by RA. Gil
The boy shook with fear as he thought of the possibilities.
The girl shook her head and held her hands out in front of her as a sign of surrender. “No. It's only proper. I'm totally sorry.” She walked back to her seat while running her fingers through her hair.
“Well, then, let's begin o—”
“So this,” someone guffawed. “Is the new ranker?”
Genevieve and Zevlin exchanged glances and released a small groan at the sight of the newcomer. “Not again.” They said in unison.
“I thought that when they said human, it was no threat but now that I see for myself it's actually quite interesting.”
Curious, she turned towards the sound of the voice. Was she just called an 'it'? Her lips curled in exasperation, her eyes twitching lightly at the implied insult.
“Excuse me?”
No, wait. No more trouble. She told herself. Control yourself. Control yourself!
Seraphina cleared her throat. “Pardon—”
“Then, allow me to see for myself!” He pulled a sword free from its sheath against the wall and pointed it up at Valeriana. The girl could only raise her brows while her mouth slowly formed an o. “The good fight you might be able to put up! I've never been in combat with someone like you, so I wonder what kind of tricks you have up your sleeve! Good thing I'll soon know!”
Electric-blue eyes with a predatory glint and sharp-toothed smile, this guy possessed a rebellious aura around him. Starting with his midnight blue hair tied with a black ribbon and tossed over his shoulder to the sharp laugh—more like low, manic chuckles—brought nothing to Valeriana but negative vibes.
Nevertheless, Seraphina's patience seem to be waning from the sign of disrespect.
“Here we go again.” The twins sighed.
Valeriana's mouth dropped. “What? Did you just call me—”
“This Zion Brunhild announces a challenge to you, whatever your name was!”
This guy sure did have a bad habit of cutting people's sentences. Add in the fact that he had not the littlest bit of courtesy.
“Now, see here, young man—” Seraphina started, fuming.
“Do you accept it or not?!”
Valeriana was having a déjà vu moment. Did she always have to be in this kind of situation?
“I'm sorry, I'll have to decline.” She hissed at him, flipping her hair over her shoulder with a small huff. She began her trip back to her usual seat.
He laughed. “Do not tell me you are afraid!”
Don't mind him. Ignore him. Continue walking, you won't have a problem.
“Do you really not care about proving your so-called innocence? Provided that you really are innocent.”
Valeriana swallowed.
“That's fine. Are you scared everyone will find out you really did not win against Courtney genuinely? Not that anyone hasn't suspected at all.”
Valeriana stopped short and turned to meet his fervent eyes with her own. Should she give in to his taunts? If she easily agreed, everyone would think she was a pushover. They would think she merely succumbed to the pressure of having to prove her so-called innocence.
Her blue eyes flickered towards Chavi. She had a serious look on her face. The other members of the circle were also looking her way with a scrutinizing look in their eyes, as if they were keenly watching and waiting for her answer.
“Does this matter need to be thought over? Fifth-ranker?” He emphasized the last two words, as if mocking the girl.
In that sort of situation, Valeriana could not make a hasty decision.
She gave him an equally brilliant smile, taking everyone aback by the unexpected response. “And you walk in suddenly, think of yourself worthy of challenging my innocence? Who do you think you are? Some sort of judge? I do not need to give in to your taunts and allow myself to get disrespected. From the moment you have entered this room, you spoke of nothing but insults and acted insolently. Why do you think I should agree to your stupid duel? I may be a human, but I'm no animal nor am I a pushover.”
Valeriana glared strongly back at him.
Then he did the most unexpected of things. He laughed. “Alright! I've got to hand it to you!”
The girl scoffed.
He then bowed, never looking down. “I humbly ask for the consent in a duel against Your Highness, the fifth-ranker.”
“You don’t sound humble.” She said. “A duel is to determine excellency based on my observations. You challenge a person because you want to test out their competency. I have learned from my previous experience that a duel should only be issued if both parties hold the utmost respect for each other. For a competition is not without it. Try showing me that you can respect somebody. Then, I'll think about it.”
“Very well said, Valeriana.” Seraphina smiled. “But the arena's booked for duels the next few months and the only available nearest time is three days from now.”
“Um . . . three days . . .”
“As your guardian and your overseer, I want you to accept this duel to quell the mass's thirst for the so-called evidence of your innocence. And in order to uphold the principles you showed today, the duel shall be moved to the nearest month if this young man here shows any signs of misbehavior or discourteousness in any way—which is, based on when I last checked, is about a month, then two months, then three months. In fact, I'll have him placed under probation. He will also be given a specific list of chores and things he must act out during the said time. Take note that this does not only apply to you, but everyone else he challenges. Will that be fine with you, Valeriana?”
Valeriana was skeptic of Seraphina's suggestion, but figured this must be her way of punishing her challenger for his display of impertinence earlier. In fact, this Zion guy looked absolutely about to burst from humiliation and disbelief.
“I guess . . . that's fine?”
“Wonderful.”
Chapter Twenty-Six ♣ Ancient History
Valeriana pulled her hair and screamed in frustration. Corvan merely shot an annoyed glance at her direction, not even bothering to ask what was wrong. The Twelve knew what was bothering the girl though. The fact that the human girl was going to have her second duel was already spreading like wild fire. It was hard to miss the news, although since Lord Corvan wasn't very much fond of gossip, there was no doubt that there was a big possibility he didn't hear of it yet.
“So you aren’t aware of it, yet.”
The Cold Prince dragged his gaze lazily towards Rowe, who spoke with his usually gentle smile, and glowered at him. “What? Is there something I need to know?”
Though before Rowe could open his mouth, Tamara interrupted and casually answered his question although she was not the one being addressed. The usual cheerful smile lit up her face and she plopped down on the nearest chair.
“Well, Valeriana will be having her second duel sometime soon. Everyone is looking forward to it.” She chuckled. “Provided that the challenger doesn't misbehave at all before the duel ensues. It's really an interesting setup.”
“Quit with your rude manners, Tamara.” Charles snarled. “How many times do I have to tell you not to speak when not being spoken to?”
The third-ranker looked up at Charles with a confused gaze. “Huh? Oh, well,” she shrugged. “I forgot.”
The fourth-ranker fumed in anger, shooting a heated, unwavering glare at Tamara's direction. The third-ranker seemed too oblivious of this though, and continued humming to herself while picking her ears gleefully.
Charles pulled back and took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. He fixed the glasses that framed his cobalt blue eyes and trained his gaze on Valeriana, who was currently pacing back and forth restlessly around the room.
“Why did I have to agree to that stupid duel?”
“I do understand the pressure, Valeriana.” Charles told her. “But be informed that the second duel you perform as the fifth-ranker is regarded with much more importance than the first.”
“If you understand the pressure, then you shouldn't have told me!” She yelled at him.
“You're lucky though.” Keelan said cheerfully. “You're being given three days instead of just a few hours to prepare! Unlike the last time, this will do you more good right? After all, you were only asked to prepare for a very short period of time but still managed to defeat Courtney!”
“It's not how you think it is! That was just damn luck! I keep telling you it was damn luck!”
“Then pray to your god to grant you that damn luck again.” Aneeka said jokingly, polishing the already shiny gun in her hands. Her purplish blue eyes flickered to Valeriana's direction, the ever brown hair with that reflected a color of red under the light snaking down her shoulders.
“Oh, hell I will!”
“But you have to remember that your fight is against Zion Brunhild. He isn't just any normal student in this academy.” Rowe reminded, flashing the girl his usual smile that makes all girls weak-kneed.
“What? Isn't this academy not normal in the first place?”
“If you put it that way . . . then Zion is not a normal student in a not-so-normal academy!” Tamara exclaimed, bursting into laughter as if it was the funniest joke she ever heard in her entire life.
Valeriana looked at her with a depressed expression and sighed problematically. “In what way?” She asked.
“Well, I remember Zion.” Charles remarked. “He's someone who managed to stand up against Corvan for quite a while. I admit he's really quite impressive.”
“I prefer not hearing his name in my presence.” The lord gritted his teeth in obvious annoyance and snapped the book he was reading close.
The lord could not erase the look of utter aggravation on his face. For him to lose his composure over something like fighting Zion made the thought even more daunting for the poor, meek girl. Corvan was considered as the school's best student—a prodigy. To think that someone else aside from the members of the Twelve were able to stand up to him in a manner like they said, the girl could only shiver in fear as she thought of the possible outcome of events after the duel.
“I-is he really that good?” She stammered.
The first-ranker closed his eyes and breathed out in exasperation, a crease appearing between his brows. “You'll have to face him yourself. For him to be able to stand up against someone like me would be enough to consider as a remarkable feat, so I won't blame you if you're anxious.” He stated rather arrogantly.
“Geez.” Valeriana muttered, nipping on the edge of her nails. “Can't you get off your high horse for once and try to comfort someone on the brink of insanity?”
“Oh?” The first-ranker gave Valeriana a questioning look while cockily raising a brow. Valeriana mirrored his expression with a glower while the young lord merely crossed his long legs gracefully. “If you are saying you are in the brink of insanity, and if by any chance you do go mad, I'll be more than happy to personally escort you back to your world and permanently get rid of you.”
Valeriana grinded her teeth together in infuriation and clenched her fists, withdrawing the nail she was chewing on. “If I go mad, the first thing I'm going to do is claw your eyes out before ripping out all those hair on your head! I'll even make sure that not a single strand is left!”
“Why you!”
“On second thought, I'll leave one poking on top of your head!”
“Then I—”
“I heard, though . . .” Tamara piped in, cutting off Corvan. “That you got your first aides?”
Valeriana glanced at the third-ranker and nodded. “Yeah, I guess I did.”
“Haha!” Aneeka exclaimed and slapped Elfre on the back. “I win the bet! Pay up!”
“I did not make any sort of bet with you.” Elfre denied fervently, shaking her head and looking away.
“Anyway . . .” Tamara said again, trying to drown out the noisy argument between Elfre and Aneeka with her voice. “That's good for you. I never thought you would have aides though. Usually, aides immediately step forward after the first fight. You took a whole week and you only got a few.”
Valeriana couldn't find the answer to that question.
“Although, that's a good progress.” She hastily added.
“Yeah, right.” The fifth-ranker rolled her eyes. “Anyway, I never got the chance to ask what aides are . . .”
“Consider them your disciple.” Tamara answered. “They're your followers and usually assist you with the things you do. They help you out with things and in exchange, you teach them things you know.”
“What . . . ? What the hell am I supposed to teach them? I don't know anything. How many aides do you have, Tamara?”
“Ahh . . .” She trailed off and began to laugh. “It's not something I can count easily.”
“What about Corvan?”
He made a noise of irritation at the back of his throat. “Aides are a nuisance. I don't need anyone following me around. I can perfectly manage on my own.”
“Keep acting like that and I'm sure your ego will burst and pop someday.” Valeriana commented, rolling her eyes. She then sighed problematically. “I'm really feeling stupid for what I did this morning. I shouldn't have punched that stupid guy. That way, I wouldn't have caught that stupid Zion's attention.”
“Actually, it was a good decision that you did.” Charles said as he pushed his glasses back. He sat down on a loveseat and took out a small knife from his pocket, twirling it between his fingers in a repetitive pattern. “It's a sign that you won't allow anyone to talk badly of you very easily. You just showed your superiority. If you didn't, the students would grow audacious and think that you are just weak and easy to push around. Things took a better turn. I think this opportunity came just at the right moment.”
A gentle knock called the attention of the Twelve. They all turned to look at the front door. Charles took the liberty of opening the door, letting the honorable form of the lady knight appear into everyone's plain view.
“Pardon the intrusion.” Seraphina greeted, a small smile on her lips.
“Lady Seraphina? To what may we owe your visit to?” Charles asked, appearing polite. “Have you come to join us for dinner?”
“I would love to, really,” she replied. “But there are dire matters that have called my attention, so I regret to inform you that I must decline.”
“That's a shame. Valeriana and I were just about to start the preparations.”
“Ah, yes.” She added. “May I ask for Valeriana?”
Hearing her name called, Valeriana jogged forward and stopped just before the lady knight before saying, “I'm here, Lady Seraphina.”
The woman sighed. “There you are. I assumed you would be here. And I want to say that I'm sorry, but I need you to prepare dinner alone.” She told Charles. “You people don't mind if I borrow her for a moment, do you?”
“Of course, not.” Charles answered.
“Alright. Then, please come with me, Valeriana.”
Seraphina turned and began to walk away. Valeriana waved at the Twelve to bid them goodbye before trailing after the lady knight. The other eleven just watched their retreating form as Charles gingerly closed the door behind him and headed for the kitchen.
Valeriana hastened her pace and started walking beside Seraphina with a slightly puzzled look on her face. She didn't know what reason the woman had for her to personally come to collect Valeriana. She began to ponder the thought over but there was only one thing that popped in her mind.
“I assume you're wondering why I called you out during such hour.” Seraphina watched the girl from the corner of her eyes and gave a smile.
Curious of her reason, Valeriana bobbed her head up and down. “I am.”
“Well, I cannot hand over the responsibility to another person when you need coaching before your duel, aren't I right?” She craned her neck to fully look at the human and grinned when she saw her eyes go wide from her answer.
“You mean you're going to teach me again?
” She could not hide her excitement as soon as the lady knight revealed her motives.
“Of course,” she answered. “Why not? Besides, although Zion acts inappropriately all the time, he's no commoner. He can act the way he wants. If he behaves, then he does, if he doesn't, then he doesn't.”
“No commoner? Who exactly is Zion?”
“Well, he’s one of the lesser nobles—if you can even call his family that—but he was educated in etiquette and self-control. It really is a waste.”
“Ooh.” She said. “Anyhow, thank you very much, Lady Seraphina!” She beamed. “I'll try not to disappoint you!”
“Nothing less I would expect from you, Valeriana.” She chuckled. “And please don't use my title when we're alone. Just call me Seraphina.”
Valeriana hesitated, “Uh . . . sorry. It kind of stuck inside my head with everyone calling you that. Why, though?”
“It doesn't feel right coming from you.” She admitted and glanced down at the girl thoughtfully, “Somehow, I see you like a younger sister of mine, if not, a very close friend. I don't know why but I can't help but feel fond of you.”
“I feel really flattered about that.” Valeriana chuckled.
“You remember when I said that you reminded me of someone?”
“Yeah. Who? If I may ask?”
“A woman . . . a very long time ago. You also seem to resemble her very much, not just by means of appearance, but also by attitude.” She contemplated at her words and continued. “Maybe that's why I found myself acting the way I did . . . because I saw her in you. She was very close to me, you see. She was the mother I didn't have.”
Valeriana remained silent at her statement.
When Seraphina realized the awkwardness, she immediately tried to change the topic. “I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me to bring it up. I'll try not to talk about it again.”
“No. It’s fine, really.” Valeriana shook her head. “I'm curious though,” she started. “Who is it that I resemble very much?”
“Well, let's see.” She rested her chin on the space between her thumb and forefinger. She scrutinized Valeriana with her blue eyes and smiled. “There can only be one person we're talking about.”