The remaining week my friends discussed the idea some more. I was still reluctant. Maybe if I needed another corpse for my necromancy class I would agree to it.

With the vacation coming to an end the academy was getting busy again. Students returned and immediately started gossiping about other people and their vacations.

“I have heard that Leo returned with five skeletons, human skeletons.” Helena said as we were having dinner.

“Did he kill people?” Skadi asked.

I frowned. “His plan was to get a pack of wolves. I wonder why he switched. Or maybe he wants both?”

“He could give the skeletons bows. Maybe he wanted a ranged option? Actually, you should consider bows too.” Cassie said.

“Koyuki can make skeleton mages! She has something better than bows.” Helena said.

“True. But I don't have enough corpses to make more.” I replied.

“Only because you resist the plan to lure in some bandits.” Skadi said. “I can borrow you a book. I am sure you will like it. It has a great scene where the heroine baits a bunch of men, then kills them all.”

“It's a book.” I pointed out.

“A good book.” Cassie added.

“Ok, ok… I will read your book if I have time.” I relented, I was actually a bit curious.

While we were talking, Leo approached our table. “Good evening, ladies.”

“Hi.” I replied.

“Is there something you need?” Helena asked.

“I wanted to make Koyuki an offer.” Leo replied, then he looked at me. “I could provide you with some corpses.”

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“I heard you have some new skeletons. Where did you get the corpses?” I asked.

“Since necromancy is on the rise, my father has decided to gift me some prisoners. Our duchy is big, there are always some criminals. Why not have them be useful? My father has ordered all of his counts to send their prisoners to him.” Leo explained.

“But you were going for wolves. Why are you using humans now? Your father always knew you were a necromancer.” I wondered.

“I was considering becoming a death knight. I am not certain anymore. But the real change was because of you.” Leo smiled. “Necromancy is legal, it’s useful but many shun it anyway. Now that the royal family has embraced it so openly and endorsed you things are changing. Having skeletons around is now seen as fashionable at the courts.”

“And what would you want from her, for this?” Helena asked.

“I know you do not like me but our marriage would be helpful, for both of our families.” He said to Helena. Then he looked at me again. “But now, there is an even better option. Koyuki, I would like to court you. I can offer you corpses as a gift. Or prisoners. You can slay them with your own magic, if you want. Imagine what we could achieve together! We could start a new line of necromancers.”

What? “Uh… No, thanks.” I replied.

“I was not expecting you to be immediately convinced. Just know that the offer is there. And all I ask in exchange for some corpses is the chance to court you.” Leo said. “Have a nice evening.” He bowed and left.

“He is creepy but the deal is good.” Skadi replied.

“There is no way a guy like that does not expect anything in return. If you ever go on a date with him, bring poison.” Cassie advised me.

“I am not really interested in him.” I said.

“Good.” Helena said. “The Harolds are not known for respecting women.”

“You should have told him about your skeletons! You have more and better ones.” Cassie said.

“He will find out during death magic class, probably. I might bring my magical skeleton.” I mused. Gronir had been busy. I did not have a chance to show him my latest creations yet.

“Hey, is that Archibald over there? He looks like he ate a lemon.” Skadi said, suddenly. We all looked in the direction she pointed.

Archibald spotted us, then he had the most awkward smile while looking in our direction. Florence was with him and did not look very happy either. Although she just looked angry, it was pretty normal for her.

“Maybe his father was angry with him after the ball.” Helena said. “He did insult Koyuki before she was endorsed by the princess.”

“Maybe his father told him to be nice to you. Maybe he will court you too now.” Skadi suggested.

“What? No, never.” I protested.

“It would be awkward since he has a betrothed. But it’s not uncommon for nobles to change their arrangements if they get a better opportunity.” Cassie said.

“Duke Winston would not break that arrangement unless he was certain Koyuki would say yes. It’s more likely Archibald was ordered to mend the relationship and stop embarrassing his family.” Helena said.

“You should ask him for free corpses.” Skadi suggested.

I shook my head. “I want nothing from him. If he stays away and starts being polite, that is fine by me.”

“Lure him into a false sense of security. Make everyone think you have no grudge against him, then turn him into an undead. Afterwards pretend to be upset and offer to help in the investigation as a necromancy expert.” Skadi suggested.

“And bring his corpse to the investigation as your servant. Change the skeleton just enough that nobody recognizes him. Smile cryptically when people inquire about your new minion.” Cassie added.

I looked at Helena. “We need to stage an intervention. Those books are clearly making them go insane.”

“You have already agreed to borrow one, remember.” Helena replied.

Skadi smiled.