As the baron left, Carys turned to the window right behind the study. He felt a little awkward staying in the office, but he couldn't leave the headmaster without anyone looking after him. There was no way that the headmaster would allow any guards by his side, with the exception of Soj, who sadly wasn't in the office right now.

He stood up and walked towards the window. The headmaster's office faced the large plaza and provided a clear view of the central place. Disinterested in looking at the loitering students by the grounds, Carys looked further past the plaza. by the stables. His eyes scanned for an unusual white pig using vitalis.

When the Baron had left, Carys turned to look at the Headmaster, who was already snoring in his sleep. He felt awkward staying there, but he had no choice as he didn’t want to be the irresponsible one for leaving him vulnerable. After all, there was no way the Headmaster would ever allow anyone to secretly guard him. At most, he had someone monitor him, but for sure the person would only possess normal physical strengths.

Carys stood up and walked towards the window. It faced the large plaza and provided a clear view of the entirety of the grounds. As of the moment, the place was bustling with activity. There were a lot of students loitering around and several professors in a hurry. Disinterested with the view, he then turned to look further, past the plaza. Further was the stables.

Just as he spotted the creature, his lips curled up into a small smile.

"I never knew this child could smile."

The smile faded from his lips. He turned around and crossed his arms.

"And I never knew the headmaster was nosy."

"My old age has made me quite lonely." He chuckled and sat down on the sofa.

"I didn't notice the headmaster from behind. Since when were you awake?"

Unlike earlier, the headmaster's face wasn't pallid and he stood taller brimming with vitality. "Since you walked towards the window. I was quite hesitant to disturb you since you seemed so deep in thought."

Carys frowned while gazing at the headmaster's figure. There was no fluctuation in his vitalis at all. One could usually tell a person's presence by the fluctuation of their vitalis, as often the conscious state of mind fluctuated with emotions. WIth no fluctuation, it was akin to a suspended state of mind, like sleeping. It was this case for the headmaster.

"I wasn't deep in thought."

The headmaster smiled. "You were, child. Or else I wouldn't have witnessed such a rare smile on your face."

Carys shook his head. There was no point dissuading the old man, he could be quite stubborn about his conjectures.

"What were you looking at? I assume the white pig at the stables? Or perhaps the owner?" The old man curiously gazed at him akin to a girl asking for gossip.

Carys' ears turned a faint shade of red. "I don't know what you're talking about." How could the headmaster talk about his friend like that? It was very awkward.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Of course, whatever you say." The headmaster chuckled.

Such a harmonious scene was quite good. Carys sighed.

“Is there something wrong?”

“...”

The Headmaster raised a brow. Rarely were there anything that stumped him. Whatever could have caused such a restless sigh?

“If you are uncomfortable talking about it then you can-”

“They know.”

The Headmaster blinked. “Pardon?”

Carys stood up. “I still don’t get it though. If they knew, then why did they have to point it out? Why would they reveal something that I could hold against them?”

“What is it, child?”

He approached the Headmaster and looked thoroughly confused. He had never seen this child get worked up about something.

“Headmaster, if someone found out about your deepest secret, what would you do?”

The Headmaster fell deep in thought as he looked down at his old worn desk. He then looked up at Carys who gazed at him with anticipation that somehow he would be able to give him an answer he was willing to accept.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?”

“Yes, nothing.”

Carys’ face contorted to an expression of frustration that the Headmaster found amusing. This was a rare moment where the child wore his emotions on his sleeves, like an open book.

“You should understand, Carys.” The Headmaster spoke in a low voice. “That everyone has motives. People are fickle beings. They are quick to turn against each other and use other’s weaknesses as leverages.”

“Then all the more I should be anxious. If ever word got out, where would I go? Headmaster, if my secret got out, I know that from that moment on you shouldn’t shield me. I am thankful for your guidance all these years but this would destroy your reputation. Hiding a cursed one is akin to a death sentence. And I- I can’t handle that.”

The Headmaster sighed. “Your worries are unfounded. It seems to me that this person, the one who confronted you about your identity, doesn't seem to have any intention of revealing it.”

“Of course she wouldn’t. If she did-”

“So this person is a she?”

Carys widened his eyes. “No I misspoke I-”

“No need to worry. I understand.” The Headmaster waved his hands dismissively.

“In any case, Carys. Do be understanding, Even if the person had ulterior motives, why had she not been using it as leverage? As far as I can see, there is nothing to worry about."

“But sir what if she-”

“No more buts. If you would like, then you can summon that person here so that we can reach a consensus. For now, you should hurry along. As I recall you have sparring classes today with Baron Kapfem, do you not?”

Carys breathed deeply. “Yes. Yes I have.”

“You hurry along now. We wouldn’t want you to be tardy on your first public training.”

He stood up and walked to the door. “Then… Thank you, Headmaster. If you’ll excuse me.”

When the Headmaster no longer heard of his footsteps, only then did he let out a sigh. He knew very well who the person in question was. After all, the incident today was in line with how they worked. But he still couldn’t be sure. That was why he proposed to Carys to bring the cause of his worries.

Only now, he couldn’t be sure if that person was willing to concede so easily.

Carys left the office of the Headmaster with a heavy heart. It had only been a few days, yet the thought of someone exposing his secret did not help him sleep at night. Had it not been for that, there was also the fact that he was now a participant in the annual Mars.