Ms. Dulia was noticeably upset. The people she passed by in the hallways could tell easily and they ended up giving space for the woman to storm through until she arrived at an office.
Kitmar barely looked up from the paperwork on his table when he heard the door sliding open, accompanied with angry taps of heels.
"I was informed that for some reason, a student managed to enter this ship. And that student had to be Miss CK nonetheless!" Ms. Dulia said exasperatingly, "Is this true? Did CK really enter this ship?"
"I'd appreciate a knock on the door next time, Ms. Dulia. You may be my elder, but I am still professionally your superior," Kitmar adjusted his glasses before turning an unimpressed look at the fuming woman, "And yes, CK was here a few hours ago. She should be back safely at the Nonaphrontistery."
"How?!" Ms. Dulia scoffed, "Professor, I understand you are busy, but making sure that all teleportation devices at the school were shut down should have been easy. Now a reckless student used it to get on this ship! Who knows what she intended to do here?! Given her current records and standing, it must have been nothing good!"
"Are you not concerned about her well-being? She is your student, after all," Kitmar said. "Well, I haven't heard anything about her getting injured so I'm assuming she is perfectly safe and sound," Ms. Dulia snorted, "From what I also heard, you were the first to find her. You should have told her off and disciplined her!"
"CK's arrival at the armada was not intentional. As CK told me, she had to chase down a Juris Enforcer that had stolen Professor Erzem's doctoral thesis. Their strife led them here," Kitmar stated, causing Ms. Dulia to go silent with shock.
"What?" she said, stupefied. "The Juris wanted Professor Erzem's thesis, so they sent someone to steal them. CK intervened. Upon the attempt to flee, the Juris Enforcer used a portal to escape here, but CK managed to follow through," Kitmar said calmly, "She had been dueling the Enforcer before I had to intervene. I must say, her skills are commendable."
"For a student, maybe she does. But there's no way she could have possibly been on par with a Juris Enforcer. She's still inexperienced and the power gap is too large!" Ms. Dulia said in disbelief. Kitmar gestured for a hologram to project before Ms. Dulia, where several records were encoded.
"This is the autopsy report on the Juris Enforcer. CK's wordsmithing abilities were marked all over the corpse of the Juris Enforcer even before I killed them. From what could be discerned, it seems she held a decent fight against them before arriving at the armada," Kitmar stated, "Perhaps the fight was even the reason why the Juris Enforcer chose to flee."
Ms. Dulia's lips twisted in dissatisfaction before dismissing the hologram. "Even so, it's not a special feat. I'm sure Winslow could've done the same thing, but better," she harrumphed and placed a hand on her hip, "What if word gets out at the school? CK would be causing too much trouble!"
"CK is a sensible student. Even if she chose to expose the presence of the Juris at the school, it would put too much attention on her. She still has the trial to worry about," Kitmar replied.
'Not to mention, she'll be busy trying to access the key to opening the [Maiden's Manuscript]. She wouldn't want anyone to watch her movements,' Kitmar added in thought.
CK admitted to causing the tower's sealing, which meant she had the [Manuscript] in her possession. He didn't know how she did it, but CK somehow managed to know that the only way to open the [Manuscript] is by using the key created by the Headmaster himself.
She had been resourceful thus far, which Kitmar silently commended. What she does with the card he 'accidentally' dropped is up to her. Kitmar needs her to use the [Manuscript] if he were to understand what she needed the artifact for.
"CK shouldn't be our problem for now. I believe we should be concerned with how the Juris even managed to enter the school without alarming anyone at all," Kitmar said and frowned, "To also try and steal Professor Erzem's paper is also a topic of concern."
"I'm sure we can investigate the reason in due time. What matters is that CK doesn't do anything out of line. She's been getting too involved recently," Ms. Dulia frowned. "What do you suggest we do, then?" Kitmar asked.
"We have her detained until the trial. That way, she stops running all over the place and get involved with private matters in the school," Ms. Dulia said. Kitmar stared silently before projecting another hologram. This time, he was contacting the school.
"CK may be under trial, but she still has the right to move freely since she is a member of the school. I'll inform the head of security to keep a closer eye on CK instead. There's no need to treat CK like a criminal until she's been proven to be guilty," Kitmar said, causing Ms. Dulia to scoff.
Was he serious?! He's still let that girl walk around after seeing what happened at the armada?! Why are they being so lenient with her even after finding reasons to convict her as a criminal?!
"If there is nothing else, Ms. Dulia, you may go. I have several reports to look over," Kitmar said. Ms. Dulia looked at him in displeasure. Look at him speak so condescendingly.
She flicked her hair over her shoulder before turning on her heel. She walked out with a noticeable harrumph, causing Kitmar to stare blankly before returning his attention to his work.
"That unbelievable brat," Ms. Dulia gritted her teeth as she walked down the hallways while looking more upset than before. CK has been nothing but trouble, causing more inconveniences wherever she goes. Yet for some reason, Kitmar sees no reason to restrain her movements.
Ms. Dulia paused and frowned deeper in thought. She doesn't believe that CK managed to duel against a Juris Enforcer. Not one bit. She performed poorly in her recent tests, so there's no way she could have done that on her own. Someone must've helped her. Was it that daemon she enslaved?
Ms. Dulia returned to her office. Something must be done before CK becomes the reason for more chaos.
CK was inside Erzem's room at the hospital. There was a distant look on her face as she adjusted the flowers on the table next to Erzem's bed. A solemn look befell her face as she lit a new box of incense.
She sat down on the chair next to the bed and sighed loudly while looking at the unconscious man. "I miss my master so much," she sighed and looked over her shoulder, "Can't you leave me alone with master for a short while?"
A pair of armed peace officers stood unmoving and with a stoic look on their faces. They did not respond to CK, let alone look at her. They just stood there like unmoving statues, which bothered CK.
CK twisted her lips in a dismayed pout. So they won't leave? No choice, then.
She turned to the unconscious man on the bed. A few seconds of silence passed…then she broke out into a dramatic cry.
"Waaah! Master, please wake up! I promise I will behave, just come baaackk!" she whined and rested her forehead on the sheets, "There's so many things I have to tell you! Waaah!"
The pair of officers shared a look while CK sniffed from her position. "I've been feeling so guilty recently and I must tell you the truth," CK sniffed, "Master… The truth is that I always sneak away a piece of your food whenever I go to get our lunches. And you've never even noticed… Waah!"
A despicable thing to do, surely.
"I always wondered, if I haven't stolen your food, maybe you would be healthy enough to not faint... But clearly even an old man like you needs his sustenance. I'm terribly sorry!" CK continued to snivel, "It's my fault, master… I don't care if you punish me as long as you wake up and be healthy again!"
'I'm joking, master. Sleep as much as you wish,' CK thought while resting her head on the edge of the bed. She side-glanced, trying to sneak a glance at the officers. They seriously wouldn't let up! So annoying.
They've been following her since yesterday evening and haven't left her alone since. CK reckons they were sent to watch her after the faculty heard she got to the armada. From an outside perspective, it looked like they were monitoring her before the trial, but CK knew that was only part of the reason.
CK's movements have been limited since, which annoyed her. She needed a way to get them to leave her or lower their guards down. So she decided to pay a visit to Professor Erzem and bore them. She's been stuck in the hospital room for almost an hour and continued to mumble dramatic nonsense.
It seemed to have backfired, though. CK was the one getting bored while the peace officers guarding her seemed to not have budged an inch. She grumbled silently before sitting up straight.
She took a deep breath in and patted Erzem's hand. "Please recover soon, master," she said. But not too soon. He'll kill her if he knew what she's been up to.
She got up and walked out of the room, slumping slightly when the officers promptly followed her. CK held her chin as she walked at an intentionally slow pace, submerged in her own thoughts. She looked over her shoulder, finding that the officers were staring at her blankly.
"Hmph!" she pouted irritatingly before walking off. Regardless of how fast or slow she walked, the officers were only a step behind her and were unwilling to let her out of their sight.
Keeping her little plan in mind, CK visited the altar of the [Maiden of Prayer]. Located at a distant islet floating away from the main island, CK crossed over a sky bridge to get to the altar. Though in truth, the altar resembled a laboratory more than a place of worship. Still, the idea was there.
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The altar was full of shelves of assorted papers. At the center of the altar was a statue of a humanoid entity with wings made of papers, a halo of runes above their faceless head, and clothes made of sashes similar to what scholars would wear. Papers lie at the feet of the statue. In the minds of adherents, dedicating written knowledge was already the best way to worship the [Maiden of Prayer]. As such, no one would remove the papers surrounding the statue in stacks.
Feigning the behavior of a loyal adherent, CK got down on her knees several meters in front of the statue and clasped her hands together. The officers stood behind her, making no comment as CK bowed her head and remained motionless.
CK's lips curled mischievously. Jokes on them, she can stay in this position for hours to come. She can just space out or even nap—a strange talent CK had developed after trying to find the best way to nap during boring lectures.
She dramatically raised her clasped hands. "Oh, Archetype of Wisdom… May your wisdom grace my master, so he does not punish me for stealing his chicken nuggets in the past…" CK said earnestly, "Please, let him be rational and pardon me when he wakes. It's simply not wise for him to hold grudge over what is already in my stomach…"
At this point, the officers shared concerned looks. Was this…something CK does on a normal basis? The longer they stayed at the altar, the more nonsensical CK's little prayers were. CK began wishing for the recipe to the sauce that the cafeteria uses, and the officers began wishing CK would get up and leave.
As time passed, one of the officers' brows began furrowing. They've been at the altar for nearly another hour! Was this girl trying to kill them with boredom?! At this rate, they would have nothing to report on her activity!
The other officer nearly let out a yawn, but successfully managed to suppress it. He forced himself to remain alert. When they turned their attention to CK, she had been wishing for another food-related request.
"As a practitioner of Magna Alkemia, it's only right to learn how to create candy out of rocks… May I have the ability to turn things into food and not just into weapons in battle," CK muttered.
The officers were getting irritated. For the love of the nine arts, stop making stupid wishes and let's just go! Was she doing this on purpose?!
CK gazed up at the roofless ceiling and observed the time through the rays of sunlight. An hour seems to have passed since she got there. She closed her eyes and feigned solemn prayers again. She'll leave after half an hour passes.
"…CK? What are you doing?"
"Oh? That voice…" CK muttered and looked over her shoulder. Her eyes widened as she faked a gasp, "Why, if it isn't Sasha! Have you come to offer prayers to the [Maiden of Prayer]?"
The familiar freshman grimaced in confusion. "No?" she said doubtfully and blinked, "What…are you doing kneeling there?"
"Praying, of course," CK said and closed her eyes solemnly while her hands clasped tightly, "I can feel the presence of the Archetype in this altar. It brings me…closer to her. I am at peace."
Sasha and the officers shuddered at her words, getting uncomfortable as CK basked in a dramatic shower of light from above. "Okay, just stop and let's get out of here," Sasha said, "The janitor is waiting outside and couldn't clean the place because of your disturbing behavior."
"I was paying respects! Can't you tell I am showing my undying loyalty? The nerve," CK gasped, holding her chest as if offended while Sasha tugged her by the sleeves. The officers grimaced as they followed.
Sasha glanced at the officers following. "How long have they been following you?" Sasha whispered. "Since I woke up yesterday noon," CK muttered, "As soon as I woke up, I am suddenly informed that I need my own set of bodyguards."
"Charming. How are you going to do things with them close by?" Sasha frowned. "Heh. You underestimate me," CK smirked before making a loud gasp, startling Sasha, "No way! Your classmates have dated a sophomore?! Who?"
"Ay, what the hell?" Sasha glared from shock, unknowingly letting her accent break through momentarily. CK smirked as she linked arms with Sasha, "Come now, don't be shy to share the gossip with me. It's a harmless habit among friends, you know? Come, come, tell me more!"
"What do you… Ah," Sasha said, catching on when she saw CK's knowing smile. Sasha smiled nervously.
"Erm…yeah. You're not going to believe what I just heard yesterday. Our block representative was hiding an entire volume of erotic content in his dorm room. His computer was connected to the speakers from the recent presentation so when he used it, nearly everyone on the floor could hear his um…'past-time'," she said hesitantly.
CK burst out laughing. The officers were on the verge of blushing in embarrassment after overhearing Sasha, and CK continued laughing.
"Ah, your representative is such an amateur, haha! When the boys from my batch would be up to their own nonsense, they'd have at least one look-out standing by. They need to learn a thing or two," CK giggled and looked at the officers behind them, who flinched a split-second before regaining composure.
She pouted. "Hey, it's not nice to eavesdrop," she gestured with a hand, "Give us some space! You're intruding on our privacy."
The officers shared a blank look as CK and Sasha managed to put a little distance between them. CK had just returned from praying at the altar, but she's now indulging herself in gossip. What a hypocrite.
"That should do it," CK whispered and turned to Sasha, "Have you managed to do what I asked you?"
"It was risky, but I did it. People don't seem to pay too much attention to what freshmen do," Sasha replied. "Alright, keep whispering. Those officers should be convinced we're gossiping," CK giggled.
"Long story short, your suspicions were right. I used the map of sifts you sent to my computer and managed to find a path connecting all of the sifts' routes. At one point, the routes would converge somewhere beneath the school. But when it does, it would violently rearrange itself. I also asked around; there aren't many officers patrolling the lower floors of the school. There is a pretty tight security guarding the place, though," Sasha said in a hush.
"Are you kidding?! Just because the hair is unnaturally smooth doesn't immediately mean it's fake. Why would they think it's a toupee?" CK said aloud before adding in a whisper, "Who told you about the security in the lower floors?"
"The maintenance staff working at the administration building. A few of them would be sent to check on the place to make sure it doesn't 'accidentally kill' someone," Sasha replied, "Only Core Instructors could go down there, apparently. The rest of the teachers aren't allowed. There is some sort of 'infection' since the staff need to wear suits when going there."
"I see," CK muttered. "I also heard a rumor that the professors have been busy because someone managed to breach the school and did something to the Maiden's Tower. That and there's a serious disturbance in the lower floors that resulted in the infection," Sasha whispered gravely, "Whatever you plan on doing better not be suicidal. The lower floors sound like bad news to me."
"I don't intend to die. Don't worry about it," CK said. They fell silent by the time they reached an elevator tunnel. Sasha untangled their linked arms.
"Well, that's what I've heard so far. You haven't heard anything from me, got it?" Sasha feigned a stern glare at CK. "I get it, I get it. Still, thanks for the 'gossip'," CK smiled knowingly, "It has been entertaining, hehe."
Sasha waved at her before using the elevator to leave. CK held her chin in thought as the officers approached closely once again. It sounds like there is a case of corruption in the lower floors that has gotten out of hand recently.
'I won't get sick if I get exposed to it, will I?' CK wondered.
CK pursed her lips and waited for another elevator to stop by. She intended to spend another hour of boredom at the library to 'prepare' her guards when night falls. CK wanted to giggle out loud. A pair of guards won't stop her from finding ways to move around. They underestimate her too much.
She stared at the elevator tunnel idly until she noticed a group of men in white robes coming close. CK observed them silently, and her demeanor turned to ice upon seeing the decorations on their robes. Most of them were dressed in robes with white and red embroidery, but the leader wore pure white, with intricate golden embroidery shining on his robes.
There were a few members of the school staff accompanying them, explaining in detail the noticeable landmarks that could be seen in the distance. However, their attention would be drawn to the young woman standing nearby, accompanied by officers. The leader, a bishop, looked at her with brows raised slightly. Judging from his wrinkles, he was in his sixties.
CK looked at the bishop's necklace. A golden pendant of a star with six wings hung from the chains, gemstones of ruby inlaid in each wing. Just from this familiar pendant, CK could tell who was approaching.
"I seem to recognize this young lady," the leader spoke that made chatter among his companions silent. They stopped in front of CK's company, and the leader smiled faintly, "You must be the former salutatorian of young Winslow's batch, Miss CK Vincenzo."
"Greetings, father. I didn't expect that the Radiance Church would recognize me. I'm honored," CK curtsied politely. Although he was smiling, the bishop's eyes barely show any interest.
"Yes, yes… I've been told plenty by Deaconess Dulia about those who…push Winslow to be at his best performance in his studies. You are a noble in your world, correct?" the bishop said.
"That is correct, father," CK answered. "Mm. No wonder. I could tell something was…different about you," the bishop said. CK remained smiling. That doesn't sound like a compliment.
"Deaconess Dulia had received orders from the Papacy to pay close attention to Winslow's performance and well-being. She made several mentions about your rivalry with Winslow during the past years. Now that I see you in person, our worries have ceased," the bishop laughed lightly, "You have a very passive demeanor similar to the nobles in our world. Perhaps the Deaconess may be exaggerating to say that you had ill intentions for Winslow."
"Winslow and I have been quite civil," CK said. "As you should be. Noble ladies may be wealthy, but Winslow was never one to compete in the power games that nobles are fond of playing. He has been raised to be above that," the bishop smiled, "I am glad you did not attempt to drag our prodigy into such games, Miss Vincenzo. As you might have noticed, he is destined for better things."
CK smiled and made a small bow of her head. However, her fingers were itching to conjure an incantation. Does this bishop think he can speak so lowly of her upbringing simply because she was away from home?
'It seems Ms. Dulia would feel right at home in the company of this bishop,' CK thought. They behave quite like each other. It was an annoying sight.
"Why, do my eyes deceive me, or is that Bishop Fedorov I see?"
A jolly voice made the group turn to a new set of newcomers. Metal boots and plates clanked together as a group of knights walked in synchronized formation towards them. Most of them wore helmets except the leader.
"Rarely do we find someone so important in the Radiance Church outside of the Pope's castle. I saw you earlier at the conference, but you left so quickly before we could be introduced," the leader said, "Lucky for us to cross paths once more during a tour around the school."
His unruly brown hair was a contrast to his neat armor, and the grin on his face was more carefree than a knight would be allowed. CK's brows rose while the bishop frowned slightly at their crest. The crest of an intricate triskelion on their armor was the only one of its kind: the symbol of the only military organization commanded by the Emperor's direct subordinates.
"The Knights of LaCroix," the bishop said and regained calm, "I must apologize. I hardly took notice of you if you ever chose to approach. I am glad to see your fellowship. I had anticipated that the Knights of LaCroix could use their specially-trained men in more…appropriate situations."
"Haha! Who said that the Knights aren't in a suitable place at this very moment?" the leader laughed. He turned to CK and blinked in surprise, "Oh. I see you are in company of a fair young woman as well."
"Yes… We were discussing about her standing with one of our own prodigies. Nobles and paladins never got along well in history. I am relieved the same does not happen to her and our Winslow," Bishop Fedorov smiled.
"Oh, but of course! This exceptional young lady is the one and only apprentice of Theodore Erzem, a man of genius himself. It's only expected that she would be wise in her choices in life, no?" the leader of the knights turned to CK and made a chivalric bow.
"Captain Hakeem, one of the delegates of the Knights of LaCroix. It is an honor to meet you in person, Lady CK," he said, gently holding CK's hand. "The honor is mine, good sir," CK smiled and retracted her hand politely.
Hakeem turned to the bishop. "Hopefully, you have finished talking business with the young lady?" he asked with a smirk, "There is something I wish to discuss with her, you see."
The bishop frowned slightly. "Please, don't let us keep you. We shall be off on our tour, then," Bishop Fedorov said and left. The rest of his companions followed suit.
CK and the knights watched silently as they left. Once out of earshot, the grin on Hakeem's face turned sour, "What a two-faced elder. And they claim that churches and politics do not mix well. Hah, what a joke."
CK wanted to agree wholeheartedly, but she is reminded that she is known as a noble better than as a student by outside factions. "Does the Knights of LaCroix get along well with the Radiance Church, Sir Hakeem?" she asked.
"Mm… We're civil, and that's all that is needed. But let's not discuss about the bishop any longer," Sir Hakeem said, "How is your mentor, my lady? Has he been doing well?"
"So this is about master. Yes, he is well, but… Well, he has entered a state of comatose. The hospital cannot discern the cause yet, which is concerning," CK said, "He was with me when he fainted, you see. It paints my association with an unsightly conclusion. Rumors even circulate that I poisoned him."
"That must be terrible. Rumors about you being on trial also seems to be circulating during the conference. Hopefully it's not true?" Hakeem asked. CK smiled wryly, "I'm afraid it is, Sir Hakeem. Ahaha… I'm slightly flushed to hear that my situation has spread out of the school."
"My lady, there's nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, the Nonaphrontistery should have done a better job securing your image. The situation has affected your reputation, has it not?" Hakeem grimaced, "I'm terribly sorry, my lady. Things must be very bad for you."
'I could honestly care less,' CK thought but made sure not a trace of her true thoughts broke her image of an embarrassed young woman. "Even so, I believe things will turn out for the better," CK smiled.
"It will be," Hakeem said and patted her shoulder lightly, "Do not fret about the outcome of your trial, my lady. Regardless of the verdict, nothing will happen to you."
Then, he paused in shock while his hand was on her shoulder. There's a powerful aura masked perfectly beneath CK's energy level…
Hakeem blinked when CK touched the hand on her shoulder. CK smiled, "Thank you for your words of comfort."
CK gently removed his hand, and Hakeem regained composure. "Yes…of course," he said and cleared his throat, "Well, do not let me trouble you any further. You must be a busy young woman."
"I'm afraid so. Thank you for your consideration. I must take my leave now," CK curtsied again, "Please enjoy your stay at the Nonaphrontistery."
She then rode the elevator that had been waiting idly for her. The officers barely cast a wary glance at Hakeem's group before following CK into the elevator. Hakeem watched as the elevator took them across the sky bridge, his smile slowly fading.
'They're invited as audience members. They'll be watching the graduation rites along with other invited factions,' CK thought.
'Like I said before, there's nothing special about being a noble. But in their eyes, it says plenty,' CK thought seriously. Whether it is religion or a military group serving the Empire, they all want one thing: power. And they won't hesitate to fight over it.
CK giggled lightly as she crossed her arms. Her experience as a child of nobility spoke to her clearly. The tension among the audience is far greater than the performance to be played on the stage.
How interesting. Too bad CK won't be there to watch. CK watched as the skies turned into an afternoon shade of red. Her emerald eyes glimmered conspiratorially.
Tonight will be the night she makes the final preparations. She should ensure that her performance in the courtroom will be one worth remembering.