Knight

by RA. Gil

  “It would've been easier to replace him with a new heir but fact is, we already declared his ascension to the throne. Should we take that back, suspicions will rise.”

  The King of Valemnia was the symbol of unity—the figurehead—for the entire world. Though he did not possess the absolute control and power within the government, if something were to happen to his successor, trouble was sure to ensue.

  “He is not the True Heir, anyway.” Someone straightforwardly admitted, making the king feel a pang of regret and pain inside his chest. “A king regent will be appropriate until the True Heir is found. Although I admit that Prince Bertram was a worthy candidate, if he is unable to do so, then my son will be more than appropriate to step in.”

  Eyes shot him a pointed look.

  “We all know that your son, Lord Corvan, is indeed a worthy ruler, however, this is not the time to be making such recommendations, is it not, Lord Rupert?” Lord Lovis gave him a challenging stare. “But if that’s how it is, I am quite sure that my son, Charles, will be a better candidate.”

  “Your son?” Rupert huffed. “Your son is a mere fourth within the circle while mine ranks first. Do you think he is, in anyway, comparable to my heir? Corvan obtained this position before he stepped on his second year. Charles took more than six years to become the fourth.”

  “Rupert, you scoundrel! Just so you know, my daughter is al—”

  “You two,” a woman interjected. It was the Lady of Aetheria, Lerda, the woman who was currently representing her own continent in lieu of her late husband. “Do you not think it is very unbecoming of you two to fight for something that isn't even meant to be fought over for? We have yet to see if Prince Bertram truly is incapable of handling the position he had always been taught and told he would someday manage. It is cruel—almost comparable to asking to inherit something from someone who is not yet even dead.”

  She had been quiet for the most part, but it was evident to Seraphina that she spoke at times she thought she needed to.

  “Now then, to end all this nonsense, I will speak for everyone altogether.” Lerda firmly said, the lines around her mouth taut. “Will you help us, Seraphina? It will be a very challenging job, but you are the only trustworthy Celeste that came to mind.”

  Seraphina thought about it for a moment. “Do you have any idea behind the cause of all this?”

  “No. Not at all.”

  “There's not much time left before Bertram's thirty-sixth birthday.” He shook his head. “Otherwise, if not, we'll have to end up with an alternative.”

  At the word alternative, some of the aristocrats perked up.

  “About two or three months from now, Lady Seraphina.” Said the king. “That will be the deadline you'll have to meet. Should you ever fail, a Candidate Selection will take place.”

  Seraphina gazed at him. “I'll see what I can do. I will put in my best foot forward, but, in return, you must promise me something.”

  “I'll do whatever I can to aid you. I'm sure that goes for all those present here as well.”

  “Firstly, I do not want you to remove my suspension.” She started. “This matter is not related to my accepting of your request. Second, I'll do this whilst serving as a teacher within the academy. That way, I can make everyone think I turned down your request and remain inconspicuous while I investigate. This will be for the best.”

  “That is completely alright with me. Now then, I will be summarizing everything.” Laedin cleared his throat. “Celeste Seraphina is given until about a day to a week or so before Bertram's thirty-sixth birthday. Should she fail, a Candidate Selection will take place to determine the king or queen regent who shall become the ruler until the True Heir takes his rightful place. Any objections?”

  When no one complained, the king pushed back his chair and stood. “Meeting adjourned.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three ♣ Too Much Work?

  The next morning, Valeriana felt that the rest she had taken wasn't enough to cure her exhaustion. Her head ached terribly and her muscles cramped all over. She couldn't even move properly. Hopelessly, she tried to focus on the lessons the teacher was giving, but it seemed that her efforts were futile.

  “Hey, Valeriana. Are you alright? Did something happen last night?”

  “I . . .” She groaned. “This is just too cruel.” She whispered.

  “What exactly happened after you left?”

  “Well, I just found out that I'm going to be running errands for the circle since they deemed me under-qualified for the task of managing the job as General Officer. No one opposed the idea, so I guess their silence meant they agree. I think they enjoyed bossing me around.”

  There was a small pause. “It's only until you gain experience, right? Well, I guess until that time comes you must work extra hard, considering you're running a little behind.”

  “I guess you're right.”

  Seraphina then found the time to enter the room. The classroom went quiet and everyone scampered back into their seats. Chavi looked exceptionally dumbfounded, and Valeriana probably was the only one who seemed clueless. She found herself leaning over and resting her chin on the back of her hand while having her elbow perched on her table.

  “Hey, Chavi. Wasn't Lady Seraphina involved in a summoning?”

  “That's what I thought, too. She shouldn't be back for a minimum of three days or so. Maybe she turned down the summoning request—from the king, especially.”

  “Didn't you say a summoning was a big honor? Why will she turn it down?”

  “I don't know.”

  “Okay, class.” She scanned the room and raised a questioning brow. “Is there anything wrong with my face?” Everyone shut their hanging jaws and looked away from their instructor. “Is everyone present?”

  “Miss, I think Zion Brunhild is absent.” One student announced.

  “Mr. Brunhild? That’s the second time this week. I haven’t seen him since the start of class . . . alright then.” She scribbled down some notes on a paper before putting it down on her table quietly. “Let's begin our lesson for today. Valeriana?”

  Valeriana instinctively stood up when her name was called. “Yes, ma'am.”

  “I trust you did some reading?”

  “I only started yesterday, ma'am.” Valeriana answered. “Fifteen chapters of History.”

  “That's good. Every student of this school is required to know Valemnia's basic History by their first year. The reason is that we'll be advancing to the different sections and levels of Historical Education within each semester of your classes. By the time you are on your fourth year, this subject will be replaced by the long-waited Familiars.”

  The students looked excited at that. Some, not very.

  “I understand.”

  “Well, then, Valeriana. I'll be asking you a basic question. I hope you are able to answer.”

  “I'll try my best.”

  “Volume One, Chapter Two of Basic History written by Doulhette Dunheely. State the specific reason why King Friedel, the First King of Valemnia, decided to seal the Demon Lord into sleep instead of completely annihilating him instead.”

  Valeriana snapped her fingers. “King Friederly . . . I mean, Friedel, was already too weak by the time he faced the Demon Lord, so with his remaining power, he decided to use it all up to put him into sleep instead.”

  Seraphina smiled at Valeriana. “Very well said, Valeriana. Please be seated.”

  Valeriana grinned and sat down obediently, breathing out a sigh of relief. “

  “Oh, and how are your quotas?”

  They all groaned at the reminder.

  Chapter Twenty-Four ♣ Charles's Kitchen

  After classes, Valeriana was immediately dragged into the meeting room of the Celestial Circle for three reasons—errands, errands, and errands.

  Valeriana went over to Corvan, with a pile of heavy books in hand. He was reclining on the sofa with his feet perched on the arms of the chair, ankles crossed. She placed all the books
down on the coffee table in front of him.

  “Is that everything I asked for?”

  “Yes, it's everything you asked for. Doulhette Dunheely, Hampson Jamison, Verhemalon Theodore, and Noulouere Hertioure.” Valeriana breathed deeply, mildly exhausted. “You really like reading, don’t you? So much you get hit on the head unaware?”

  He glared at her, mainly because of what she said and another thing. “There's one thing missing.” Corvan said, flipping the book he was reading to the next page.

  “What?”

  “Dantalion Wisperia. Weapon Handling, volume four.”

  Valeriana facepalmed and found herself exasperatedly trudging the path back to where she just came from. It was tiresome since it took five minutes to get to where she was.

  Sighing, she entered the library, pulling the old and wooden door open which made groaning noises when bothered. Because of her frequent visits, the librarian didn't even need to look up to know she had come back.

  “You forgot something, didn't you?” The librarian said in a soft and low voice. Valeriana slightly flinched at her sudden inquiry but stopped at her tracks to answer her question.

  The librarian, named Rinda, was working behind her desk at some corner in the library near the entrance. Her wrinkled fingers were noisily working on a few documents in front of her and the round spectacles which framed her wise, brown eyes hang on the tip of her high-bridged nose.

  “Yeah, Dantalion Wisperia's Weapon Handling, volume four.” She shyly stated, matching how hushed the librarian's voice sounded.

  “Lord Corvan.”

  “That's right.”

  “As I thought.” She sighed. “You don’t have to do what they ask you to do. You are no slave.”

  Valeriana blinked at her comment. “I don’t really want to make any more trouble. I don’t want the incident with Courtney happening again.”

  Rinda gave her a once over before tipping her head to the direction of the shelves. “Alright, go on then.”

  Despite being confused by her sudden interest, Valeriana did not linger and sauntered quietly towards the section of the library where the book she was sent for was put in. She began her search for it quietly, letting her eyes scan through the whole collection of a variety of skill-related books.

  “Weasel Hunting . . . aha! Weapon Handling! Volume four! Here it is!” Valeriana grabbed the book from the shelf and stared at it curiously. “What's in these books that Corvan's so interested about?” She muttered.

  She hatched the book open and scanned through it, but, unfortunately, she understood nothing in the end.

  “There are a variety of cleaving weapons that . . .” Valeriana trailed off as she stared at the following words written down. She skipped the next few sentences since the things being described were beyond her understanding. “There are different crucial points in the body to aim for to ensure . . . death. The heck? So this is basically a manual for killing somebody . . . I never even thought that existed . . .” She muttered, snapping the book close and turning to leave. “Well, I figured Corvan was interested.”

  Just as she was about to head out, a group of male students came and blocked her path. Valeriana stopped immediately and stared at all of them, a wave of confusion washing through her. They all held mocking smirks on their faces and the look on their eyes held malice. They all looked like mean bullies, and judging by the way they appeared, they probably were.

  “Hey.” The one on the middle greeted.

  Valeriana cringed at the spiteful tone of his voice and took a step back. “What can I do for you?” She greeted back. Their intentions were unclear but it gave Valeriana a bad feeling.

  “Don't tell me you don't recognize me.”

  “You?” She scrutinized his appearance.

  This guy had chocolate brown hair that was cut around his shoulders. His brown eyes were sharp complemented by his caterpillar brows and high-bridged nose. His jaws were muscular and he also had slight stubble on his chin.

  “I'm sorry. I don't remember you.” She told him.

  “Are you that stupid? You can't remember the face of the guy who you accidentally punched?”

  “You mean—oh! I see now!”

  “Are you still mocking me?” He growled.

  “No . . . I'm sorry. I didn't really recognize you. I can swear on my dead father's name.” She told him earnestly.

  “Well, it doesn't matter now, really.” He tucked his hands into his pockets as he sauntered forward with confident strides. “Because girl or not, you're going to pay.”

  “Listen,” Valeriana said. “I don't want any trouble.”

  “Then you should've known not to oppose me.”

  “Are you some sort of coward?” She asked daringly, glowering at the direction of the arrogant jerk.

  “What? You dare—”

  “Why do you prey on people obviously weaker than you? If there's anyone I hate, it's somebody who preys on other people who they can overpower just to prove that they are strong.”

  Julian gritted his teeth and brought out his fists from his pockets only to clench them. “You . . . how dare you . . . I'm going to rip your throat out!” He stepped forward and placed a hand around Valeriana's neck, squeezing them tightly.

  The human girl grabbed his wrists and prepared to wrench it off when suddenly, a familiar voice suddenly yelled out and stopped him.

  “That's enough!”

  Julian tore his hand off and harshly pushed the girl back, making her slightly stagger. Valeriana curiously followed the direction of the voice as she massaged the area where she was roughly handled. There, she spotted Charles walking down the aisle with the usual air of elegance and nobility around him.

  Suddenly, the group of boys who looked confident a while ago were scared out of their wits. They took several steps back, wary of his sudden appearance.

  Charles continued. “Do you not have any respect considering who you're talking so rashly to?”

  The fourth-ranker gave no room for the poor guy to speak and went on with his lecture. “There is no excuse when disrespecting one of the Twelve.” He said as he stopped right beside Valeriana with a displeased frown. “If you want to settle something with Valeriana, challenge her to a duel. Any other impertinent actions of yours will be punished severely without question.”

  “I’m—”

  “Bow.” Charles commanded.

  “What . . .”

  “Bow.” He emphasized the word assertively, glaring at each of them with ice-cold eyes.

  The pressure on Charles's gaze was so heavy that none of them could protest.

  “Wait, Charles. It's alright. I don’t need trouble.”

  “Disrespecting calls for much serious offence and you're telling me to wait?”

  “I know that.” She said. “I've humiliated him enough the last time. I even returned the favor twice as big. I don’t want any more trouble.”

  “You! I don't regret what I've done one bit!”

  “Geez.” Valeriana rolled her eyes. “Just shut up for a moment! If you don’t shut it, I’ll cut your foot off and shove it down your throat!”

  The fourth-ranker glanced questioningly at Valeriana's direction. This girl had menacing threats of her own. “If you wish to no longer push this, then . . . Valeriana, let us go. Corvan's getting impatient.”

  “Oh, um . . . alright.”

  As Valeriana and Charles passed by the librarian on their way out, Rinda spoke in a flat, but warning tone. “Next time, do you mind taking your fight out of my library?”

  “We'll try, ma'am.” Charles answered. “Please pardon us for today.”

  Rinda did not speak further and continued focusing on the documents she was working on. Valeriana uttered a small apology to the woman before following the fourth-ranker out of the library. Charles opened the door for them and closed it behind him gently, making no unnecessary noises except for the creaking.

  “Next time,” he started, and gave Valeriana a stern look. “B
ring a sword with you. The academy's regulation does not forbid its student to carry around a weapon which they are comfortable with, so long as you don't draw it without valid reasons.”

  “I see . . . I'll keep that in mind, then.” She muttered. “Thank you for back there, but that wasn't necessary. I would've been able to handle it myself just fine.” She told Charles.

  “I shall try my best.” He replied soft-spokenly. “It's just an old habit of mine.”

  “Interfering?”

  Charles raised a brow at her. “Not . . . exactly . . .” He trailed off, pushing back the glasses on his nose. Surely, he wasn't pleased by the girl's straightforward comments. “But if there's a person I can't stand, it's someone who does not act properly, so you can say I just did that by instinct.”

  “Alright. If you say so.”

  Charles was expecting for the girl to look like she was scared to the boot, but the calm expression on her face completely thwarted his expectations. She was truly an unpredictable lady.

  “How can you be so calm after being threatened like that?”

  “I've been bullied before and it wasn't exactly a pleasant experience.” She shrugged. “I’ve been in fights before . . . and people say I pack quite a punch. Besides, I've decided to attend this academy and choices always come in package.”

  “So you're fine with the fact that practically every student in this academy scorns you?”

  “I'm not fine with it.” She answered. “That's why I'm going to change it.” She quickly added.

  Charles curiously stared at the girl for a moment, taken aback by her words. This human might seem idiotic and stupid at first. Despite that, she was determined, strong-willed, and very optimistic.

  She was, as one would say, weird.

  “After you give that book to Corvan, why don't you accompany me to the kitchen and help me cook?” Charles asked.

  “What? Really? But I thought the kitchen was off-limits.”

  “It's alright. You have my permission.”

  “Okay. I'll help cook dinner then. Is it alright if I change clothes first, though? I don't want to get this stained.”