Chapter 17: A Moment of Respite
The bell’s chime resonated across the campus, signaling the end of the morning’s classes and the beginning of the much-anticipated lunch break. Robert made his way through the bustling corridors of the University of Varsovia, surrounded by students discussing the day’s lessons or making their way toward the cafeteria.
The cafeteria, located at the heart of the campus, was divided into two distinct sections. The first, larger area was filled with long communal tables where the majority of the student body—members of lesser noble families—gathered to eat, chat, and share their experiences. The second area, set apart by a subtle but unmistakable boundary, was reserved exclusively for the higher nobles—members of Ducal Families and their direct relatives.
As Robert stepped into the cafeteria, the subtle shift in atmosphere between the two sections became apparent. The murmur of conversation in the main dining area was lively and casual, while the atmosphere in the smaller, more private section was quieter, more subdued. Here, each Ducal Family had their own private table, a symbol of status and prestige.
Robert’s gaze swept over the reserved section. Only five people were currently eligible to sit at the Ducal Family tables. There was Harold Bonfire, a third-year student and the Sports Captain of House Cadeyrn. As the heir to the Rest vassal county of Bell Castle, Harold’s presence was a constant reminder of House Rest’s extended influence. Alexander, Robert’s shadow guard, was present as always, his eyes watchful even in this relatively safe environment.
Seated at another table was Marian Rest, a second-year student and the son of Peter Rest, the family’s Sejm representative. Marian’s quiet demeanor and focus on his studies made him less noticeable, but his presence in the political arena was significant. And then there was Prince William—the only member of the Royal Family currently attending the University. His status allowed him to sit at any table he chose, though he often remained aloof, observing rather than engaging.
Robert made his way to his family’s table, where a servant was already waiting to set down a tray of food. The service here was different from the main cafeteria. Higher nobles had their meals brought to them—carefully prepared and served according to their preferences.
“Your meal, my Lord,” the servant said respectfully, placing a dish of roasted pheasant, fresh vegetables, and a side of bread in front of him. A goblet of cool spring water accompanied the meal.
“Thank you,” Robert murmured, his gaze briefly meeting the servant’s before shifting back to the table. He settled into his seat, noting the empty spaces around him. Harold was occupied with his training, and Marian was likely buried in his books somewhere. Alexander stood at his customary place behind Robert, a silent guardian who rarely partook in these shared meals.
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Robert picked up his fork and knife, cutting a piece of the pheasant and taking a measured bite. The flavors were rich and well-balanced, but his thoughts were elsewhere, drifting back to the morning’s lessons. Professor Gramsci’s introduction to the complexities of summoning circles had sparked several new ideas, and he was eager to test them in the Practical Summoning Class later that day.
He glanced around the reserved section again, noting the presence of Prince William. The young prince sat at a table by himself, his posture relaxed yet poised. His blond hair and sharp features made him instantly recognizable, even in this exclusive setting. Despite his royal status, there was an air of detachment about him, as if he were merely an observer in his own life.
Their eyes met briefly, and Robert inclined his head in a respectful nod. The prince returned the gesture with a faint smile, a fleeting acknowledgment that carried no weight beyond courtesy. It was a reminder of the delicate balance that governed interactions between the noble families—every glance, every word was weighed and measured, each action carrying potential consequences.
“Is everything to your liking, my Lord?” Alexander’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
Robert looked up at his cousin, whose gaze was scanning the room with the careful attention of a seasoned protector. Despite the calm atmosphere, Alexander was always alert, always watching for any sign of trouble.
“Yes, everything is fine,” Robert replied quietly. “Just… thinking about the lessons.”
Alexander nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You’ve been pushing yourself harder than usual. Are the classes more demanding than you expected?”
“Not exactly.” Robert took another bite, chewing slowly as he considered his words. “It’s more that… I see opportunities. Areas where I can improve, experiment. Professor Gramsci’s methods are rigorous, but I feel like I’m on the verge of a breakthrough.”
Alexander’s gaze softened slightly, a rare hint of pride in his eyes. “That’s good. Just remember to pace yourself. There’s no need to rush. You’ll have plenty of time to refine your skills.”
Robert nodded, appreciating the advice. Despite his intense drive to improve, he knew Alexander was right. Overexerting himself could lead to mistakes, and in a field as dangerous as summoning magic, mistakes could be fatal.
“Thank you, Alexander. I’ll keep that in mind.”
The rest of the meal passed in companionable silence, broken only by the soft clink of cutlery and the distant hum of conversation from the other side of the cafeteria. As Robert finished his meal, he felt a sense of calm settle over him. Lunch was a brief reprieve, a chance to collect his thoughts and prepare for the challenges ahead.
When he finally stood to leave, he noticed that Prince William had already departed. Harold Bonfire, however, had arrived, his broad frame and confident demeanor drawing a few curious glances from the other students. Harold caught Robert’s eye and gave him a friendly nod, which Robert returned.
“See you in training later?” Harold called out as Robert made his way past.
“Perhaps,” Robert replied with a small smile. He wasn’t particularly inclined towards physical training, but he appreciated Harold’s efforts to include him in House Cadeyrn’s activities.
“Good. Don’t let them keep you stuck with theory all day!” Harold grinned, his easygoing nature a stark contrast to the rigid formalities of the noble gatherings Robert was accustomed to.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Robert said, his smile widening slightly.
He made his way out of the cafeteria, feeling more at ease than he had in days. There was something grounding about these simple interactions—something that reminded him of the humanity behind the titles and responsibilities.
As he walked towards his next class, Robert couldn’t help but think that perhaps there was more to learn at the University than just magic and politics. For the first time, he wondered if building relationships—however tenuous—might be as important as honing his skills.
With a small nod to himself, Robert quickened his pace. The afternoon classes awaited, and he intended to tackle them with renewed focus.