One month had passed since the mysterious incident that connected Neir and Dani through the exchange of their senses. In Beysolun, life went on as usual, as if the event were just a dream leaving no trace. Yet for Neir, today was a different kind of beginning.
It had also been a month since Neir and her mother Mariela had registered for the volunteer-run school. Though daily life in Beysolun continued as normal, there was a major change in their routine. Neir, who had previously almost always helped her mother sell fish at the market, was now preparing for her first day as a student.
That morning, their simple house on the outskirts of town was filled with the aroma of a Beysolun specialty: warm salt-fish soup with pieces of cornbread. Neir sat at the small table, swinging on her chair, impatient to leave. She was already wearing her best clothes: a simple light blue dress her mother had sewn herself, with a small satchel bag over her shoulder.
"Neir, eat first. Don't get so excited you forget breakfast," said Mariela, placing a bowl of soup in front of her daughter.
"Yes, Mom," Neir answered with a broad smile. "But I can't wait! School must be so fun!"
Mariela smiled, though a touch of emotion crept into her heart. She saw Neir glowing—something she rarely saw these days.
"Neir," Mariela called softly, "I know this is all new for you. But remember, the important thing is that you enjoy it, okay?"
"Don't worry, Mom. I'll study hard!" Neir replied enthusiastically, quickly scooping up her soup.
While Neir was busy finishing her breakfast, Mariela glanced at her daughter with mixed feelings. In her heart, she felt both happy and a little guilty.
My child, all this time you've helped me more at the market than played with kids your own age. You grew up so fast, almost never complaining. I know it wasn't easy for you. But seeing you so excited like this, I feel a little relieved. Maybe this is a good start for you, Neir.
Mariela let out a soft sigh, trying to push away her guilt. She knew education was hard to access in Beysolun, especially for families like theirs. Yet, seeing Neir today made all her efforts feel worth it.
"Mom," Neir's voice snapped her out of her reverie.
"Yes, dear?"
"Thank you, Mom, for helping me go to school," Neir said innocently, smiling.
Mariela stroked her daughter's head with affection. "No need to thank me, Neir. You deserve this."
After finishing breakfast, Neir put on her satchel and hurried to the door.
"Be careful on the way, Neir," Mariela reminded her.
"Yes, Mom! See you later!" Neir called out, stepping out of the house with a light step.
She walked out of her small house with the small satchel on her shoulder. Her face was radiant, full of the spirited energy typical of children ready for their first day of school. Around her, the morning in Beysolun was already bustling with the characteristic commotion of a coastal town. Fishmongers were opening their stalls, the smell of sea salt mixed with the aroma of baked bread from neighboring houses.
"Neir, where are you off to so early?" asked a neighbor who was drying fishing nets in front of his house.
"To school, Mr. Aiden!" Neir replied cheerfully, doing a little hop.
"Ah, you must be the most excited student today!" Mr. Aiden replied with a small laugh.
Along the way, Neir kept greeting everyone she knew. Warm greetings from the neighbors added cheer to her steps, though inside she still felt a little curious about the days she would spend in this new place.
Neir's journey continued until she arrived at a spacious area still within the grounds of Beysolun's town hall. A simple, somewhat worn-looking building stood there, likely a former structure no longer in use. An open field stretched out before it, adorned with several shady trees providing a bit of coolness.
That was the place prepared for the school. However, when Neir arrived, the atmosphere felt quiet. There was no noisy sound of children, only a young woman sweeping the yard calmly, occasionally observing her surroundings as if waiting for something.
The woman had neatly flowing blond hair with a hime-cut style. She wore a simple, comfortable light blue dress. Seeing her, Neir hesitated for a moment before approaching.
"Miss!" Neir called out innocently, her voice cheerful but a little confused. "Is this really the school?"
The woman turned, smiling warmly. "Yes, that's right. Did you come for school?"
"Yes!" Neir nodded eagerly. "But... why is it so quiet, Miss? Did I come to the wrong place?"
The woman chuckled softly. "It's not the wrong place. You just came too early. Class doesn't start for another half hour."
Neir scratched her head (though it wasn't itchy), feeling a little embarrassed. "Oh, so I'm too early, Miss?"
"Exactly," the woman answered in a gentle tone. "By the way, what's your name?"
"My name is Neir!" Neir answered proudly. "What's your name, Miss? Do you work here?"
The woman put down her broom, then sat on a bench nearby. "My name is Alarisse. Yes, I'm a volunteer teacher here."
Neir looked at her with sparkling eyes. "What's a volunteer, Miss?"
"A volunteer is someone who helps without expecting payment. I'm here to help children learn," Alarisse explained patiently.
Neir nodded though she still seemed thoughtful. "Why do you want to be a volunteer here?" she asked innocently.
Alarisse gave a small laugh before answering. "Because I want all of you in Beysolun to have a chance to learn. I come from Ferlin, your neighboring town, and there, children can go to school easily. But here, I know many have never had a school before. That's why I came."
"Oh, so you came all this way just to help us?" Neir asked, sounding surprised.
"Yes, exactly. I believe education is important," Alarisse answered with a soft smile.
She continued, "Do you know, Neir? In Beysolun, people rarely care about magic or education. They focus more on traditional work like trading fish or catching seafood. That's not wrong, but I've always thought, what if there's a child with great talent here? If they aren't given a chance to learn, that talent could just disappear."
Neir gave a small nod. "So... Miss wants to find kids who can use magic?"
"Not just that," Alarisse smiled again. "I want all children to have the chance to discover what they like, whether it's magic, trading, or anything else important to them."
Their conversation halted as several children began arriving at the place. Some were accompanied by parents, others came alone. The atmosphere slowly grew livelier.
"Neir, you can sit over there first while waiting for class to start, okay?" said Alarisse, pointing to a wooden bench nearby. "I need to prepare a few more things."
"Yes, Miss Alarisse!" Neir answered, skipping over to the indicated bench.
She sat there, watching the other children beginning to fill the place. This first day of school made Neir feel very special, as if she were about to enter a new world full of adventure and opportunity.
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