The clock's ticking resonates through the room, the sound amplifying in the heavy silence that hangs in the air.
The headmaster gracefully offered Aurelie a chair, along with a small smile.
Archibald: "Please take a seat, miss, while I prepare a fresh cup of tea for you,"
Aurelie wordlessly complied, her gaze drifting around the room, searching for something that might catch her interest. However, everything appeared rather ordinary and unremarkable.
Suddenly, the sound of a kettle boiling filled the room, capturing Aurelie's attention. Part of her wanted to suggest to the headmaster that perhaps a cup of coffee would be more to her liking. But as a 'noble', she needed to uphold certain expectations. After all, in the Middle Ages, tea was a favored beverage among nobles, or so she recalled.
Cypher: "Well, perhaps tea won't be so bad," she mused to herself.
In truth, Aurelie wasn't particularly fond of tea in the past. It lacked the robust flavor and energizing kick she preferred. She would only indulge in tea on rare occasions when she sought relaxation or wished to retire early. In fact, she could count on one hand the number of times she had chosen tea over other beverages in a year.
Meanwhile, the headmaster meticulously attended to the preparation of the tea, his full concentration devoted to every detail. His discerning eye scanned the ingredients before him, carefully selecting the finest tea, a delicate cube of sugar and honey.
Not only did the headmaster dedicate himself to the precise combination of flavors, but he also paid special attention to the vessels in which the tea would be served. The glassware he had acquired was imported all the way from the Holy Kingdom, these masterfully crafted glasses boasted intricate designs and sublime engravings.
The headmaster aimed to create an exquisite tea-drinking experience, where every sip would be enhanced by the grace and refinement of the carefully chosen ingredients and the unparalleled beauty of the imported glassware.
With a satisfied smile, Archibald admired his masterpiece-the perfectly brewed tea that awaited its moment to be savored. The headmaster carefully selected a tray, gracefully lifting the teapot and two exquisite cups, each adorned with delicate patterns and an air of elegance.
He then approached the table where the mysterious young lady sat, Archibald's eyes caught a glimpse of her apparent disinterest. Undeterred, he placed the tray on the table carefully, ensuring that each item found its designated spot with utmost precision. The teapot, brimming with fragrant warmth, was gently positioned at the center, positioned between the two cups on either side, their delicate handles invitingly awaiting the touch of eager hands.
Archibald then gently poured the tea into Aurelie's cup, ensuring a smooth and steady stream. He observed with quiet reverence as the fragrant liquid cascaded, its aroma permeating the air and intertwining with the surrounding tranquility.
Archibald: "Please do enjoy the tea miss," he said with a hint of excitement.
Aurelie maintained her disinterested gaze as her eyes locked onto Archibald's eager countenance. She gracefully raised the cup to her lips, allowing the delicate tendrils of aroma to weave their way into her senses. To her surprise, the fragrance proved to be quite pleasing.
But how about the taste?
With a composed and deliberate motion, she took a sip, allowing her tastebuds to be enveloped by the intricate dance of flavors. She meticulously considered her judgment before delivering her verdict, her voice tinged with a detached tone that thinly veiled her discernment.
Aurelie: " It was acceptable." she declared, with her eyes fixed upon Archibald sharply.
Archibald acknowledged Aurelie's compliment with a gentle smile, his eyes closing momentarily as he savored the moment. Taking his own sip of the tea, he found it to be just as delightful as he had anticipated, causing a contented expression to grace his face.
Archibald: "I'm glad you find it to your liking, Miss Aurelie," he responded graciously.
Turning his attention to the matter at hand, Archibald sought to address Aurelie's desire to become a student at the renowned academy.
Archibald: "Now, let's discuss your aspirations to join our esteemed academy. However, I must inform you that you are too early to enroll. The next enrollment period is a months away," he explained.
Aurelie remained silent, continuing to drink her tea without acknowledging Archibald's words.
Archibald: "I understand your eagerness, but unfortunately, rules dictate that..." his words trailed off as he felt an intense and ominous presence emanating from Aurelie.
Aurelie's piercing gaze bore into Archibald's very soul, conveying a silent threat that sent shivers down his spine. The atmosphere in the room grew tense once again, causing a bead of sweat to form on Archibald's forehead.
Archibald could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to maintain his composure under Aurelie's penetrating stare. There was an air of power and mystery about her that intrigued him, but he also sensed an undeniable danger lurking beneath the surface.
Feeling the need to break the silence, Archibald cleared his throat nervously before continuing,
Archibald: "I understand your urgency, Miss Aurelie, but the academy's enrollment process is quite strict. We cannot make exceptions, even for someone as... intriguing as yourself."
Aurelie's expression remained unreadable as she took another sip of tea, her gaze never leaving Archibald's. He wondered if she had some hidden motive or if she was merely testing his resolve.
Archibald: "Perhaps we can find a solution that accommodates your situation," he suggested, trying to think of a way to appease her without breaking the rules.
Aurelie: "Headmaster, put me in the class immediately, or I will never step foot in this academy again," she declared with an icy tone that brooked no argument.
Aurelie's words carried an tone that left Archibald feeling both apprehensive and intrigued. There was an undeniable air of uniqueness about her from the very beginning, and he couldn't ignore the spark of determination in her eyes. He knew that fulfilling her request was of utmost importance; she was not a student he could afford to lose.
Archibald took a deep breath, carefully considering his options. He understood that yielding to Aurelie's demands could be interpreted as a sign of weakness, but denying her could have far-reaching consequences.
Archibald: "I hear you, Miss Aurelie, and I will make every effort to expedite the process and find a solution," he replied, aiming to strike a balance between respect and responsibility for the academy's principles.
Aurelie's demeanor shifted ever so slightly, though she maintained her composed facade.
Aurelie: "Hmn, Very well. I expect nothing but the best," she responded.
As he escorted Aurelie out of his office, Archibald's mind was filled with uncertainty and apprehension. He knew that having Aurelie as a student could bring both tremendous opportunities and challenges for the academy. However, one thing was certain-her presence would forever change the course of the academy.
As he reached for the doorknob, a sudden knock echoed through the door, catching him off guard.
???: "Hey, Gramps! Mom just made another batch of cookies, and I'm here to deliver 'em to ya!" The lively voice of a young man sounded from behind the door.
As Archibald swung the door open, a cheerful and well-built young man greeted him. His warm smile was accompanied by brown hair and striking onyx eyes that seemed to sparkle with excitement. The young man was dressed impeccably in the standard Academy uniform, which consisted of a black blazer adorned with golden trim, a crisp white dress shirt, and perfectly tailored black dress pants. A stylish golden tie perfectly complemented the shirt, while his polished black leather shoes completed the ensemble.
Archibald: "Ah, Theodore! Good to see you without a battered face!" Archibald greeted with a chuckle, recalling their last encounter.
Theodore playfully grumbled in response, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips.
Theodore: "Yeah, yeah, just take these cookies before I devour 'em all!" he said, thrusting the treat into Archibald's hands.
As Theodore handed over the cookies, Archibald felt a subtle prickling sensation on his back. He realized he had forgotten about Aurelie's presence in the room.
Archibald: "Oh, right! Miss Aurelie, I will deliver the news within the next few days," he replied with a gentle smile, attempting to guide her out of the office without any hint of force in his tone.
Aurelie simply hummed in response before gracefully walking out of the room, ignoring Theodore completely.
Meanwhile, Theodore had paused in his tracks when he caught sight of Aurelie. Her beauty left him momentarily speechless, and he couldn't help but blush in her presence.
Theodore: "Wow, she's... something else." He mumbled to himself before continuing his activity.
As Archibald closed the door behind Theodore, he couldn't help but smile at the young man's reaction. It seemed that Theodore developed a crush on Miss Aurelie.
Feeling invigorated and focused, Archibald shifted his attention back to the task before him, driven to deliver the news to Aurelie without delay. He dived headlong into the labyrinth of bureaucracy, resolute in his mission to pave the way for Aurelie's early admission to the academy. While aware of the risks involved, he couldn't shake the conviction that she was worth of every second of his time.
---
???: "Archibald, it's good to see you," a middle-aged man said with a soft yet stern voice.
The man appeared to be in his middle age, sporting a distinctive mark on his left palm. His Grey hair was hidden by the hood of his robe.
Archibald: "Gideon! My old friend, thank you for coming," he greeted the man with a warm smile.
Gideon returned the smile and nodded in acknowledgment.
Archibald: "Please, take a seat while I prepare the drinks. Tea?"
Gideon: "Wine, preferably."
Archibald: "You know that's prohibited in this school, my friend."
Gideon: "Tea it is then."
Archibald: "Okay, please wait for a moment."
With a warm and hospitable demeanor, Archibald busied himself preparing a pot of tea for his esteemed friend.
After a few moments, the tea was ready, and he carefully handed it to Gideon, who took a sip and smiled appreciatively.
Gideon: "Your tea is as delightful as always, Archibald," he commented
Archibald smiled in response, taking a sip from his own cup.
Archibald: "Well, it's no surprise, considering it was our teacher's expertise," he replied modestly, giving credit to their mentor for passing down the art of tea preparation.
As both men sat in companionable silence, they couldn't help but reminisce about the old days when they were still a bunch of hooligans.
In the early days, Archibald and Gideon found themselves on opposite sides of a rivalry within the academy. Each of them was a leader in their own respective faction, which most students joined upon entering the academy.
The academy's teachers had initiated the creation of these factions, intending to spark healthy competition among the students. Although the factions were relatively new, their impact was surprisingly effective. Students began to push their limits, seeking to outdo each other by creating new potions, experimenting with new spells, inventing innovative tools, and striving to become the very best.
Despite the intense competition, there was no grand prize for it. The reward came in the form of personal accomplishment and a boosted sense of pride. The pursuit of excellence and the desire to prove oneself fueled their ambitions.
But as Archibald and Gideon assumed leadership roles within their respective factions, the competition intensified to such an extent that even the headmaster himself had to intervene to restore balance.
To address the escalating rivalry, the headmaster decided to take a proactive approach. He summoned both young men to attend extra classes, personally taught by the headmaster himself. The intention was clear: to not only impart knowledge but also to instill a sense of cooperation and mutual understanding.
Over time, the once bitter enmity between Archibald and Gideon began to undergo a profound transformation. As they continued to lead their factions, they also discovered the invaluable lessons that came from learning from one another. The animosity that once divided them gradually gave way to a healthy respect for each other's strengths and insights.
Academy events and occasional encounters allowed Archibald and Gideon to engage in meaningful conversations, where they found that their shared passion for knowledge united them more than their differences ever separated them. They began to appreciate the diverse perspectives within the academy, understanding that collaboration was just as vital as competition.
Their personal growth and camaraderie began to ripple through the student body, extending beyond their factions. The academy's once rigid divisions became fluid boundaries for the exchange of ideas and expertise. Students from different factions started collaborating, leveraging each other's strengths to tackle challenges that required collective efforts.
The headmaster's approach had fostered an environment where competition and cooperation were not at odds with each other. Instead, they became the twin engines driving the academy forward, propelling its students to achieve new heights in their pursuit of knowledge.
Then after graduating, both men embarked on different paths, leading them in separate directions. However, fate had other plans, and their paths crossed once more during the monthly meeting between the six scriptures.
The rest is history.
Gideon chuckled softly, his eyes closed in reflection as memories of the past flooded his mind.
Gideon: "Heh, it sure brings back some memories," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Archibald nodded in agreement, a wistful smile on his face. But he quickly shifted the conversation to the reason for their meeting.
Archibald: "But enough of that," he said, refocusing. "There's a reason why I called you here."
Gideon gestured for him to continue, an expression of curiosity on his face.
Archibald: "I rarely ask for help, but this time, I need a favor," Archibald admitted, his expression serious. "There's a particular student I want to join the academy. But the situation is urgent, and I can't afford to lose her."
His words piqued Gideon's interest, and he leaned in, listening intently.
Archibald: "And here's the interesting part," Archibald added, wanting to share his belief. "I believe that she is a god-kin."
Gideon's eyes widened in surprise at the assertion.
Gideon: "That is a bold assumption, Archibald," he replied, impressed by his friend's confidence. "Do you have any proof?"
Archibald nodded, his expression serious.
Archibald: "Yes, both I and several Professors witnessed what could only be described as an 'ocean amount of mana'," he explained, emphasizing the significance of their observation.
Gideon mulled over this information, considering its implications carefully.
Gideon: "If you're right," he said slowly, "then I will inform the cardinal immediately."
Archibald nodded, fully aware of the potential impact.
Archibald: "That's why I need your help," he implored. "To ensure her enrolment goes smoothly."
Gideon looked at his old friend, recognizing the weight of the request and the importance of the decision that lay before them.
Gideon: "I'll do what I can," he finally replied, a determined glint in his eyes.
Archibald smiled gratefully, knowing that he could count on his friend's support.
"Thank you, Gideon," he said sincerely. "Your assistance means a lot my friend."
Both men nodded at each other and continued to savor their beverages in companionable silence afterwards.
AN: Hello! sorry for the slow update, I have no time to write because I was busy grinding SQ for my mothman!
Expect the slow update again in the meantime, Again sorry.
See you in next Month!