I hear my phone go off. Picking it up, I see a call pending with Kristiea's contact. I pick up the call, and hold my phone to my ear.

《Hello Alicia!》

"Greetings Kristiea."

《No need to be so tense Alicia. It's nice to hear you again.》 

I took a deep breath... Yeah, she's right. "Sorry, it's my first time having someone call me, so... Ahem—is there something going on Kristiea?"

《Ah, no, I just wanted to ask if you wanted to go out together today?》

"I—" Was there anything I had to do today...? "I don't have anything going on today."

《Great! Let's meet up at Thersia Station around 11:00.》

"Okay." With that, the call ends. I look at the time on my phone, 10:00. I had time, and with that I stood from sitting at my desk.

... I haven't seen Cecelia come out of her room this morning. I would like to ask her if she wanted to come with me, but... I was pretty sure going into her room - the room of a girl - without her permission was a line too far, even if I were a girl myself...

... I—... "Cecelia?" I called, as I gently knocked on her door. "Are you awake?"

... ... ...

I took a deep breath - it's okay... Even though I've been doing all I can for her, sometimes we need time to ourselves. I'm sure she understands that a day apart doesn't mean I don't care for her.

Back in my room, I began to arrange an outfit and get ready to head out. Though I remembered to send Cecelia a text saying I would be out and that breakfast was in the fridge when she woke up.

 

---

 

"Alicia!" I turn to see Kristiea - her in a casual outfit certainly was... special.

"Hello Kristiea." I greet her, returning to her a simple smile, "... haha, it's our first time seeing each other in casual wear, isn't it?"

"Hehe, thanks." Kristiea then eyed me, "You look like a noble lady dressed like that - though honestly it fits you so well."

"Thanks—..." Honestly, I felt a little embarrassed - a noble lady...

I kept my outfit modest, though I decided to take some advice given to me to heart. A lighter pink, medium length, layered flared skirt that extended to just below my thighs alongside my usual white thigh-high socks modestly covered my bottom half. My top was a light blue and white, short-sleeved top with a pink colored exterior laced ribbon in the center leading up to my chest. My top did show a little more skin than I would prefer, showing slightly more skin below my collarbone than a normal shirt, but nothing extreme or anything that could be called revealing.

"You look good too." Kristiea wore a casual, outgoing, light outfit. She wore short pants that extended just above her thighs, topped with a casual sweater and shirt. Honestly... her long legs were mostly bare and open - her wearing normal above the ankle socks and outgoing sporty looking shoes -, but more than anything else, her open legs showcased a casual outgoing appearance rather than looking immodest. Overall, despite the casualness of her outfit, she looked good in it and fit the casual appearance perfectly.

"So, now that we're together... where are we going?" There was a lot to do in Thersia - theoretically -, though there was only really one place in Thersia I could think of immediately as a popular high school hangout place, the Thersia Shopping Mall.

"There's a movie that just came out, and my mom got two tickets from her boss. She told me to take a friend, and you were the first person I thought of."

"Ah, oh—thanks..." I was happy I was the first person Kristiea thought of, but at the same time... My knowledge of movies was next to nonexistent. "It's at the Thersia Shopping Mall, right?"

"Yeah, was there anything else you wanted to do there?"

"Err—," There was a place... It was a cafe I saw before with Cecelia as we were leaving after our lunch. I wanted to go in with Cecelia, but that was when we had our leftovers from the restaurant and after Cecelia had her fill, so I had to simply just remember the place and come back another day. "Yes, though when does your movie air?"

"It's on at 14:30, we can go to the place you want before the movie."

"Okay—um, did you have lunch?"

"No," Kristiea shook her head, "Well, I'm excited to see wherever you want to have lunch."

"Thanks, then let's get going," I said—ah... "Err—whenever you're ready..."

"Fufu—your sister side is leaking through, but let's go."

Geez—what a klutz I am... I followed behind Kristiea as she began walking forward. Soon enough, we arrived at the Thersia Shopping Mall together without issue.

"... so busy..." The mall was completely different. Unlike my last time with Cecelia, the mall was busy, filled with people and families - a complete difference from when I was here with Cecelia.

"Well—the movie we're watching just came out, so a lot of people want to see it. And it is also the first day of the new Half."

"Makes sense." I nod. The movie part I couldn't really fully get - I knew nothing about movies or their popularity -, but the beginning of the calendar with it being the Second Half, 1-3 makes sense. Plus, a lot of schools generally began their summer breaks around this time, so I could understand the bustle.

"Though we have time. Where was it that you were interested in Alicia?"

"Well—it's a cafe." I tried thinking of its name, but it slipped out of my mind... "I don't quite remember the name, but I remember where it is."

"Ah, well, feel free to take us there Alicia."

"Well—okay..." I nod and step forward, heading to where I remember the cafe. Up an escalator onto the second floor and after a bit of walking, I see the cafe. "There it is, Silkstrung Cafe. That was the one."

"Oh—Silkstrung, I heard Uelise talk about it. She went with some of her friends. Though I haven't tried anything from them, Uelise was talking about how the pastries were so good—I'm looking forward to it."

"I'm looking forward to it as well." I smile, reassured that the place had a personal review from someone we knew. "Let's go."

Walking into the cafe, it appeared to be a more casual setting like the one next to Cecelia's school. And... well, looking around, there were quite a few girls who looked like high schoolers, alongside some women ordering at the front counter. The inside walls were white and light blue - after looking at it and thinking about it, the cafe was clearly catered toward girls. Well—not that I minded.

Wow— "... that looks good..." The drinks displayed on the menu above the counter looked good. What caught my eye was a seemingly cool-coffee looking drink with a lot of cream topping.

"Yeah, all the drinks do look good." Kristiea said, as she looked through the menu.

We waited and looked at the menu for drinks and something to eat for around a minute before going in line to order.

"Hello you two, can I get your order?" The woman behind the counter asked as our turn came.

"Yes." Kristiea replied before ordering. After Kristiea ordered, I went and took her place at the counter to place my order. Once our orders were put in and we paid, we both went to get a table as we waited for our order. "Well—there goes half my allotted allowance, haha~."

"Allowance...?"

"Well—my allowance isn't really that much. How much do you get Alicia?"

"I—..." Suddenly I came to wonder about it for Cecelia as well - I mostly just took care of what she wanted with my—well, the shared fund I inherited and managed. "Well—I kind of manage my household's finances, so... I get a bit of leverage." Yet, at my words, Kristiea simply looked at me blankly...

"..." Eh, "... are you secretly the daughter of a company president?"

"Ah—no no, I'm just a normal person."

Yet as I explained, Kristiea simply looked at me with doubtful eyes, "Alright, well—you're a normal genius then..."

"..." I simply stayed quiet, unsure of how to respond... Was I considered a genius before? I was simply... doing what was expected, yet the—

"Ah—... don't make such a complicated face, I was simply teasing you, but you really are amazing Alicia—so please don't make that face that looks like you're about to cry."

"I—..." I couldn't really tell how I looked, but—

"Sorry to interrupt, but here is what you two ordered here." An employee said pushing a small cart before laying out our drinks and order.

"Ah—thank you." I thanked the employee, letting out my normal outgoing smile before looking at my order. I ordered a cool, smoothie-like coffee and pancakes, and looking at them together on the tray in front of me, I smiled; the coffee looked refreshing, and the pancakes topped with cream and syrup, alongside small, sliced pieces of fruit looked appealing. On Kristiea's side, she had a drink similar to mine and a croissant sandwich. "Let's eat."

"Y—yeah..." Kristiea uttered, looking away from me.

Cutting a section of my pancake and digging into it. Mmm—the pancake was soft and fluffy, melting in my mouth as I ate. The syrup laced over it gave the soft fluffy texture a hint of sweetness, not overbearing but just right. Cutting another piece that held a piece of fruit with cream on it brought the same soft fluffy texture, but the soft fruit and cream both carried a natural sweetness that was pleasant.

"... your face makes me wish I got the pancakes too..." Kristiea pouted.

I finish chewing before flashing a smile at her, "Want a piece?" I hold out my fork with a piece of my pancake out to Kristiea who looks at my me, bewildered.

"I—... I'll take a piece..." Kristiea said, taking my fork. "Mmm—it is good..." She uttered, as her face softened a little, "But—please don't give out your fork like that so easily. I know you don't mean much by doing so, but—... it is embarrassing..."

"Ah—," I realized what exactly happened, "I—it wasn't—it slipped my mind..."

"Here's your fork back, um—but, thanks for letting me try your pancakes."

"Unn..." I nod, trying to divert the awkward embarrassment between us...

... ... ...

Our lunch went smoothly. After finishing our lunch and drinks, we began heading to the theater. Our trip was uneventful through the mall, and upon arriving at the mall's theater on the third floor, we were met with a crowd.

Thinking about it... "What's the movie about?" I wasn't too knowledgeable about movies, but looking at the crowd in front of us, I figured this crowd waiting in line wasn't normal. Surely there wouldn't be this many people waiting to watch a movie or already booked for a movie.

"Oh, it's a movie from the series Astori." Astori...? I looked at Kristiea, still at a loss for what the movie was about, "Its full name is Astori - Imperias Genesis, and it's supposed to be based off the book and story of its original name, and the story is supposedly supposed to be the beginning-story for the series!" Kristiea explained enthusiastically.

"Hmm, you seem excited."

"Well—I've read the Astori series, and I'm wondering how the directors did with this installment." Kristiea explained.

"I see..." Well, I was a little interested in the movie now due to her excitement, but... she still didn't explain the movie at all either.

Kristiea briefly left to go get our tickets, though not before asking me to get more drinks and snacks.

"... two sodas and popcorn..." I uttered to myself as I arrived at the snacks and drinks counter. I went up to the counter where everyone was at and waited for my turn.

I looked around at the people here... I couldn't really define the people into a category or type, it was pretty broad in terms of demography just looking at the people before at the ticketing area and at the beverage and snack area. It honestly made me more lost as to what the movie was about, or what the Astori series was, but—,

"Hello Miss. How can we help you?" My turn came, interrupting my train of thought.

"Hello, could I get a two soda cups and some popcorn please?"

"Of course." The man behind the counter rung up his machine, and the total cost of everything popped up on the register, "Your total would be 997 Marks."

I went through my handbag, taking out my wallet getting an 1000 Mark dollar, "Here." He took my 1000 Marks and promptly returned 3 Marks in coins change. "You can keep the 3 Marks, thank you."

"You're welcome—and here is the two soda cups and popcorn bucket." Soon enough he handed me two cups and a large bucket with popcorn, "The fountain machine is over there, thank you, and enjoy."

I nod and went to the he pointed to... yet, what did Kristiea want me to get? I looked, lost at what to get from the drink machine...

"Oh, you're still here Alicia?" I turn to see Kristiea walking to me.

"Ah—Kristiea." I was relieved seeing her, "Um—what did you want to drink?"

"Drink...? Anything you pick would be fine."

"I—okay..." And here I was worrying about what she would want...

"Ah—were you worried? Sorry—I'm not picky on drinks; anything the drink machine has is fine. I enjoy all the flavors."

"I—okay, thanks." I heave a sigh, "Yeah... it was something I had on my mind; I'll keep your words in mind."

"Haha, hopefully it helped. I'll tell you my favorites - if you don't already have something in mind yourself."

Haha, of course... why was I even worrying?

After getting the two cups of soda together, Kristiea gave me a paper wristband that had a number, explaining that the wristband was our pass and seating. Following after Kristiea, we went back to the busy ticketing area, passing the ticketing counter into a hallway before heading into a door.

Inside, it was dark... following a bit closer behind Kristiea, the massive room we entered was dark, though the massive screen in front illuminated the room just enough to see and navigate around. We made our way to our seats, which were next to the walkways in the seating area.

Sitting down, I... well, I couldn't really describe it - how I was feeling sitting and being inside a theater...

"Is it your first time at the theater, Alicia?"

I nod, "Yeah... I—," I came to realize, half the things I've heard others talking about I've never done...

"... I'm—, well, I know I can be a little pushy at times, but I hope you'll enjoy chances like this to go out - I'll take you along with me to enjoy yourself anytime you want. Though..." She trailed off, muttering something... "Well, if you don't mind, please don't mind last minute plans like this - most things don't really come planned."

"I—I don't mind." Letting out a quiet sigh—once again... I am spoiled - Kristiea, she is too good of a friend... "Thank you..."

 

---

 

... I had a lot to say about the movie...

I couldn't really say much if I were to compare it to anything, but the story... It intrigued me. It was a story with aspects from the Feudal Empire Era and the setting involved with a time like that. It certainly was interesting, and the action parts with the various sword fight scenes and the Magic casted looked both looked interesting and well done. The plot as well, following the story of a noble Magician girl, Julia, and her journey along with those who journeyed with her.

"That was fun—Julia, I like how they carried her character over from the novel."

"Unn..." I nod, not because I knew the original character, but mostly just because of how she was portrayed.

Well... more than anything else, the struggles and her character were what resonated with me. Someone destined for greatness, born to achieve and be more than anyone else; but not desiring the greatness and fame of their actions. My normal life as it was now; it was enjoyable and fun. Compared to my life before, right now it was more free; I could simply enjoy being and doing whatever, whenever, without having to worry about any unintended side effects or having to meet expectations.

"Are you okay Alicia?"

Ah—, "Ye—yeah... sorry—I was just in... awe, Julia... I just felt—well, I felt like I could understand her a little..."

"Well—haha, she is a very deep character."

"Ye—yeah..." I nod.

As we slowly walked back to the station, my mind was still lost - in thought...

Really—how the character from the movie resonated with me, and the idea of the story. A girl like that who showed a strong image, but underneath was but just a normal person struggling with the weight of expectations, struggling with the fact that failure was more than her failing herself; it meant failing and endangering an entire country.

I was aware myself; I somehow, through being Alicia, managed to escape the expectations, but what of the role and duties that came with my position before?

I couldn't say for sure, but thinking about my past... Goldia seemed more suited than I did. The only thing that kept me ahead was the expectation that was put on me due to my position and the need to meet them; but if what Desnyoon said was true before...

"..." I'm sure Goldia would handle it well. I personally thought she was much more gifted and exceptional than I could ever strive to be. And that was without my 'advantages'. With an 'advantage', I'm sure she would be much more capable than I ever could strive to be.

My attention was brought back to reality as the announcement of Kristiea's train arrival came. "Bye Alicia! I'll see you another time!"

"Yeah—thank you for giving me the chance to see the movie with you. I'll see you another time Kristiea." I returned her wave at her as she boarded her train.

As soon as her train left, I waited and boarded my train and headed home.

 

 

---

 

 

Lunar Year 933, Second Half, Day 1-3

Astori - Imperias Genesis. It was a story with a core idea that intrigued me. One that resonated deeply.

Who I used to be, who I am right now, and what I want now. Watching the movie with Kristiea today, I came to think about everything seeing the main character in the movie. I was conflicted, I tried thinking about everything once again. Who I was before, and if I would still have the same thoughts and ideas I did if I was who I was before. Yet...

... I came to the realization...

"..." I looked at myself in the small little mirror on my desk, "... who am I...?" I leaned back on my chair, "Sigh..."

Clearly... there was much more to who I was, to who Alicia truly was...