Chapter 12: Headmaster?
As the carriage rolled away, Sevi gazed out of the window, taking in the fading image of the estate and the people he was leaving behind. The trees and fields blurred into a green and brown tapestry as the carriage picked up speed.
The carriage's interior was a cozy contrast to the bustling world outside, with its plush seats and warm, dim lighting. Sevi leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment, allowing the gentle sway of the carriage to lull him into a contemplative state.
'It's my first time riding a carriage... nothing beats modern cars, though. This carriage is too bumpy,' Sevi thought, chuckling softly to himself.
He couldn't help but compare the old-fashioned mode of transport to the smooth, high-tech vehicles he was accustomed to.
As the journey continued, Sevi thought it best to loosen up his clothing to make himself more comfortable. He unfastened the top buttons of his shirt and adjusted his vest, letting out a sigh of relief as the fabric settled more loosely around him.
He shifted his position on the plush seat, hoping to find a more relaxed posture.
"The journey will be long and the road, though scenic, can be monotonous," he mused.
'It's best if I get some rest now. I didn't get enough sleep so it's best to sleep.'
Sevi closed his eyes again, allowing the gentle sway of the carriage to lull him into a calm state.
The rhythmic sound of the wheels turning and the soft murmur of the horses created a soothing backdrop. Sevi took a deep breath, feeling the tension in his body slowly melt away.
Sevi slept soundly through the hours of the journey.
The journey continued without incident. For the next three days, the carriage rolled steadily along well-maintained roads, winding through landscapes.
Each day, they stopped at small villages for a brief rest, where Sevi enjoyed local meals and interactions with the friendly villagers. The knights maintained their vigilance, ensuring that the journey remained uneventful.
On the morning of the third day, the carriage finally approached the final stretch of their journey.
As the carriage came to a stop in front of the grand academy gates, Sevi felt a flutter of excitement in his chest.
"Wow," he mused, his gaze sweeping across the imposing architecture and expansive grounds.
'It's even more magnificent than I imagined. The columns, the statues—it's like stepping into a living piece of history.'
A knight, clad in gleaming armor and standing guard at the entrance, caught Sevi's attention.
"Welcome to the academy," the knight said in a deep voice.
"I will need the slip from your carriage."
"Sure, here." Sevi nodded and retrieved the slip handed to him by the duke. He handed it over to the knight, who scrutinized it briefly before nodding in approval.
"Everything seems to be in order. You can come in," the knight instructed.
The carriage rolled forward, passing through the grand gates of the academy. As Sevi looked around, he noticed the eerie silence that enveloped the grounds.
"It must be because classes are in session," he thought, observing the empty courtyards and pathways.
The carriage continued along the cobblestone which eventually came to a stop in front of a large, stately building at the heart of the academy.
The driver opened the door, and Sevi stepped out.
"This way," Knight Cedric said, leading Sevi up the steps and through the heavy wooden doors.
As they walked through the hallway, Sevi couldn't shake the feeling that the knight seemed familiar with the academy.
"Excuse me, Sir Cedric," Sevi began hesitantly.
"but you seem quite familiar with this place. Have you been here before sir?"
Cedric glanced at Sevi and gave a slight smile. "Yes young master, I graduated from this academy about 2 or 3 years ago."
Sevi was quite shocked, as he had assumed Cedric was about the same age as him.
"Really? You look so young. I just treated you casually during training since I thought we're at the same age."
"I get that a lot. But no, I've been serving as a knight since I graduated." Cedric chuckled softly.
Sevi nodded, still processing the surprising information.
Finally, they arrived at a large, carved door. Cedric knocked once before pushing it open, revealing a spacious office filled with shelves of ancient books and illuminated by a large window behind a grand wooden desk.
"The headmaster will see you now," Cedric announced, stepping aside to let Sevi enter.
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