Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Three

Zaire Levi / Jozine Vesaurius

"How could your room become a mess like that my lady? What have you done last night.. blah blah blah," While listening to Elise's endless nagging about that state of my room when she entered, I'm busy inspecting my middle finger where my newly-painted-through-weird-trouble tattoo is. I thought it will disappear in the morning, of course I thought wrong.

"...have you been listening, my lady?"

"I'm not." I bluntly answered not looking at her. "By the way, we're going out today, Elise. Tell the them to ready the carriage." I tell her rising to my feet to prepare myself for today's events. It's time to start the phase of my plan.

After I got dress, wearing the most simple and comfortable dress Jozine has and flat shoes which by the way is the oldest shoes of her, we are set to out first destination.

"Why are we in a tailor's shop my lady?" Asks Elise.

"I want to have a personalized clothing." Is my answer while entering the humble tailor nearby.

"If you want to have new dresses my lady, our personal dressmaker is more than willing to do it for you!" Elise suggested. I didn't answer her and busied myself looking inside the shop. Empty mannequins are placed on the side, there are fabrics laid in the table on the corner. The place is slightly messy, something I kinda expected.

"What can I help you with?" I turn to the source of the voice, it's a man around his 50's, a measuring tape laid around his neck, he is also wearing a pair of glasses.

"Good morning, would it be possible for me to have five jumpsuits?" I ask.

"My lady...?" I chuckle at Elise's bewildered expression.

"Jumpsuit you say?" The man repeated in which I nod my head. "Hmm, it is possible. However we are short on fabrics used usually for it, do you have any another option?" He asks writing something down.

"I don't have any alternative, but I would prefer it to be comfortable as possible. Any fabric used will be fine as long as it's comfortable especially during summer." I instructed. The tailor nodded his head still writing something down.

"I took note of your instructions Miss. When will you get this and what name should I put in your order?" He asks again after writing.

"Can I use your name, Elise?" I ask looking at her. She flinched at my sudden question then nodded her head hurriedly. Turning to the tailor I told him to use Elise's name and handed him a small pouch. He looks surprised after checking it inside.

"My... My lady this is... it's hundred pieces of silver! It's too much for the jumpsuits normal amount!" The shocked tailor exclaimed.

I chuckle. Do I have to be bothered by that? Jozine almost never spend money although she contributed most of the income in Vesaurius aside from their merchant businesses.

Heh. It's time to spend some money!

"Don't worry, there's an additional p*****t because I want to get those jumpsuits after one week maximum. Hopefully it's sooner than that. I trust that it will be what I expected." I tell him, the tailor keeps on nodding his head and even escorted us out.

Inside the carriage, Elise keeps on staring at my face. I sigh. "You want to tell me something?" She almost jumped at my sudden question. She's clearly surprised since the carriage is too silent.

"Well, I wonder why my lady wants jumpsuit all of the sudden and even five pieces of it. It baffles me since my lady would always say that a lady should look, act and talk like one." Oooh. As expected from Jozine, very well mannered. Her memories also includes almost all of her time if not training or working, she would be reading books.

Speaking of which, "tell the coachman to take us to a store that sells commoners clothes."

"Ah?" Elise's baffled expression is quickly replaced with understanding. "You are really odd my lady, although I think this oddness is interesting." I chuckle. Odd huh.

Upon arriving on the store, we quickly changed into our new clothes, I felt utterly relieved that I can finally wear something aside from those long gown although this one is still a dress, it more simpler and less fancy.

"Let's go!"

These are perfect clothes to blend in especially in the commoners' place, the slums of Magia Kingdom. I ordered the carriage to take us to another town.

"Why have we come here, my lady?" Elise whispered while walking beside me.

"I need to do something here," yes, something that will begin the first phase of my plan.

The slums are where the poorest commoners are, just like back on Earth, living in the slums is the only thing that the people here can do. It is unfair that they are treated like this as if they are not part of the kingdom but it is what it is. They are on the outskirts of the kingdom so even if the royal family gives out orders for their welfare the question lies within those people ordered to carry out their responsibilities are doing their job and obviously, they are not.

This slum is called Bayport located on the outskirts of the capital of Magia, mostly small nobles are given authority to handle this part of the kingdom but however you look at this place, it doesn't look like it is taken care of. The people here are all frail, their body shows signs of lack of food. Beggars are lined up from the entrance and I'm sure there are more of them if we go further. The so-called houses are made up of boards, woods, and whatnot patch together to have a roof to live in.

The state of this place has gotten worse from my last visit, I mean, Jozine's visit probably three of four years ago. This place was once a relocation site for vagrants, now it seems the population grew significantly over the last years, also including the possibility that the fund for this place has now in good hands or pocket, whatever.

Geez, this is worse than the state of the commoners back in the capital, much worse.

"My lady..." Elise whimper beside me, feeling the penetrating eyes of the people. I can tell that they are now aware of who we are, however, the way we are dress is different from most people in here so it's no wonder they are looking at us.

"Don't worry, they won't hurt us." At least unless they know we are not nobles. These people despise nobles, they have every right to be. I can't imagine how much suffering these people endured at the hands of other nobles. I need to finish this off, I need to find that place.

At the end of this slum is a forest called Wadefell, most of the people here don't venture into this place because there is nothing really much in this forest, no animals to eat, the fruits here aren't much either, the eatable ones must have gone extinct by the people.

What I wanted here is...

*Squeak squeak*

"There is nothing to eat here lalala! Let's go to the capital lalala!"

"Stupid lalala, easy to die there lala!"

"Squeak squeak! At least there's food in—"

I crouch and watch as two black rats are talking to each other on the corner, just before the entrance of the forest. I smirk. Finally!

RATS!!!

"Yo rats lalala," I greeted. They both slowly turn their head at me, the other one hiding behind the one with little white fur, or hair? Oh whatever.

"Is she talking to us, lalala?"

I laugh. "I am talking to you," I answered instead. The one who asked behind made another squeaking sound out of shock while the other one is stiffened while looking at me. Elise is behind me not saying anything, she must be weirded out watching me talking to these rats. Well, I too when I realized back on earth that I can talk to animals, I thought I've gone insane but it proved to be wrong. I am more than sane, partly, but really that's not the issue at the moment. "My name is Jozine, you can call me Zaire, you two are?" I introduced myself, they did not answer though. "Oh where are my manners, you two must be shocked, don't worry, I won't kill you or anything, I'm here to offer you a deal that I'm sure you will be more than happy to participate."

I started to explain my offer after the two introduced themselves, I found out that the two are originally from the capital but the order of exterminating pests and rats like them, they flee to this forest, well, outside of it while some of their comrades started to live their lives as wild rats. We were having a good time talking, when they find out about my offer, as I expected, they are more than willing to agree.

"Okay, now that it's settled, I'll be expecting you three days later. You know the location right?"

"Yes lalala!"

"Understood, master lala!"

I chuckle at their enthusiasm, waved goodbye, and left. Three days, I'm excited to hear the good news after three days.

Good thing this place is near the northeast where the household of Vesaurius is, sadly, this is no longer part of our jurisdiction. If I'm not mistaken, House of Tefiln is the one ruling on this part, the outskirts. Gosh, compared to the town in our northeast there aren't much slums there. All thanks to Jozine's hard work.

My eyes are wandering around as we make our way outside, still, lingering eyes are following us. The main town in Bayport hides this slums, making the travelers thinks that the slums does not exist. It's hidden magically that it's almost unbelievable. The dark corner that looks ordinary corner when you look at it is actually the entrance to the slums. They placed perfectly.

"Let's go back." I ordered the coachman.

"Yes, my lady." He answered.

The ride back is three hours but compared to going to the ruling towns of Vesaurius, the nearest town is Sylb, it's five hours away from the household.

"My... lady," I turn to Elise, she's looking at me as if I grew another head.

"What?"

"Well," she scratch the side of her lips, "I didn't know that my lady can talk to rats."

I knew it. She's totally weirded out. Time to use the excuse of a lifetime. "Well, I have this talent of talking to animals for quite sometime now I just hid it. You know after my breakthrough," which I don't know if a success or not, "I realized a lot of things. I decided to change for the better. What do you say Elise?"

She looks at me and suddenly nodded her head. "You are right my lady, you're changing for a better. I will support with my utmost respect."

The sincerity in her eyes and eagerness in her face, it made me realize that this girl is Jozine's companion all this time. Regardless of her ups and her down, Elise remained with her. Having said that, I need to try something later. I need to confirm something.

After three hours sitting we finally arrived back in the mansion.

I stretched my hips and arms yawning. "Damn, I'm beat.."

"Jozine!" I look up to see my dear sister glaring at me in the entrance. Elise bowed beside me, the carriage is still here waiting for order.

"You can go now Mr. coachman, thanks." I tell him. His eyes widen looking a little lost. He quickly nodded though and left.

I walk towards the door where Clarence is with her hands on her hips. I raised my brows. I guess that is supposed to intimidate me?

"You're finally back? Where have you been? There are guests looking for you but you're—"

"Shut it." Her eyes widened, she opened her mouth to talk but, "I'm tired so shut it." I walk passed her titling my neck from side to side, Felicia is on the sofa sitting her a cup of tea but I paid her no mind.

I made my way to the stairs ready to leave but she called my name.

"Where have you been?" Her voice is sharp indicating that she's angry. But isn't that how she usually sounded with Jozine?

"Outside—"

"Don't give me vague answers, Jozine." The sound of cup placed in the table followed.

"I came from Bayport." I sigh. I just want to rest, can't this house give me a freaking break?

"I heard your conversation with Clarence, what is that all about?"

I smirk and turn to her, she looks surprised with the look on my face. "That was me not wanting to listen to her, Mother. I think Clarence understood me quite well, don't you, sister?" I ask her with a smile. She flinched and went beside Felicia, clinging on her like a child. f**k, is she not old enough to talk back? Why ask for help?

"Watch your tone, Jozine." Felicia hissed. I didn't answer and just turn around to leave but Felicia can't really read the atmosphere I guess. "You are acting arrogant. Have you forgotten our deal, Jozine?" Deal. Yeah right, the deal between her and Jozine. In exchange for Mom's, Kate Bluerose's comfort and peaceful life here, Jozine is to follow all her orders.

"I did not. Why what's up about it?" I turn to her again. This is damn boring.

Her forehead creases. "You are talking like a commoner! Is that how a lady from this household talk?"

I feigned surprised. "My, forgive me, Fe—mother. I'm just too tired I forgot about etiquette as a lady, I won't be executed for my mistake, am I?"

"JOZINE!" She raised her voice, Clarence flinched beside her. Ah f**k, I can't drag this any longer.

I sigh. "Well, I'm really tired I'm out of character of a proper lady, would you mind having this conversation tomorrow? At breakfast maybe?"

She glared at me but eventually sighs. Oof, that's the sign if victory. I turn to leave not waiting any longer.

"Wait," damn it. "Don't accept invitation of parties, ask for my permission. They might ask you to display your magic and we both know you can no longer do that as you have lost all your magic."

I stiffened. Jozine did?

"I understand." I said and left, I can hear Clarence asking about the lost of my magic to Felicia and she gladly answered. Elise is tailing behind me until I reach my room.

"...my lady," I look at her and smiled. She looks very worried.

"I'm fine, Elise. Can you get me food? I will stay in my room."

She slowly nod her head. "You may go."

"Yes my lady," she bowed before she left.

Left inside my own room, my thought ventured.

Jozine lost her magic?

Is that the reason why I can't feel magic at all? But it's me, I thought it's because I am now on her body that's why.

How did she lost her magic?

Could it be because of the breakthrough?

I remember now!

If a person failed his or her breakthrough there is a possibility that their magic will weaken or they might temporarily lose their magic, the worse case is permanently losing magic because of broken magic base.

Did Jozine's magic base broke?

There is only one way to find out. But f**k, I'm not sure if this will work since I'm just using the basis of her memory whenever she meditates, I don't know if it's possible for me since I am not really from here. If it's true that she lost her magic, boy I'm in deep s**t of trouble. Magic and power rules this world, people without magic are place in the bottom of the hierarchy.

I heaved a deep sigh and sat on my bed, feet crossed with both my hands formed an o in front of my stomach. Closing my eyes, I performed the breathing exercise for meditation, slowly, my body felt lighter and lighter.

Is this what Jozine felt when she does this? It feels good as if I'm lying on bed of cloud. I can recall this feeling back on Earth, that was whenever my wallet is full. Ah, how nostalgic.

With my eyes closed, letters started to form in front of me. The heck what's this again this time?! This familiar gold letters! As much as I want to stop my meditation, I couldn't. I can't even open my eyes.

Oh right! Meditation must not be interrupted abruptly, this is the connection between a person and magic, if Jozine's magic base is broken then, should I create mine?

THE f**k IS THIS. Easier said than done!

I heaved a deep sigh and concentrated again.

[Divine Magic Cultivation is stronger when your magic core is placed on the temple than the celiac plexus. Humans find this impossible and complicated with few people capable of practicing, collect the fragments of divine magic around your body by filtering it first hand.]

So it's an instruction. How odd, where did Jozine read about this? Is this how it usually happens?

Oh well.

I did what I was told, in my own understanding, I deepened my meditation and imagined the magic around my body, do I even have one? Lol.

My body felt warmer and lighter, my body seemed to be wrapped in a warm embrace, little lights can be seen inside my body from my feet to my head. It's like I'm staring at the reflection of my body on the inside, like an X-ray but more magical. I doubt x-rays can see light in human body, that'd be weird.

Those little lights started to gather upwards, on my head, the light on forehead started to grew and taking sphere-shape, no, it's more like a diamond shape.

[ If what's written is seen, read it until the core is formed. Saberi o Magijo, dođi u moj zagrljaj, Zure jainkosa naiz, entzun nire ahotsa...]

Ah? Okay?

I'm just going with the flow, it seemed real since I can actually see it.

As written, I read the bold word written in bold, again and again until the glowing light diamond shape turned color blue, the color of the sky, again and again until the light on my body glowed, again and again until I seem to lost awareness because of the warm feeling, is this what feeling "high" feels like? No wonder illegal drugs are addicting. This warm and light feeling is addicting, like you are close to transcendence.

Again and again to the point that I can hear my own voice speaking and echoing, again and again until my forehead glowed and wrapped me entirely.

Ah! Amazing! There's also a blasting sound as if I achieved something.

I smile. Is that it? Damn, I feel good.

My body felt different. Is this my magic? If this how magic felt?

Fuck, thank you so much golden fonts. At least I'm not hopeless in magic as I thought. I'm so blessed I want to cry.

I opened my eyes and watch as the maids around me dropped their trays and cleaning materials. Elise is gaping.

I cross my arms. "You're all here, can't a girl have privacy in this house?"

"...my lady... your room..."

My room? I look around and slowly, my lips formed a smile.

Wow, my room is... open.

Where has my door gone?

The blasting sound... is my room? Did I just blast my room open?!

I look at all of them and laughs. "This is called... surprise?"

~