Chapter 34 Aurelia's Determination (2)

Aurelia's POVAfter a few minutes, I stopped crying and resolutely told Aunt Eleanor my decision.

"Aunty, I want to transfer to the Ice Emperor City branch of our New Moon Magic Academy," I declared firmly. My tone made it clear that I would not take no for an answer. Transferring to the Northern Glacial Region's most prestigious magic academy required a professor's recommendation and guarantee, and Aunt Eleanor was my best hope.

Her expression darkened as she set down the beaker she'd been working on. Turning to me, her voice carried both concern and frustration.

"Why would you want to go there, so far away from your home and family? You don't know anyone there, Aurelia. Do you have any idea how dangerous that city can be for someone like you? Beautiful young women with exceptional magic talents like yours attract all sorts of predators."

She paused, her gaze sharp as ice. "Those noble mage families will see you as nothing more than a trophy. They'll stop at nothing to claim you for their lineage. To families with dwindling magical bloodlines, you're a godsend. They'll offer you riches with one hand while trapping you with the other."

Her words made my stomach twist slightly, but I'd already anticipated this. Aunt Eleanor wasn't wrong our family might hold a dukedom in name but we neither had the power nor influence to compare with the noble houses of Ice Emperor City.

I clenched my fists and met her worried gaze with determination. "Aunty, I know all that. But I need to go there. If I want to grow stronger, if I want to find more information about Ethan's disappearance, Ice Emperor City is the best place for me. My goal is to ascend to the Elemental Sea Mage rank as quickly as possible. After that, I'll travel to the Central Plains with Grandfather to