Nura glanced at Grace with a confused expression. "Sister Grace, did you hear anything about this?"
Grace shook her head. Then her eyes lit up with sudden understanding. "Maybe they wanted to surprise you!"
"I see," Nura said, curling up her lips as she looked at the staff member. "Sir, please take the lead."
The man nodded and led them through the grounds of the academy, past the colorful gardens and soaring spires that gleamed in the afternoon sun.
As they walked, Nura wondered who was waiting for her. Was it her parents? Her siblings? Maybe they had sent a messenger instead. The possibilities ran through her mind.
Luckily, they reached their destination quickly.
’Is this the place?’
The visitor’s parlor was near the east gate, a grand building made of white stone with tall arched windows. Ivy hung down the walls, looking like green silk.
The staff member stopped at the intricately carved door and gestured inside. "They are waiting for you inside, Student Valmere."
"Thank you for bringing us here," Nura bowed gracefully as the man took his leave.
"My lady, I will be waiting outside," Grace said, taking a step back. "Please enjoy your time with your family."
Nura hesitated, glancing back at Grace with a flicker of reluctance, but the maid simply smiled and gave an encouraging nod. After taking a deep breath and letting it out, Nura pushed open the door and stepped inside.
There were two figures sitting on a sofa, a man and a woman. As soon as Nura entered the room, they turned around and their eyes lit up in delight.
The man appeared to be in his early fifties, with black hair combed with meticulous care and amber eyes sharp and commanding. He wore a luxurious black suit that spoke of wealth and authority. The woman next to him had bright red hair, just like Nura’s, falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Her brown eyes were warm, and she smiled gently as she stood up.
"Sweetie!" She called out affectionately.
Nura’s smile widened. "Father! Mother!"
She hurried over and hugged her mother, who welcomed her with open arms. Her mother held her close, stroking her hair and gently pressing her back. Her father stood up more slowly, but he put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.
A few moments later, Nura reluctantly let go of her mother, wiping away the tears with the back of her hand. "Mother, Father, why didn’t you tell me you were coming?"
Her parents exchanged a glance and smiled at her. "We wanted to surprise you, sweetie~"
"And it seems we succeeded." Her father added with a smile. "Anyway, how have you been, Nura?"
"I’ve been doing well!" Nura replied enthusiastically. "The professors say I’m improving quickly, and my control has gotten a lot better. I still have a long way to go, but I’m working hard every day."
"That’s our girl." Her mother cupped her cheek, her thumb brushing away a stray tear. "We knew you would make us proud. But don’t overdo it ok? Your health is the most important thing. Everything else can wait."
"I know, Mother." Nura leaned into the touch. "But I want to get better quickly. I want to repay everything you’ve done for me."
Her mother’s smile flickered, just for a moment, but it was gone before Nura could notice. "You don’t need to repay us, sweetie. Just focus on getting well. That’s all we’ve ever wanted."
"Your mother is right. Don’t push yourself too hard. You have a great talent, so getting stronger can wait until you’re fully recovered. Understood?"
"Yes, Father," Nura nodded, her chest swelling with warmth at their concern.
"Enough of serious matters," her mother said, clapping her hands together. "Let’s talk about your life in the academy! Have you made any friends? How many? Did you tour the academy? The Empire?"
"M-Mother, please, slow down a little." Nura laughed, holding up her hands as if to fend off the flood of questions. "I can’t answer everything at once."
Her father chuckled and placed a hand on his wife’s shoulder. "Give her room to breathe, dear."
"Oh, fine," her mother said with a dramatic sigh, moving his hand aside. "But at least tell us how you’ve been spending your days. Are the other students treating you well?"
Nura nodded with a smile as she sat down beside her mother. Her father moved to the opposite seat. "Everyone has been kind to me, Mother, don’t worry. I’ve made a few friends in my classes; however, they went home for the summer vacation."
"What about other students who stayed?" Her mother asked.
"Ah, them?" Nura waved her hand. "Most of them are here to catch up on lessons they missed or retake exams before the new semester starts. We’re all busy with our own schedules, so I haven’t had much time to get close to them yet, but they seem nice. I’m sure we’ll talk more once our schedules ease up."
"That’s good." Her mother smiled. "I was worried you were going to be lonely."
"Mother, I have Sister Grace too, remember?" Nura added. "She takes good care of me and keeps me company, so I’m never really alone."
"Ah, right! You’re right. I almost forgot about her since I didn’t see her with you. Has she been doing well? Did she take proper care of you?"
"Yes, Mother. She’s just like an older sister!"
"I see. But where is she?"
"Ah, she stayed behind to give us some privacy. She’s waiting outside the room."
"Outside?" Her mother frowned and rose to her feet. "That won’t do. Let me go call her in."
She walked to the door and opened it, poking her head out. "Grace, dear, come inside. There’s no need to stand out there all alone."
A moment later, Grace stepped through the door, her expression polite but slightly flustered. "My lady, I didn’t mean to intrude on your family time."
"Nonsense." Nura’s mother waved a hand dismissively. "You’re practically family yourself. Come, sit with us."
"That’s right, Sister Grace, sit down." Nura gestured to her open side.
"N-No," Grace shook her head hastily. "I... I will just stand here, my lady."
"Well, if you insist," Nura’s mother chuckled. Then, her expression turned a little solemn. "Tell me, Grace, how has Nura really been doing?"