Free Web NovelChapter 261: Third
"Master!" Christina called out from atop the Tartan she was riding as Celestina flew up beside her.
7 days ago, the day after Lucas left for Iron Rock, the Rockwell Kingdom’s youngest princess had stood before her childhood idol with a solemn look on her face, bowed deeply, and asked to become her Disciple.
This wasn’t the first time Christina had made this request of Celestina; in fact, the young girl had lost track of just how many times she had done so, but this time, unlike all those that came before it, was different.
Standing there, in the assembly hall of the Herald City Garrison, Christina was no longer the same immature little girl she had been half-a-month ago when she first landed in Redwood Town. She was still proud of her name, of her talent, and of her achievements, but gone was the arrogance and entitlement that had unconsciously seeped into her bones. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
Throughout her time in Redwood Town, Christina had experienced so many new things.
She had forged friendships with those who truly didn’t care about her background or status.
She had found a rival who, while technically weaker than her, always seemed to be able to come out on top when they fought.
She had seen those who had lost everything struggle to live on.
She had felt the pain and suffering of those who fought in war.
She had lived the life of the common people of her kingdom.
She had been brought to the brink of death and back.
She had witnessed the true meaning of honour, duty, and sacrifice.
She had watched others die so that she may live.
She had learned so many things, and grown so much, that the her from a month ago would probably barely even recognize the her of today.
None of these made Christina believe she was now more worthy of being Celestina’s Disciple, but they did allow her to understand what kind of weight becoming such a Disciple would carry.
"Why?" Eying the young girl before her, Celestina remained stoic as she asked a simple question, "Why do you want to become my Disciple?"
This was also not the first time Celestina had asked Christina this question.
In the past, the young princess had listed many different reasons, some of them childish like thinking it would be cool, some more serious like wanting to study under the strongest female Cultivator in the kingdom, but none of the answers Christina provided until now had satisfied Marquess Balfour, causing Celestina to refuse her each time.
Naturally, this had frustrated and confused the sheltered princess, even made her wonder if her aunt disliked her for some reason.
Previously, Christina had spent a long time, wracking her brain, trying to figure out what the right answer to this question was in order to finally be accepted.
Looking back on it now, after everything she had gone through together with Lucas and Eris, Christina couldn’t help laughing at how foolish she had been. The answer was so simple, so fundamental, so obvious now, yet all this time, it had never occurred to her because she thought it was something she already had.
"Strength," Christina answered, her voice steady and filled with determination, "I want to be your Disciple because I want... no, because I need to become strong!"
In an instant, a heavy pressure burst forth from Celestina, one the pressed down on Christina and tried to force her to kneel.
Had it been before, Christina might have done just that, give in to the pressure and gotten down on her knees, but not anymore. Although she didn’t lift her head and maintained her bow, Christina also refused to surrender. No matter how heavy the weight, no matter how intense the suppression, she would not kneel down, not yet, not until she had reached her goal.
Her expression still unmoved by this display of defiance, Celestina questioned the princess once more, "Why do you seek strength?"
Without any hesitation or delay, Christina shouted as forcefully as she could, "To defend my home! To defend my principles! And to defend those I care about!"
Christina’s voice echoed off the walls of the hall for a time before silence filled it again.
Sweat dripped from Christina’s face, and her legs began to shake. The pressure was overwhelming, growing stronger and more menacing by the moment, but still she refused to back down. She had said what was in her heart, revealed her deepest desire; there was nothing more for her to say now.
Either Celestina would take her as a Disciple, or she wouldn’t. Whatever the outcome, Christina was ready to accept it.
Time ticked by, each agonizing second feeling like an eternity for Christina, yet she held her tongue and waited.
Just as the young princess felt like she was on the verge of passing out, the pressure on her abated, and the oppressive malice which had threatened to crush her dissipated into the ether.
"You’ve grown," Celestina spoke, her voice now carrying a hint of warmth and appreciation.
Gradually lifting her head and straightening her back, Christina gently smiled, "I had wonderful examples to learn from."
Nodding in agreement, Celestina’s expression became serious again as she asked one final question, "Christina Rockwell, are you willing to become my Disciple?"
"I am willing," Christina replied in a far calmer tone than she had expected to.
She had dreamed of this day for so long, but now that it had finally arrived, all the princess felt was a sense of peace and fulfilment. Perhaps it was because she knew this wasn’t the end, only the beginning.
"Good, then from today onward, you are my Third Disciple," Celestina acknowledged.
Dropping down to one knee, Tina performed the most formal of salutes and shouted, "Disciple Christina greets Master!"
Surprisingly, not much changed for Christina after that day other than her Sworn Sister Eris taking advantage of her position as Second Disciple a few times.
This was only done in jest, of course, like when the girls were squabbling over who got the last cookie Sasha had baked and Eris pulled the ’Senior Sister’ card.
Celestina did oversee some of Christina’s cultivation when she wasn’t busy, but honestly, even that wasn’t all that new as over the previous few days, she, Eris, and Lucas had all been training together, which resulted in Tina ’unintentionally’ getting the same lessons and advice as them.
It was fairly obvious to the princess now that her Aunt Celestina had thought of her as a Disciple all along and had been teaching her for many years already. The only difference now was that the relationship between them had become a formal one.
However, it seemed that any real, in-depth mentorship would have to wait until after the crisis in the South-West Province had been resolved, a notion that Christina had no objections to.
This crisis may have been an opportunity for her to grow, something she was thankful for, but Christina hadn’t lost sight of the fact that tens of thousands of people had died and hundreds of thousands had become homeless at the same time.
Helping the survivors and resettling the refugees was the first priority, everything else could wait until after that.
Thankfully, it seemed they were nearing the end of the initial phase of this disaster.
There would certainly be much left to do in the years to come, but with the full evacuation of Herald City and Port Calden having been completed now, at least the immediate danger had been overcome.
.....
Celestina nodded to her newest Disciple before flying ahead and assuming the lead position of the formation together with Vanessa and the rest of the Spirit Initiates.
The flight from Herald City to Iron Rock wasn’t nearly as long as the one from Rockwell City to Redwood Town, so Christina wasn’t too stressed about it. On top of that, with so many powerful masters gathered together, it was highly unlikely any stray beast would dare to attack them.
So, for now, Christina settled into her seat and relaxed, looking forward to reuniting with her Senior Sister and Senior Brother.
Eris had left Herald City by ship yesterday together with her mother, while Lucas had been gone for 8 days now. freewebnσvel.cѳm
Just thinking about the look of surprise on Lucas’ face when he learned she had also become his Master’s Disciple brought Christina a smile. However, she soon shook her head and laughed to herself, Knowing him, he probably already figured this was how things would turn out.
Christina really wondered sometimes just what went on in her Senior Brother Disciple’s head.
At times, Lucas acted like any ordinary 10-year-old boy, fascinated by the world around him, curious about seemingly ordinary things, or eager to have fun and eat delicious food.
Other times, it was as if Lucas was a wise old soul who saw the world completely differently than everyone else. The way he approached problems, the strange and seemingly limitless knowledge he possessed, all of it was fascinating to watch and learn from.
I can see why Eris is so head-over-heals with him, he really does know how to draw a girl’s attention, Christina thought to herself, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks for a second before she violently shook her head, Wait, what the hell was I just thinking!? He’s my rival, that’s all!
Blushing furiously now, for a very different reason compared to a minute ago, Christina kept trying to justify her thoughts to herself, going round and round in circles before eventually realizing the one ultimate truth, This is all Lucas’ fault! The next time I see him, I’ll punch him 100 times!
