The clash of the swords could be heard everywhere as Callista sat there peacefully, peeling off the plastic from the cupcake before taking a big bite.

"Shouldn't you be warming up by now?" Anastasia asked with a raised eyebrow "The Professor isn't here yet so I can do anything I want" she said while munching and licking the frosting off her upper lip.

"You should've taken Etiquette Class. It's rude to talk when your mouth is full." she said making Callista grin "Exactly why I'm doing this" and started munching louder. Anastasia decided to just shut her mouth as Callista was intentionally annoying her.

It has been a few days since what happened at the Survival Class activity in the South, the last thing they heard about Hoshi was that he was sent to the Imperial Palace at the Emperor's orders.

The First Platoon continued their investigation in the South with the other Survival Professors' help. You can say that their days in the Academy have been peaceful lately.

"By the way, I've been curious about one thing."

"What is it?"

Callista turned to her and swallowed the cupcake in her mouth "Why is Ivan taking swordsmanship?" she asked and tilted her head "Well, you know that we grew up together right?" She nodded.

"We were stuck by the hip so when one wants to do something the others follow. It's like we're siblings" Anastasia had a fond smile on her face so Callista glanced at Denovan and Ivan sparring in a corner while Ignis was sharpening his sword.

"I've also been curious. Do you have any siblings, Callista?" she was silent for a few seconds before looking up at Anastasia.

"Yes..."

"How many?"

"I have four older brothers and a sister."

Anastasia was stunned at the information "Really? That must be tough" Callista has a dazed expression as she played with the cupcake plastic with her fingertips "We were not that close.." she shrugged.

She was already surprise to find out Callista had siblings, all this time Anastasia had assumed she was the only child because of her personality.

This was Anastasia's cue to stop asking questions as the atmosphere became awkward at Callista's indifferent response. Anastasia glanced down at her to see her staring blankly at Ivan and Denovan sparring, it was like she wasn't even watching and was in deep thought.

"Callista. Ana."

They turned to the one who called them and saw Ignis walking towards them "What's up?" Anastasia greeted "I heard from the Faculty that Professor Larry will take leave for a few days, so his Father will substitute for today's lesson" he said while referring to their Swordsmanship Professor.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Anastasia was shocked when she heard this, she hadn't visited the Student Council Office this morning because she was checking on the new security of the Academy.

"Why?" Anastasia asked "His wife is giving birth" was Ignis's instant reply "I see" she nodded "What's wrong with that?" Callista asked with a tilted head when she couldn't understand Anastasia's bothered expression.

The cousins looked at each other "Well, there was another reason why women didn't want to join Swordsmanship Lessons. Before Professor Larry was assigned as the Teacher, his Father was the one in charge of the lessons. He was strict and most importantly, he treats women like garbage. Even after the Professors changed, the women in the Academy were still afraid" Anastasia explained.

"Everybody knows how bad the Count's personality is. He would go to pleasure houses while his wives were giving birth and would kick them out if they don't give birth to a boy. I don't even understand why women still marry that old man." Ignis rolled his eyes.

"We're lucky that Professor Larry grew up with no influence from his Father. Anyways, it's not good news. We'll be having hell days until Professor Larry comes back." Anastasia said and Callista couldn't exactly say that she was overjoyed with this news.

"ATTENTION!"

Everybody who heard quickly stood to their position as they all faced the substitute Professor. He was an old man with grey hair, a beard, and a good physique, his hands were on his back as he looked at them from the platform.

Anastasia was displeased when his eyes trailed to the two women in the class, she bit her tongue to stop any complaints as Callista didn't even bother looking up as she was completely disinterested in the newcomer.

"My name is Viktor and I will be your Professor for today. All of you know that my son took leave to accompany his stupid wife from giving birth." disgust was evident on the old man's face, that he was displeased by his son's decision as he clicked his tongue.

Everyone was uncomfortable with his words but no one dared to speak up. "I do not accept mistakes from all of you as it is expected from the Academy's men to have the ability to wield the sword" he specifically trailed the word 'men' in his sentence.

The male students glanced at the two women as they were uncomfortable with their substitute Professor. "You may start by practicing your swings" all of them followed his order as they began separating for individual training.

"I don't like that man" Ivan commented as he furiously hit the dummy "Neither do I" Denovan said and glanced worriedly at Anastasia "Would you be okay Lady Ana? How about taking leave for a few days until Professor Larry comes back?" he suggested.

"He's right. I'm sure the female Professors would understand" Ivan agreed "And what? I would not stoop so low just because of how he views us" Anastasia's every swing was violent as if she was taking out her anger in it.

Denovan stared at Anastasia with a smile when he noticed Ignis looking in one direction without moving "Ignis?" he called out and was about to walk towards him when someone suddenly shouted in anger.

"YOU DAMN IDIOT!"

All of their attention turned to Ion who was glaring at Callista, she was simply practicing her swings with the other men in class when Ion suddenly shouted at her.

"Why are you wasting your time in this class if you can't even swing your sword properly?!" the old man scolded as he kicked the sword out of her grip. Everyone was silent as they stared at Callista's indifferent expression.

"You should just learn how to please a man rather than learning how to wield a sword" Anastasia was angered by this, especially at Callista's indifferent face. Her expression became cold that the three quickly noticed, Callista was silent for a few seconds before a smile quickly made its way to her lips.

"Yes, my apologies" Callista apologized "Tch! Women can't do anything right!" her smile remained intact as Ion continued to insult her without reason, when he turned his back her smile was replaced with a grimace.

She was not pleased one bit.