Chapter 13 - The Trouble at the Academy

I opened the door to my room and was greeted by two familiar faces and a silhouette of an unfamiliar boy behind them.

『Lake!』 A sweet and melodic voice rang in my ears.

It's Elizabeth. She walked towards me and hugged me tightly. I thought she would never let go, but eventually she did when her brother Jack tapped her shoulder.

She adorably apologized while her face was beet red. She noticed I was staring at her face and she meekly covered it with her slender hands.

『It's been a long time, Lake! How long what it? Four or maybe five years?』 Jack walked towards me and we bumped fists.

『It's actually six. How did you find me anyway? It's so late now, so come in.』

Thw twins entered my room and the boy with them was just standing there so I also invited him in.

『Oh yeah, I forgot. Lake, this is our friend, Cielavaros von Felavericius. Try saying that ten times as fast. Anyway, Cielavaros here, or just Ciel, is a trusty friend of ours. He's a talented swordsman and also a knowledgeable guy. I know that you're knowledgeable yourself by the letters you're sending weekly, but Ciel is just as or even more knowledgeable than you.』 Jack introduced the boy that was with them.

『He's also a hotheaded guy sometimes, but bear with it. He's a kind guy in the inside. Alsooo, he's one of those dragonkin. You know, those guys that are half-dragon half-human』

『It's pleasure to meet you, Lake. I've heard of your stories from Elizabeth everyday.』 He then whispered 『Elizabeth seems to have a liking on you. Be careful because there are plenty of guys in the Academy that likes her.』

『The pleasure is all mine, Ciel. Thanks for taking care of these troublesome friend of ours all these years.』

We had fun talking to each other, but because of the Academy's curfew, they had to go back to their rooms now. They told me what room they were in and I waved them farewell, for now.

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The morning birds' song woke me up earlier than normal. The sun has barely risen, but I didn't go back to sleep. Just like the castle, the Academy had a shower and a working toilet. It uses a magic stone to operate it and needs to be replaced monthly.

I changed to the Academy's uniform the staff has given me. They gave me three sets of uniform and two shiny black shoes. It felt comfortable wearing them as they're soft and elastic. I heard they're made of some rare domesticated spider's silk.

I already unpacked my luggage yesterday so I currently had nothing to do. I decided to sit by the window and read a book.

About half an hour later and I heard a knock followed by Sebastian's vigorous young voice. I'm still not used to it, but I will, someday.

I told him to come in and he was carrying a tray with him and a plate of food. I thanked him for the food and asked if he already ate. He nodded and we talked for as long as I was eating.

It was already time for the students to gather at the gymnasium. I checked if my clothes were in good condition and it was still in better condition.

I left my room and walked towards the gymnasium, but not before getting the twins and Ciel. We talked on our way there and I felt some unfriendly glares by the people around us. This must be what Ciel warned me about.

We were nearing our destination when a band of five boys our age blocked our path. We tried to go around them, but they kept blocking us. I kindly asked what was the problem, but they didn't answer me and just stood there.

『Hey, morons! If you don't get out of our way now then I will slice your limbs apart, you hear me?!』 Ciel yelled at them.

The passing students were looking and sighed. They must be used to Ciel's hotheadedness to be that calm.

The blocking students was still standing there, unmoving at Ciel's threat. Ciel finally snapped and reach from the small puch on his waist and grabbed a curved sword. I was interested on what it was so I used my Appraisal on it even though it's a breach of privacy.

『Katana of Hellfire: A sharp katana made of durable damascus steel and infused with hellfire. When wielded, the wielder can input their mana into the blade and it will shoot out a curved hellfire aura when slashing.

Tier: Epic 』

Oooo, it's an Epic weapon. First time I've seen one.

The boys were still unmoving on Ciel'd unsheathed blade, but their legs were trembling. I patted Ciel's shoulder and he calmed down, sheathing his katana. I think they are being forced, judging by their expressions.

I approached them and whispered to the one in front.

『If you tell us who's forcing you to do this, then I'll reward you handsomely.』

The one I whispered to smiled and nodded. I connected our minds together via magic and he told me about it. I told him about my plans and he's willing to cooperate.

『If you don't move, then I will burn your clothes to ashes.』 I growled at them with a menacing voice, followed by a burst of flame in the air.

I think I went too far. One of them went limp and fall on the ground with his butt. The others ran, leaving the poor fellow alone. It was the one I talked to before.

I helped him up and he dusted his clothes while apologizing. I accepted his apology.

I told my companions about who the one behind this and Jack was angered at the name.

『That bastard Roland! It's been years now and yet he's still bothering us. I'm tired of him, let's go beat him up now.』 It was Ciel who talked first.

Jack agreed.

I stopped them and told them that the headmaster's speech and the Academy's test was gonna happen soon. They realized it and was feeling dejected.