We spent the remaining afternoon eating and drinking. By the time we returned to the academy it was evening and we were slightly tipsy.

“I am going to drink plenty of water before bed. I don’t want a hangover.” I said as we returned. “I am going to the mess hall to fill a bottle. Should I get some for you as well?” I asked my friends.

“I am good.” Skadi said.

“Sure, bring me some too please.” Cassie said.

“You know, we could just summon water.” Helena pointed out.

“True, but the tap water tastes better.” I argued.

The academy provided bottles you could take to your room and refill in the mess hall. It was really convenient. While I was getting the water someone approached me.

“Good evening!”

I turned around and saw a woman smiling at me. She wore the uniform of a first year student but I had not seen her before. Her skin was smooth and pale, she had long brown hair and green eyes.

“Hi. I don’t think I have seen you before…” I said.

“Of course! I am Valeria Barkworth and I just joined the academy!” She explained.

“How is that possible?” I asked, then I noticed I was being rude by not introducing myself. “Oh, and I am Koyuki. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise! I have just switched schools. It’s not a common thing but my mother decided that a more military education is warranted. I was already in my second year at the Academy of Neth.” She responded.

“Why would you need a more military education?” I wondered.

“There has been some trouble in our duchy lately. Also, Ilestria is getting bolder. My mother thinks it would be beneficial for me to learn more about warfare.”

Was she the daughter of Duchess Barkworth? I suppose the field trip had been in their territory. And their duchy was on the border. Maybe she was right to be concerned.

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“How can you switch during the year? And why are you a first year student again?” I wondered.

“Ah. The Wolf’s Den does have a different curriculum.”

It was interesting that she did not call it the Royal Military Academy. Only the regular soldiers tended to call it the Wolf’s Den. Did she think it made her sound less like a noble?

While I contemplated that she continued: “So it was decided that I would be a first year again. Actually, the headmaster even insisted I would need to pass the half year exam! Can you believe it? It was really fortunate that a student dropped out. Otherwise they might have claimed there was no room.” She shook her head.

“A student dropped out?” I asked.

“Yes. A certain Clara Evans. Do you know her?” Valeria asked.

“Not really. But she is, well was, the roommate of my friend.” I replied.

Skadi had not told us that her roommate dropped out. Why would you drop out in the middle of the year anyway?

“So, are you familiar with my new roommate? Splendid! Maybe you can introduce me?” She asked.

The whole scenario was slightly suspicious. But introducing her to Skadi would not hurt.

“Sure.” I replied.

“By the way, why do you have an undead cat on your head? Is this a local fashion trend? She is so cute!” Valeria asked. Nyx did not respond.

“This is Nyx. She is my undead companion.” I explained.

“Ah, you are a necromancer! I think I have heard about you!” Her surprise seemed a bit fake. I had a feeling she knew all along who I was. Did she change schools because of me? Surely I was not that important.

“I suppose word about me has spread since the ball. Excuse my question but you are the daughter of Duchess Barkworth?” I asked.

“Indeed I am! My mother is the only woman who controls a duchy.” She sounded very proud.

I led her back to Helena’s and my room. Skadi and Cassie should have been there as well but I did not see them.

“Where did Skadi and Cassie go?” I asked.

“A maid came by and told them that Skadi’s roommate dropped out! Cassie is now moving into Skadi’s room.” Helena said, then she spotted Valeria. “Who is that?”

“This is Valeria Barkworth. She just joined the academy. Valeria, this is Helena Frost.” I introduced them.

“Greetings.” Helena said. “Why did you change schools?”

“My mother decided a more military education would be beneficial. I am actually replacing Clara Evans. So you are saying I will not be staying in her old room?” She sounded disappointed.

“Yes. When the spot became free Cassie asked if she could have it and the staff agreed. Apparently this all happened today. But we never knew Clara that well. Do you know why she dropped out?” Helena asked.

“Sadly I do not. If you will excuse me, I will need to inquire about my room.” She politely excused herself and left.

“That was weird.” I said after she was gone.

“What happened?” Helena asked.

I recounted the brief conversation I had while getting water.

“She is so responsible for Clara leaving. I bet she bribed her.” Helena said.

“You think so?” I asked.

“Yeah. She wanted Skadi’s room to get closer to us.” Helena answered.

“We can’t be that important!” I argued.

“Potential archmages are really important. I bet there is pressure on her mother because of the Korrah Forest incident too. Transferring her child to the academy is to show her support for it. I suspect there is more than one reason why she is here but you are one of those reasons.” Helena theorised.

“Do you think there will be more transfer students?” I asked.

“Who knows? You certainly need some connections to simply join during the year. I would guess a lot of people will simply enrol their children next year.” Helena said.

I sighed. “Politics give me a headache.”

“Are you sure that is not the beer?” Helena teased.

“No. The beer is fine if I stay hydrated.” I said while taking a sip of my water.