Chapter 96

【Prologue】

"――This place was created five hundred years ago by the legendary witch, Lady Adelheit."

At the old woman's words, Claudia raised her head. The corridor, where the sound of footsteps echoed, stretched endlessly. The old woman, dressed in a dress of subdued colors, continued in a gentle voice.

"Lady Adelheit said that protecting young talent is the absolute duty of those who guide them."

"…………?"

When Claudia tilted her head slightly, Noah, who was walking behind her, turned his gaze towards her. Even without looking at Noah's face, Claudia could imagine his expression.

Noah must have had a look that suggested he had something to say. Unaware of this, the old woman continued as they walked down the long corridor.

"Sometimes, exceptional people are shunned and oppressed. The great Lady Adelheit was deeply pained by this."

The corridor seemed much longer than it actually was due to the magical barrier, so much so that the end was not visible.

"That's why Lady Adelheit created this 'Magic Academy'."

(...'Magic Academy'...)

Looking up at the blue windows, Claudia thought to herself. The long corridor and the blue light streaming in from many windows were exactly what she had seen five hundred years ago.

(What a nostalgic place.)

The old woman had no way of knowing Claudia's feelings. She was also unaware that Claudia was the reincarnation of Adelheit.

The old woman turned to Claudia and asked,

"Princess Claudia, you are ten years old, correct?"

"Yes, Teacher!"

Claudia replied brightly and smiled innocently. As she did, her milk tea-colored hair, neatly combed by Noah today, swayed gently.

At ten years old, Claudia was still small and slender.

However, she had definitely grown taller, and her eyelashes had become longer and fluffier. Her features increasingly resembled her late mother, and the beauty in her youthful innocence had grown.

"There are many students of the same age as you here. Living together, encouraging each other, and fostering friendships will be an invaluable experience."

"I'm really looking forward to studying here! Right, Noah?"

When Claudia turned around, Noah, who was walking behind her, lowered his eyes.

"Yes, Princess."

Noah, who was taller than boys his age, had a more mature demeanor at thirteen. His physique was still developing, but he had well-proportioned, supple muscles, showing the results of his training. His demeanor and expressions were composed, befitting a first-class servant.

"Even though it's a short-term enrollment, the days you spend at this historic academy will be a wonderful experience. I feel honored to serve as your guard."

"Princess Claudia has an excellent servant."

"Hehe. Noah is my very proud servant!"

While answering energetically, Claudia glanced at the window.

"I'm really looking forward to studying here with Noah! And..."

The view from this window was not a bright summer courtyard or a neatly arranged stone school building.

Outside the window, the scene was of the deep blue sea.

Colorful schools of fish swam past the window. Sunlight from the surface cast shimmering light on the white sand at the bottom of the sea. Silver bubbles rose from the seaweed to the surface. Claudia smiled as she watched a dark shadow approaching.

"A 'Magic Academy under the sea' is so beautiful!"

"…………"

A whale slowly began to swim near the window, as if it were a knight following a triumphant parade. The fish in the sea followed Claudia, moving in sync with her steps. Unnoticed by the old woman, Claudia waved at the whales.

"Most of the students at this academy are of noble blood from various countries. They are all excellent, so you will surely find friends who can help you grow."

"I'm happy to make lots of friends! ...Huh?"

Claudia tilted her head and strained her ears.

"I can hear a song from somewhere. It's very beautiful and clear..."

At her words, the old woman's shoulders twitched. Without turning to Claudia, she continued walking and replied,

"It must be the whales singing."

"Wow, whales can sing?"

"Living at the bottom of the sea, you can hear many sounds that you can't hear on land. ...We are running late for the dormitory, let's hurry."

Claudia smiled quietly and thought to herself,

(I wonder if this teacher knows that there are 'mermaids' at this academy. ...Well, it doesn't matter either way.)

Turning to Noah, Claudia said in a playful tone,

"If I were younger, Noah could carry me."

"...Princess."

"Hehe! Noah looks so troubled!"

After laughing, she whispered to Noah in a small voice,

"We need to confirm the source of the 'song that captures ships.' ...We can't afford to have more people go missing."

"――As you command, Princess."

Claudia smiled sweetly and started walking again. The old woman turned back curiously, but Claudia gave no hint of her plans.

"I'm so excited about the one-month study at the academy under the sea, Teacher Svetlana!"

Claudia walked down the corridor of the academy she had built five hundred years ago as 'Adelheit.'

At the bottom of the sea, a beautiful melody flowed gently and continuously.