Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 44: Isekai Problems: When the Novel’s Lore Updates Itself

Chapter 44: Isekai Problems: When the Novel’s Lore Updates Itself

The sun was barely peeking through the academy’s grand windows when Katherine and Laura stepped out of the dormitory wing, walking side by side toward their morning class. The princess, ever energetic, practically bounced with excitement.

"Let’s go, let’s go! It’s my first time going to class this excited!" Laura beamed, her golden hair catching the morning light.

Katherine chuckled at the sight of her enthusiasm. "You act as if we’re about to embark on some grand adventure."

"In a way, we are!" Laura twirled slightly, making the hem of her dress swirl around her. "I mean, you’re my first real friend. We should do this every day."

Katherine smiled, a quiet warmth settling in her chest. "I’d like that."

Laura seemed especially excited, perhaps because she had invited their other friends to join them in class. Shaya, Camille, and Rosea would be with them later in Religion class, and it seemed the thought of sharing this experience with them only added to Laura’s excitement.

Before they left, Katherine had asked Laura’s attendant to send word to Arianne, her personal maid, about her whereabouts. The response had come swiftly—Arianne had indeed been worried, but she was relieved, and a little surprised, to hear that Katherine had spent the night with the princess. Arianne had even come by earlier that morning, delivering Katherine’s books and some essentials for the day.

Katherine sighed, thinking of her. She hadn’t stepped into her chambers last night, as she had stayed in the princess’s chambers.

But she knows that Arianne had perhaps bath drawn and tea prepared for her like she always did. Arianne seemed to know exactly what Katherine needed before she even had to ask. She was more than just efficient—she was kind, dependable, and incredibly thoughtful.

Then, a troubling thought crept into Katherine’s mind. What would happen to Arianne if I return to my world... if I even can? Would she be reassigned? Forgotten? The thought left a strange ache in Katherine’s chest. She shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered, gnawing at her.

They walked on in silence for a moment, Katherine’s thoughts still consumed by her concerns for Arianne. But Laura’s excited chatter soon pulled her back into the present.

"Are you excited for class?" Laura asked, her voice light and teasing. "You’ve been so quiet all of a sudden."

Katherine smiled, trying to push away the heaviness in her chest. "I’m looking forward to it," she said, though her tone was softer than usual. "It’s always interesting to see what we’ll learn next."

Laura, noticing the change in Katherine’s demeanor, gave her a playful nudge. "You’re thinking about Arianne again, aren’t you?"

Katherine blinked in surprise, then nodded slightly. "She’s always been so kind to me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... wonder what will happen if I go back."

Laura gave her a thoughtful look, then smiled warmly. "I’m sure she’ll be just fine. Arianne seems like someone who can handle anything."

Katherine nodded, though the unease in her heart didn’t quite dissipate. They had arrived at their classroom, the doors wide open and the sound of chatter inside. Katherine gave a final glance toward Laura, offering a small, grateful smile before stepping inside.

***

As they arrived at the classroom, Katherine instinctively scanned the room, her eyes flickering from one familiar face to another. But there was one particular face she wasn’t seeing. A certain silver-haired, red-eyed presence.

"Oh?" Laura’s voice was far too amused for Katherine’s liking. "Were you looking for someone just now?"

Katherine blinked. "What? No."

Laura smirked, tilting her head. "You’re sure? Because you looked a little disappointed there."

"I was just... looking around," Katherine said quickly, glancing away.

"Uh-huh," Laura hummed knowingly. "Just so happened to be taking them in while specifically scanning the room?"

Katherine groaned, waving a dismissive hand. "I wasn’t looking for Adolfo."

"Oh, I never said you were," Laura teased. "But since you mentioned him..."

"I am not looking for him," Katherine stressed, crossing her arms.

"Right, right. Completely unrelated to him at all."

"Exactly."

Before their teasing could continue, the door creaked open, and their friends entered the room, bringing a fresh dynamic to the scene. Rosea, with her graceful and perceptive demeanor, glided toward them, her elegant presence instantly noticeable. Shaya followed, her casual and friendly energy brightening the room. Her black hair framed her face, and her gentle voice made her seem effortlessly approachable. Camille, from Duke Guillarche’s household, entered last, her chestnut brown hair neatly arranged, her mild-mannered and reserved nature apparent in the way she carefully surveyed the room before joining the group.

"Well, if it isn’t our favorite ladies," Rosea remarked with a soft smile, her sharp gaze flicking from Katherine to Laura. "What are you two whispering about?"

Katherine shot Laura a look, which was met with a mischievous grin from the princess. Rosea raised an eyebrow but said nothing further, settling into her seat gracefully.

Shaya, meanwhile, greeted them with a bright smile, her cheerful energy infectious. "Good morning, you two! You seem in good spirits!" She glanced at Katherine, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Did you sleep well, Katherine? Or did you have an adventure with the princess?"

Camille, more reserved, merely nodded in greeting, her calm presence offering a steady contrast to Shaya’s bubbly demeanor. "Good morning," she said quietly, taking her seat and adjusting her books neatly.

Katherine smiled. and greeted them back. She appreciated the presence of these ladies again, as they were taking different classes than her so they rarely see each other. Most ladies take embroidery, painting and ethic classes, but here she is taking religion. Good ol’ GMRC.

Their short conversation ended as the professor entered, drawing everyone’s attention. The Religion class was an essential subject at the academy, and today, the discussion focused on the saint who had founded the land centuries ago.

"This land was blessed by Saint Arleth, the first wielder of light magic," the professor explained, his voice carrying through the grand lecture hall. "She established not only the foundations of our kingdom but also passed down her divine power to her descendants—our royal family."

Katherine frowned slightly, taking notes. That... wasn’t in the novel. At least, not in any part she remembered. The book had certainly touched on the importance of faith and heroism, but there had been no mention of the royal family’s divine ancestry or a saint who wielded light magic. Did I forget this detail? Or is this something new?

She glanced at Laura, who sat with perfect posture, listening intently. To her, this was history—her history. But to Katherine, it was a mystery she hadn’t expected.

The more time she spent in this world, the more she realized: the story she thought she knew might not be the same after all.

Katherine hesitated before raising her hand. The professor, a tall man with light brown hair and an air of quiet authority, acknowledged her with a nod, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"Yes, Lady Katherine?"

She lowered her quill and spoke carefully. "Professor, we know that Saint Arleth was the first wielder of light magic, but what about the other types of magic? Where did they originate?"

A ripple of interest passed through the classroom. Some students leaned forward, intrigued, while others exchanged skeptical glances, as if wondering why she didn’t already know.

The professor’s expression remained calm, but he tilted his head slightly in thought. "Ah, an insightful question." He clasped his hands behind his back and began pacing slowly. "Light magic is considered divine because it was gifted by the Saint herself. However, the origins of other forms of magic—such as elemental, dark, and spirit magic—are far less certain."

He turned to face the class, his voice taking on a storytelling quality. "Some scholars believe that elemental magic—fire, water, wind, and earth—was born from the land itself, shaped by the will of nature and harnessed by those attuned to its forces. Others claim that dark magic came from the shadows cast by the first great wars, a power drawn from the emotions and ambitions of those who sought strength beyond what was natural."

Katherine furrowed her brows. That... wasn’t in the novel either. Or at least, not in any part she remembered. The book had certainly mentioned different types of magic, but their origins had never been deeply explored.

The professor continued, his voice steady. "Spirit magic is perhaps the most mysterious of all. Ancient texts suggest that spirits of the world—both seen and unseen—grant their power to those they deem worthy. Some even whisper that this magic is older than the kingdom itself."

A sharp scoff cut through the lecture hall, breaking the quiet intrigue. A noble girl a few rows ahead, with pristine curls and an air of superiority, smirked as she turned slightly in her seat.

"Everyone knows that, Lady Katherine," she said, her tone dripping with condescension. "Surely, even in your estate, you were taught the fundamentals of our kingdom’s magic?"

Laura stiffened beside Katherine, her grip tightening on the edge of her desk. Katherine could almost feel the princess’s desire to hurl her textbook at the girl’s smug face.

This girl was so courageous, even though the princess was with her. She thought.

But Katherine remained calm, meeting the noble girl’s gaze with an easy smile. "Of course," she said smoothly. "But I find that the best way to learn is by asking questions. After all, true understanding comes not from memorization, but from discussion."

The noble girl blinked, as if unsure whether she’d just been insulted or praised. A few students snickered behind their hands.

The professor, wisely ignoring the tension, nodded approvingly. "An excellent mindset, Lady Katherine." He turned back to the class. "Magic remains one of the great mysteries of our world. Even with all our advancements, there are still forces we do not fully comprehend."

Katherine resumed taking notes, though her mind was racing. This world is different from the one in the book. The story I remember barely scratched the surface of these things.

She needed to be careful. Asking too many questions might draw unwanted attention. But she also needed to know more. Because if the rules of magic were different from what she thought...

Then what else had changed?

***

The moment class ended, students began filing out of the grand lecture hall, their chatter filling the air with a mix of excitement and exhaustion. Katherine stretched her arms slightly, her mind still swirling with thoughts from the lesson.

Beside her, Laura huffed. "I really wanted to throw my book at that girl."

Katherine chuckled, glancing at her. "I appreciate your restraint."

"She was being rude," Laura said with a pout. "But you handled it well. I’m impressed."

Katherine shook her head with amusement. "It’s nothing."

Shaya, bouncing over, grinned. "That lecture was sooo dull! But you—" she pointed at Katherine—"you were great with that girl. I would’ve lost it!"

Rosea gave a small smile, her expression thoughtful. "I agree. It’s one thing to have a difference of opinion, but the way that girl spoke... rude, to say the least."

Camille, always the calm observer, added quietly, "It’s hard to keep composure when someone’s intentionally provoking you. You did well."

Katherine nodded, offering a small smile to the ladies. "Thanks. I was trying not to make a scene."

Laura leaned in, lowering her voice. "I suppose the ladies are wary of you because of your performance at the symposium. And of course, because you’re close with the Count."

Adolfo?

"Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how popular he is," Laura sighed. "He and Florante are quite the spectacle here in Athens."

"I see," Katherine murmured, remembering the long line of ladies at Adolfo’s workshop the other day.

"So don’t worry too much," Laura reassured, glancing at the other girls. "They’re just jealous."

Rosea raised an eyebrow, glancing between Katherine and Laura. "Oh, you’re close with that young Count?"

Katherine blinked, a little caught off guard. "What? I—"

"Wait, wait," Shaya interrupted with a bright grin. "You’re close to the Count? That’s big news! We need to know everything!"

Katherine blinked again, now feeling the weight of all their curious gazes. "It’s not... like that."

Laura grinned, clearly enjoying the teasing. "Don’t be so modest. You two make quite the pair."

Katherine laughed nervously, unsure whether that was supposed to be comforting. Before the conversation could continue, a servant in academy livery approached Katherine, bowing respectfully before extending a sealed envelope.

"A message for Lady Katherine," he announced.

Katherine took the letter, recognizing the elegant handwriting on the envelope instantly—Arianne’s. Her chest tightened with curiosity and a hint of unease.

---

My lady,

I hope this message finds you well. I must apologize, as I have yet to complete my errands. However, during my time in the market, I encountered a peculiar traveler. He spoke words that he claimed only you would understand. I will share the full details with you when we meet.

- Arianne

---

Katherine’s breath caught as she read the letter once more.

A traveler... spoke words that only I would understand.

Her fingers tightened around the parchment, a flicker of hope rising within her. Could this be something important? Could it be real?

Laura, noticing the change in her expression, leaned over with curiosity. "A letter from your attendant?" she asked, her voice light but inquisitive.

Katherine nodded absently, her mind racing. "She mentioned overhearing something strange at the market."

"Mysterious," Laura whispered, her golden eyes widening. "What did she hear?"

Katherine paused for a moment, then passed the letter to her. Laura quickly skimmed it, her golden eyes narrowing as she processed the words.

"Well, that’s certainly intriguing," Laura said after a beat, looking up with a thoughtful expression.

Katherine nodded, her thoughts swirling. "It is."

Laura tapped her chin, clearly deep in thought. "A traveler speaking of other worlds? That’s not something people just mention casually."

Katherine folded the letter carefully, slipping it into her pocket. "I need to talk to Arianne right away."

Laura grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Good thing I’m the princess, then. I can get us out of any boring afternoon duties." She winked. "I’m definitely coming with you. Let’s go find your maid. I want to know what happened."

"We’ve got to head to our next class," Rosea said, her expression apologetic. "We wish we could come with you, but other appointments are calling."

"Same here," Shaya added, giving them a regretful but cheerful smile. "Study session for me."

Camille gave a small, quiet nod. "We’ll catch up later," she said calmly.

Katherine smiled warmly at them. "No worries. I’ll see you all soon."

Laura waved playfully to their friends, then turned back to Katherine. "Well, it’s just us now. Let’s go find Arianne and unravel this mystery!"

Katherine couldn’t help but laugh, but underneath, a heavy feeling settled in her chest.

Could this traveler know something about her? About how she ended up here?

And more importantly...

Could they know about her brother?