Academy

"Akeelah! Where were you the other day?" Zoe asked right away as soon as she arrived at the café where they usually met up.

Brianne was also there, looking concerned. "I ended up getting wounded, so the Viscount helped me," Akeelah explained, then sat down with them.

"The Viscount?!" Both of them exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with surprise.

"How could that suddenly happen? Did he push you?" Zoe asked, her worry evident as she scrutinized Akeelah, who looked rather fine despite her words.

"Calm down, you two," Akeelah said, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "I tripped and fell. He only helped me, which led to my mother finding out where I was and scolding me all evening. That's why I didn't return."

Zoe looked relieved by her explanation, then turned to face Brianne, who was eating her muffins in silence. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Brianne asked, sensing Zoe's intent gaze.

"Where were you?" Zoe demanded. "I got bug bites all over me from waiting for you to come. That also led to Akeelah leaving to get us drinks, which obviously did not end well for her."

"Well," Brianne began nervously, "Mr. Roaduel did ask me to accompany him in search of you. I thought it was a brilliant idea to accompany him far away from where you were."

Clicking her tongue, Akeelah remarked, "Indeed, a brilliant idea then. Zoe waited for both of us to return until sunset."

Brianne couldn't tell if Akeelah was being sarcastic or sincere, so she responded with the grace expected of a proper lady. "Thank you. I hope the two of you aren't mad at me. I do am sorry."

Zoe sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Well, that is now behind us. I would like to ask the two of you to accompany me to visit my brother at the academy."

With a shocked expression, Brianne asked, "Are we really allowed to do so?"

"Of course," Zoe replied, a touch of boastfulness in her voice. "After all, we own the land the academy stands on." She stood up decisively. "Will the two of you accompany me or not?"

Akeelah stood up eagerly. "I'd like to have a tour of the academy myself, maybe steal some books if I can."

"W-well, I would also like to come, because both of you are coming," Brianne said as she stood up as well.

"Then brace yourselves," Zoe said with a grin before they set off towards the academy.

On their way, Akeelah couldn't help but be amazed at the academy's architecture. The intricate details were surely a sight to look upon. Only men roamed around as they entered, which didn't surprise her but made her uncomfortable for the reason of their curious gazes.

"Don't mind them," Zoe said firmly. "Tell me if they ever try to do anything inappropriate. I will get them expelled." Her words took both Akeelah and Brianne aback.

Indeed, Zoe was the only daughter of His Grace, the Duke Roaduel. She was beloved and cherished, and it was because of her father and brothers that no nobleman in the Empire had dared to pursue her so far.

As they walked, they passed by a massive library. It was bigger than the one Akeelah had at home, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered if she could find a picture book that featured the great works of Ritch Shaw.

"Do you want to roam around there for a while, Akeelah?" Zoe suggested, noticing her friend's fascination.

Akeelah smiled brightly. "Do I? Of course, I would love to! Do come back for me here." After bidding a temporary farewell to her friends, she stepped inside, looking up and down the bookshelves with awe.

It was a dream come true for her. She even noticed the intricate designs of the pillars and bookshelves in the library, making her reach out to touch them in admiration.

Akeelah wandered through the library, her fingers trailing along the spines of countless books. She marveled at the variety and depth of knowledge contained within this grand space.

Eventually, she came across a book on Georgian architecture. While it wasn't the works of her idol, Ritch Shaw, the intricate designs and historical significance piqued her interest. She settled into a comfortable corner and began to read, engrossed in the architectural marvels depicted in the book.

After some time, Akeelah realized she had been in the library for longer than she intended. Closing the book with a satisfied sigh, she made her way out to finding Zoe and Brianne. The corridors of the academy were still bustling with students, and as she navigated through the crowd, she suddenly collided with someone, causing her to stumble backward.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!"