A few days passed and it was the day of her departure.
"Athena Adolphus of House Adolphus, by order of the Empress, you are sentenced to the Northern Region without any servants or help from House Adolphus. You are only to return to the Imperial Capital once, it's your coming of age."
Then a group of soldiers lined up prepared to escort her to the Northern Region.
"Everyone, I'll see you in a couple of years." Athena smiled, showing no concern of what's happening.
"Take care, My Lady."
"Please be careful."
It was a great shock to them that morning when they found out the girl was being sentenced to the Northern Region. They couldn't even prepare anything for her to bring since they didn't have any time at all.
Athena grabs her stuff and gets in the carriage with the soldier. As she seated in the carriage, a single tear rolled down her face as she realized she won't be seeing them for a long time.
"Do you wish to-" The royal messenger asked, but was surprised when the girl responded with a soft smile only. He looked at the pitiful girl and knew that the Empress's decision was wrong. Even the council argued about it, but it was too late to take back what she had decided. Since, there were noble people during what happened, taking back what she said would be a great scandal.
...
After three days.
The journey to the Northern Region took a while, it was already nightfall, when they reached the outskirts of it.
"Where are we heading?" Athena asked, noticing a crossroad ahead.
"The Empress has prepared accommodation for you, it is away from the village, so you won't be in danger," he explained
"No, drop me here." The girl demanded as she started gathering her things together which surprised the messenger.
"Bu-but, My Lady…" He had no choice but to inform everyone to stop. Seeing the girl was determined to get off, he feared she might jump out while the carriage was still moving. "Stop!"
As soon as she gathered all her things, she got down without the assistance of any knights.
"You can go, I'll find my way…" She said as she checked the area and wondered if it's really safe for her to get down in the middle of nowhere.
"My Lady, wait… At least take them with you." The messenger said, pointing at the two soldiers. "This soldier was appointed by the Empress to guard you,"
The two soldiers step forwards as they introduce themselves.
But Athena didn't care at all. She looked at them and said, "You can take them back with you. You all should head back now, it's getting late."
"But, my Lady, its-"
Athena looked at them with no sign of fear in her eyes. She sighs as she said, "You don't need to concern yourself about me, I know you know what they hope for…"
It was no secret that quite a lot of people wanted the girl's life. Quite a lot of people are willing for her head. But, who would dare since she is a daughter of a duke.
As Athena silhouette disappeared, the messenger and the soldier were all left with nothing to say.
"Are you sure she's a weak girl, she was carrying a bow and a dagger with her."
"That bow doesn't look ordinary as well, I notice an elemental stone attached to it."
"Was it me or did you sense a strong aura earlier, but it vanished as soon as she left."
The messenger sighed as she realized that the situation in the Empire is about to go into chaos now that the girl is gone, "Let's just hope she'll survive."
Athena took Fuji out of the bag.
She, along with Fuji continued following the road ahead, which was supposed to be the way to the village. It didn't take long for her to arrive at the village's farmland. However, it was all dry and lifeless, not even a single weed was growing.
The deeper she went the more she realized why this land has been ignored for such a long time and why most of the Northern territory that was conquered by the empire was given to House Caelestis. Since they have more power and money which means higher possibility to help the people in the area.
But from what I know, House Caelestis has not visited the land yet, since the late Duke passed away. Since, after conquering some of the Northern territories, his son was sent to war as well.
"Young Lady…"
Athena wondered where the voice came from. She hoped it was from a human and not from a creature she was thinking of. Especially ghost, she prayed hard as she waited for the owner of the voice to appear.
Athena smiled as she finally saw a living person, she was so worried that the first thing she might encounter would be a monster or a ghost. "Hello."
"What are you doing here?" The old man wondered as he didn't hear any news of anyone from the Empire visiting them.
"I came to seek refuge," she explained leaving the truth out.
Since Athena was dressed more like a traveler than a lady, the old man did not suspect her and welcomed her instead.
"Come, follow me…"
Athena happily followed the old man. Not long after they arrived at the village. It upset her seeing how destroyed the area was due to the war. There were still wounded people by the roads all needing medical attention, children starving and most houses looked almost like a ruined.
"The village was in the middle of the war, and until now, have not recovered yet. But, we try to survive everyday life…" The old man explained noticing Athena's upset expression.
"Have anyone from the Capital visited you at all?"
"Yes, a young man visited before, he said he'll help us. However, we have not heard from him since then…"
It must have been the Young Duke, but since he was sent to war, means he has not been able to come back and visit them.
"Diana, we have a guest." The old man said as he opened the door to his home.
"Grandfather, I was worried sick. Where have you been…" Diana yelled as she started scolding the old man like a child. But was soon put into a stop when she noticed the person behind the old man. "And, who is this?"
"I'm here to help…" Athena smiles despite not having a clue how to help them.
"Really?" Diana cried, as she felt relieved that after years of praying. Someone has finally heard her prayer and sent help. "Will you really stay and help us?"
...Ah, she must be upset since the Young Duke was unable to return and help them. She must be worried if I'm just another false hope.
Athena raised her hand as she swore an oath, "I promise."
Diana did not hold back as she embraced Athena and cried her heart out, she explained her frustration and anger towards the people in the Empire. She even hates the Young Grand Duke who owns the land for they have not received any help from them at all.
That evening, Athena had a small meal with Diana and her grandfather. Afterwards, she was brought to Diana's room to rest for the night.
Athena was already resting in her bed when Diana suddenly surprised her with a question. "Athena, you're a noble lady right?"
"Of course, not. Didn't I say I'm a refugee and I'm here to help."
Diana giggled as she found the girl's lies silly. "I noticed earlier, I'm sure grandfather did as well. I'm sure you're a noble, what I'm curious about is why you are here?"
"I chose to come here, and now I'm here."
The girl was not moved by her reason, she knows there is more to it so she continues inquiring. "You were sentenced here weren't you? I wonder what you did to be sent here..."
'Who made you such a smart pants.' Athena was impressed by how smart the girl was at speculating things. Was it really that obvious, did she show any sign she was noble lady. "You're wrong, like I said, I choice to come here. So go to sleep."
Diana just smiles and accepts her defeat. It seems the girl does not wish to share her misfortune with her, "Athena, thank you for choosing to come here."
"Good night, Diana." Athena smiled as well, please, that she had made a friend.
As the night deepens. Athena woke up from her quick nap as she started grabbing some of the books she brought along with her.
The books she mainly brought were all about magic of course. One of the books she brought was about Elementalist. As her mother is a powerful Elementalist, she assumes she will be too. Since, Elementalist magic runs in the blood.
She started reading through a couple of pages as she decided, "Better do it than reading these nonsense books."
Athena gave up as she found the books even more challenging to understand. She didn't expect to make a simple glow of light would be a challenge. Seeing how complicated all that was written in the book, she realized what she planned to do might be impossible.
Outside the house.
Athena headed out to the back of the house. It was already so late, she presumed everyone had drifted into deep sleep. As she wandered around the house, she examined the land.
...Didn't expect the land to be this bad. Better test what I've learned from all those reading and secret practices.
Since then, Athena's parents have stopped her lesson, she has focused on understanding all types of magic in the world. She found out that being an Elementalist is a gifted trait everyone has at the same time, can be inherited. But, one can lose it once they focus on another type of magic.
Athena went around the house and looked for a hoe and rake as she started cleaning a small portion of the land. Since she was unsure if her magic would work, she cultivated the land manually as best as she could.
"Darn it, this body is so weak. I can't believe I'm exhausted already after a few minutes' work." Athena grunt as she continued to push herself to finish her task.
It didn't take long for the girl to give up on clearing the land. There was just too much to do and she didn't have the energy to continue. Plus, it was the first time she did any manual labor. Back at the estate, the most she did was walk for a few minutes and that was exhausting already.
"This will do for now then," she said as she steps in the middle of the path land she prepared.
As she focused herself, it was the first time the girl would attempt to cast any sort of magic. The light was just child play, what she was about to do was not amateur sort of magic. What she was about to attempt was something that would take years to train if one is not gifted.
She softly whispered the enchantment as the wind carried it along, it was an enchantment to call upon the spirit of the land. Since it states that spirit is the reason, why land is so full of life since they will grant blessing and nurture the land for a fruitful harvest.
Athena soon felt her body aching and burning within, she realized she was at her limit. She notices a small spark of light approaching from the ground. It thrilled her as she realized what it could be.
"Spirit."
She was amazed to see a spirit appearing right in front of her. But, her body was reaching its limit as she collapsed on the ground. Her eyes were blurry, but she could still visually see the spirit. As she saw the spirit floating in the area, she whispered.
"Please, help me."
As the spirit disappeared, Athena smiled despite not seeing the change that was happening in the area.
Not long, the girl finally woke up.
She notices the difference in the atmosphere of the land, and quickly grabs the hoe to check if she can finally plow the ground better. When she saw the hoe could dig through the land, she smiled from ear to ear in delight that her effort works. As the girl continues to plow the remaining land, she then grabs the bag of seed she brought with her.
"I better plant some tomatoes and herbs for now. At least it won't take long for them to grow," she said whilst she layered the ground and labelled what seeds she has planted.
After finishing all her work, she sat by the old tree and felt something strange about it. She reached out to one of its lower branches and broke it. It surprised her to see the tree seems to be alive.
Did I by change restore the tree to life as well?
Does that mean my magic can restore those that were dead already?
As the girl continues to ponder on things, she notices the blister in her hands. She laughed when she realized that it was the first time she actually had blisters because of manual labor. Back then, she would get blisters from practicing her violin and other instruments.
Whilst reminiscing about her past, she didn't realize that she soon drifted off to sleep.
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