“Take a seat,” The Headmaster told Adion and Sell as they entered his office. It was a different office from the one Adion had visited before, though, located much lower in the Tower of Cyalis.
Adion and Sell sat down next to each other, facing the Headmaster, who sat down behind his desk.
“I’m afraid I don’t have much time at the moment, so let’s make this quick. Have you told her the plan?” The Headmaster asked Adion.
“I have told her everything, Headmaster?” Adion answered.
“Everything, as in…” The Headmaster looked at Adion questioningly.
“As in absolutely everything, including my space powers and Authority,” Adion answered. He thought he should make it clear so that the Headmaster wouldn’t talk about everything in circles.
“I should have guessed,” The Headmaster murmured with a displeased expression.
“I have known for a very long time, Headmaster,” Sell spoke up, “Adion and I are used to sharing everything. I hope you won’t be mad if he shared anything you thought he should keep a secret.”
“How very moving,” The Headmaster said, rolling his eyes, “I hope you are better at keeping secrets than your ability to hide your relationship.”
“I know we have been with each other a lot,” Sell said with a slightly nervous voice, “But we really haven’t done anything in public that would suggest we are more than friends.”
“Nothing that would suggest that you are more than friends?” The Headmaster questioned, “I would disagree. I think the way you two have been behaving has strongly suggested something more than friendship. And I’m not alone. I’ve asked some of my people to investigate you two, without giving them any information, of course. They all came to the conclusion that you two are secretly in a relationship. So? Do you think that is a coincidence? Or has your behavior perhaps suggested something more than friendship after all?”
Sell looked a little stumped at the Headmaster’s words.
“I can understand that people would come to that conclusion,” Adion said, “But did anyone offer any evidence? Without evidence, it’s all speculation. I don’t see how that’s anything to worry about.”
“What do you think evidence is? Let me tell you that if someone from the Amyss or Hesfym family catches wind of what’s going on and decides to do the same kind of investigation I did, they would receive the same answer. They wouldn’t need more than that to be sure of what’s going on.” The Headmaster answered.
“Do you think they will do something like that?” Adion asked hesitantly.
“If you continue broadcasting your relationship like you have, then I’m sure of it,” The Headmaster nodded.
“What would happen if they find out?” Adion asked.
“I don’t know,” The Headmaster shook his head with a sigh, “I haven’t been involved in the politics of Shiora for a long time, so I don’t know how far they will go if they get to know about your relationship. They wouldn’t be able to get Sellitha out of the Academy against my will, but they could cause plenty of problems in other ways. The plan of bringing you two to Quemer would suddenly become a lot more complicated.”
“Then what do you suggest we do?” Adion asked.
“Stay away from each other until it’s time to leave for Quemer would be great,” The Headmaster suggested.
Adion was about to object to that idea, but the Headmaster waved him down.
“I know, I know,” The Headmaster sighed, “You can continue to see each other. But please be aware that there are always people watching, and they are not stupid. There surely isn’t a need to flirt so openly every single opportunity you get?”
“I don’t know if we do that,” Adion murmured.
“I have a list of the occasions if you’re interested,” The Headmaster countered.
“No need, I get it,” Adion said.
I guess we have been acting pretty carefree.
“Good,” The Headmaster nodded, “I hope you will keep it in mind going forward. Now, let’s get on with the other matters. I have informed the Head of the Scrolls, Dorsia Tryelli, about your plans to join them. She will be personally guiding you two so you can can get acquainted with the House. Remember to try to make a good impression on the other students there, it would be good if you could take over as Head as soon as possible, and that won’t happen if nobody likes you.”
“Why wouldn’t people like me?” Adion questioned.
“You’re not very likable,” The Headmaster answered with a straight face.
“I’m not?” Adion turned to ask Sell.
“You’re very likable,” Sell refuted the Headmaster’s words.
“Of course, he is to you,” The Headmaster scoffed, “To others, not so much. Well, it’s not a big problem, just keep it in mind. Anyway, going forward, you should focus your time on studies and training while getting involved in the Scrolls as much as you can, you don’t have a lot of time if you want it to reach rank 1.”
“How exactly do Houses climb ranks?” Adion asked.
“We can go over that later,” The Headmaster said, seemingly in a bit of a hurry, “Just focus on becoming a good fighter and gaining knowledge for now. I will sign you up for my aura class, it will be useful even for you, and I can take time to train you after each class. I will also make time for you after my class in concepts and once more every week after your class in runes. Make sure you don’t forget. I don’t want to run around looking for you every time. I also have some resources prepared for you. I will have them sent to your dorms, your new dorms, that is.”
The Headmaster looked around his desk for a while before finding the paper he was looking for. He handed the paper to Adion and explained, “I took the liberty of moving you closer to here. It’s a nice place, I’m sure you will like it.”
This is in the Old Academy. It does seem nice. This would allow me to train my space powers a little more freely without roommates to worry about.
“Thank you, Headmaster,” Adion said, bowing his head slightly.
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Getting private lessons from a Pure Soul mage…I didn’t even think about that perk when I accepted becoming his disciple.
“Move over as soon as you can,” The Headmaster said, “And make use of the resources I will send you. The stronger you get, the better.”
“Resources,” Adion murmured, “What resources?”
“Pills and elixirs,” The Headmaster shrugged, “ A few books and spells that might be useful. You can let me know what you need during our lessons.”
“You’re just giving them to me?” Adion asked, surprised.
The Headmaster looked at Adion with a confused expression. “You’re my disciple. Obviously, I’ll do my best to make sure you increase your strength.”
I guess I never really thought of myself as his actual disciple. I just imagined this was a deal. My knowledge of Authority in return for his protection.
I need to make sure I can live up to his expectations. That shouldn’t be very difficult. If I perform well and grow strong, the Headmaster will look good.
“I’ll make sure the Scrolls climb to number 1,” Adion said with a resolute face.
“Hehe,” The Headmaster chuckled, “It’s good to see you motivated. Now go. I have some business to attend to. Do you know where the House of the Scrolls is located?”
Adion didn’t know, but fortunately, he was with Sell.
“I know where it is, Headmaster,” Sell said.
“Good,” The Headmaster nodded, “Off you go.”
Adion and Sell got up from their seats and bowed to the Headmaster. They left the Tower of Cyalis together, with Sell leading the way.
“You were right about the Headmaster,” Sell said as they were walking, “His eyes seem pretty genuine.”
“That’s good to know,” Adion said, “I actually didn’t think that being his disciple would help me so much more than his protection. Hopefully, I can make it worth it to him.”
“If you take the Scrolls to rank 1, you would have done more than enough,” Sell said, “Having a disciple is mainly about reputation, after all.”
“I guess that’s true,” Adion nodded, “I’m just not sure how much he actually cares about that. He’s already the most respected man on the continent. I suppose it would be nice if we could perform well on Quemer, he seems to care a lot about that.”
“Then let’s do our best,” Sell smiled, “And who knows, he might be able to become an Immortal because of your help. If that happens, I’m sure he wouldn’t have any complaints no matter what you do.”
“I should do my best then,” Adion said, “It would be a very good situation for me too if he advanced. His protection would be a lot more valuable. And he might even be able to get rid of that Hesfym guy for us.”
“Let’s not get our hopes too high, though,” Sell said with an amused smile, “Becoming an Immortal can’t be easy.”
“I know,” Adion nodded, “Let’s do our best and focus on the here and now.”
—
I have a bad feeling about this. This troublesome disciple of mine better not have done anything even more stupid than I’m already aware of. Vermon thought to himself as he stared at the old elf who had just stepped inside his office.
“Headmaster Vermon,” The old Soul mage said with a bow, “It’s been a long time. You might not remember me, but I was a student here a long time ago and had the pleasure of taking a class of yours. Thank you for taking the time to see me.”
“Gerilym Hesfym,” Vermon murmured, scrutinizing the man in front of him. “How could I forget? It’s far from every student of mine who has what it takes to reach the Soul stage. Why don’t you take a seat?”
“Thank you, Headmaster,” Gerilym said, rising from his bow walk toward the chair in front of Vermon’s desk.
“It’s very unusual for a Soul mage to request passage into the Academy, even more so for them to request a meeting with me. So tell me, what can I do for you?” Vermon asked.
“I really didn’t want to bother you with something like this, Headmaster,” Gerilym said with an awkward smile, “But it turns out that you have just accepted Adion Remori as your disciple. That makes this matter somewhat more complicated than I had originally thought.”
“How so?” Vermon asked.
“The Hesfym family received some worrying news, that Sellitha Amyss is in a relationship with your newly accepted disciple. As you know, she is engaged to be married to Lord Termeth Hesfym, so that isn’t an acceptable situation,” Gerilym calmly explained.
As I thought. But how in Ganta did they receive word so quickly? They are even taking it seriously enough to send a Soul mage…I feel like I’m missing something here.
I know the Shields could very well send information about the rumors going around. But that shouldn’t warrant a Soul mage requesting to see me. As much as Sellitha and Adion have been careless, they really haven’t done anything too outrageous.
I can lie to him and perhaps clear any suspicion, but there are many others he can ask who cannot get away with lying. I should be careful with what I say.
“I’ve heard those rumors as well,” Vermon said, “But they appear to just be friends to my eyes. They are both the most talented students in their year, so I don’t think it’s strange for them to spend time together. What exactly have you heard that makes you suspect they are in a relationship?”
“A trusted source is sure of the relationship,” Gerilym calmly stated.
Who is this trusted source? How could they be sure?
“Very well,” Vermon nodded, “I’ll talk to my disciple.”
“If the Headmaster could make sure this all ends here, I would be most grateful,” Gerilym said with a smile.
Well, this sure is a headache.
“If there is something going on, I will deal with it,” Vermon said, “But it’s not like I can forbid them from spending time together. And that might result in rumors, as it often does.”
“Well, I would appreciate if your disciple could spend more of his time on his studies,” Gerilym said, “But I won’t overstep my bounds. As long as their relationship stops here, we won’t need to sour our relationship with the Academy.”
Those words are a lot more threatening than I would have thought the Hesfym family would dare utter. There is something strange going on here.
“Forgive me for not taking your word for it, Gerilym, but if there is something going on, I will make sure it ends,” Vermon said, “But you better be able to back up your claim next time.”
“Hehe,” Gerilym chuckled, “I didn’t wish to make a scene. But if you want me to back up my claim, why don’t we call the two here and ask them about it? I’m sure everything will be clear.”
“You are so confident?” Vermon asked.
“We could make a bet of it,” Gerilym suggested with a slight smile.
He really knows. But how?
“No need, I can see that you are certain,” Vermon said, shaking his head, “I’ll put an end to it. I’m sure it’s just a crush that will pass soon.”
“I’m relieved,” Gerilym smiled.
This will be slightly problematic. Vermon thought as he watched Gerilym leave. If I don’t know how they became so sure, I won’t be able to stop it a second time. I’m guessing they will involve the Amyss family at that time, and I will have a whole lot more trouble on my table.
I need to tell Adion about this. But will that stubborn disciple listen to reason?