If I Were To Be Given A Choice, I Would Save You Again; Ophelia

Old Friend

FOUR YEARS LATER

Luna’s PoV

I was waiting for Gaia outside of her house so that we could go to school together. As I waited, I couldn’t help but notice some foul smell coming from Cyrus’s flower garden. It almost smells like manure.

“Luna! I’m sorry for being late.” I smiled at Gaia.

“It’s okay. Let’s go.” Gaia nodded. On our way, I asked Gaia about the smell, and she said that her father was using some new type of organic fertilizer. The result seems positive, but Cyrus hasn’t found a foul smell yet.

“My mama has been nagging at papa for the smell.” I would be too if I had to smell such a disgusting smell every time. When we arrived at the school, I greeted a teacher that waited for the other students by the gate.

“Good morning Luna, Gaia. How was your morning?” I told the teacher about the manure smell in Gaia’s garden.

“Ah- it seems sir Cyrus and lady Penelope is developing another agriculture method. It is expected from this village's top herbalist. I’m sure Gunther and Juliet are busy nowadays.” Now that the teacher mentioned it, it’s hard for me to meet Juliet and Gunther.

“Well, you two should be at class. The lesson is about to start. Have a great day, ladies.” I nodded before we took the steps towards our class.

I’m glad that Gaia is not nervous anymore. When we first started, Gaia would stand behind me and hide whenever someone wanted to talk to her. But now, I am proud to say that she has become this school’s famous beauty and not to mention one of the top five students in the school; second after me of course.

“Luna, have you completed the assignment given to us by the teacher? Did you manage to pull it off without any explosion?” I nodded when one of my classmates asked me about school work.

Of course, it would be hard for me to handle every task. Empress Celestia provided everything that we’re learning today.

“As expected from the top five. Gaia, what about you?” Gaia smiled.

“It was hard at first, but gradually, I managed to pull it off. We can help you if you want.” I nodded at Gaia’s suggestion.

“Really? You’ll do that for me?” Gaia nodded. Since Gaia said she would help, I have no say in this. Gaia has been quite a friend to me, and it will be a blessing to see this former shy person smile and interact with others.

“Luna, why are you staring at me?” I shake my head.

“Nothing, Gaia.” Gaia chuckled.

Our day continued with us studying and listening to the teachers’ lectures. It never gets old to see these people who call themselves instructors teaching me something I had perfected years ago. The previous me would probably laugh at their effort.

I am currently in a history lesson where they’re telling us about the Great War that created the empire today. I am proud to say that this lecture has been eye-opening for me. Not everyone hates the empress for who she is. Especially this teacher; he seems to be a fan of the empress and how she combined four main kingdoms as one.

“Empress Celestia has done such a great feat that no other rulers have done. The only reason this empire existed is because of her, and nothing can change that fact. Unfortunately, the empress’s life was cut short. But never fear, the saint who was the advisor of the empress did continue her legacy.” Excuse me?

Legacy? My legacy?

“After the empress died in the hands of the nobles, the saint decided to let the empress’s brother act as proxy while she ruled behind the emperor. For years the saint did this, and the empire continues to flourish under the rules of the saint.” Ophelia- you did those things? I- I wish I could do more for you.

If only I were strong enough. If only I were-

“Luna? Are you alright?” I nodded before facing the teacher.

“What happened to the saint?” I asked.

“From what we have read written by the saint’s loyal servant, she died of old age. There was no record of her marrying anyone. But there was a famous tale that the saint and the empress are lovers.” My classmates' reactions were priceless.

“But- they’re both females.”

“Love does not base on genders, children. Anyway, Luna, before I forget- the headmaster wishes to see you and Gaia.” The headmaster? I don’t remember doing anything that was against the school rules. I turned to Gaia, who shrugged her shoulder.

“Thank you.” After thanking the teacher, our lesson ended, and it was time for lunch. Gaia and I agreed to take this chance to meet the headmaster. What shocked me was there were a couple of other too five students at this school.

“Well, look at that. Even schools number one and number two are here. Any clue as to why the headmaster wants to see us?” I shook my head no when the school’s number three asked us a question.

“Ah, you’re all here. Come in. There’s someone that would like to see all of you.” The headmaster opens its door for us.

I decided to take the first step into his office, and immediately, I could feel a huge amount of mana resonating for a woman sitting on one of the couches while sipping tea. The other to fives seems to have the same reaction as mine. Should I brace myself for a sudden attack?

This mana- it’s too sinister for any of us to handle, but if I let myself go all out, I think I can manage to wound this woman.

“At ease, students. This woman is Mariana, the head of the Ministry of Magic. Lady Mariana heard about this school’s top five, and she is curious what sort of students you all are.” Nonsense! If this woman is from the ministry, she’s here to challenge us!

“You- your aura reminds me of someone I used to know. Not to mention your hair and your eyes.” Does she know the empress who created this empire? If so, she must be the oldest witch who still lives today. It’s not brained if she was chosen to be the head of the ministry.

I cannot reveal myself to her. I need to-

“You’re special, aren’t you? At a mere age of eight years old, you manage to conceal your power perfectly. Who are you?” The headmaster replied in my stead.

“This is Luna. She is the only daughter of Gunther and Juliet.” Mariana seems to know my parents.

“Oh- I see. That explains the hair. But still, you’re one mysterious child, Luna.” Is my cover blown?

Who is this woman?!

LATER THAT DAY,

Gaia and I were on our way home when we noticed a woman we believed to be the head of the Ministry of Magic was following us from behind. At first, we pay no mind to Mariana, but somehow I feel the need to stop that woman from following me home.

“Ma’am, can we help you?” I asked as we continued to walk.

“I want to know why you two refuse to go to the academy. Don’t you see the benefit and bright future after graduating from the academy? Didn’t I mention that your parents will also enjoy the benefit you’ll receive?” I sighed.

“We can’t afford to pay the fee. Let the other three top-five students enroll in the academy. It doesn’t matter if we’re there.” I don’t know how but Mariana suddenly appeared in front of us. Did this woman use teleportation magic without incantation?

“But you’re not there. It does matter, and if you’re in the academy, you don’t have to worry about making your parents happy. Once you graduate, you will have a proper job. With your talent, you can be anything you want, and the academy will make sure of that.” Gaia sighed.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. But we have no desire to leave our parents. Please excuse us.” Gaia nodded her head before she pulled my arm.

“You’re throwing away your future! You will regret this one-time offer!” We could still hear Mariana screaming for us. But I’m surprised. Gaia didn’t even flinch when she talked to Mariana.

“That woman needs to find another hobby than stalking young children,” Cyrus said as he walked out. I can’t believe that Mariana is still following us. After exchanging goodbyes with Cyrus and Gaia, I decided to take a detour and lure Mariana away from the villagers' eyes.

“What do you want from me?” Mariana shrugged her shoulder with a smile on her face. Somehow I don’t think this woman has any good things to say to me.

“Why would you waste your talent away like this? You know you could be more than a mere village girl. Even the nobles will want to sponsor you if you show them some of your talents.” And what will happen after that?

“Why would I want to show my talent to those old, smelly noblemen? I am not some rare creature for them to see. I appreciate the thoughts, but I will not enroll in the academy.” Mariana smirked.

“Alright. Just tell me one thing- how did you manage to control the overflowing mana inside your body with such ease. I’ve been living for hundreds of years, and I’ve seen the person who shares the same man like you. And that person was the empress of the ancient royal family, Celestia.” As I thought I shouldn’t associate myself with this woman.

“The only possibility for someone to possess such similar mana is through bloodline, but we all know that the ancient royal family doesn’t have any heir left in this world after the death of the ancient emperor. Unless- you were reborn.” Damn it.

“I learn from a book.” Mariana raised an eyebrow.

“Is that so? Mine if I walk you home? It’s been a while since I met your parents.” I clicked my tongue in annoyance before making my way home.

“How do you know my parents?”

“Your mother went to the academy together with me. That’s how we know each other. Also, I was the one who first held you the moment you were born.” Excuse me?!

“I never knew that the head of the ministry of magic was a midwife.” Mariana chuckled.

“I can sense you were special back then, and I was right. You could be the next head of the ministry if you enroll in the academy.” Again with this talk.

“No. If I have to choose, I would rather enroll in the military academy than the magic academy.” Mariana’s eyes lightened up. Wait- I shouldn’t say that! It’s too late for me to take back what I just said! Damn it! When did I ever have such a loose tongue?

“Is that what you truly wanted? I can help you.” I sighed.

“No. And please, I’m tired, and I want to rest. And if you want to meet my mother, avoid talking about the academy. My answer is still no.” I opened the door and entered my home as Mariana followed me from behind.

“Mariana? What are you doing here? Luna? Are you alright?” I smiled at Juliet and went to my home. I don’t know what happened between Juliet and Mariana, but somehow Mariana stayed for dinner. Even Gunther seems to welcome Mariana into this house. If only I knew what sort of relationship they had before I was born.