of Antheia.”
Then Merlot held my hand and smiled. “Tanny, let's go!” It was too late to react because he suddenly pulled me away. With this child's strength, his ability seems like strength.
We wandered around the Central Market. It is comparable to wet markets, but the difference is stalls are not crowded. I think the Central Market is even more expansive than the land area of the smallest country in the world. Also, the floor is not just cement. It looks like bricks but is off-white.
There are also lots of restaurants and cafés that are almost next to each other. There are also boutiques, salons, beauty shops, and shoe stores. And there is also a big mall not too far from our current location.
As we entered the mall, or what they call Antheia Mall, I became mesmerized. It's just a simple mall, but the space, lots of chandeliers, and magicians use their levitation ability rather than the available escalator.
Many magicians are looking at us and whispering. And h*ll, I can hear them very clearly.
“Those are the successors of Hesperia and Aurora, right?”
“What to expect?”
“I guess the friendship of the two cities will last forever.”
We entered a boutique, and immediately, a sales lady approached Scarlet. “Good morning, Ma'am and Sir. How may we assist you?”
“We're looking for formal suits for these three guys and ball gowns for us girls.”
Thoreau and I left to choose their suits and a sales clerk to assist them while the three of us, Scarlet and Merlot, were together, and with us was the sales lady who greeted us.
“So these are the high-quality gowns we have. You can freely choose what you want.”
Merlot pointed to the black A-line gown just beside her. “Scarlet, is it okay if I wear this?”
Scarlet looked at that gown. “It suits you, Merlot. Why don't you fit it?”
“Is it okay?” Merlot asked the saleslady.
“Yes, Ma'am. I'll assist you.”
When Merlot and that sales lady left, Scarlet faced me. “Have you made a choice yet, Ahrina?”
I shook my head. “Nothing yet.” Nothing really.
“There is no color-coding in this event, but it is already a tradition that successors should wear their city's respective color to be easily identified and as a proper representation,” she explained. “So, the safest color of your gown to choose is neutral colors like beige, champagne, or taupe.”
"Alright." Then I looked around.
A champagne A-line gown caught my attention. It has an off-shoulder ruched top and layered short sleeves. There are no designs like appliques or laces, and the dress is made of silk, so it just looks simple. I think this one is already okay. It will only be used on one occasion, after all. “Scarlet,” I called.
Then she faced and went to me. “Yes? You already chose your dress?” I nodded and pointed to the gown that I saw. She scanned every corner of it and smiled. “It's a nice one you chose. It's simple but elegant.”
“Thank you.” Merlot appeared wearing the black gown. It looks so good on her. “You’re beautiful, Merlot,” I complimented while clapping. “You look very mature.”
“Thank you, Tanny!”
“Yes, sis, you look like a fine lady. Get it!”
Merlot returned to the fitting room to change again. Scarlet told the sales lady the gowns that we would purchase as she returned. She chose a black dress with a floral lace design.
Scarlet said that our clothes were free, which was somehow a good thing because I didn't have much money with me. It's even less than the price of the gown I chose.
As Scarlet gave us each paper bag containing our wear, she decided to go shopping for cosmetics and go to the spa. Since he is all free, we have done nothing but agree.
We went inside a cosmetics store, and Ate Scarlet started choosing products. I'm also not a fan of makeup, so I told Scarlet. “I don't like make-up.”
“Don't worry, Tantiana, light makeup looks already good on you.” Thanks, goodness.
After shopping for cosmetics, we went to a salon and spa here still inside the mall. Scarlet literally bought for all of the services, so it will definitely make us spend the night.
We rented only one locker room and put the paper bags we were all carrying there so we could relax to the max for this moment.
Well, good luck if I can really relax.
“I feel so good ~,” Blake said in a singsong tone as we left the salon after four freaking hours. “I'd better say in case I'm hungry.”
We just shook hands with him. “Blake and his always-empty tummy.” Really a fact, Merlot.
Because of that, we went to an eat-all-you-can resto. Since Scarlet doesn’t want it here, Blake will be treating us all. Yes, he did that just so he could eat here.
Well, not that bad either. I'm also craving a different food to taste.
We all left the paper bags at our table and took our food. I am very familiar with all of the dishes here, so I won't have a hard time. I only took small servings of all the food here except for one dish that I am allergic to. I'm badly allergic to it. Even if I just inhale, my chest tightens.
“You don't like it, Tanny?”
I immediately shook Blake's hand and sat down in my chair. “I don't like the taste of that.”
Thoreau sat across from me and looked at Blake. “Right, Tantan never ate dishes with garlic.”
There was a time when I was fed like that back in my elementary days by my classmates who tended to bully me because I didn't have a father and I was a candidate for top 1. Then, I stayed at the hospital, hysterically speaking, for almost two months. I think I was in 4th grade at that time. Mom became highly shocked because she also didn’t know I was allergic to garlic. It's a good thing that Mommy doesn't like garlic. Starting that day, Mom cooks all of the dishes she can without any garlic. We also don't have garlic at home.
And starting that day, too, I was titled a vampire. Vampires don't like garlic, do they? Because I'm allergic to garlic, that makes me look like I'm a vampire in human form. I am not only allergic to garlic but also onions, leeks, chives, and shallots. So back before, whenever Mom and I ate at restaurants, she always told the waiter that I had a garlic allergy so I could eat food with no garlic, onion, leeks, shallots, or chive.
What Blake offered me to it is a buttered shrimp with cooked garlic to slightly lose the stain and also to add flavor. Anything that belongs to the allium family is automatically forbidden to me.
I wonder if Aunt Calla knows that. Maybe it's impossible if Mommy didn't let her know.
We just ate and chatted. We talked of things that were less awkward and also about the Royal Introduction of Successors. I haven't had a speech yet. Can’t I just stay silent? It's just a show.
“Tantan, you should have a speech. It’s mandatory.” Merlot whispered since she was just sitting on my right. “If you don't have a speech, you might be placed in shame.”
“Do you already have yours?”
“Of course. I already had mine since last year.”
What else can I expect? I am the only new in this world.
God, I don't even know how to write poetry, speech? My salutatory remarks when I was in Grade 6 were just made by Mommy. Then I must make my speech just for this f*cking event? Ha! No way!
Blake turned to me as he took a bite of the shrimp. “Would you like me to help you make a speech, Tanny?”
“Tss.”
“No, thanks.”
I glared at Crimson, and not surprisingly, he did the same. “What are you mumbling about there?”
“W-Why the f*ck do you even care?”
“All hell will break loose before I care, Ul*lens. Blake is asking me, not you, so why are you tss-ing there, huh?”
“Uh-oh,” Ate Scarlet said and glared at her younger brother. "Come on, Crimson, you're obviously guilty."
"Tss."
Ayan na naman siya. I just rolled my eyes at him and smiled at Blake. “I refuse your offer. I can do one on my own.” Oh yeah, tell never-ending lies, Ahrina. “I'm a Regalia, so doing literary works is no sweat.”
I think it took us three hours here in the eat-all-you-can resto. Blake and Thoreau ate like there was no tomorrow while the Torren siblings brought their class. And since I'm not a fan of eat-all-you-can restos, I only ate desserts. Sometimes, I'm taking grilled beef slices and egg rolls. I almost fell asleep also. “Are you all full?”
“Isn't it obvious yet, Finley?” I mocked. “As for you, I think not yet.”
“Hey, you’re hurting my feelings, Tantan.”
“Do I care about your feelings?”
And they started harassing Blake. Well, except for Crimson, who was relentlessly whispering cheaply behind us all. What the h*ll is the problem with this shade of red?
Merlot was suddenly hit, causing her to fall to the floor and stop us all from walking. That girl who bumped Merlot tsked and eyed her from head to toe. “Tss, look on the road.”
Tss.
“Hey, you st*pid, ugly b*tch!” I called so loud, which caused some people to look at us. That witch, along with her four friends, stopped walking. “I hate that audacity of yours to bump into my friend without knowing that she is someone that you must be scared of. I adore your shamelessness.”
“Tantan, stop it.”
“Ahrina, calm yourself,” Thoreau whispered to me.
But I don't f*cking care. This woman should know her ground.
That b*tch laughed and stepped going here. “You speak as if you’re a Royalty, huh. And you know, I don't f*cking care who she is. Learn to look where you're going. You don't own this road.”
“Same goes to you,” I simply said, making her clench her fists. “You're not a Royalty. We don't care who you are either, you also look where you're going, and you also don't own this road, am I right?” I smirked and went to her. “Just a piece of advice. Get to know your opponent first, so you don't look like a fool, huh?”
Right after I turned my back, that witch replied. “Hey, you, b*tch! Who do you think you are?”
Oh my, where the h*ll did she come from? Is she that ignorant?
I confronted her. “I am Ahrina Tantiana Regalia, sole successor of Aurora. And the girl you bumped is Merlot Torren, the youngest of the Torren siblings and a successor of Hesperia. Did I answer your question?”
Their eyes widened. Now, let’s see who’s gonna win.
“A-Are you kidding?”
“Do you think I am even joking? I am a Regalia. Is it considered a joke now?”
This b*tch’s mania is also gone at last. If my being Regalia is scary already, what if I said I was the Mystic Princess, the granddaughter of Geminid Schiz with the divine type? Or worst, my identity is the sole Princess of Dreich.
“Listen to this, girl. Be mature enough. Don't be silly.” I patted her shoulder and shot her a glance straight into her eyes before leaving. I checked on Merlot. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, I'm fine. Thank you too.”
“That’s nothing, Merry.”
“Merry?”
Merry…
I just shook my head to them and smiled. “Nevermind. Let's go? Let's go back to the Academy. I still have work to do.”
Okay, Ahrina, what the h*ll is that?