Chapter 222 I'm heading to Aldnoah Magic University?
(POV: Lumiere)
After strolling alongside Celese and Aurora for what felt like hours, our journey finally led us to the Dragon Gate.
The gate resembled a reflective pool adorned with intricate dragon motifs that formed a majestic frame.
Its artistic beauty was briefly impressive, prompting me to stroke my chin as my mind teemed with curiosity.
"So, this is one the legendary Dragon Gates that Lucretia purchased rights to huh?" I questioned, seeking confirmation.
Celese nodded with a serene smile. "Indeed, it is," she replied.
"It's hard to believe it was used by the dragons to invade the continents during the 2nd Grand Conflict..." Aurora mentioned.
"2nd Grand Conflict...? Which one was Saint Melcius involved in?" I asked.
Celese raised a finger. "That's the 5th if I'm not mistaken."
Aurora's eyes brightened up a bit. "Oh yeah, just before the four great kingdoms were created."
"I really should read more ancient literature," I said, rubbing my chin in deep thoughts.
Celese shrugged. "Well, it's not your fault per se, some of the historical literature is in the Shield Kingdom."
"Do you wanna read em? ?" Aurora offered with her radiant smile.
"Oh? I'd love to!" I responded excitedly.
These ladies, Aurora and Celese, totally surprised me.
I mean, seriously, I was expecting some snobby, entitled royal brats, but they were the complete opposite. They were so down-to-earth and humble, it was almost unreal.
If you want a prime example of a pompous royal child, look no further than Lloyd.
That guy?s the definition of self-absorbed.
He?s the type who would compliment you, but only because he could see his own reflection in your eyes. Can you believe that? Talk about shallow.
"So, the gate.." I went back on topic.
"Oh yeah," said Aurora.
"The gate is accessible only to those who possess a sacred rune," Celese stated.
Great, another thing I haven't heard of.
"A sacred rune?" I questioned.
Celese gracefully raised her arm, revealing an intricate dragon-like crest adorning her shoulder. Aurora followed suit, her own rune shimmering with mystical energy.
Aurora stepped forward.
"To pass through the Dragon Gate, it's pretty important, it acts as the key that unlocks its spatial magic or whatever," she explained briefly.
"Hah~~" I laughed awkwardly. "I obviously don't have one of those."
"Well, that's not really a problem," said Celese.
"It's not?"
"Yeah, if you synchronize your mana with our sacred runes, it'll allow you to transcend this barrier as if you actually have one of these runes yourself."
So basically, it's like Hotspot and Wi-Fi.
They use their sacred runes to establish an internet connection, and me synchronizing and gaining internet access, hence, Wi-Fi.
"And if I'm unable to synchronize my mana with your runes?"
Aurora's laugh was warm and musical. "Then you'll be torn to shreds, silly."
"Eh?"
"I said you'll be to—"
"I... I heard you the first time," I sighed.
Celese and Aurora gracefully extended their dainty hands towards me.
Bemused, I raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Alright, what's the catch this time?"
Aurora's laughter tinkled melodiously. She replied, "Hah~ there's no catch, just a little game of hand-holding."
"Hm, alright then..." I replied.
I clasped their soft, slightly moist hands. As our fingertips touched, their sacred runes radiated with energy, intertwining with my own mana flow.
The synchronicity was easy, as if our heartbeats were dancing in perfect harmony.
Instantly, the transparent surface of the Dragon Gate shimmered, revealing the other side of the portal. A breathtaking, verdant forest spread out before our eyes, with a towering structure peeking through the foliage.
That's definitely the Aldnoah Magic University.
Celese whispered, "Welcome to ArMerAure Forest, professor."
ArMerAure Forest?
A memory rushed to the forefront of my mind, and I snapped my fingers.
"Isn't this the temporary buffer zone created by the council after they signed the peace treaty a thousand years ago?" I exclaimed.
Celese and Aurora exchanged knowing glances, but their smiles urged me to focus on the present.
"As fascinating as it is, professor, that's not important right now. We have a university to reach," Aurora chimed in.
"Can you stop calling me professor though?" I sheepishly scratched my head. "It's embarrassing."
Aurora giggled. "It's cute."
"Eeeeeh, sure..." I responded.
Our small group began a leisurely stroll through the enchanted forest.
Amidst the gentle rustling of leaves and the harmony of birdsong, we reveled in the tranquility.
Suddenly, without warning, a thick vine snaked across Aurora's path, causing her to stumble precariously.
Sigh, like we didn't expect this...
This girl, honestly...
Reacting on instinct, I became a blur, swooping in with lightning speed and effortlessly catching her by the waist in a gallant embrace.
"You okay," I asked.
Time froze as our eyes met.
"Y... Yeah, I am..." she stammered.
For some reason, her face turned a vivid shade of crimson.
The moment was fleeting, for she swiftly extricated herself from my grasp, her head bowed in bashfulness.
"Thank you... T... Thank you... Th... Thank you...!"
Aurora's cheeks remained flushed as she continued to thank me.
Chuckling softly, I assured her, "Nah, it's cool, you don't need to thank me."
Some minutes later,
We continued our leisurely stroll through ArMerAure Forest.
Celese leaned in towards the blushing Aurora and teased, "Little sister, you seem a little red. Anything you're hiding from us?"
Aurora's face grew even redder, resembling a ripe strawberry.
"N-No, it's nothing," she stammered, her words floating on a delicate breeze.
Honestly, I didn't get 10% of what they were talking about.
But, oh well.
Just as we thought the moment had passed, Celese suddenly pivoted towards me. "By the way," she began innocently, "do you happen to know what Jericho likes? Hypothetically speaking, of course."
Hypothetical... sure...
I nearly tripped over a protruding root.
"Brother Jericho?" I repeated, my eyebrows furrowing. "Why're we suddenly talking about my half-brother?"
The pieces started to fall into place.
Celese definitely had the hots for Jericho.
Aurora quickly cleared her throat, a nervous giggle escaping her lips.
"Well, Celese seems awfully interested in Jericho's preferences, doesn't she? Almost like she's in lo—"
Before Aurora could finish her sentence, Celese swiftly covered her mouth with her hand, silencing her with a playful glare.
"Aurora, please, let's not get ahead of ourselves," she chided.
With a nod of agreement, I reassured Celese, "Don't worry, I won't pry into your secrets. But to answer your question, Jericho loves swords more than anything. It's like a weaponry passion that runs through his veins."
It only sucked that my father wanted him to be a Duke.
Brother Jericho had more focus on becoming a Margrave, he trained day and night for that, and yet to no avail.
The only person who actually supported him in becoming a Margrave
...was Bluestella...
She always did tell him to get married.
Brother Jericho was the bone of his sword, he didn't focus on anything besides training to become a suitable Margrave— one my father could acknowledge.
Brother Art was married, so was Brother Termath and Brother Beckham.
Still, all three of them neglected their wives like the flu.
Technically, it was mostly composed of arranged marriages. Brother Art didn't see his wife till he was eighteen.
Then again, I think Brother Beckham ignores his wife because he has a small pee-pee, but that's just a rumor.
Imagine if Fanatio heard that?
Phew.
"Hypothetically speaking," she mused, "if someone wanted to get Jericho a gift, would an expensive magic sword suffice?"
I decided to indulge in her hypothetical scenario.
"Well, if you really wanted to impress him, I'd suggest getting him materials to make a magic sword. Brother Jericho?s quite the knowledgeable craftsman when it comes to magic swords.."
Too bad he didn't have the skills to match up with it.
I have a thing going on with his mother, and also one shot him during the prelims of the Holy Sword Festival— I kinda feel bad.
NOT.
"Well, that's good to know," Celese smiled gently.
We were almost at the Aldnoah Magic University.
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