Tower: Murky and Charming

Chapter 1: Beginning

*Past*

Athanasia walks down the deserted hall of her palace. Dust and rust could be seen on the pillars and walls. It didn't bother her much since she grew used to it and the servants passing by never batted an eye at her. Aura being gloomy and being nonexistent to them. As if they don't even notice her at all and it's normal.

After her sister had recently entered into her life and overshadowed her, everyone including the person she admired most would only focus their attention on her. Or that's what most are like.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Uhhhh. Excuse me?" A shy voice is weakly heard by the wizards working in the tower. Hearing the mysterious feminine voice, they all stopped and turned to the door. She pops her head in and sweats profoundly. ".... M-May I have a... moment?"

The chief grandpa sighs and commands everyone to continue working while he deals with the princess. Unlike most, he's one of the very few that acknowledges her presence.

"What is it that you wish to speak of, Your Highness?" He talks in a respective tone towards the ostracized royal member.

She pressed her lips together, nervous and trembling. "I-I... want to..." She mumbles softly that the old man could hardly hear her.

He exhales and smiles gently, wrinkling his eyes and looking at her softly. "Yes, Princess? It's ok to tell me"

".... Can you help me with magic?!" She states and he stiffens, graven with shock. "Or at least help me track something...or someone" Her eyes turn dead serious and the jewel dulls dourly.

He stands still, frozen and unable to respond to her expression. This reaction of hers is nothing like the rumors who are often seen as pitiful and meek. Yet for some reason, her aura changed as if she had immediately become superior to him. He felt weak and afraid until suddenly.

"Ah! Sorry, I just... want to wield magic" The strong image of her instantly disappears as she goes back to her joyless state again.

"Well, I don't know about you wielding magic" He clears his throat and smirks. Impressed by her courage that came out of nowhere and thought about her request. Barely going out, he wasn't aware of the current situation happening outside the tower nor in the noble society. He's just an old royal wizard working in the tower for the rest of his life. "I don't mind teaching it to you if you keep it a secret" He whispers and her face lights up in glee and hope.

"R-Really?" She grins brightly and the expression shakes him in the heart. "Although I'm unable to wield it, I will be some of use to you eventually!"

He chuckles loudly and startles her. She raises her eyebrows in confusion from his reaction and surprises her by patting her head. "Ah! My apology, princess!" He retracts his hand and she brushes it off while telling him it's nothing.

"Your Highness is certainly unique. You do not need to do anything for me. Just come around my break time and I will be there to teach you. If not, I can teleport outside to you"

"Thank you so much" She cannot contain the happiness erupting inside her heart and the smile just gets wider and wider the more she thinks about this offer. She felt like crying but held it in. Nobody has shown this much kindness to her.

"I hope to see you again, Your Highness"

"Don't worry. I'm sure I'll come!"

*Now*

Athanasia finishes cleaning the room and the brooms disappear in time. Although she's able to wield magic and summon items, she can't make it last forever. Sitting by the desk and staring out the window blankly. She covers her eyes with one hand, leaning back into the chair, and lets out a big exhale while thinking about what to do in this deserted tower.