Sincerely, Vanessa [EN]: Chapter 1

To My Teacher, From Vanessa (1)

Vanessa was hanging laundry.

But dusk had already fallen, and the sun had set, so she couldn’t discern the laundry’s colors, whether the water had drained properly, or if there were any stains.

She simply wished for a bit of light.

Imagining her humble front yard illuminated like the lanterns in the shopping district or the floating flames conjured by the magician at the festival, Vanessa moved as if dancing.

Then, specks of light spread in the darkness. Like the flying lanterns she had imagined, round lights bloomed, bathing the front yard in a warm glow.

At first, Vanessa thought they were fireflies. “Wow, how lucky,” she mused.

I learned the truth when I gained a patron.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Hello, Teacher. Or, does ‘Teacher’ sound too formal?

But since you are my benefactor, I’ve used the most respectful term I know to address you.

Do you know my name? Did you also pick one from A to Z?

Actually, one of my previous patrons always chose names starting with A: Amy, Anna, Aaron, and so on.

But I’m Vanessa! I thought my turn would never come. So, thank you for being my benefactor.

I can’t believe I’m going to Bamberg Academy. The only conditions are to send a letter at least once a month and submit my report card. Please, add more conditions!

Actually, you might regret it. I used to write in my diary three times a day. You’ll have to be my pen pal from now on.

The headmistress, who always took care of me, was strict, but her eyes were definitely wet when I left.

The headmistress was strict but fair in her own way. In an orphanage overflowing with small children, she gave attention to a big kid like me.

Besides, she didn’t kick me out even though I became an adult this year, so I can’t deny her kindness. Of course, I was earning money with part-time jobs.

The headmistress coldly told me to cut off all ties and never return. She told me to succeed and forget all about the orphanage.

She said it was for my own good, but I still feel utterly alone.

I left the orphanage with only one small, old bag. In my eighteen years, this small bag had always been enough.

Looking back, the light yellow building, with paint peeling off in places, looked blurry in the darkness.

The cart of the merchant next door was waiting in front of the orphanage. Fortunately, the man had business in the Danan region.

It didn’t take long to reach the airfield. Squatting and sleeping for one night was bearable.

On a dark night filled with the hoots of owls, while the neighbor’s youngest child leaned on me and snored, I looked up at the night sky, trying to calm my heavy yet excited heart.

The reason my heart was heavy: Can I do well? What if I fail?

The reason my heart was excited: I can go to the best academy on the continent, Bamberg Academy, and receive formal education for the first time!

It’s quite organized, right?

The next morning, when I arrived near the airfield and jumped out, the farmer waved his hat, wishing me luck, and the youngest child with a runny nose gave me a piece of candy.

I put the candy in my pocket for good luck.

When I arrived at the airfield, I couldn’t help but be amazed. A huge airship was showing off its beautiful streamline, just waiting for its departure time.

It was my first time seeing an airship. I can’t believe something so huge can float. It won’t sink if there’s a hole, will it?

I’m currently waiting at an inn right next to the airfield.

The innkeeper keeps bringing me something to eat every two hours, saying I’m too small and skinny.

I’m not that small. Rather, I’m quite tall. I am skinny though… I can’t help it since I grew up eating less.

Anyway, in just three hours, I can board the airship heading to Bamberg Academy.

Thank you again, Teacher. Oh my, how did a letter written to express gratitude become so long?

The headmistress always said that my words stray to strange places.

I realized it while writing this letter. That’s right!

I didn’t know the paper would be this narrow. I only bought one stamp. If the paper gets too thick, it will be returned.

I’ll stop here.

Hoping that you are always healthy and filled with good things,

From Vanessa Rose, who is more grateful to you than anyone,

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

Vanessa checked the contents and handwriting of the completed letter three times, very carefully. Only then did she fold it.

She felt a little embarrassed that she wrote the letter in less than a week, let alone a month. Even before entering the academy!

Wouldn’t it be annoying?

But since writing letters was a condition, she thought it wouldn’t be a problem.

However, she tilted her head, wondering if the patron teacher wanted a letter with such content.

Is it normal to send a letter with such trivial details?

Vanessa chose the finest envelope, put the letter in, and attached a stamp. And she wrote her name with the utmost care in her life.

She could only hope that the postman would accept the plump letter.

Vanessa ran down the creaky wooden stairs of the inn.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

To My Kind Teacher.

You sent me a ‘Hornir’ [a magical communication device] after I mentioned stamps! You are so kind.

I’ve never had my own Hornir! Will letters arrive instantly with this? I won’t have to worry about the weight of the paper or stamps, right?

Thank you so much. Actually, I was probably the only kid who came to the academy without a Hornir. Everyone else must be sending letters to their families.

I’ve compared it closely, and my Hornir is the most beautiful.

There is no other Hornir with such a fine white color. It’s like the most precious porcelain from somewhere in the East Continent.

I don’t know much, but the transfer magic circle that peeks out slightly inside is as beautiful as a painting.

Of course, it would be most beautiful when there’s a reply inside. I’ve never had a reply, so I’m not sure.

I told you about the airship, right? I swallowed hard and looked around on the airship, but I couldn’t see anything, so I soon fell asleep.

I woke up to the buzzing vibration and found myself in Seogot, a small city near the academy.

When I got off the airship, the headmaster and some professors were standing with the students who had arrived before me. I guess I was the last one.

As I walked along with everyone, I realized it again, and goosebumps spread all over my body.

Am I really here? Really?

When I was lying in the small room of the orphanage, which I shared with eight people, sometimes the sound of the wind blowing outside the window and the shadows of the trees passing over the ceiling felt scary.

At times like that, I would stare blankly at the book next to me, put my hands together, and imagine.

That I would someday go to Rosenbaum or Bardo Academy. And that Vanessa Rose, who was not an orphan, would have a different title.

How about Excellent Vanessa Rose?

But Bamberg Academy, which I couldn’t even imagine… To come to the most famous academy on the continent, full of wizards!

As you know, I was very worried because I took the exam and entered as a junior in the third grade. I heard that most transfer students are placed in the second grade.

Many professors told me that my exam scores were worthy of being assigned to the third grade.

And they reassured me that I would learn a lot during the month before the semester started, but I was so nervous that my fingers kept curling up.

I wanted to grab someone and shed tears of anxiety, but there was no one next to me.

I was completely frozen and could only fidget with my red tie.

Oh, I didn’t tell you about the uniform!

Women are usually given a long skirt that goes below the knees, a shirt, and a jacket.

The uniform color for all grades is the same dark navy blue, but it can be distinguished by the color of the tie.

White for 1st and 2nd graders, red for 3rd graders, green for 4th graders, yellow for 5th graders, and dark blue for 6th graders.

I was glad that everything was provided. I don’t have many clothes.

After that, the school caretaker guided me to the dormitory. The room on the 4th floor is a double room, and he said that a friend in the same grade as me is using it.

I haven’t seen that friend yet. There’s still a month left until regular classes start. What if she hates me? I’m so worried.

But apart from my worries, the inside was a place that deserved to be called truly cozy.

Green cushions with golden tassels were placed on small armchairs, and the bed had rustling white blankets that smelled like sunshine.

My roommate likes the singer Milona, so she put a newspaper with Milona’s face on the wall. There were small vines by the window, and they were lush.

It was literally a dreamlike space. I felt like a rich child in a fairy tale.

I couldn’t sit on the bed and kept pacing around.

I’ve never had my own bed. Maybe I had one when my mom and dad were alive….

Anyway, I was completely stiff and only fidgeted with my old bag, so the school caretaker left to take other students.

After hesitating for a few minutes, I finally sat on my bed. It was so, so soft that tears welled up in my eyes.

I didn’t know, but my body must have been very tired. After washing up and changing into my pajamas, I don’t remember anything after that. I heard the sound of the bells on the ramparts and opened my eyes, and it was already the next day?

Even as I write this letter, I can see a huge lake and sharply soaring trees outside the window.

To be honest, I wouldn’t say it’s the first day I’ve ever looked forward to in my life. But I’m definitely looking forward to it being one of the best days.

Facing the morning sun,

Vanessa Rose.