As the ship broke through the illusion that masked the floating island from view, I finally got to take a look at the true face of Sky Lake City. The castle that stood tall high into the sky was pure white and built in the middle of the large lake. It was surrounded by a city a little smaller than the one below it. But this city was much more high class and was only for nobles and the knights that worked at the castle. And off to the side, standing a little lower than the castle itself, was the Royal Magic Academy. I took up a great deal of space and had many buildings. From what I know, it had many research departments that were funded by the royal family. This would also be the place I will be going to next month and will begin my training to become a knight.
The ship docked at the only airship terminal on the island, where Adel already had a carriage ready and prepared for us. The streets were nothing like the streets in the lower city. They were not covered in cobblestone. They were all made of large smooth white stone slabs that made the streets look rather upper class? I guess I would say. To be honest, I saw no need to go all out like that when a regular carriage would ride just as smooth on the bumpiest road you could find. Yay magic!
After about an hour of travel, we passed through a luxurious metal gate and, after a few more minutes, finally came to a stop at the entrance of a large red brick mansion. Out front was a young lady wearing a blue dress holding a folding fan in her hand. She had red hair and from what I could see, green eyes that looked like gems. I really had to say that she was quite pretty. I just hoped she would not start any issues with me or Sophie. I really did not want to deal with any of it.
The door opened, and Adel got out first, but instead of giving the girl who stepped forward to say hello any attention, she reached out her hand towards Sophie, who was about to climb out. "Careful with your step Sophie." Adel said with a bright smile.
Sophie blushed and nodded her head to answer. Her actions may seem rude to those who are of a noble status, but Adel could not careless as she knew Sophie was one of few words. Earlier, when Sophie actually yelled at me for trying to jump off the airship, I saw Adel look at her in shock because Sophie barely spoke more than five words in an hour.
After Sophie got off, she also turned around along with Adel, at the same time reaching out their hands to me. They both looked at each other and smiled. As for me. I felt like I was the one with the highest status here, with both the princess of the kingdom and a cute fluffy fox girl both helping me off the carriage. As for whom I presume is Miss Dollen, I could see her eyebrow raise at the scene in front of her. Surprisingly I saw no disgust in her eyes. What her true expression was like that was hidden behind the fan, I do not know. But after these years, I've gotten good at seeing people's true nature through the eyes that gaze upon me.
I smiled as my feet landed on the ground and said: "Thank you, Adel, Sophie."
"Hehe… I know you are not used to heels, so, of course, I would be there to help you out of the carriage. Unlike at the airship station, you can not take your heels off to climb out of the carriage." Adel answered with a smile. She then nudged Sophie, who looked up at me with blushed cheeks and nodded her head. "Mmm… A-Adel asked me to make sure that I was the second one to get off so we can be sure you would not fall."
I could only sigh. My two friends are so amazing! "Then I will be sure to take you both out someplace later then."
"I will hold you to that!" Adel answered as she turned around with a slight hop in her step. "Miss Dollen, it has been a long time. I, Adellia, thank you for inviting me to your tea party today."
I watched as Adel did her normal curtsey. A tapped Sophie's hand to give her a reminder to also give a curtsey. We had already taught her the basics, so all she had to do was attempt it, whether she got it right or not. We did not need to say anything as we are Adel's guests, so she would introduce us to Miss Dollen.
Seconds later, Adel turned and looked at us before turning back to Miss Dollen and saying: "This here is my bestest friends in the entire world, Faith Cryilia, and Sophie. I do hope you do not mind me bringing two extra people."
"Of course not. Your highness can bring whoever pleases. Miss Cyrilia and Sophie, was it? Not to be rude but do you have a family name?" I could tell Miss Dollen did not seem to be trying to be rude. I think she was just being curious as she asked this.
But seeing Sophie freeze up, I decided to step in and answer the question for her. "Sorry, Miss Dollen, Sophie is not very good with new people. She has the same last name as me and is also a commoner. I do hope this will not be a problem. Also, just to let you know, I am also a commoner."
"I see…" I guess I was a bit too forceful because Miss Dollen seemed shocked at my straightforwardness. But when she lowered her fan and gave a true smile, I could tell she did not seem bothered by our status at all. Which got me thinking. I kind of wanted to ask Adel if this was truly the snobby girl she was talking about or not.
