Chapter 6: Morning Before the Storm
Residential District — Near the Imperial Academy
The residential district near the Imperial Academy was one of the most desirable places to live in Sol Aureth.
Unlike the bustling commercial wards or the noble quarters filled with excess, this district was designed for comfort and practicality. Most faculty members of the Academy lived here, valuing the short commute and reliable services. Inns and rental houses dotted the streets, catering to visiting scholars and affluent families who preferred peace over prestige.
One such house belonged to the Ashborn family.
---
Inside, the dining room was filled with the quiet sounds of morning—ceramic plates clinking softly, the faint aroma of tea and warm bread lingering in the air.
Cecil Ashborn sat at the head of the table, posture relaxed despite her imposing presence. Even seated, even missing her left arm, there was an unmistakable authority about her—one that came from years of standing at the center of calamities.
Jane Ashborn moved efficiently between the kitchen and the table, placing the last dishes down before finally sitting across from her mother.
For a moment, the scene was peaceful.
Ordinary.
A mother and daughter sharing breakfast before a long day.
---
Cecil broke the silence first.
"Are all your preparations complete for the arrival of the guests?"
Jane nodded, taking a bite before answering.
"Yes. Everything has been finalized. The Guild Master managed to secure several A-Class adventurers as additional security, alongside the stationed troops and knights."
She paused briefly, then added,
"All ceremonial gifts are prepared as well. His Majesty himself will be attending, along with the Second Prince and the Third Princess."
Cecil raised an eyebrow.
"The Second Prince?" she repeated. "Not the First?"
Jane shook her head.
"According to the ministers, the First Prince went to the northern border. He's personally assessing the situation regarding the recent invasion and helping maintain troop morale."
Cecil hummed thoughtfully.
"Smart kid," she said. "At least someone in that royal family knows where they're actually needed."
Her expression darkened immediately after.
"Unlike that arrogant Second Prince," she muttered, "and that old fool of a King who still thinks the world revolves around him."
Jane sighed, rubbing her temple.
She's saying it again, Jane thought tiredly.
---
"You're still holding a grudge," Jane said carefully, "about what happened back then, aren't you?"
Cecil glanced at her.
"Holding a grudge implies I'm wrong."
Jane exhaled slowly.
"I'm talking about the King," she said, "and the Second Prince. Especially after they suggested that arranged marriage."
Cecil's gaze sharpened.
Jane continued,
"The King proposed it as if it were already decided. Claire wasn't even present."
Cecil scoffed.
"As if I'd allow that."
Jane nodded grimly.
"And then the Second Prince tried to approach Claire behind your back. He invited her out during the banquet, framing it as a 'casual meeting.'"
Cecil leaned back slightly.
"…And?"
Jane hesitated for half a second.
"She rejected him. Publicly."
Cecil blinked once.
"She told him she had no intention of becoming a political ornament," Jane continued."She mocked his entitlement."
Cecil's lips twitched.
"And then," Jane added flatly,"she kicked him in the crotch."
For a heartbeat, Cecil was silent.
Then—
"Hahahahaha!"
She laughed loudly, head thrown back.
"That's my granddaughter!"
Jane stared at her.
"That caused a political nightmare," she said tiredly.
Cecil waved her off.
"He deserved worse. Trying to corner a child like that."
Jane leaned back with a groan.
"The noble families complained for weeks. Accusations, protests, threats—"
"And I enjoyed every second of it," Cecil replied cheerfully.
Jane sighed.
"…I nearly snapped at them myself."
Cecil smirked.
"You should have."
Jane returned to her breakfast, calmer now.
She loved her mother deeply.
And she adored her daughter even more.
Though she would never admit it aloud, Jane was proud of Claire for standing her ground.
Still…
At this rate, she thought, that girl might really remain single for life.
A silver-haired boy crossed her mind.
And the way Claire's expression always changed whenever his name was mentioned.
Jane paused.
"…Maybe not," she murmured quietly.
---
A knock echoed through the house.
Cecil glanced toward the door.Jane stood up.
"I'll get it."
When she opened the door, a familiar figure stood outside.
A girl around sixteen, with short brown hair and warm brown eyes, stood neatly with her hands clasped. She wore the Academy's blue uniform with white highlights, her skirt pressed perfectly, posture polite but not stiff. Her name is Olivia Alcott, and she is the granddaughter of Viscount James Alcott and a childhood friend of Claire.
"Good morning, Aunt Jane," she greeted with a gentle smile.
Jane's expression softened instantly.
"Good morning, Olivia. You're early."
Olivia chuckled lightly.
"I didn't want to risk being late," she said. "Especially on the first day."
She hesitated, then bowed slightly.
"My father asked me to thank you and Lady Cecil again. Without your recommendation, I wouldn't have been admitted."
Jane waved her hand dismissively.
"Olivia, you earned your place. Your affinity for life magic is exceptional, especially at your age."
She smiled teasingly.
"And you're best friends with that no-good daughter of mine. I can at least do this much. It worries me sometimes as she resembles her Grandmother too much."
From inside the house—
"HEY! I HEARD THAT!"
Jane and Olivia laughed together.
---
Jane invited Olivia inside.
Cecil looked up as the girl entered.
"Good morning, Lady Cecil," Olivia greeted politely.
Cecil sighed exaggeratedly.
"How many times must I tell you? Call me Grandma when we're alone."
She waved her hand.
"That old Viscount and I go way back. I consider your mother my own daughter."
Olivia smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Grandma. I'm just practicing proper etiquette for the Academy."
Jane nodded approvingly.
"Well done."
Cecil pouted.
"Kids these days… already acting like old scholars."
---
"So," Olivia asked after sitting down, "is Claire ready?"
Jane sighed.Cecil snickered.
"That idiot daughter of mine woke up late," Jane muttered, "and now she's taking far too long."
Cecil chuckled.
"Well, can you blame her? She nearly combusted when I told her he was coming back."
Jane smiled faintly.
She remembered Claire spending an hour choosing an outfit—only to realize she had to wear the Academy uniform once her mother mentioned it to her.
She'd locked herself in her room afterward, muttering about evil mothers and grandmothers.
---
Jane told Olivia to eat while she fetched Claire.
Upstairs, she knocked firmly.
"Claire. Olivia's here. And you're already late."
There was no response.
Jane's eye twitched.
She knocked again.
The door suddenly flew open.
A young girl stood there, framed by morning light.
Claire Ashborn.
Her long red hair was neatly tied, though a few stubborn strands framed her face. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with energy far too lively for someone who had supposedly overslept.
She wore the Academy uniform perfectly—stockings included. The collar was straightened, sleeves aligned, emblem polished.
She looked proud.
Very proud.
"Good morning, Mother!" Claire said cheerfully."What a wonderful day it is, don't you think?"
Jane stared at her.
Then pinched her cheek.
"Don't you 'wonderful day' me," Jane said flatly."It's the first day of the Academy, and you nearly overslept."
Claire winced.
"I em sworryyy…"
Jane sighed and released her.
"Downstairs. Eat something before you collapse halfway to the ceremony."
Claire saluted clumsily.
"Yes, Instructor Mother!"
Jane turned to leave, shaking her head.
Behind her, Claire grinned.
---
The moment Claire reached the dining room, her eyes locked onto Olivia.
"OLIVIA!"
She rushed forward and wrapped her best friend in a tight hug.
"Good morning! I missed you so much!"
Olivia laughed, returning the hug.
"We saw each other two days ago."
"That's too long," Claire replied seriously.
Olivia smiled helplessly.
"You really should eat first," she said gently."If we're late, the instructors will yell at us."
Claire froze.
"…Oh right."
She quickly sat down, grabbing a sandwich and biting into it with enthusiasm.
Across the table, Cecil watched with amusement.
"Well?" Cecil asked, leaning back."Excited, kid?"
Claire swallowed and nodded eagerly.
"Yes! I'm really excited for my first day at the Academy!"
Cecil's smile slowly turned mischievous.
"Oh? First day excited?" she said."Or excited about the possibility of meeting someone today?"
Claire nearly choked.
"N-no! I mean—! That's not—!"
Her face turned bright red.
"I'm excited about the day! Just the day! That's all!"
Cecil chuckled.
Jane watched from the side, arms crossed, smiling softly.
Claire finished eating quickly, standing up with renewed energy.
"Okay! I'm ready!"
Jane raised an eyebrow.
"You've been ready for five minutes," she said dryly.
Claire laughed awkwardly.
---
After saying their goodbyes, Claire and Olivia stepped outside together.
Claire waved enthusiastically.
"Bye, Grandma! Bye, Mother!"
"Behave," Jane said automatically.
"Try not to cause an international incident," Cecil added cheerfully.
Claire paused.
"…I make no promises!"
The two girls hurried down the street, laughter trailing behind them.
---
The house fell quiet.
Jane turned serious.
"…Any news about him?"
Cecil avoided her gaze.
"Yes," she admitted. "He replied."
Jane narrowed her eyes.
"What did you do this time?"
Cecil coughed lightly.
"I may have… teased him a little."
Jane slumped.
"I told you not to do anything stupid."
Cecil pouted.
"It was harmless…"
Jane looked toward the city entrance, unease creeping into her expression.
"…Hopefully," she murmured,"Nothing happens today."
---