Chapter 7: A Noble Request

Luck stood at the entrance of Lady Helena’s manor, her hands clasped tightly together. Niko had offered to come with her, but Luck insisted on going alone. This was something she needed to do for herself—and for the orphanage.

The large, ornate door loomed before her. Taking a deep breath, she gave three small knocks. A servant opened it and raised an eyebrow at the sight of her.

“I’m here to see Lady Helena,” Luck said politely, keeping her voice steady.

The servant hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. “Wait here.”

Moments later, Luck was led through a grand hallway filled with paintings and polished woodwork. The manor was unlike anything she had seen before—elegant, warm, and filled with a faint scent of lavender. Eventually, they reached a sitting room where Lady Helena was arranging a vase of fresh flowers.

“Miss Luck,” Lady Helena greeted with a warm smile. “What brings you here today?”

Luck gave a small bow, just as she had practiced. “Good afternoon, Lady Helena. I came to ask you a favor.”

Intrigued, the noblewoman set the vase aside and gestured for Luck to sit. “A favor? You have my curiosity. Go on.”

-

Luck hesitated, unsure how to word her request without sounding foolish. “I… I wanted to ask if you could teach me a few things.”

Lady Helena arched an eyebrow. “Teach you? What exactly?”

Luck took a deep breath, determined to be honest. “I want to learn basic etiquette, some academics, and… magic.”

The noblewoman didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she poured herself a cup of tea, her movements graceful and calm. “That’s quite a list. Why the sudden interest?”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Luck glanced at her own hands. “I didn’t know magic was real until recently. I thought it was just stories. When you told me about preserving the wreath, it was the first time I realized that magic actually existed. I… I want to learn about it.”

Lady Helena took a sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving Luck’s face. “And why the interest in etiquette and academics?”

Luck fidgeted with her sleeves. “I realized that if I want to make a real difference for the orphanage, I need to know how to speak to nobles properly. If I can learn how to act and present myself, people might take us more seriously. And the kids… I want to teach them too. Maybe it’ll help them find better opportunities.”

A soft laugh escaped Lady Helena’s lips, and her expression shifted to something Luck couldn’t quite read. “You’re a surprising child. Most would come asking for toys or treats. You’re asking for education and knowledge instead.”

Luck gave a shy smile. “I just… I want to help everyone.”

Lady Helena set her cup down and leaned forward slightly. “You truly didn’t know about magic?”

Luck shook her head. “No. No one at the orphanage talks about it. I thought it was just made-up stories. I didn’t even know nobles could hire mages until you told me.”

For a moment, Lady Helena’s eyes narrowed slightly as if she were deep in thought. Then, she smiled—a warm but oddly knowing smile. “Magic isn’t something that everyone can use but there are a few nobles and commoners who can wield it but of course, how much they can use it and in what ways they use differs. It’s… complicated, you need to have affinity for it first. But I can teach you some basic knowledge about it, along with etiquette and proper speech. Are you prepared for that?”

Luck’s eyes lit up. “Yes! I’m ready to learn.”

-

The next day when Luck came back to the household of Lady Helena, she was guided to a smaller, cozier room at the back of the manor. It was lined with bookshelves and had a large window overlooking the gardens. She gestured for Luck to sit at a small wooden desk.

“First, let’s address etiquette. One must present themselves with grace, regardless of status,” Lady Helena began, demonstrating how to sit properly, how to place one’s hands, and how to bow with respect. Luck watched carefully, mimicking the movements as best as she could.

After a few tries, Lady Helena nodded approvingly. “Good. Now, proper speech. You’re naturally polite, which helps. But tone and diction matter. Repeat after me: ‘It’s an honor to meet you, my lord.’”

Luck straightened her back and spoke as instructed. “It’s an honor to meet you, my lord.” Lady Helena smiled. “Not bad. You’re a quick learner.”

They continued practicing for a while, moving from greetings to short phrases that would be useful when speaking to nobles. Lady Helena’s instructions were clear and patient, though Luck couldn’t help but notice the lady’s curious glances from time to time.

After an hour of etiquette, Lady Helena moved on to academics, teaching basic history and geography. Luck listened intently, absorbing as much as she could. Eventually, they circled back to the topic Luck was most eager about—magic.

Lady Helena walked to the bookshelf and pulled out a dusty, leather-bound book. “Magic is a fundamental part of this world, but only a few can wield it. It’s passed down through bloodlines or awakened through rare circumstances.”

Luck frowned. “So, it’s not something anyone can just learn?”

“Correct. Those who can use magic are called ‘mages.’ There are also enchanted items that anyone can use, but actual spell-casting is reserved for mages and each mage is treated differently.”

Lady Helena flipped the book open, revealing diagrams of basic elemental spells—fire, water, wind, and earth. “Magic is also divided into elemental types. Some people can control fire, while others may excel in healing or manipulating objects. The mages from the magic tower, for example, have specialized training to amplify and control their power - committed to learning more about its essence and maybe discover new spells that could help anyone"

"In ordder to use magic, one should possess mana and it depends on a person's mana on how well they can utilize magic"

Luck’s heart sank a little. “So… if I don't have mana, I can’t learn magic at all?”

Lady Helena placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “There’s still value in learning about it. You may not be able to cast magic, but understanding how it works could help you in other ways.”

Luck gave a small nod. “I just… I want to know more. The world feels so much bigger now."

Lady Helena’s eyes softened, but there was a flicker of something else—a mixture of curiosity and caution. “Very well. I’ll teach you what I know. Again, come by once a week, and I’ll share what I can.”

Luck’s face lit up. “Thank you! I promise to work hard.”

As Luck stood to leave, Lady Helena reached out and gently touched her cheek. “You’re a peculiar child, Luck. I feel. Like those who are close to you are going to be really blessed"

Luck froze, unsure how to respond - it seems like Lady Helena thinks that she is the reason why the orphanage improved but that is not the case, in fact it was the collective effort of the children. Before she could think of anything to say, Lady Helena withdrew her hand, her usual gentle smile returning.

“Go on now. I’ll expect you next week. And keep practicing your manners,” Lady Helena said, waving her off.

-

As Luck walked back to the orphanage, her mind was filled with excitement and confusion. Lady Helena’s smile had felt strange—almost like she knew something Luck didn’t.

But Luck brushed off the uneasy feeling. Lady Helena had agreed to teach her, and that was enough for now. As she approached the orphanage, Niko greeted her with a curious look.

“How’d it go?” he asked.

Luck grinned. “She’s going to teach me! Etiquette, academics, and even a bit about magic.”

Niko’s eyes widened. “Really? That’s amazing!”

Luck nodded, her thoughts swirling. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Lady Helena knew more than she was letting on. But for now, all that mattered was that she had taken the first step toward learning more about the world—and, hopefully, be aable to share it with the other children as well.