He had been following her to classes all day, and in all this time he had learned a lot. Not about magic or any of the subjects that the teachers were teaching, especially because it was hard to learn something when the person teaching it speaks a different language.

No what he was learning about was how this world viewed its social standings. Lira was of a low birth, or rather she was of a half low birth, something that was often considered much worse.  She was in the eyes of the vast majority of her classmates and even her teachers, nothing more than the scum of the earth.

Infact there were from what Leon could understand only two reasons she was even allowed to be here even though her very presence was considered a disgrace to her father’s otherwise reputable name.

It was because of her innate magical ability.  From what Lira had told him she was outstandingly good at defensive and supplementary spells.  This alone however normally would not warrant such a thing as sending her to such a prestigious school.  At most it would normally have meant getting her a private tutor to teach her all things magical and to keep her out of the public eye.

There however was one other reason.

Her father was of fading health, and he had yet to have any heirs with any other woman besides Lira’s mother, Much to his wife’s displeasure. And seeing as this was a feudalistic society, or rather a society that had some feudalistic tendencies as Leon doubted other feudalistic societies would simply be ok with a woman running a household or Fiefdom, this meant Lira needed to be trained in the basics of ruling a dukedom and be prepared to take over for her father after he had passed away.  

And seeing as Grulik school was one of the most prestigious schools in any of the surrounding kingdoms for such things as training young noble men and women, as well as teaching them everything they needed to know about magic.

Magic, now that was an interesting subject.  Normally the difference between a commoner and a nobleman was something as fickle as who gave birth to you, in his world however magic was contained in bloodlines, meaning that there were very few non noble mages, or rather those that are non nobles most likely were like Lira, illegitimate sons or daughters of some nobleman.

Bastard children.

Leon looked at Lira, she was on the smaller side of things, and part of it he felt likley had to be due to some malnutrition, he highly doubted she had a good life, living under the roof of a woman who hated her.

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No, what that woman more likely felt towards Lira was odium.  Hatred and disgust, Lira after all was a daily reminder that she was unable to produce an heir for her husband. Lira stood up with the rest of the class, and turned to leave, but as she did her path was blocked by a young woman.

She had a haughty look about her, with smooth pale skin and long wavy blonde hair.  She was the kind of pretty girl that would make boys swoon with a simple wink of her eye.

Annoying.

She was speaking to Lira, and even if Leon could not understand the words it was clear that there was no kindness between the two of them.

“Well if it isn't the school’s harlot, how much do you charge for a night?” She asked “Because I know a few guys that could help pay for your tuition...”  the girls following her giggled at their leader’s remark.

“I am sure you know a couple of guys Risan...”  Lira shot back in a faux kind voice. The smile on her lips betrayed none of the venom residing behind them.

Risan’s face darkened as her own insult was turned back against her.

“Only a harlot like you would do something like that!” she spat back, her insult was weak, simply rehashing on what she had said mere seconds ago, but in her flustered state she was having a hard time coming up with anything.”Your days are numbered Lira, it won't be long before they pull you out of the school and hide you away in some long forgotten dungeon in the hopes that everyone will forget you.”

Lira narrowed her eyes at Risan, who laughed and with flushed cheeks continued.

“You know what I heard today? A little birdy told me that there will soon be two Lirtus children, not just one.”  she laughed triumphantly.

“So what if my father’s wife has a child, my tuition is paid in full for the next five years.”  Lira said, she tried to sound confident but there was a slight quiver in her voice as she spoke, Leon was sure he was not the only one to hear it as well as Risan flicked her hair and laughed in a new and more confident way.

“Oh, it's nothing, I just wanted to let you know,” she smiled. “From one friend to another.”  her smile grew more malicious. “Now if you'll excuse me!” she turned with a flip of her blond hair she turned around and walked off, her small posse of followers stuck close to her heels.

“Come on Leon, we will be skipping the next class there is something I need to check on.” she moved quickly and without a word Leon followed.

He had only been able to understand half of the conversation, but it sounded like that Risan girl had some information that Lira’s position as the next in the line to lead the Lirtus household was in danger.

It didn't take them long to reach their room, and as soon as she opened the door she saw it.

On her desk there was a single envelope stamped with the red wax seal of her father.  With shaking hands she walked over to the desk and picked up the letter.  Leon entered the room behind her, softly shutting the door and allowing her to look over the letter without interruption.

She slowly peeled the top flap of the thick parchment open, cracking the wax seal as she did so…

Inside was a letter from her father, first congratulating her of her accomplishments at the school, then assuring her that he was in good health, or rather as good of health as his worn down body would allow, and finally-.

Finally informing her that she would be having a smaller half sibling soon.

Lira dropped the paper, and stumbled back until her back hit the wall, where she slid down and stared at her hands in shock and horror.

A single tear traced its way down her face as she thought about how the conception of this single child had brought about the end of everything she had ever hoped or longed for in life.

She was ruined.