Tuesday, September 3rd, 996 ABE

In Greyhound Spire, Minerva took longer than she’d have thought to find the Student Council office. The Spire was a jumbled mess of corridors, stairways and people going to and fro. She’d asked a random worker where she could find the council office, and only then did she end up on the right floor. Her legs were enhanced by mana, but still felt a slight fatigue. As far as she could tell, she’d gone up twenty or maybe more floors.

The hallway in front of her stretched until reaching another staircase on the opposite side. The floors were made out of some sort of wood, and appeared cheap, but Minerva could sense a magical quality to the whole building. In fact, it was that way for mostly everything on the entire campus. She did not know if the buildings were built by magic, but for the last millennia they’d certainly been maintained by it. After all, magic could perform most if not all menial tasks if the caster was savvy enough. Things like cleaning the floors of the vast buildings and washing dishes in the cafeteria were all automated, as far as Minerva knew.

She walked along the hallway. Four suits of armour lined the wall. She wondered if they might be possessed. Apparently that type of thing wasn’t all that uncommon. She’d read before about a mage using summoning magic to command a suit of armour. Scary, she thought, I’m not sure ice would do much against metal like that.

And then there was the one and only door on the entire floor. A shabby wooden thing, and beside it was a nametag that simply read ‘Student Council Office’. It was all perfectly clean, but even an outstanding clean could not hide the apparent signs of age. One thousand years will do that to a building, I suppose. Minerva gripped the handle and entered the office.

“A visitor!” A voice chimed out immediately.

Minerva looked up, and saw a paper plane whizzing by. She couldn’t see who threw it, but blamed it on the man in the corner who nonchalantly blew bubblegum and kicked his feet up on a desk. Then, she saw the girl who’d called out so vibrantly. Nina Adler, looking happy as could be. Minerva couldn’t hide her surprise, knowing just what the girl was capable of.

“Nina–” Minerva said.

Nina grabbed Minerva’s hand eagerly. “You must be Minerva. So you’ll be helping us from here on?”

“I think so?” Minerva said.

“She will be.” Cedrick came walking out from one of the backrooms, talking idly with a girl Minerva didn’t recognize. “Minerva. Come in. Take a seat wherever, I’ll introduce you to your new colleagues.”

Minerva gave a confused look. “Am I… On the council?”

“No,” Cedrick said immediately. “It's something of a temporary position. Come sit.”

Minerva found an empty desk. The room was decently sized, but the desks seemed to be centralised around the middle of the room with the exception of the man in the corner blowing bubblegum. She sat in the only seat that no one gravitated towards, just to make sure it wasn’t previously taken. The desk was empty, and yet another man that she didn’t recognize sat beside her. Unlike the man in the corner, this one gave her a friendly smile.

“You’ve met Nina Adler. She’s the community manager. Essentially, she’s the one who gets the message of the students up to the tower,” Cedrick said. He sorted through a few papers on his desk and gave a dissatisfied grunt before passing one off to the girl Minerva didn’t recognize. The girl had long, blonde hair, and wore the purple robes of a mage. “That’s Juliette Springer,” Cedrick explained as she jetted off into the backroom. “She’s the treasurer. Not much for talking to people.”

Minerva nodded.

“That careless freak in the corner making his tenth paper plane of the day is Garren Titus. Disciplinary officer.”

“I’ll take careless, but freak is crossing the line,” Garren sighed. He was a gruff looking man that seemed way too old to be in school, not that the Academy had an age limit. He scratched his beard curiously and looked Minerva up and down before giving an approving nod. “Looks to be a lawful child,” he said.

“And the studious one to your right is Alleck Winchester. Vice president.”

Alleck just nodded. He was a tall and slim-fit kind of boy, with the type of face that comes to mind when you imagine a perfect one. “You know, Cedrick. I just remembered I have something to deal with down on the ground.”

“Is that so?” Cedrick asked.

“It is,” he said insistently.

“Very well,” Cedrick conceded. He waited until Alleck had left before speaking. “He does all of the work I don’t want to.” He gestured to the door.

The room laughed. Minerva looked longingly at the doorway. What was it about him? Not just the good looks. Something strange.

“Does that about cover it?” Cedrick asked, snapping Minerva back to reality.

“I think so. Nice to meet you all,” she said. “I’m Minerva Whiscourt, if you missed it.”

“This girl is Edward’s brother, for the record. I would recommend being respectful to her for that reason,” Cedrick clarified.

Nina and Garren had a moment of reverent realisation then. “I see the resemblance,” Nina said.

Doubt that, Minerva thought, not to mention that Edward wouldn’t have much of an objection to you all mistreating me. I’ll leave it as it is, though. That’s right! Treat me well because you know my older brother! Is this what they call nepotism?

“Shall we get started?” Cedrick asked.

“No objections,” Garren mumbled.

“I’m all ears,” Nina said.

“Ready,” Minerva said eagerly.

Cedrick waited for Juliette to return. She passed him a paper which he regarded with a look of disappointment. Whatever was on the paper didn’t bode well, but when he put it down, Minerva saw that it was all numbers with a few circled entries. Juliette then took her seat at the desk where Alleck had been, shooting Minerva an awkward smile. As far as Minerva could tell, the girl's personal desk was probably wherever she kept running away with the papers.

Cedrick then shuffled through his papers and pulled one out. A list containing names. He smiled when he noticed Minerva subconsciously enhancing her vision with mana to see the paper. “Quit sticking your nose in things. We’re getting to it,” he said.

In only a moment, he’d been able to pinpoint not only that she’d allocated mana, but exactly where in her body it happened. Sensing mana was a sensitive ability that required practice and mostly a natural affinity to it. The average mage could detect a spell going off, or a large quantity amassed. Cedrick, however, had sensed what was nothing more than a flutter in Minerva’s own body. He’s good, she thought, sensing mana like that must drive him insane. After all, there was usually no need to sense the smaller functions. These were the things people did almost automatically that rarely mattered. Instead of squinting they’d enhance their eyes, or push a tiny bit of strength into the arms to pull open a particularly heavy door.

“Alright,” he said finally. “Let’s begin.”

“We don’t need Alleck?” Minerva asked.

“Alleck has more important things to do. The school can’t go on pause for one small thing,” Cedrick replied.

Minerva nodded. It was an apt explanation, but it didn’t quite satisfy her curiosity.

“As of yesterday. The situation regarding Ulfric Arrowheart has come to an impasse. Pressure from the nobility to get him out is mounting even further after our most recent discovery,” Cedrick explained. “Frankly, it's not looking great for us. The nobles haven’t been able to remove him by petition; Principal Leewood has the final say over the board. It comes down to us.” He sighed into his hand, glancing at the list of names. “If we can’t make something happen soon,” he said. “Our reputation will be tarnished, I’m afraid.”

“So what’s the plan?” Minerva said immediately. I’m in on this now. Doesn’t seem like a great time to get aboard.

“The plan is that we get it done,” Cedrick said. “You’ll each have roles. Some of you are already aware of them.”

“You want me to get close to Ulfric,” Minerva said. “I can try, but it won't be easy.”

Cedrick frowned and seemed to recall something. “I’m aware of the kind of man he is. You’re right. In fact, I’d say it's impossible, but even more so if we don’t try.”

Minerva nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

“Remember everyone. The goal is to find any dirt at all. If he’s done something worthy of expulsion, that’s great. If we end up discovering his real name first, we’ll be able to take the more direct route of eliminating him outright.” He pointed a finger at Nina. “You’re the charmer, Nina. Get close to Ulfric’s friends. All of his known associates are on this list, thanks to Juliette.” He finally lifted the paper and handed it to Nina, who said nothing for now but took it and observed it closely.

“Who are these associates? Wouldn’t it be worthwhile to share with the room?” Garren asked.

“Kal Lightswift and Roy Hirsh. Two first years. Ulfric seems to have many acquaintances, but as far as we could tell, these were the only two he spends significant time with.”

I don’t think your information is complete. Minerva kept this to herself, and memorised the two names. “I’ll keep a lookout, and assist Nina where necessary.”

“As for you, Garren. Physical evidence. Sneak in where you can. Raid Ulfric’s room. Whoever’s room you can raid. Take note of anything that might be suspicious and leave it exactly where you found it.”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“Aye aye,” Garren said. He clearly wasn’t as pressed by the issue as the others.

“Finally. Julie.” Cedrick looked at the girl in the robes. “Continue with what you’ve been doing. I want him watched twenty four hours a day. Have Ingram do the same. He seems the helpful sort.”

Juliette nodded.

Minerva didn’t know exactly what kind of mage the girl called Juliette was. Clearly her specialty involved staying quiet or spying, and yet her information had been missing a few people. Still, she had the air of a sophisticated mage that Minerva found quite terrifying. That quiet demeanour would probably turn into a tempest if provoked. She’d take special care not to do so.

As for Nina, her power lay in her speaking skills. Minerva had never seen her use magic, and she doubted she ever would. A girl with attractiveness such as that needed nothing other than smooth talking. Kal and Roy… You have quite the girl coming your way. As for Minerva, she was to Ulfric what Nina was to his friends, a seductress. She couldn’t even imagine a reality where such a thing might work. Best to leave it largely to the others and take credit for being involved.

Garren was a less complicated person. He flipped daggers in his hands already, earning a look of disdain from Cedrick. Garren was the rogue, responsible for stealing and breaking into places. More than likely also responsible for any murder that might need to take place. That was the type of feeling Minerva got from the council’s disciplinary officer.

“Are we clear, then?”

“Clear as day,” Nina said cheerily.

Everyone else nodded. With that, the council meeting came to an end, and Minerva became an honorary member.

* * *

“I don’t think they’ll take well to you coming to the meeting just yet,” Ulfric said. “You’ll have to bear with me.”

“It’s really alright. I don’t want to throw anything off. They might find it off putting to have someone like me there.”

“Don’t think about it like that. You’re as essential to all of this as any of them are.” Ulfric patted the girl on the shoulder. “I think it's time for you to go. We’ve got a visitor.” He turned and revealed his scarred face, locking eyes with Minerva.

She froze for a moment. Minerva recognized the other girl immediately. Princess Alterion!? And… They’re sitting awfully close to each other, aren’t they? Does this mean he really is some sort of noble? She flushed red as Maya shot her a look of disdain and retreated away into the gardens, leaving a spot open beside Ulfric on a bench. He just sighed as he watched her go.

“Come then. You’ve done well to seek me out,” he said. Minerva heard him patting the wood next to him.

“You’re acquainted with the princess?” Minerva asked. She took the seat next to him and leaned back. Ulfric’s demeanour made her nervous. I was right. I can’t seduce him… He’s already taken by a Princess!

“She’s a friend, yes,” he said. “But don’t get any ideas.”

“What?”

“I hear you’re a lackey for the council now,” he said. “They send you to spy on me?”

How would he possibly know that?

As if sensing Minerva’s thoughts, Ulfric looked her up and down somewhat disapprovingly. “I don’t have as many eyes as they have, but the eyes I do have are efficient.”

Minerva couldn’t bring herself to look at him. There was something strangely embarrassing about her business being exposed. “I… Can’t tell you that.”

“And you don’t have to,” Ulfric said wryly.

He must be bluffing. Someone like Cedrick would know if there was a spy. “Listen. We don’t have to really oppose each other. I just have to pretend to do what they’re telling me. Isn’t this what you told me to do?”

“Yeah, it is. But you can’t sit on the fence forever, I’m sure you know that.”

“I do,” Minerva huffed. “But I’ll sit on it for as long as I can.” Why? Only one side benefits me in the way I want. Why am I hesitating?

Ulfric smiled. “Until then, I’ll give you information. It won't be the fake kind. The vaguely valuable kind.”

Minerva was, naturally, suspicious of that offer. Ulfric had been mostly kind to her, but she wasn’t so trustful of him that she’d potentially give false information to the council. Just what was she to him? A friend? Or someone he’d throw under the bus? Best to hear him out regardless. “You’d do that for me?” She asked.

“I would. For today, why don’t you go tell them that you saw me with the Princess and leave it at that?”

Minerva raised a brow. “That’s hardly enough. They’ll wonder if I even spoke to you at all.”

Ulfric frowned. He eyed her like a sad puppy, seeming to carefully consider his next words. “I was beaten badly by Cedrick. I’m unsure if I’ll be able to defeat him at all,” he said to no one in particular. “And I’m worried about having to face the council.” He leaned into his hand and played with a button on his shirt, glancing at Minerva questioningly as if to ask ‘is that enough?’.

“I’d prefer the truth,” she replied dryly. “Don’t take me for a chump.” She maintained her position. Even if it wasn’t true, she had to at least act like someone who couldn’t be pushed around.

“What does it matter if it's the truth? Your job is to tell them what I’ve told you, right? Whether it's the truth or not will be up to their interpretation. You’ve done your job.” Ulfric paused. “Look at me for a second.”

Minerva turned and met his eye. He stared at her pensively, searching somewhere deep in her soul, and then quickly swept his hand forward and across her cheek. She blushed and began to panic. What is this feeling I’m suddenly getting from him? “U-Ulfric!” She said.

“You had something on your face,” he said casually, wiping his hand off on the bench. “Sour cream, I think.” With that, he winked and stood up. Minerva was left alone on the bench without an opportunity to push further.

The information she’d gotten would have to do. She sighed. In the end, I was the one nearly seduced.

* * *

Ulfric stepped into the room. Drake Riven, a student no one was investigating at the moment, used his dorm as a meeting place. They staggered their entry by fifteen minutes to hide the gathering. Anyhow, it was all in the same building, so unless anyone saw it directly, it was unlikely to be discovered. Ulfric lingered in the doorway for a moment and took a step out into the room.

“Bossman. You made it. Sure took your time.” Drake was sitting by the window smoking a cigarette. Each time he puffed out, he did so out the window. He wore his shirt only down to the elbows, and the rest of his arms had intricate tattoos depicting what Ulfric thought was magic circles. Is it possible to use your arm as a conduit? He wondered this only briefly. Drake put the cigarette out the moment the meeting was to begin. He knew Ulfric hated it.

Kal was reclined on the couch, a book open atop his face as he seemingly slept. Ulfric wasn’t surprised by this behaviour. Kal was nothing if not an airhead, and someone capable of sleeping in places Ulfric wouldn’t dream of. He groggily lifted the book and turned to the door, giving Ulfric a weak nod. Ulfric only returned a look of disapproval to both him and Drake.

Roy Hirsch and Mitchell Pierce hardly noticed as Ulfric entered, playing a card game on the table. Roy was the one considered the charmer. He had dazzling eyes and slicked back hair, clothes always perfectly groomed even after a battle. He looked utterly out of place in Drake’s hellhole of a dorm, with his golden rings and necklace that Drake often eyed with envy apparent.

Mitchell threw down a card with a grunt. Out of all of them, he was the one perhaps unfit to be a revolutionary. The sucker, the scaredy-cat. The type of guy who only fought reluctantly. When he did fight, he did it well however. This was one of the main reasons why someone like Ulfric kept him around. Mitchell gave an almost fearful nod of acknowledgement to Ulfric as he entered.

“Had some business to take care of,” Ulfric said. He took the book on barriers out of his pocket and set it on the table.

“Heard that one before,” Kal snorted.

“Let’s get on with it. Are we compromised?” Mitchell asked, voice shaky.

Ulfric shook his head. “Far from it. We won’t have to worry about discovery until it's all done, at this rate,” he explained.

Mitchell gave a sigh of relief.

“I trust Kal got word to you all about the situation?” Ulfric asked.

Nods around the room.

“Great. Give me a status update on the rest of it. We’ll start with Roy.” Ulfric poured himself a glass of water at the sink and chugged it down in a few massive gulps. He hadn’t realised just how thirsty he was.

“If you insist,” Roy said. “I’ve continued to monitor her schedule, and I must say it's nothing lavish like I might have expected. But today she added an unexpected bit to her itinerary.” He chuckled softly, clearly full of himself.

“Spit it out, then,” Kal ushered.

“She came over and started flirting with me,” he said.

“What!?” Drake discarded his cigarette out the window and stood up, seemingly intent on attacking Roy. “Nina Adler was flirting with you? So we are compromised!” He grabbed Roy by the lapel. In response, Roy just scoffed and waited patiently until he was dropped back down to the couch.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about it,” Ulfric said casually. “This is what we wanted, remember? Kal and Roy are with me in the spotlight. We’re creating a cover for you two, and it's working. Our spy on the council confirmed it.”

The room seemed to drop a few levels hearing that. Drake turned away from Roy, looking dejected. Roy just had his same stupid smile.

“Drake. Since you’re so eager. Status report.”

“Garren Titus raided your room earlier today,” he replied immediately. “Other than that, nothing of note.”

Ulfric didn’t show much of a reaction at all. “Spy mentioned that, too. That explains the signs of tampering. He’s pretty good at his job though, I admit.” He threw his hands up. “Damn good thing I moved the weapons. How about you, Mitchell?”

“I’ve investigated the barrier,” he said. On the table, he continued playing cards with Roy. They’d shoot each other antagonistic looks every once in a while.“It's type three,” he noted.

Ulfric perked up with interest hearing that. “You’re sure?”

“Certain as the sunrise,” he replied.

With a glance at his book on the kitchen table, Ulfric smiled. “That’s extremely convenient, I must admit.” His eyes were alight with excitement. In warfare, there was never room for complete certainty, but their current position was about as close as they’d get. Cedrick seemed to be making blunder after blunder, fumbling his way around without a clue as to what was really happening. It made Ulfric wonder if there was some hidden motive. It’s like a game of poker… If you look around the table and can’t find the sucker, you’re the sucker. Stay cautious.

Roy’s somewhat sarcastic smile grew. The boy tended to have something of a sadistic attitude towards the suffering of others. “Convenient?” He asked. “What exactly did you have in mind?”

“Another time,” Ulfric said. He took his jacket off and placed it on the table. After that, he removed anything that might identify him as a student. Drake’s cupboards held all of the things he’d need, the weapons that were moved from his dorm just earlier that day. He pulled out a pistol, four rings, two swords, daggers, a cloak and a mask. The room watched in silence as he suited up. “By the way. On Saturday, did those two A-ranks give you trouble, Kal?”

Kal scoffed. “They were too drunk to notice before they’d lost their heads… What about the son? Gladius, right? Won't he return to claim his father’s seat?”

“Probably not. Even if he did, it wouldn't be a problem. I’ll spare you the rest about Gladius until that time comes. I’ve learned plenty about him from our other noble friend.” Ulfric stepped confidently into the living area with big, hefty steps in combat boots. Drake opened the window wide to allow for a person to leap. Ulfric nodded in acknowledgement, and stepped up onto the window sill. He turned to face his comrades, holding a mask in his hand. “This concludes our meeting. I’ll find Roxanna Adler. If I don’t return… I guess it didn’t go my way.”

Drake, who leaned against the window to Ulfric’s side, frowned. “You’re still sure about this?” He asked. “That we won't be discovered?”

“I am,” Ulfric replied. “After all, they’re so focused on finding a different secret that they’re neglecting the most important one.” He smiled, but covered it up by slotting that crude metal mask over his face. The Magekiller leaned backwards, and fell out of the window into the night.