The class buzzed with excitement after the bell rang. Everyone was packing their belongings while eagerly looking outside, hoping to get a glimpse of the well-anticipated guests.
The news about the saint and saintess coming to our academy had spread like wildfire. By morning that was the only thing being discussed among the students.
"The church is here!"
I looked on as everyone basically ran out of class when someone shouted that. This was the welcome the two were receiving, almost competing with the royals.
"Master Lucian, what are you still doing, we’re going to miss them."
Abelion, who was beside me, was putting my books away, said. I rolled my eyes at his excitement. He had arrived in front of my class ten minutes earlier than usual and jumped in the moment the bell rang.
"You’re going to be seeing them every day, why are you in such a hurry?"
I said, and reluctantly got up from my chair, and followed the overenthusiastic Abeloin.
"But I heard the pope will be coming. "
"What’s so good about some old man?"
I asked. He was probably coming to the academy as some sort of campaign. The old crook rarely left the churchyard, but now he’s decided to leave his sanctuary.
We picked both Luna and Isis before heading to the school gates. It was a small distance away from the main school building. A five-minute walk.
Everyone around us was running there, and we were the odd ones out. I wouldn’t run to see some kids’ arrival. But I did want to know how they looked since I had never seen their portraits.
We arrived to find a large crowd had already gathered. Since I was taller, I could see the two white-haired heads among the crowd and the Pope’s long hat.
At least they got off the carriage.
"Arg! Why am I short? I can’t see them."
Abelion said beside me as he tried to jump up and down. I sighed at his poor attempt.
’Levitate’
A yellow spell circle appeared under his feet before he was lifted up in the air.
"What’s happening. "
He shouted dramatically but his voice was swallowed in the already noisy crowd.
"You wanted to see those three, look."
His eyes searched the crowd before he finally got to his target.
"They’re so good-looking ."
He said excitedly. Of course they were or they wouldn’t represent the God of light.
"Okay, you’ve seen enough. I’m not wasting anymore of my magic. "
He looked at me pitifully, but I brought him down and released the spell. He had little time to respond and hit the ground pretty hard.
"Ouch, that wasn’t good master Lucian."
He said as he rubbed his behind. I chuckled at that.
"I warned you, you really have a slow reaction speed. I think you should train your body more. I can’t have you dying before you finish making me all the tanks I want."
I said and started walking away from the group of spectators. Abeloin glanced one last time at the crowd and ran after me.
"Where are you going master Lucian?"
I asked the moment he caught up to me.
"The school library."
"Ooh, then I’ll join you, maybe I’ll find some books on engineering and drawing technology. "
We walked in silence as we passed by the little forest i had found him. He didn’t even react. It seemed he had at least gotten over it or learnt to suppress it.
The library was located a bit off the main school building but was still visible from the main building. Built to maintain a tranquil and peaceful environment for students.
"We are here master Lucian ."
Abeloin said as the library came into full view. It was almost as big as a castle, built like one with six floors of books and a hub of knowledge.
"Let’s go."
I said and pushed open the closed doors. It opened with a small sound as if welcoming us to its belly of knowledge.
Inside smelled like old books, the perfect haven for a scholar.
"I’ll be going to the crafts section."
Abeloin said and bowed to me before walking away with his doll in tow.
"What book were we reading last time?"
I asked Luna as we walked to the world history section.
"The history of Elves. "
I nodded and pulled out the tome. Luna walked a few rows down and picked out a book. We both walked over to the reading stations and sat down.
There was warm tea and snacks on the table for the students.
The school library was divided into six sections. The first floor was mostly books on history and anything that did not involve magic.
"Young master, it’s been six sand glasses."
Luna startled me out of my concentration. Reading about different species has always been a joy of mine. Knowing their strengths, weaknesses, habits, and dwellings helps me create a better visual of them.
Elves, for example, are forest dwellers. They love their plants a bit too much. That was why they are more proficient in gardening.
"Has it been that long?"
I said as I closed my book and handed it to Luna. She took it back to its original shelf.
"It’s been six sand glasses, it’s almost time for dinner."
I leaned back lazily on the soft couch lettingout a small groan. I was already imagining meeting the prince in the cafeteria. I stood stiffly and straightened my uniform.
"Let’s go."
I turned to luna then headed for the door.
"Master Lucian, you’re finally out."
Abelion’s voice filled the air the moment I stepped out of the library. He was standing by one of the pillars.
"Can stop shouting this is the library. "
He covered his mouth at the reprimand his eyes widening. I shook my head and walked past him.
"Are you going for dinner?"
"Yes."
"That’s good, I’ll be able to see the saint and saintess fully without being thrown around in the air."
I rolled my eyes at his jab. We walked in a comfortable silence until we reached the vicinity of the cafeteria. I looked around but thankfully didn’t see the seventh prince waiting outside.
"The prince isn’t waiting here today."
Abeloin said while also looking around vigilantly. As we approached the cafeteria he had slowed down and started to walk behind.
"He’s not, I’m sure he’s inside the cafeteria. "
The moment I stepped through the door, the noisy cafeteria went awfully quiet. I looked towards the table I always sit at to see that it was occupied.
It had become somewhat of an exclusive spot that most students avoid.
Very familiar people were sitting there, the prince and the new students. The saint and the saintess. The prince seemed to have already befriended them by the way they were talking and laughing.
"Should I look for another table master?"
Luna whispered. This was a deliberate act; there were so many empty tables, but why choose mine specifically? The prince has his own table, but he seems to have moved.
"Sure."
Luna started to walk to the opposite direction, I took one last glance at the group and followed after her. Whispers started to fill the hall slowly as I walked away.
"Lucian, how about you join us?"
The prince’s cheerful voice pierced through the Whispers. The hall went quiet again. I sighed heavily.
’Why can he just leave me alone’
I turned around a forced smile was plastered on my face.
"The table seems to be full your highness. "
I said mildly. Since the hall was quiet and the prince had turned me into a spectacle, my voice, despite being low, could be heard.
The prince burst into laughter.
"No, there is enough space for one more. Don’t you want to meet our new arrivals?"
I turned to look at the two twins, they were also looking at me. I could feel their eyes assessing me.
"Go ."
I said to Abelion who nodded and disappeared into the crowd of students.
"Should I bring your breakfast there?"
Luna whispered softly. I nodded and walked to the smiling prince.
"May the golden sun shine upon us in its glory, good evening, Prince Halberd."
I greeted the prince respectfully the moment I got to the table. He was quiet for a second before chuckling and pulling my arm to sit next to him.
"Why are you acting like this? We’re friends, aren’t we?"
He said loudly. I rolled my eyes inwardly.
"Yes, your highness. "
I answered subtly while removing my hand from his grip below the table.
"This is my dear friend Lucian Bloodmoor, Duchess Lilith’s only son"
He introduced me to the twins who nodded and smiled.
"Nice to meet young master Lucian, my name is Cecile. "
The saintess’s soft voice came with a bright smile gracing her face. She was really beautiful for a commoner. White hair, blue jeweled eyes, pink shiny lips, and a perfectly crafted face.
She could be among the top ten beauties in the kingdom and really had the image of how a saintess should look.
’How did she even survive as a commoner with that level of beauty, a noble should have already kidnapped her.’
"Nice to meet you, young master Lucian. My name is Celius."
Her brother’s deeper voice followed right after her introductions. He looked exactly like the male version of her, except that he was well-built and had short hair.