As soon as her hands stilled, Celine turned her gaze to the drawing she had made, her expression thoughtful as she studied the paper.
'Could it be a lizard?'
That wasn't quite right. She turned back to the tapestry, quickly noticing a detail she had left out. With quiet determination, she resumed drawing. Now, looking at it again, she wondered:
'Does this creature have wings...?'
– Miss Celine? – The teacher's voice came gently from beside her.
Startled, she turned to see her teacher observing the drawing with a serious expression. Pointing at the sketch, the teacher asked – What is this?
Celine hesitated, lowering her gaze for a moment.
– I am not certain, teacher. I saw a symbol on the tapestry and was trying to sketch it – Her voice was soft but clear.
The teacher observed her for a moment before gently nudging her to regain her focus.
– ...tell me which kingdoms border Nairot's trade routes.
Celine straightened slightly, gathering her thoughts before answering:
– Nairot borders the great kingdoms of Waterfall, Tegia, and Friegenia, as well as the smaller kingdoms of Baria, Fenymia, and Almalorantia.
The teacher, seeing her composed expression, continued:
– And their largest trade route?
Celine answered with quiet confidence:
– The largest trade route is primarily supported by the coastal capital of the Kingdom of Kelet, which, because of this route, also maintains trade with Nairot. The route passes through four towns in Kelet before dividing into two paths. The first major route leads to the realm of Waterfall, where it splits again—one path heading north through the capital of Waterfall, Nosea, and the other leading to Nairot's capital, Menione, from where trade extends to Baria, Almalorantia, and Fenymia. The second route continues south into Friegenia and, further down, reaches the small kingdoms of Tsimian and Mishan Guo, ultimately ending at the coastal capital of Tegia.
Her tone remained calm and composed; there wasn't a single error in her words.
Tabitha, apparently impressed, raised her eyebrows slightly before offering a small approving smile.
– Very good – she said, returning to the front of the room. Taking a seat, she continued – Very good, Celine. This was your last class with me. You will be traveling to Fenymia this afternoon, correct?
Celine nodded politely.
– Yes, teacher.
– You may go now. Get some rest before your journey – she said. Then, just as Celine was leaving, she added with a knowing smile – And I would advise you not to draw in your notebook during class there. You have yet to meet a truly strict and demanding teacher.
Celine offered a warm smile and lowered her head slightly in apology.
– I understand. Thank you for everything, Miss Tabitha. – She spoke with sincerity before departing.
Suna followed her closely, her steps hurried.
– Princess... – she panted slightly – Why are you walking so fast?
Celine slowed her pace, glancing at her companion with a gentle smile.
– I wanted to record the symbol in my diary before I forget its details. But my notebook is still in the study room... – she explained simply, without complaint.
Without hurry, she took Suna's arm, and they walked together back to her room.
In the study room, Tabitha examined Celine's sketch carefully, paying close attention to every detail.
'Why would the princess suddenly draw this symbol?'
She remained deep in thought, not noticing that someone had entered the room and approached her.
– Tabitha? – A soft yet commanding voice called her name.
The teacher looked up, and upon recognizing the woman before her, she immediately set the book aside and bowed respectfully.
– My lady, do you require anything from this servant? – She asked the tall, graceful woman standing before her. This was Isleen, the most powerful sorceress of the Nine Kingdoms. Her keen eyes were fixed not on Tabitha, but on the symbol drawn in the notebook.
The sorceress said nothing. Instead, she lifted her gaze toward the tapestries, scanning them briefly before focusing on a particular one—the very same tapestry Celine had been studying earlier.
Narrowing her eyes, she motioned for a guard standing at the door to approach. As he stepped forward, she spoke:
– I ordered the tapestries to be removed from the hallways, but I do not recall instructing you to bring them here.
Tabitha lowered her gaze slightly, silently reaffirming that she had no involvement in the matter.
The guard hesitated for a moment. Isleen finally turned her sharp gaze on him, waiting for an answer.
Realizing he was now under the great sorceress's scrutiny, he quickly responded:
– I will see to it immediately, my Lady.
Isleen nodded, permitting him to leave.
– How is Celine's progress? – she then asked, her tone gentler now.
Knowing the question was for her, Tabitha lifted her head and replied:
– Celine is very intelligent, quick-thinking, and has an exceptional memory. She is diligent in her studies.
Isleen nodded slightly. – I heard from the servants that she seemed somewhat distracted today…
Understanding what her Lady was implying, Tabitha answered carefully:
– She appeared thoughtful during class, her mind drifting at times. Perhaps something weighs on her, but I cannot say for certain.
Isleen nodded once more. – Celine will no longer be studying here, so feel free to return home.
Tabitha smiled but shook her head. – I appreciate your kindness, my Lady, but I already consider this palace my home. I have nowhere else to go.
– Very well. In gratitude for your dedication to my daughter's education, I will entrust you with the care of the library.
Tabitha's eyes gleamed with gratitude. Making a deep curtsy, she spoke with genuine appreciation:
– I am honored, my Lady.
Isleen took Celine's notebook, which contained the sketch, and left. Upon reaching the hallway, she walked to a window and opened it. Holding the notebook, she turned to the page where the symbol was drawn, running her fingers lightly over the lines.
Sighing, she closed the book and conjured flames from her palm with a flick of her wrist. The fire consumed the pages, reducing them to ashes that scattered with the passing breeze.
Isleen gazed out over the landscape, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
A few moments later, she lowered her head and turned, making her way toward Celine's room.