Nissia

  ***

  On a bright day, with not a cloud in the sky, I stood in wonder at my surroundings. Not since my past life have I seen such tall buildings. It seemed like every building I passed was far greater than even the local lords manor or even the small churches I’ve visited. Apricah City, named after the first Emperor of the Empire. Now that I think about it, the Empire itself is named after him. From everything that I heard, he was a good man. Aside from that one murder that is, but he was a good man.

  Pushing that out of mind, I looked to the pce in front of me. It was Lupton Academy, the school which has raised and educated many generations of saints and their protectors. Finally at ten years old, I’m going to be attending here for the next few years, learning how to use my powers as the saint who is destined to defeat the Demon Lord. But that is a long term goal. My current worry is my fellow cssmates. Commoners, such as myself, are going to be attending school together with nobles. It’s obvious that there will be some tension. But let’s forget about the nobles for a moment. Right now I’m desperately trying to not act like I’m from the countryside.

  Despite seeing so many amazing buildings, I’m doing my best to pretend that this is all normal. Luckily there are others giving even more noticeable reactions. Now, an important thing to note. I’m not from the countryside. I grew up in a rgish town, but these capital folk consider anyone outside of three specific cities to be country bumkins. Not only that, but people who are actually from the countryside, consider people from towns to be city folk. To each group I should belong to the other, so I belong to neither. Even worse, I’m one of the few people who are from towns. I need to find those other students and stick with them. Strength in numbers after all!

  Taking a deep breath, I stepped through the rge gates of the academy. Much like myself, all the students were wearing white and blue uniforms. Despite having the same uniforms, it was obvious at a gnce which among us were nobles. Okay, just stay calm and act confident. I’m sure that everything will be fine.

  Walking down the long path from the gate to the actual doors to the school, I took my time admiring my surroundings. I just can’t help it. On either side of the pathway was a rge grass field with trees and pathways leading to little gazebos and hedge gardens. The town that I had come from, despite having a park, had nowhere near this level of ft open space or even a fountain. This pce and three fountains just in the front! That’s just not fair. They even have fruit trees! I’m so going to pick some in my spare time.

  Hearing a disturbance behind me, I turned and saw a tall woman with waist length, gorgeous, blond hair. Well, I say a woman, but in reality she’s around my age, so let’s say ten. Surrounded by a crowd of equally stunning children was the person who will attempt to bring about the downfall of humanity. Evelyn Eytell. She is, as far as I’m aware, the main vilin of the first and st part of the game. What was the game called again…? Whatever. All that I need to know is that I should stay away from her. In fact, let’s look away before she- Oh, she saw me staring. Man, this is embarrassing, let’s walk away and hope nothing comes of it.

  Taking a few steps away, there was an even bigger commotion from the gate. Turning once more, I saw an entourage of silver and gold. Standing at the center were the regent twins, Lloyd and Lna Rsenr with shining blond hair. How long has it been since I’ve st seen them? It must have been at least four years now. Well, even though we are pen pals, there's no reason for us to interact at school just yet. Let’s try and keep a low profile and make some friends.

  Lloyd

  ***

  Walking into school, I could tell that we were the stars of the show. I’m not trying to brag, but we are royalty. Everyone will want to befriend us and use us to propel themselves upwards. Over the years, so many parents have presented their children to me and Lna that it gets annoying. Please, we’re ten. We don’t need to get married so soon. Luckily Mom and Dad keep the worst of the pests off of us. That being said, Mom seems to insist on trying to pair me with… Her…

  Gncing to my left, past Lna I spotted her. Evelyn Eytell, the viliness herself with her groupies. Despite her innocent looks, she is actually a terrible person. She sides herself with the demons and tries to kill kids. We’re probably going to have to kill her at some point. Maybe I can just push her in front of a carriage or something. Perhaps feeling my stare, Evelyn turned towards me and gave a small wave. The hell?

  It's so weird to see her acting nice. This is the same girl that's going to try and sacrifice us to the Demon Lord. Alright, let’s try and get her out of the way as soon as possible. But for now, let’s attend the entrance ceremony with all the others.

  Evelyn

  ***

  Deep into the night, I stood in one of the many high towers of the capital. This tower in particur, was a special tower. Attached to a government office, this pce was closed to the public. This was going to be my base of operations for the time. Why do I need such a thing? Well that’s simple. Firstly I’m going to continue my work as a magical girl, and as per the wishes of the Regents, I am going to keep watch over their kids in my spare time. It’s a bit of a pain to do so in school, but luckily I got my memories from my past life, so this much should be easy. Not only that, but I have Orion acting as my tutor every time I go to sleep! I’m not going to lie, it gets tiring… But if I want to save the world, this much is a small sacrifice.

  Looking out the windows, I saw the many tall buildings in the capital. This tower, though not the tallest, makes it easy to view the whole city, the walls, and even some of the farms outside. It doesn’t rival Earth’s cities in terms of nd size and popution, but it’s still impressive. To be honest, I’m surprised that in a world full of magical people, buildings are only this tall. Regardless, I’ve spent the past week up here studying the yout of the city and continuing with my training.

  As of tely, it has consisted mainly of combat. Mostly unarmed sparring and since it would be difficult to sneak weapons into school. I’m doing really good! I would certainly hope so after all the trouble Orion gives me in my dreams… That being said, I’m not as strong as adults, so I’ll need to rely on magic or enchantments, and given how I have yet to even learn what sort of elements I can use, I’m relying on enchantments. Hopefully I get some good ones to help me in my work. Alright, enough pondering. Let’s get some sleep and then head to school.

  …

  Opening up my eyes, I saw what was going to be my room for the next few years. Last night I left the tower and headed to the Eytell’s capital residence. This pce, although huge, was smaller than our house in our territory. It was also packed with some servants hand picked by Uncle Aaron, so I shouldn’t have any troubles living here. Also, aside from the servants, I am the only one living here. Uncle Aaron along with his family are back in the territory. Aside from some initial business, they had no reason to stay here. Uncle Aaron because he needed to manage the territory. As for Aunty and Robbie, it’s because they don’t like me.

  So, I got this whole pce to myself! Or do I? I’m not sure if any of the Shadows are here, so let’s not act like a fool and cause trouble for Uncle Aaron. Getting out of bed, I cleaned myself up, got dressed, and ate some breakfast. It seems like they prepared something simple for me rather than a vish feast. Good to see that they know my preferences. After eating, I got in the carriage and was taken to school. It was a short trip, but it helped in getting a y for the city. I’ll be doing this commute every day, so let's make sure this will be comfortable. There are street lights so that’s nice. Also the gutters seemed to be cleaned regurly, so that's good…

  …

  Ha ha, school! The carriage came to a stop and, once again making sure that my neckce was securely around my neck, the door was opened for me. Before stepping out, I ran my fingers through my hair to ensure it was the right color. I’m all good! Looking up, I saw the academy. It’s huge. Having flown over it a few times before, I know that even the front of it didn’t do it justice. Aside from the standard school buildings, there were even dormitories and some restaurants! Give this pce some farms, some walls, and it would be hard not to call it a medium size town. Looking at all of the gss windows, I sighed. How expensive is all of this? Ah, can’t keep standing here, let’s get a move on!

  Walking towards the gates with my bag in hand, I smiled and waved to everyone who looked at me. Oh they’re blushing. How cute!

  “Lady Eytell!” A voice called out to me.

  Turning, I saw a familiar face.

  “Ah, Lady Lottaway!” I replied.

  With a smile on her face, she approached me. This was Charlotte Lottaway. She had light blue hair with simirly colored eyes, and although we were the same age, she seemed much more refined than I. I suppose that’s what happens when you don’t get stuck in a forest for a few months. I met her sometime ago back when I hosted my first, and so far only, tea party. She and her little sister were wonderful guests, and we’ve been exchanging letters ever since. Giving each other small bows, we smiled.

  “It's been so long since we st met! I’ve been wanting to meet you, but you know how Father is.” Charlotte lightly ughed.

  “Yes well, things have been getting more strange.” I said.

  For a while now, demons have been appearing across the Empire. I’ve been doing my best to take care of them, but as expected, I missed a few. I know that it’s not good to let murderous monsters wander free, but going after rge groups of demons is more important since lone demons can’t threaten towns. Anyways, with demons appearing, people have been worried about public safety. Not in cities or towns, but along roads. So, travel has been slightly affected.

  “Yes, but unlike what he thinks, it’s not that bad.” She smiled. “There is that Magical Girl after all!”

  “Yes, I have heard of her.” I smiled back.

  Yep! Magical Girl Melody has been making a name for herself as a demon syer! No one seems to take note of all the small crimes I deal with, but that’s okay. As long as people are feeling safer, then that’s good enough for me!

  “I know that I wrote about this, but I once saw her!” She said excitedly. “She had such a cute dress and hair style! I asked Father for a dress like that of my own!”

  “Oh my!” I said. I’m gd that I have a positive reputation!

  Truth be told, after I learned how she felt, I flew by her house a few times so she would be able to see me for herself. Call it childish, but I wanted to make her smile.

  “I’m also growing out my hair so I can use her hairstyle!” She said.

  “I noticed that it was longer.” I said. “Why not try out that style now?”

  “I did, but I looked childish.” She shrugged. “I’m trying to look more mature like her.”

  “Mature?” I asked. I don’t think I look mature as Melody. Magical girls aren’t normally seen as beacons of maturity.

  “Yes!” She said. “Although, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pull it off. My sister might look better with it than me.”

  “Well, if not the twin-tails, why not try a ponytail on the side, or if anything throw it over your shoulder?” I suggested.

  “Hmn?” She took a moment to think about it, and then slowly nodded. “That could work…”

  “I think it’ll look lovely on you.” I said.

  “Since you say so, I’m sure it will! Speaking of looks, you’re doing much better aren't you?” She asked, smiling and looking me over. “You aren’t feeling light headed or anything, are you?”

  That much is true. When we first met, I really didn’t look healthy. So many people were shocked by my appearance that they questioned Uncle about my health. Seeing him being grilled by other parents was kind of fun! Although I’m not going to tell him that. It seems that he is still getting letters asking of my health.

  “I’m feeling much better, thank you for your concern.” I honestly thanked her.

  “I’m not sure how you did it, but you’re much taller than st time we met.” She said.

  “That much is true.” I nodded.

  Truthfully, I’m taller than the average student and because of my training, I have a fair amount of muscles for a kid. Though with my clothes, I suppose it doesn’t show much.

  “You really look like a noble knight!” She said excitedly.

  “Thanks, but I’d rather be cute.” I ughed, secretly happy. Knights are cool!

  Taking our time talking, we were joined by some of Charlotte’s friends. They seemed a bit weary of me, but soon we found ourselves having fun talking about Magical Girl Melody. Looks like many girls are fascinated with me. I wonder if I’ll be seeing replicas of my dress soon? Well, it won’t be at school at least. There is a dress code after all. Girls get skirts, and boys get suits. I wonder if I can get permission to use a suit as well? Although I said that I wanted to be cute, I would much rather be cool like Orion! I hope I’ll be able to pull it off eventually.

  Entering the gates, I saw many eyes gather on us. It looks like we’re going to be quite popur. Ah! There’s that girl that I saved from the kidnapper on my first outing! I’m gd that she’s doing well! Oh, she looks embarrassed. Let’s not make her feel awkward.

  Hearing a commotion, I turned and saw the Regent twins along with their retinue. As expected, they gathered everyone’s attention. My thoughts turned to my job. Protecting them should be easy enough. I am mostly like the st line of defense. The teachers and staff should be able to take care of most of the problems. Not that I expect any problems to appear. Who in the world would look to cause trouble in the middle of the capital in a school filled with nobles? Regardless, I’ll do my best to keep an eye out.

  Hmn? Maybe it’ll be easier to protect him if I’m close by? Let’s wave and make a good impression. I know that we met back at my tea party, but I can’t exactly say that I’ve spoken to them much. Ah? What a weird look on his face. It’s like he just saw a disgusting bug. Speaking of bugs, I wonder if this pce has June bugs? I hope not. I don’t like ‘em. They are big and loud. Anyway, let’s go to the entrance ceremony…

  Grayburne