I Became A System

In the Lumbert Estate, after one year of staying, and basically just after half a year that Ellena left, Isabella was left with deep thoughts, remembering that this day is Ellena's birthday.

'I wonder if Big Sister is happy right now.' Isabella thought, then sighed.

She stood up from her study table then fixed herself, going outside for a walk. 

When she passed through the servants, all of them greeted her. She smiled at each of them, but deep inside, she was hurt each time she looked at them.

She was thinking that maybe they were just being respectful to her because she had been adopted by the matriarch. If not, of course, she'll be treated like the other servants.

Well, it is what humans were. They only respect those who are above them or at least equal to them. Below them, they don't basically care. And thinking about it, Isabella just realized why Ellena was working hard on saving everyone from their grandfather.

When Isabella was finally content with walking, she went back to her room, but along the way, she encountered Diana.

"Oh. Isabella, you're still not ready?" 

The reason Diana asked about was that they would now go to the capital of the kingdom, where a presitigious academy for children like them was. Since they finally finished with the curriculum, especially Isabella, who studied like crazy, it's now time for the proper papers.

"Ah. I'm done with preparing. I was just walking since I'm going to miss this place." Isabella said.

"Is that so? I see... Then, are you excited?" Diana suddenly asked, dumbfounding her.

"Why the question though?" Isabella chuckled.

"Well, isn't this what you wish? Going to school to learn more things?"

"Technically, it was my wish, but without Big Sister, it feels different."

Hearing Isabella's sentiments, Diana felt the weight of her words too. Because of that, she also made a sad expression.

"You were right. It feels different without Big Sister." 

Then a breeze brushed their hair and skin.

***

Right now, the two girls were saying their goodbyes to Lushana, who was currently sad because of the farewell. 

After some time of expressing their worries and depressed sentiments, the carriage started moving, with Isabella and Diana inside.

They were now on a trip to the capital, which would take them half a month. Since it would be dangerous for them to continue traveling for so long, the assistant of Lushana offered to give them a teleport to the capital in an instant. However, since it was a distance-related skill, they at least had to fix their distance to the capital before using it.

It takes too much stamina, hence, it would be problematic to use it on a trip over such a far distance.

The assistant was outside of the carriage, riding on a horse.

"Hmmm..." Isabella mumbled, taking Diana's attention.

"Are you okay?" Diana asked.

Isabella, being asked that question, doesn't know what to answer. Since she hadn't really felt any better since earlier, she released a sigh.

All over her face was painted a downed expression.

"I miss Big Sister Ellena..."

When Diana heard it, she just flinched as to how she was surpruised hearing it. Isabella was kind of childish, but after Ellena left, her personality changed as well.

"I understand you. I miss her as well. But right now, what we can do is do our best!" Diana said, slightly encouraging Isabella.

"I'm sorry if I am spreading negative energy."

"Don't think about it. How about we talk about the lessons? Maybe in this way, we can use the time and not notice it flows."

"That's good. Let's do it."

"That's the right expression!"

Isabella, 14 years old. Diana, 13 years old. Both of them will now go for their dream, taking another curriculum. But they weren't expecting that this time it would bring a change to them.

***

"Princesses! Please stay inside the carriage!" A sudden shout came from the guards around the carriage. Because of it, the two were alarmed and instinctively peeked out of the window.

Currently, they are being attacked by some monsters. However, despite the low number of them, the guards were having a hard time being regarded as elite.

Seeing them fight only means one thing: they were stronger monsters.

The fight dragged on longer than expected, resulting in some injuries on their side. However, after some struggles, they finally defeated the wave that suddenly appeared on the main road.

"There might be a nearby overflowing dungeon."

They were planning to move again and be more cautious about their surroundings, but before they could do so, another wave of monsters attacked.

"What's with this number?! They are all B and A ranked monsters!"

Hearing it, an idea came into Isabella's mind.

"I have to help them." Isabella muttered, and just as Diana heard it, she stopped her by pulling her forearm.

"Wait! Don't go!"

Isabella stopped, then faced Diana with some kind of solemn look on her face.

"Will it be better just to watch them?"

"Don't look at me like that. Please be practical, even if you help them, it won't bring a change since they are elites. If it means they can't defeat these monsters, we have to escape!"

Listening to it, Isabella was just stunned as if she didn't expect to hear it from Diana.

"I can't believe you. I thought you were different from others."

Diana was jolted when she heard it, unintentionally breaking her hold on Isabella. Her face was painted with a surprised expression.

"Why are you like this? You change." Diana mumbled.

"What do you mean? And don't talk to me like that. I don't want to give my life in exchange for their sacrifice. It's better to help them than to look like a helpless person."

Slap!

"Are you listening to yourself? Why aren't you being practical? Why are you acting like that? It didn't mean that they'd be defeated."

"Oh. I thought so. It's because you are used to being protected. I'm sorry. But I am different. I strive to be strong and stand on myself so that I can be with Big Sister." Isabella said, acting to open the door of the carriage.

"Now she's mentioned again. Why are you so obsessed with her as if she's really your sister."

Isabella was surprised again, hearing it come out of Diana's mouth as if she was mocking her affection for Ellena.

"W-What did you say?" Stuttering, it was obvious how surprised Isabella was.

Was it because she was just adopted and not blood-related to Ellena? Was Diana just pretending and now her true colors were showing? Why did she ask that? There were so many questions inside Isabella's mind.

"Do you think you are not the only one who wants to be with her? I am her sister, but I am controlling myself because I know I will be a burden to her.. That's why I was working hard, and right now I can't die. What will happen to her, to our cousins?"