"I didn't expect you to find us so quickly" Anastasia said while shaking her head as she stared at Callista who was putting food on Ignis's plate.

"By the way, do you know what happened last night?" Ivan asked while his chin rested on his palm "Oh, that?" Anastasia said and sighed

"Ignis and I were called to the office so early in the morning to discuss something about that that's why he's been in a bad mood since" she said and glanced at her cousin who was accepting every food Callista was feeding him.

"Why would Ignis be with you in the office?" Callista confusedly asked "Didn't you know? Anastasia is the President of the Student Body here in Lumin Academy and the young duke is the vice" Denovan said and pointed at Ignis.

"You can't tell that he's the Vice President by looking at how ignorant he is." Ivan said with a laugh "But what happened last night was because of a surprise attack by the Xayahs" Anastasia explained.

Xayahs are a type of magic user that normally uses dark magic, they sacrifice their own humanity in order to be shifted to a higher being, Xayahs are the lowest rank of demons.

"And because of last night, Headmaster Regan said we can't rest from investigating the Academy grounds" Denovan said with a tired huff "I noticed last night that the other students were not surprised by the attack. Is it normal for those to happen?" Callista asked what she noticed last night.

"That was because at least all of the students here had been attending the Academy since they started studying. We were trained for circumstances like that." Anastasia said with a shrug.

"You'll understand that when you see the dorm Madams and Heads" Ivan said and Madam Margaret's cold face quickly appeared in her mind "Makes sense" she shrugged.

"But, Xayah attacks are getting frequent these days. Don't you think something's wrong?" Anastasia asked in concern "Especially that many students had been disappearing almost every night" Ignis added while nodding.

"They are?" Callista asked and tilted her head, a habit Ignis notices when she's curious about something "Yes, you don't know this because you just recently attended the Academy but students had been going missing since last month" Ivan explained.

"That's why the Dormitory's curfews are shortened and are only allowed until 7:00 PM" Denovan said "Really? I thought it was normally like that" Callista nodded from the newfound information.

"It was not. The whole academy staff wouldn't say anything but the school is starting to be a hunting ground by someone we don't know yet." Ivan shook his head.

"Not to mention that they've been seeing traces of black magic in campus" Anastasia added "The Imperial Palace is already finding a solution towards this problem" Denovan pointed out.

"But seeing how they haven't found the culprit yet I can assume that it might be an inside job, perhaps." Ignis said that made them gasp "Who would even dare do that?" Anastasia confusedly asked.

"Uncle might have a temper when it comes to other people but his not omniscient to know everyone plotting behind his back" Ignis retorted "But still, wouldn't that be stupidity? Attacking the Academy the Emperor's daughter attends? Isn't it like asking for a death wish?" she asked.

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"But who would it be, Ignis?" Denovan asked so Ignis shrugged "I don't know. We're not even sure if the spy is in the Academy but most likely they would be in an authorized place." Ignis let out a sigh.

"What do you mean Ignis?" Anastasia asked, blinking in confusion "What he's probably trying to say is that it must be someone in the Emperor's Consistory" Anastasia stood up from Callista's words.

"Ana, just think about it. Who else would have the power to let people inside the Academy than the Emperor's Consistory?" Callista asked back "But that doesn't make sense at all, why would they suddenly target the Academy when I've been here for more than six years?" Anastasia asked back in confusion.

"Maybe your not the one their targeting" Callista shrugged "Then who else would it be?" Denovan asked curiously "Just look around" Callista raised a brow and pointed at the surroundings.

"Ana is not the only one with high status here" she pointed out "Then we really have to think of a way to solve this" Anastasia became anxious.

Callista studied her, carefully assessing her as Anastasia spoke to the others "How far are you willing to go for your people Ana?" she suddenly asked that surprised all of them.

"What's up with that question?" Anastasia's eyebrows raised in surprise, Callista smirks and leans in "Are you willing to die for your country Princess?" she chuckles.

Anastasia looked at her "Of course I can" she answered as if it was the most obvious thing to do, Callista could see how Denovan stiffened without letting anyone notice.

Her eyebrows raised in amusement "Really?" her eyes looked back at Anastasia "Say, if an enemy country suddenly attacked Ashia and took an innocent person hostage with you being the only witness. If that man pointing a knife threateningly in one of your beloved people in and would only let go if you cut of one of your fingers, heck maybe even your hand. How far will you go?" she grins.

"I'm offended of how your comparing someone's hand to somebody else's life" Anastasia retorted which made Callista burst out laughing "Pathetic!" her shoulders shook from laughter "Did you know? From the many books I've read, the character who's just like you is the one who suffers the most painful death" she said.

Anastasia stiffened at her words "Your going too far!" Ivan exclaimed and glared at Callista "What? I'm simply telling the truth, you know. I'm sure that's the message Ignis had trouble saying" she proudly crossed her arms

"But you don't have to say something so harsh" Ivan clicked his tongue and stood up "Come on, Ana. Stay away from that witch." Ivan pulled her up "What? Wait a minute Ivan..." he dragged Anastasia out of the cafeteria who struggled in his hold.

"Lady Ana had dedicated her whole life in being the perfect heir to the throne, her only wish is to lead this Empire with pride and goodness" Denovan commented as he watched Ivan and Anastasia's retreating back.

"Do you agree with her then?" she raised a brow, Denovan bitterly smiled "I am simply a servant ordered to protect the Princess, my words won't matter" he said and stood up.

"Do you expect her to be a great leader if she expects too much of her people? Denovan, you completely know well that Anastasia is too good for her own good. You wouldn't know whether her kindness and loyalty to the people would lead her to success or her misery" she said before he could leave.

Callista could see how Denovan seemed to hesitated "I would high appreciate it if you be a little softer with Lady Ana" he smiled before leaving to follower after the other two.

Callista couldn't really understand the way the people of the Empire would think, they were letting an Imperial Princess with a personality like that? If Anastasia had siblings, she was the first to die in the power struggle.

"Don't tell me you're also going to argue with me?" she asked and turned to look at Ignis who staring at her "I'm not" he shook his head before looking down at his food.

"Why would I?" he sighed and crossed his arms "Although your words are hurtful, Anastasia should learn to accept the truth." he said so Callista can't help but smile.

"You have a strange way to show your love and care" she teased "Shut up" he scowled and stood up making her chuckle "Wait for me, Ignis" she said and followed the man.

Seriously, she really couldn't understand no matter what she does.