Chapter 23

Elliana shook her small head to cool down her heated revengeful thoughts. But she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of errands Duke Biolark had assigned to her. The information she had was still limited. She realized that she needed to gather as many dream fragments as possible.

‘This time, I won’t be fooled easily! I’ll bite back with my teeth and enhance the power of the sun for revenge!’

* * *

For the next few days, Elliana diligently visited the sacred fountain, dreaming a lot in the process. It was to gain insight into the future and prepare herself. However, the dreamcatcher bird didn’t bring her dream fragments every day.

Still, she learned a few things, such as people she wanted to meet in her current life and important information. But it wasn’t the right time yet. So she carefully preserved the significant dream fragments, just like the Sun’s Scroll. She understood the importance of information, as valuable as gold.

On a peaceful morning like any other day, Elliana quietly slipped out of her bedcovers after waking up. Ever since she started dreaming, she often found herself transformed into a puppy upon waking up.

‘But it’s still a relief.’

“I want sunlight. Cwan we go outside?”

As Elliana kept saying about sunlight every day, the maids would take her for walks whenever they had the chance. Thanks to that, she had more dreams and could transform back into a human with the blessing of the sun when using its power.

Elliana wore the necklace given to her by Viscountess Flora. It was to prevent any unfortunate incidents of nudity when transforming back into a human, as she hadn’t yet learned how to apply clothes during her transformations.

Using the power of the sun was already overwhelming, so transforming into a human was not an easy task. However, she was relieved that she didn’t have to worry about being a statue of indecency.

Yawning, Elliana stretched her head, back, and her short arms and legs in various directions.

After shaking her entire body, her brown fur, which had been lying flat from sleep, stood up fluffy and smooth again.

“Lady, are you awake?”

“Woof!”

Noelle gently stroked Elliana’s back and spoke.

“Starting today, we need to go to the Icewood Education Center for the clan’s succession training. There, you will meet the teacher who will educate you, as well as the other children from different territories.”

Upon hearing Noelle’s words, Sarah, who seemed worried, picked out a dress from the wardrobe and brought it over.

“You’ll be the smallest among them. Will you be alright?”

“That’s my biggest concern too. Although Lord Ian will be there…”

The maids seemed concerned. Well, Elliana felt the same way.

“Lady, it’s best to maintain your human form during the lessons. It might be risky to be a puppy…”

Lions were instinctively powerful creatures. If they found out there was a vulnerable puppy among them, she could become a target for harassment.

Swoosh!

At that moment, light radiated from Elliana’s palm where the blessing of the sun was drawn, and pink smoke billowed, transforming Elliana from a puppy into her human form.

Elliana focused her eyes and spoke with determination.

“I know. Swince all the children receiving the succession training awe lions… it won’t work being a puppy. If I look weak, I’ll be the fiwst tawget.”

“That’s right. You have to hide being a puppy. My lady is so clever.”

Sarah dressed Elliana in the chosen dress and neatly combed her short hair, tying it into twin braids.

Fortunately, they chose a relatively modest pink dress among the clothes sent by Viscountess Flora. It had a cute white collar and a ribbon attached to it.

Once properly dressed, Elliana looked adorable and lovely.

“My lady, you’re so adorable.”

“I hope you make many friends because you’re so cute.”

As the maids brought thick socks and woolen boots, Elliana was deep in thought.

‘If it’s the Silver Lion Clain’s succession training, could they be teaching survival skills? Since I haven’t officially announced myself as the lady, I might be able to observe the atmosphere without drawing too much attention.’

Occasionally, Elliana looked down at her shoes as she took a few steps.

The fluffy wool was pressed down with every step.

‘It feels like walking on clouds.’

Elliana exclaimed with wide eyes.

“They’re comfowtable.”

“That’s right. Actually, I thought you might feel cold, so I prepared something warmer. It’s a perfect fit.”

“Thank you. I’ll wear them even when I swleep.”

Elliana giggled, causing the two maids to squeal.

“Let’s go now.”

Noelle took Elliana’s hand and led her to the Icewood Education Center. Sarah held a soft bee doll to make Elliana feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar place.

The education center was located in a forest filled with trees adorned with snowflake crystals.

For young children like Elliana, it seemed difficult to commute alone. Since it was a bit far from the mansion, they had to take a carriage.

After passing through the main gate, they arrived at a spacious courtyard with a grassy field, where an impressive education center with a blue round roof stood. Several carriages had already lined up, and magic circles began to form on the round magic-infused floors in various places.

Bam!

Whoosh!

Among the arrivals, there were children and teenagers with their robes fluttering. Most of them appeared to be between the ages of 7 and 16, and there were almost thirty of them gathered near the entrance of the building, as if waiting for someone.

Elliana, who didn’t know any of the children, held Sarah’s hand and stood curiously, observing the faces of the other children.

Most of the children, being from the Silver Lion Clan, had silver hair. Some had different hair colors, but they were rare.

‘All these children are from the clan. Even if they’re not direct heirs, they all seem strong. Is this what it means to be a silver lion?’

No matter how much Elliana blinked her eyes and examined them, there were no small children like herself.

However, Elliana didn’t feel disheartened. Noelle extended her cloak further and said, “Lady, I can only accompany you to the entrance. I’ll come pick you up after class. Have a good time.”

“Bye, see you later, Noelle.”

Elliana waved her hand until Noelle was no longer visible.

Carrying the bee doll in one hand, Elliana stood on her tiptoes and looked around.

At that moment, a boy with a mischievous and somewhat unpleasant demeanor approached.

“Hey, you.”

“…Me?”

“Yeah, you. What’s a little bean like you doing here?”

The boy, who looked about ten years old, moved the wooden sword he was holding in a threatening manner. He was so well-built that he seemed much larger than Elliana.

“I cwame for the succession training. Why!”

Elliana shouted back without flinching, despite the boy’s imposing stature. When she didn’t get the reaction she expected, the boy’s eyebrows twitched.

“Oh, is that all you’ve got to say?”

“You’re shwort too.”

“You didn’t even receive basic education, did you? Don’t you know who I am?”

Behind the boy, two other children, who seemed like his lackeys, snickered and laughed.

“I can’t believe you don’t know me, Zaka, 8th rank in swordmanship. Are you really from Crovache? Why do you seem like a milk-drinker? Your hair is brown, your eyes are black. Looks like you’re mixed blood, right?”

Strong silver lion had not only robust bodies but also distinct features like silver hair, purple eyes, and the cold aura of ice. However, Elliana had none of those traits. It was a taunt, pointing out that she was a child with mixed blood, weak parents and lacking power.

The boy clenched his jaw arrogantly. But Elliana also thought to herself. If he was only yhe 8th rank, he was nothing special.

‘It’s not a big deal.’

“You’re like a little mouse. Want to experience some real pain? Even if you’re a little kid, I won’t show you any mercy.”

Zaka, getting excited, glared at Elliana with arrogance.