From the warm corridor of the female dormitory protected by powerful magical wards, a hard gust knocked onthe windows. Outside, leafless tree branches rustled against each other. While brown, wilted leaves were blown away, the dispirited grasses with the same color created a wave of movement in unison and the shadows cast by objects continued to stretch as Solaris sunk in the west.
"...uhm. I really want to eat baked potatoes now..." I wished with a downcast gaze.
Half a year had passed ever since an incident happened within the Dungeon below Leimburg Academy.
The fact a third party interfered with the Academy's annual education test had caused an uproar throughout the while kingdom. After all, Leimburg Academy was a school holding equal position with the Royal Court of Raumia. Sabotaging an ongoing lesson meant a powerful country was aiming to incite a war against the Holy Kingdom.
Yet, it didn't affect the progress of learning very much. As much as the kingdom raised its guard and security, the Academy ground cannot be intruded by anyone so easily. Even for a part of the royalty. Because of that, although there was a week of holiday and cremation for the dead, everything returned back to normal as if nothing had happened.
Although there were parents who withdrew their children from studying here, the amount was lesser than I thought it would be. Some raised protests and tried to blame the Academy but… considering the principal’s attitude and welcome speech, I highly doubt he’d take the complains without a pinch of salts.
"It's just my luck that I don't get expulsion from my involvement, still..." I exhaled deeply.
While trudging through the dormitory hall, I thought back of the classes I have attended so far. They weren't much for me, fortunately. It's already a great improvement I could learn several new things and I also did a spar with Leon. Obviously, he protested because of my current state but I didn't take a no as an answer.
As I passed by a room, the door opened with slight creaking sound and I reflexively turned my gaze to it.
"Oh my. Good evening, Charlotte." A blue-haired girl in Mage Course uniform greeted me.
"Good evening, Alia. Were you visiting on Anise again?" I replied.
Alia nodded at my question. She's still the same as always; a very reclulsive and introverted person. Even though I encountered her in some classes, her lack of initiative in dialoguing seemed to persist to this day. Not that it's a bad thing but she looked like an exquisite mannequin people would want to bring home at all costs. I noticed a few leering stares at her today too and it made me irritated to know how boys could be so perverted.
Honestly, men are all wolves. Just like what father said... Wait, aren't I a man too?
"? Is something wrong, Charlotte?" Alia tilted her head.
"Nope. It's nothing." I answered while shaking my head vigorously.
The mage heaved a sigh. Her shoulders drooped down and she gave a downcast gaze enough to be sympathized. Hey, are you doing this on purpose? You look like a damsel in distress that could cause you to have a fanclub of your own.
"More importantly, Charlotte. Are you alright? Your injuries were more severe compared to Anise's."
"Ah, I'm okay. I slept a lot so I'm alright now!"
"Really...? I heard your injury was life-threatening so..."
Well, I guess that's true enough. It's already a miracle for me to survive being stabbed in the chest by a certain idiot. It also took me some more times to recover as my magical nerves short-circuited after overusing Reinforce. The hybrid physical strength enhancing magic was never one to look down upon when it came to costs and side-effects.
My long recovery was also because of it. Since if the magical nerves were not stitched back, healing spell wouldn't be able to accelerate the regeneration of cells. These ‘nerves’–so to speak, are a term that could be said as the veins where internal mana is running on. Without at least these, no one can ever hope to become a Mage though mine is because they’re tightly related with the blood veins so I’d have died had I not been treated.
Of course, the method used to deal with my problem was not something I would want to experience for a second time. It gave me a cold chill if I have to meet the physician in charge of fixing magical nerves again. In any case…
"I can't help wondering how Anise did a stupid mistake such as hurling at a Wraith. That's a monster immune to all physical attack right?" I questioned.
"Yes... I never thought she would act so reckless like that. I'm more surprised she took down such enemy by burning the uniform she wore." Alia answered while putting a hand on her forehead.
The two of us exhaled, and then we stared at the room where Anise rested in for a week ever since she cleared a Quest. I'm surprised that the Academy has Quest system like what Adventurer Guild does.
But unlike in the Guild, the Quests displayed on board in front of the main school building can only be accepted if one is in a group of 4 supervised by an upperclassman. Although those in Knight and Royal Guard Rank are exempted from this rule as they are considered as full-fledged combatants ready to be knighted.
It's stupid for them to be guided when they can solo the academy's Dungeon.
"......well, at least she's alive and kicking." I said.
"Perhaps. Although the extra credits and allowances are enticing, maybe I will have to accompany her next time." Alia said.
"You're not going to stop her from taking another Quest, Alia?" I asked. "Quests can be a shortcut to fulfill the required scores but..."
"The risk? Yes, I am aware but we cannot be picky if we want to study in this place."
...ah, I see. I won't complain if you're so intent in that. I curved my lips upward and I waved my hand at Alia. Saying "Then, I will return back to my room, Alia. See you tomorrow."
"Un. See you tomorrow, Charlotte."
The blue haired girl waved a hand in response and I walked away.
I entered my room which was as quiet as it should be. Ever since the Spring Incident, my room was relocated near the medical hall as my situation complicated the whole thing even more. It's good that I gained a room for my own in this dormitory but I couldn't help to frown at the pure white furniture, floor and ceiling...
Heck, this isn't some sort of white room like in a game right? Will I meet Namine here? My hair is as blonde as Roxas’ so…
"Ow!" I yelped as a prickling pain stabbed my chest. The sensation soon vanished but I quickly walked to the wardrobe where my clothes resided in.
There was a mirror installed so I opened the wardrobe, taking off my uniform until only underwear remained and my eyebrows knitted down as if they were becoming one.
What appeared in the mirror was a figure of a girl with long golden hair and emerald eyes. The skin was porcelain white due to low exposure with sunlight for eight months and the seemingly fragile body was wrapped with white underwear which gave double the amount of innocent impression to anyone including me.
However... despite the modest beauty and the chests that slowly went through growth period for the past half year, a 'Black Crest' glowed in dark light at the center between my collarbones.
"......ugh... how bothersome. Why does it have to be like this...?" I muttered quietly.
I wonder if this will appear every day. If Anise or Alia noticed, it wouldn't end with interrogation alone and Renleina probably would kill me. After all...
"Fei branded me... he branded me! How dare of him to suddenly brand me as his! Doesn't this look like I'm a Slave now?!"
Get me pitchfork and fiiiiirrreee!! Let me kill that bastaaaaaaaaarrrddd!! Even the design was similar to a slave crest which often appeared in eroges! I don't want to call him as 'Master' of all things!!
"Oh, Charlotte. You're back—"
And suddenly there was a voice which trailed off. It came from the opened window and there was a black shadow tainting the pure white room with its appearance. Like a crane, my head rotated mechanically and I stared at the window...
There. I found a black haired young man whose dull grey eyes widened like saucers. His jaw dropped down and his hand which clawed the frame of the window loosened.
Had he leaned himself to the back a bit more and he would have fallen outside. Although this room is in the first floor right beside the medical hall of the female dormitory so he would be fine.... BUT THIS IS THE FEMALE DORMITORY!
For Vainticel's sake, use the damn door even if Yukine-san allowed you to enter this flower garden!! This guy never tried to use any normal method to appear and he always, always appeared at my blind spot! Damn you, disciple of the ex-Legendary Assassin!
If only I was in a better mood, I would have thrown objects at Fei hysterically but I didn't. This time, my anger was at its peak and I hastily approached the Black Hero and grabbed his collar.
"Stupid Fei! Just where did you go!?" I yelled.
"Huh—uwah!?" Fei shouted but I interrupted him.
"Shut up! You have something to say here, you dummy!"
The idiot exasperated as I pulled him into the room with both of my arms. But once I dragged him inside, Fei's legs tangled together and he fell upon me.
"Gwah!?" "Nyaah?!!"
*CRASH!* My head hit the floor and my consciousness faded for a few moments. I groaned in pain, feeling stinging heat from the back of my head as my vision slowly returned and-
...Fei's face was so close to mine our noses touched each other.
"......"
"......"
Right at this moment, my heart raced and I could feel the loud beating from deep inside of me again.
"Charl...Charlotte..?"
My heart thumped so fast it felt as if it was going to explode. My cheeks heated up, my mind threatened to white out and I couldn't control the fluttering sensation coming from my stomach. It... It hurts...! Why!?
Just as I was about to open my mouth, I felt something touching my left breast and I gasped once a degree of pressure appeared.
"Hyah!?"
"Charlotte?! You okay!?"
O-of course... not! How could he be so dense—
"Nhaa!? F-Fei...! Stop... hahn!"
The idiot was dumbfounded. His eyes showing confusion but when he moved his arms, I moaned even more which forced him to look down. Only then did Fei realize he's groping my chest like a beast.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
G-get off me...! Get off me, pervert! Why do you have to be so lucky to get an Event Scene huh!? Look at me! I'm suffering and I don't want to feel like this!!
Fei jumped off me. His cheeks steaming red and he scurried away. "Sorry! I'm sorry!! That was an accident! I didn't mean to..."
...didn't mean to...? I got up slowly and with tears at the corner of my eyes, I spoke.
"...you hate touching me...?"
"Not at all! I would've liked to do more—wait, what are you trying to make me say!?"
Ha. The idiot went in self-tsukkomi. Unfortunately, my limbs were shaking and I couldn't get up. What's more, the throbbing around my stomach was still there... Uuh... this body is too sensitive to physical stimulation...
Wait. Doesn’t that kind of wording made me as if I was a pervert...? Besides, only Fei could bring me down like this. Just what method did he use...?
Fei heaved down as he propped back up. He walked over to me and offered a hand with a polite gesture.
"I'm sorry, that was my fault. Are you alright, Charlotte?" He inquired.
"...I'm fine... but..." I paused while holding his hand. Pulling myself up, I staggered and I said, "This thing... can you tone down its effect...?"
The two of us stared at the black crest which dully glowed. Fei was closing his eyes and he said.
"I'm sorry. That's because your body was severely injured. Until the wound is healed, my life force will continue to flow into you through the Crest so please bear with the occasional pain and exhaustion."
"...and you're fine with giving me some of your life?"
"For you, I will drag down the Evil God under my feet."
The Black Hero declared without the tiniest bit of shames. Fei never informed about the details about how he rescued me and all I knew was him imprinting this Crest, and that he made a Contract by making me as his Oratoria.
I couldn’t understand what it meant but… it seemed that he could send me appropriate amount of life force as well as mana to boost my recovery rate. Even though I didn't ask for it...
Well, he does look cool when he said something like that. My cheeks felt hot because it sounded embarrassing but this time, rather than blushing, I turned away and snorted.
"Stop saying that. I'm never going to have you do something like that, even if it's for my sake." I said.
I walked to the wardrobe and I wore white shirts big enough to cover down to my thighs. It's a bit surreal considering how Magnis has this kind of clothing. The size doesn't fit me at all if I don't inject mana into it to resize it. Though it’s convenient, it bothered me since it looked... perverted. Considering how it's made from high-grade silk, then...
The knowledge must be imported from Summoned Heroes. I wondered if they were called here for a certain reason? Could it be to spread cultures or to fight out a war...? The First Hero Summoning was done by Raumia in the middle of the Dark Age, after all. Unlike what I thought about an era where history could be lost very easily, in Magnis, the Dark Age represented an era where ruthless evil ruled over the world.
In the end, such brutal age ended with the majority of the super continent collapsing under the sea with the survivors barricading themselves within five Territories. Human Territory in the west, Elven Kingdom Serilia in the north, Demi-humans Territory in the south and Daemonia Empire in the east.
Then again, four and a half years from now, there is going to be a big war between Daemonia and Human Territory... Why is this world so dangerous?
"...Charlotte—I will protect you." Fei exclaimed as if he read my mind.
...what an idiot. This guy never stopped saying that ever since he pledged the Oath to me. I can't believe how he changed his behavior so suddenly.
I mean... first he acted like an annoying stranger, then he acted like a dense galge protagonist, and now he gave the vibe of a veteran knight who could draw a line when necessary. Just how many faces of Fei am I going to see?
After a while, I exhaled, "And? Is that all you have to say?"
"Actually... There is one request I would like you to approve."
A... request? I tilted my head at the unexpected word rolling out from Fei's mouth. It was unexpected, and it was… uncomfortable to hear. Somehow, I could tell when this guy spouted nonsenses and this time—
"Charlotte, I would like the permission to leave the Academy until the end of the next winter."
"...ha?"
"Though I hate to call it as problem, it is a matter I must resolve by myself. But, I don’t think it’s correct for me not to tell you so……"
I rushed to Fei and grabbed his collar almost immediately.
"Why are you going by yourself?!”
"Well... It is my obligation and I have a duty as your Vagnalos..."
"Are you stupid or what!? Don't tell me you just did something unreasonable again!!?"
Fei's eyes trembled for an instance, showing I just struck dead center at this 'problem' he spoke of. This... this damn idiot...!
"...Charlotte, it's something I have decided." Fei muttered as if begging.
...He's dead serious. Extremely serious he didn't even hesitate to gaze into my eyes. His expression was stoic, his will burns calmly like a blue flame within his obsidian grey pupils. And yet…
".......do whatever you want. I don't care anymore."
Losing to his gaze, I let go of him and turned away. Briskly walking, distancing myself from Fei while hiding my expression.
"As you command." Fei bowed before he excused himself.
I heard a fleeting footstep then the opening and closing of the door. Silence returned to the room but I couldn't endure it. This quietness which seemed to laugh at me for being incompetent.
I clutched my right arm with my left, and I exhaled with downcast gaze.
"...even though you didn't even have any shred of desire to bring me along.... Why do you have to ask for my permission...?" I shook my head, getting rid of the thought.
I wanted him to look at me even if it's only once, but not like this either. Not when he chose to treat me as someone that must be protected rather than an equal...
Just why? Why is he acting like that? He didn't even explain anything despite shoving something like eternal loyalty to me. What did he mean by Lagnaris? Why is he calling himself the Seventh Vagnalos? And why am I his Oratoria?
What does that even mean…? To become ‘his’ Oratoria… At least tell me why you did all that, dumbass...
"And he didn't even panic when I changed in front of him. Has he turned impotent?”
...forget it. Fei isn't Fei if he's not acting strange in the oddest moment. Maybe he had grown mature after nearly losing me but it was his own fault to do everything without caring what I felt.
"...huh...? Wait, why do I have to care? It's none of my business, right...?" I tilted my head.
Didn't I tell him I was fine with whatever choice he would pick? Even so, when he rampaged and when he pledged to me... he looked like different person. It was as if Fei isn't Fei but he's still Fei… Almost like that time when he found me waking up in Takeru-sensei’s cabin.
Wait… Why did I think he would panic when seeing me in underwear again…? I glanced to the reflection of myself in the mirror… and I looked down on my chest before twirling in place to measure my sizes. Muu… Does that mean… my figure is way too lacking for his taste now…?
“…Huh? Huh? Eh?! J-just what am I thinking…?” I tilted my head and racked my brain for an answer yet there’s nothing! I couldn’t think up any reason why I was blushing!!
I-it can’t be! It can’t be like this!! There’s no way I…! I…!!
"…Gah... Maybe I should consult to someone later. For now, might as well continuing what I should do...."
Once I was done changing my clothes, I closed the windows and pulled the curtains. Unfortunately, I couldn't pull them well because of my current height. I was probably as tall average Japanese middle-schooler and my wobbling legs prevented me from gaining steady footing.
"Guu...! I really have to drink milk to grow up, huh...!?”
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"Haa… Finally done. Next is…"
After exhausting myself and reviewing today's lessons, I felt a faint presence outside my room. Turning around, the presence vanished as if there was nothing and I didn't even hear any sound from outside the room...
"...what was that? Was it my imagination or..."
Did Fei return back here? I peeked outside from the gap of the curtains but the darkness meant the curfew had long passed. I didn’t notice it earlier but my room is terribly dark I can't see well now.
The only lighting was a dim mystic ember functioning as desk lamp and it was lit way before the sky became so dark unlike the small chandelier hanging on the ceiling. Fortunately, I didn't bump with anything and I walked to the door safely.
There was an orange light infiltrating through the gaps below the door. Hm, the corridor was still lit with mystic embers…? While the elemental spirit lanterns gave warmth and passable light, it was already late at night to keep them burning. But because of that…
"Doesn't seem like someone is in front of the door." I confirmed with a nod.
Was it Yukine-san? Is she strolling around the dorm to make sure nobody is out after the curfew? But she has all the keys with her grimoire so she could have spoken or entered the room even without my consent. Hm… suspicious.
After a few moments of deliberation, I walked to the door and turned the doorknob. Opening it slowly, there wasn’t anything—
"Hello there, young maiden. Please be quiet since I have to take you away."
…except an earthen scaled dragon standing with his hind legs in front of my room. He (surprisingly) had tight abs and his forelegs... Well, they looked more like arms with claws so let's say they were arms. Umu.
The claws held a thick piece of cloth. Something like a bag used to store rice or flour... And it looked large enough for me to fit in.
"Gyah!?"
My neck was struck in the next moment with unimaginable strength. My consciousness flew like a bird and darkness quickly engulfed everything.
"...my apology. You wouldn't want to know why so I have to do this."