In a large hall, the school cafeteria, students dressed in different clothing sat around tables as they ate their breakfast.
The place was dominated with different voices and laughter as they talked with each other about nothing in particular, a normalday at the academy.
At the far end was a line of different kinds of food. Made from the best ingredients in the kingdom.
I was seated at the corner of the most distant table away from the crowd as I read through the journal I had found in Rothvile. This had become my routine every morning while waiting for Luna to bring me breakfast.
People would occasionally pass by me or approached intentionally and greet me.
"Good morning, young master Lucian."
A girl passed by me and greeted me with a smile.
"Good morning lady Christine. "
She giggled and went back to her group of friends, who started to talk to her as they glanced back at me.
I was quite famous since I was Seraph’s younger brother and the Iron Blood Duchess’s son. I thanked my mother for her power since it made it easier to interact.
My looks also helped.
"You are really a slippery fellow Lucian ."
Prince Halberd said the moment he got to my table.
"Good morning your highness, you’re looking as vibrant as always. "
He smiled and sat down next to me.
"Have you eaten yet?"
I looked up and saw Luna coming back while carrying my food tray.
"No, your highness. "
"I sent my guards i can ask for extra."
I shook my head. I wanted nothing to do with the crown.
"My maid is here with my food."
Luna came and placed my food on the table and stood behind me. The prince followed her movements, watching her with interest.
"Your maid is very proficient despite being a slave. The duchess really does love you ."
I could hear a small hint of jealousy in his voice.
"Yes, she was personally trained by the duchess."
I drank the milk first as I left the prince to think since he didn’t respond after my revelation.
"Sell her to me."
What is wrong with everyone trying to buy Luna?
"No."
My voice was firm and final with no room for argument. The prince took one last glance before sighing.
"Why must you be so difficult?" he said with a small chuckle, "Are you enjoying your alchemy. Alchemy is a huge mistake, a duchess’ son should...."
"Good day your highness, I’ll be leaving first. "
I stood up and walked away before he went into another of his speeches. Since we rarely met, every time we unfortunately stumbled into each other, it always ended with me being on the receiving end of his epic tales in school.
"Let’s go to the library since we don’t have class today, you can even study some of the medical books available. "
Luna nodded her snippets of excitement visible on her face
"I didn’t finish the one on psychology. "
Luns said softly. She had gotten into reading books on psychology and an in-depth study of the human anatomy.
"You might be able to get it since people don’t read it much."
We walked in silence down the paved road. Since it was still breakfast there weren’t many people on the road. Only the morning breeze blew softly against the trees on the sidewalk spreading the smell of fresh leaves and flowers.
HIC!
A small crying sound broke through the tranquility.
"Its behind those trees."
Luna said, pointing to our left, a small distance in front of us, where the trees formed a mini forest.
"Ignore it."
We continued walking. Bullying was a common thing in the academy. The strong will always step over the weak. It was probably a commoner being beaten.
Two people stepped out of the forest in front of us, talking and laughing. They were clearly the bullies. The moment our eyes met they stepped back and took off running after recognising me.
I turned to look at the forest they had come from, and the crying was getting louder and louder.
I sighed heavily.
"Come on."
I turned and entered the forest. You could say curiosity got the better of me.
We passed through the lined trees, the fallen dry leaves crunching under our feet as we approached the source.
I didn’t try to be subtle in my approach. We came to a small clearing to find two people.
One was clearly a girl lying on the younger boy’s lap. The one who had been crying was the boy.
Despite our approach from behind, he didn’t move.
"Just kill me already. "
The boy said his voice was empty.
"Wow, you gave up pretty fast, Abelion. "
I said to the boy who made me the static tank. A genius in the making although a tragic one.
Abelion turned his head to look at me his blue eyes filled with surprise.
"Young master Lucian, what are you doing here?"
"Took a walk and look what I stumbled upon. You get beaten up a lot, don’t you?"
It was quite obvious. He was a shy man, even when he had asked for the doll he had stumbled through the words. He seemed to be very inexperienced in social interactions.
I walked around him to see who the girl in his arms was.
"Ooh dear, they really did a number on her didn’t they?"
I said as I looked at the doll I had given just a week ago. My hand came and touched her bloodied forehead.
"Can you heal her? "He asked as more tears dripped down his face," they wanted her, and I refused so...."
"Why should I? I’ve already fulfilled my end of the bargain ."
The doll was pretty destroyed. She had clearly been beaten up tryingto protect him. Both her legs and arm had been broken.
"She’s become useless, I can make you a new one."
I said and stood up. The doll was still alive and well. Since she was still a newborn, this incident won’t affect her a lot, a bit of trauma, but she could get over it in time.
"No, she’s my friend and lover."
He said vehemently and pulled her closer to himself his eyes looking at me vigilantly. Loneliness can really be poisonous.
I chuckled at his remark.
"And look what happened to your ’lover ’for a man who cries a lot you don’t seem to be capable of even doing the most basic thing. Protection. "
He flinched at what I said and looked down at the doll. Then tears started to flow again.
"I’m not a fighter okay."
"Thats just an excuse, anyone can learn to stab and kill without having any strength. "
"That’s because you have influence, young master, I’m no better than a commoner despite being nobly born."
"So, if you can’t be strong yourself, then hire someone stronger to protect you, or make strong friends; only fools will wallow in self-pity. There is no shame in riding on someones coat tails. How do you think commoners survive here?"
I knew he would never be able to make friends.
"But..."
"I’m leaving. Unfortunately, I cannot help you with her. You can try the school nurse or find a healer; her brain is extremely damaged."
I started to walk away with Luna following right behind me.
One, two, and...
"Please, help me young master. I’ll make you more static tanks. I’ll do anything just please!"
He had placed the doll on the ground and was kneeling on the ground. I turned around my face filled with noble arrogance.
"Really, what can you do for me? The static tanks were more than enough. I don’t need more."
I watched as his face drained of the little color it had remaining. He swayed as he tried to get the bearing of the situation.
"Then what, what can I do?"
I walked up to him and held his chin forcing him to face me. I smiled softly at him.
"Well, there is something I want..."
His eyes widened in anticipation, the desperation on his face clearly more visible.
"I want you."
His eyes widened in surprise before he fell back.
"Young master that..."
His face clearly showed what he was thinking.
"No I want your talent. "
I could see the relief flooding his face.
"Just my talent right?"
"Yes, but just so you know. You will forever belong to me."
"I will do anything for Isis."
I chuckled.
"You’re such a good master."
He laughed alongside me. A laughter filled with pure relief and happiness.
"Take her to the infirmary ."
He nodded and picked up the unconscious girl.
"But, won’t she get worse?"
"No, here make her drink this she should be able to last until evening ."
I gave him a strengthening potion.
"Thank you."
"Bring her with you while leaving, I’ll be waiting for you outside the gates."
I left with Luna right after. I stepped onto the main road and breathed in the cold breeze , it smelled fresher than the first time.
"Those two won’t be needed anymore."
I turned and said to Luna behind me.
"Yes, master."
"Let’s continue to the library. "