Voyage Of The Villainess

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The children of the Sahaya Empire undergo a ceremony called 'Fluorescence' once they reach the age of nine.

For nobles, they held their own celebration of the ceremony for their children. As for common birth since most of them couldn't afford to have a grandeur celebration in their houses and give bigger 'donations' like the nobles, they would go to the Church of Light and that was where they would hold their Fluorescence Ceremony.

It was called Fluorescence because magic is like a small bud that would only blossom at a certain age and it's usually at nine.

It was tested through a clear crystal orb where it was surrounded by nine different kinds of flowers that represent the nine classes of magic one possesses.

For the process of the ceremony. One would just need to hold the crystal orb. And whichever flower that blooms, that would be their magic class for life. Their Magic Tiers which classify your magic level will also showcase there.

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(A/N: This timeline is a year after Carolle got transmigrated to Malaya's body. So both Duke Roman, Malaya's father, and Jules, Malaya's eldest brother were still alive. This is five years ago from the current timeline of the story.)

"We have already captured the ones who murdered Baron Isidore's family and confirmed that it was those heretics who caused that."

"Are you certain about that?" Duke Roman Marina asked as he look at Jules' stern eyes that were like the color of the dawn.

"Yes, father. Aside from the crescent burn marks they have. They admit that they became followers of *Tenebris cult not long ago."

"Those heretics really don't know when to quit," He glanced at the full moon outside his window while caressing his double chins. "We should be more extra careful. Especially now that the ninth birthday of your sister will commence tomorrow."

"Yes, father," Jules replied with a firm voice. "I already see to it that all security measures for the party are done."

"Good." Duke Roman said, his gaze was still fixated outside the window. 'Jules is truly dependable but despite that why do I still feel uneasy?'

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The next day...

"You should wear this Malaya..."

"No." A meek voice replied. "Mother I think this is already alright..." 

  "This dress would be much better too!" 

Today was Malaya's 9th birthday. Early 8:00 am, she was assaulted... ahem! rather awaken by these two Marina ladies. If you don't get it, it's her sister Cynthia and her mother, Madam Veronica. They had been dolling her for almost two hours and her stomach felt a little hungry too. Though, even if she already had tea and some three slices of chocolate cake for breakfast that wasn't enough for a growing child like her.

Another hour passed and her mother and sister finally look at her with satisfaction. They brought her to the mirror and the young Malaya was so mesmerized by her look.

'I'm am really beautiful.' A soft grin formed on her lovely face.

Her long dark blue hair was tied in a bun-up style, with loose frills on each side. A headband with blue pearls adorned her head at the very top. It perfectly matched her eye color. Then she glanced at her modest blue gown. The hem reached down her ankle. And there were white pearls attached down the waistlines to the hem.

It was simple yet the elegance was still there. Both her sister and mother really did a job well done.

"Wahhh!" Cynthia squealed. "My little sister looks so beautiful and cute!" She tried to hug Malaya but their mother manage to stop her.

"You'll ruin her gown if it gets some crinkles. Now let's go, let's prepare too. I'll leave Malaya to the rest of you." Their mother said to the maids then pulled Cynthia with her.

The young Malaya thought it was all over but the maids put more accessories for her. And fix her make-up. Even if she said that she don't want to wear one, they insisted since it was an order from the Madame. Two more hours passed when she heard a soft knock on the door.

"My lady, it's me, Argis, the duke requested your audience to the garden." She heard the old but gentle voice of her father's butler.

For her coming of age ceremony, her family hosted it to the west wing garden of the mansion. Where the sea was perfectly viewed and they could see the breathtaking sunset when time comes.

All the maids gave their final touch to beautify her. And when she looked at the mirror. This time, Malaya almost didn't recognize me. She was now much mesmerizing than before. A proud expression formed in her but nevertheless, she didn't forget to thank the maids for their hard work and went out of the room.

Argis greeted her as soon as she came out. "Happy Birthday, young lady, you look beautiful and dashing today." He said in a calm manner. He was wearing his usual blue suit uniform for butlers in Marina. 

"Thank you, Argis." Malaya said politely.

Although it was very strange for the nobles to thank their servants, in Marina Dukedom the nobles made it a habit to thank their servants for their hard work. Since their reason was without their servants and other people who were working for Marina, they would not be able to manage their duchy well and it would become as prosperous as it was now.

As they were nearing the west wing, just right at the exit door through the garden, three dashing figures were already waiting there for her. First was Malaya's eldest brother, Jules. In his grey-blue suit. His long dark blue hair is tied behind his back. Then, Cynthia was wearing a long scarlet dress matching her pinkish eyes. While Darren was wearing a red tailored suit as well. And he is also wearing some glasses? Which was an unusual thing for the young Malaya to see.

Seeing his second brother, Malaya turned around and stifled a laugh. "Hey, Venizever! What's that for?!" He retorted but the young Malaya just kept on laughing.

"Tsk. You just can't accept that I look smarter now." Darren crossed both his arms and scowled.

"I'm sorry brother. I thought you love swords rather than being smart." The young Malaya tried to stop laughing. "I will not laugh anymore." Though she still kept on laughing.

"Tsk!" Darren just rolled his eyes.

Both Cynthia and Jules glanced at each other with helpless look seeing their two younger siblings, but there were genuine smiles plastered on their faces.

"Alright you two," Jules said which caught the attention of the two bickering children. "Let's go now, mom, dad, and the guests are already waiting." 

Cynthia gestured to the guards to open the door right away.

They all entered the garden in groups of two. Jules was escorting Cynthia, while Darren was escorting his younger sister, Malaya. The air around them grew more dignified as they stepped out to the garden than when they were inside the mansion. The air around them began to feel more fitting for the children of the Marina Dukedom.

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(A/N: Tenebris Cult is the followers and believers of Genelthus the first demon king. They called it 'Tenebris' since it was taboo for everyone to mention Genelthus' name.

*Tenebris simply means dark in Latin.)