As the acolytes filtered out of the classroom, Professor Amielda offered warm thanks to each of them. When Niann and Riniock passed by, she gave them a bright smile and a curt nod.
‘If either of you gentlemen ever need assistance with anything beast-related, don’t hesitate to ask,’ she said with a playful wink. ‘But keep this between us, alright?’
Riniock assumed the offer was primarily directed at Niann, given his impressive performance during the entriss exercise. However, considering he had done quite well himself – better than many of his peers – he decided it might not be a bad idea to take her up on it if the need arose.
As they walked away, Niann turned to Riniock with a curious expression. ‘What’s got you so cheery?’ he asked. ‘You’ve been awfully smiley these past few days. Not that I’m complaining.’
Riniock’s thoughts had wandered to Linry – how much he looked forward to seeing her again and retrieving his items.
He barely registered Niann’s question.
‘Riniock?’ Niann leaned in, blocking his path.
‘Hm?’ Riniock blinked, suddenly pulled from his thoughts. ‘Did you say something?’
‘You’ve been completely absentminded too,’ Niann pointed out.
‘I have?’ Riniock frowned slightly, scratching the back of his neck.
Niann nodded. ‘It’s like you’re in a world of your own.’
‘Well, maybe it’s the upcoming expedition,’ Riniock deflected, trying to sound casual. Then, with a sly smile, he added, ‘Speaking of which, you’ll be interested to know that I saw academy members observing Professor Amielda’s lesson.’
Niann’s eyes widened in surprise. ‘Does that mean –’
‘Yes,’ Riniock confirmed, his voice tinged with excitement. ‘They’re scouting for all kinds of talents.’
Niann’s face lit up with excitement before quickly shifting to a mix of emotions – anticipation, pride, and perhaps a hint of apprehension.
‘What other classes do we have today?’ Riniock asked, rummaging through his belongings in search of his schedule.
‘No need to check,’ Niann replied, already reciting the day’s agenda from memory. ‘We’ve got astronomy later tonight, but until then, the afternoon is ours.’
‘That’s perfect!’ Riniock said, abandoning his search.
‘Want to hang out? We could hit the courtyard or maybe the library.’
Riniock hesitated, a flicker of regret crossing his face. ‘Sorry, Niann. I’ve got something else I need to take care of.’
‘Oh, no problem,’ Niann replied, masking his disappointment with a small smile. ‘Catch you later.’
Riniock nodded, feeling a pang of guilt as he left his friend behind. But he had priorities – chief amongst them, ensuring his effects were in order before Linry had a chance to inspect them.
He hurried across the grounds, scanning the area for any sign of Linry’s unmistakable obsidian-black hair. His search led him past a group of acolytes from her academy, lounging in the courtyard. Linry was nowhere to be seen.
Halting, Riniock approached them. ‘Excuse me, do you know where Linry might be?’
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The eldest of the group cast him a disdainful look, his gaze sharp and scornful. ‘What business do you have with her?’
Riniock clenched his fists at the man’s condescending tone but forced himself to stay composed. ‘I wish to discuss the expedition with her,’ he lied smoothly.
The group exchanged superior glances, their disdainful expressions unwavering.
‘She’s in your college’s library,’ the eldest finally replied, his tone dripping with condescension. ‘And if you know what’s good for you, don’t bother her with your presence.’
Riniock bit his tongue, suppressing the sharp retort brewing inside. But his frustration got the better of him, and his thoughts spilled out. ‘If I were you, I’d worry about my own business. Don’t act so high and mighty – you’re just an acolyte like the rest of us. Your academy isn’t any better than my college.’
His words lingered in the air, and for a moment, the group stared at him in stunned silence. Then, without waiting for a response, Riniock turned on his heel and made his way towards the library, his determination unwavering.
‘One of you go follow him,’ the eldest commanded.
‘Irgod,’ one of the younger acolytes interjected, his tone tinged with hesitation, ‘what do you mean?’
The older acolyte, Irgod, narrowed his eyes, his expression firm. ‘Something about that guy doesn’t sit right with me. He’s too bold for someone from their college.’
He turned to the slender acolyte who had been leaning forward attentively. ‘Piddruin.’
‘Yes?’ Piddruin straightened, awaiting instructions.
‘Follow him to the library. Keep your distance and make sure he doesn’t see you. I want to know everything – what he’s doing, what he’s saying, and if he’s really meeting Linry.’
Piddruin gave a small nod, already preparing to slip away. ‘Got it.’
Another member of the group frowned, his voice laced with concern. ‘Irgod, this doesn’t feel right. Why go through all this?’
‘Because,’ Irgod replied, his tone low and calculating, ‘I trust my instincts. And something tells me we’ll regret it if we don’t keep an eye on him. Now go, Pidd. Report back to me as soon as you know something.’
Without another word, Piddruin melted into the shadows, silently tailing Riniock towards the library.
‘Irgod, brother, please reconsider. We’re on their turf now,’ his peer pleaded, his voice laced with unease. ‘You’re just doing this because he upset you…’
Irgod turned to him, his expression darkening. ‘Arthian,’ he growled, his tone sharp and menacing. ‘Keep quiet and never question my decisions again.’
‘Yes, brother,’ Arthian muttered, bowing his head in submission. ‘I’m sorry.’
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the college grounds, Riniock arrived at the towering library. He handed over a pass – a keepsake from Niann when they first met. Though passes were distributed periodically, Riniock had saved this one for an occasion when he might need it most.
Inside, the library’s quiet vastness made finding Linry easy; she was the only one wearing a brown and beige robe amongst the aisles.
‘Linry!’ Riniock called softly as he approached her table.
She looked up, her gaze curious yet amused. ‘Riniock? What brings you here?’
He took the seat beside her, his face lit with excitement, practically glowing. ‘I was looking for you, of course.’
‘You want your items back?’ she teased, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. ‘And before I could examine them further, I assume?’
‘Well…let’s not put it that way,’ he replied, scratching his head sheepishly. He truly wished to see her, even if he had no intentions to say so.
Linry cut him off, placing his belongings neatly on the table. ‘Here you go.’
‘Thanks,’ Riniock said as he pocketed them. His attention shifted to the book in front of her, its pages filled with intricate drawings and diagrams that felt oddly familiar. ‘What are you reading?’
Linry glanced up from the text, her expression playful and slightly mysterious. She tilted the book towards him, revealing the cover. ‘Take a look,’ she whispered.
Riniock squinted, reading the title aloud. ‘Dandelions or Snowflakes: A Guide on Celspores!’
A sharp tug jolted Riniock’s chest, his heart racing as the weight of what he read settled in. ‘You saw –’
‘The celseed in your storage card?’ Linry interjected smoothly, her expression unwavering.
‘So you did,’ Riniock murmured, swallowing hard, unsure how to navigate the situation. ‘Why are you reading about it?’
‘Curiosity,’ she said with a curious shrug, her tone light, showing no suspicious signs on her visage. ‘I don’t think anyone I know has ever brought one back. How did you manage it?’
‘I’m not entirely sure myself,’ Riniock admitted, shifting in his seat. ‘Look, what are you hoping to gain from this?’
Linry’s smile faltered a bit as she shut the book with a loud clap, the sound echoing through the quiet library. For a brief moment, she seemed clearly displeased with the way Riniock treated her. ‘You still don’t trust me?’ she asked, her voice steady but tinged with mild disappointment.
‘It’s not that,’ Riniock began hesitantly. ‘I just don’t understand what you want.’
‘Nothing,’ Linry said firmly, leaning forward. ‘I don’t want anything from you or this. I only want to be part of whatever plans you have for that little creature.’