My heart is beating loudly with each passing moment. Currently, I am riding in a carriage with my family, enjoying light chatter, but my mind is consumed by the unfolding story. The day has arrived, and tomorrow, the original narrative is set to begin. However, I have no intention of playing the given role of the villainess. Sometimes, I wonder if I would have behaved the same way if I hadn't regained my memory of the different path, and the answer I find is that it might be different because the previous Arya, if she were here, would be a different person. Then, I am 'Me,' not the villainess or the Lina, but genuinely 'Me.' Yet, you never truly know, because the story began with me, 'Arya,' having less 'Sila' (magic) than the heroine. Sila is a measure of power on a holy stone; the higher the Sila, the greater your magic. It wasn't just a love rivalry, but a power rivals.
Seeing me lost in deep thought, my mother asked while gently caressing my head, "My dear, what are you thinking?" Hearing everyone focus on me, and seeing my family's warm yet worried eyes, my heart felt warm. I didn't say anything, or perhaps I couldn't.
"My lovely daughter, there's nothing to worry about, okay?" my father said while cupping my cheeks. "Yes, Arya, don't think about anything; rather, look outside; there are so many beautiful things, just like you," Agni added. When I was keeping my eyes down, hearing the concern in their voices, I looked up. My eyes welled up with tears. I wanted to speak, but her throat was choking with emotions, but I held back.
"What if my 'Sila' didn't reach high enough?" My voice came out shaky.
"Oh dear, my silly girl, even though your 'Sila' shows no magic, we will still love you as much as we do now. So, don't feel sad," Mother said, gently kissing my forehead. Yes, I felt loved, but Arya's parents always loved her just like my own parents, but maybe she was too proud to admit that someone else had more 'Sila' than a Duke's daughter. But I will never do that, no matter what happens. My mother hugged me gently, and her motherly scent calmed me down. I didn't cry, because there was nothing to cry about; but few tears streamed down my cheeks, and yes I truly felt blessed.
"Sister, look! We will be passing the lake portal!" Nuri chirped. When I looked up, the outside scenery was breathtaking. The lakeside was covered with white clouds, and within minutes, the scenery changed from clouds to lush greenery. "It was beautiful!" I said joyfully. Along with the enchanting landscape, we began to see many carriages, both big and small. Some looked antique, crafted with intricate woodwork, while others were clearly costly, adorned with fine materials. It was fascinating to observe the different types of carriages, seemingly gliding with different magical energy, and a few moved by an unseen, modern power source, showcasing the diverse means of travel in this land.
"Yes, it is," Father chuckled.
"Welcome, Arya and Nuri, to the capital, Nandaka!" Big Brother dramatically exclaimed. We all laughed aloud. The capital is so beautiful, and our duke's city, 'Ardor,' is also beautiful, but Nandaka is on another level entirely. Big buildings, large roads, and old, antique structures of various designs, along with breathtaking sculptures, are everywhere, indescribable.
"Sister, look over there! That flower is so big!" Nuri excitedly pointed. Yes, it was a giant rose structure in the middle of the four roads. "It's called 'The Rose Road,' one of the famous roads of Nandaka," Father told us. "There are more you will see," Big Brother proudly said. 'Big Brother, we know you are an in-and-out person too,' I thought. "Really, Brother, will you show us?" Nuri said, with stars in his red eyes. "Why, of course, I will", Big Brother with his olive-green eyes, identical to his father's, gleamed with pride.
The Power Unlocking Ceremony is the next day, in the early morning, at the temple. So, today, we are heading towards our mansion on the east side of the capital. Tomorrow is a big day for all of us.